Helena Yiu

I started watching because of Elvis Han, who can be one of the most gifted Chinese actors. The story line looks simple but dialogues among the characters can be quite thought provoking. It looks like the female characters are really carefree in their pursuit of romantic love, with not too much attachment to their boyfriends, which actually is a smart way to approach relationship in the modern world. Elvira Cai acts very well. But for Elvis Han, I prefer seeing him in spy (with lots of action) stories which bring out a larger variety of his character.

This TV series seems to be reciting a fairy tale, the difference is Ningzhi, the leading role, represents a Chinese "Cinderella" that takes up a more significant role in counteracting a political intrigue. The idea of performing duties for the well being of the larger population, being so much ingrained in this charismatic heroine, prompts her to leave her lover & accept the proposal of the egoistic emperor.  But it is also her determination in carrying through this altruistic action that she finally gets re-united with her lover. A beautiful love story, though unlikely to happen in modern days, becomes quite convincing in an ancient setting. Really appreciate the scriptwriter of this drama for exploring how benevolent characters can indeed enjoy a happy ending. It is very courageous nowadays to tell a moral story, with self-sacrifice, mutual respect & loyalty being so realistically portrayed.

"Narcotics Heroes" is one of those rare TV series that are entertaining & philosophical at the same time.  The portrait of characters reveals subtle conflict between ideals & reality, a common theme in many dramas, but especially well handled in this one.  The main role（Man Wah, a Drug Lord, released from prison due to terminal illness) has certain personality traits similar to "Joker" in the movie "The Dark Knight".  With a drug dealer who trades not for money but for pure enjoyment, the Police force faces huge challenges in their action.  Unlike "Joker", a merciless villain in "The Dark Knight", Man Wah definitely has feelings for those few who mean "family" to him, though his interaction with these "family members" inevitably brings them down to the same position as he is. It is noteworthy that this powerful drug dealer, after reading so many well known novels (classical & modern alike), is still attached to his old patterns. Can genius like Man Wah find fulfillment only in breaking the rules & finding a way to get away with it?  This brings about a philosophical topic:- If there is a strategy to enhance our satisfaction of creating benevolent & merciful action, can the number of criminals be reduced?

"Secret of the Three Kingdoms" is the best drama I ever watched. With a classical theme of loyalty & integrity together with an unconventional approach, it is a masterpiece comparable to Shakespeare's "Hamlet" or "Macbeth". It looks like the hero of the story (Emperor Xian) adopted Confucianism since a young age & this forms a strong moral ethics influencing his attitude towards other people. With a strong belief in Benevolence, he naturally influences people around him, friends & enemies alike. It's amazing how Cao Cao (the most powerful warlord & a political rival of Emperor Xian) shows appreciation of this emperor.  In fact, Sima Yi, a fierce & intelligent warrior who constantly ridicules Emperor Xian's outdated morality, remains his most loyal comrade. This drama is able to transcend duality in a way that there is no real villain. Ma Boyong (the author of the novel on which this drama is based) is skilful in revealing the causes leading to ambition & aggressive behaviour, embodied by Cao Pi (Cao Cao's son). The worst label for the opponents of Emperor Xian is "Opportunists". This is one of the rare dramas that all characters look lovely, all are just pursuing their own course of action without real intention to hurt others. Though a bit slow paced at the beginning, this TV series build up a climax as it approaches the end with lots of war tactics & spy work.  With regard to relationship, Brotherhood & Romantic love are very well portrayed, with courage, self-sacrifice & genuine love reflecting some of the most virtuous human qualities. I personally find the romance between Sima Yi & Consort Tang most impressive. Actors & actresses act very well & are well chosen for their respective characters. Cinematography is gorgeous. Outdoor scenes are breathtaking. Conversation, full of wisdom, expresses a kind of subtle nobility inherent in every human soul.