Post by Jackie on Jul 3, 2003 9:11:36 GMT -5
Brief Discussion of Taiwan TV Series "Ban Sheng Yuan"
Written By: Happy
Translation By: Me(-->Jackie)
Finally finished watching "BSY" a few days ago, many of my feelings all followed the plot's lead, felt happiness, felt touched. I consider this particular series, of all the serials that I've seen these few years, to be one that can be refer to as a classic. Of course, it has its shortcomings. For instance, a Gu Manlu who yells on every occasion, a Shi Tsuizhi who likes to cry, a Shen Shihchun who's a bit overly-excited, a too perfect Gu Manzheng.
Inadvertently thought about what Shen Shihchun had said, "there are a lot of marriages in which those who loved each other cannot be together, those who can be together, doesn't necessary mean it's w/ the person they love, how ironic." It seems like that this predicted his and Gu Manzheng's future, no one would have thought that it would become a recollection of these two former lovers wanting to see each other but cannot. Fourteen years slipped by. On an ordinary day, Gu Manzheng came upon Shen Shihchun. So sudden, to run up & hug him & tell him everything that has happened, or to turn around & leave, watching him coming closer. She then turned herself around, she's the mother of a child now, & he's married, forget it[or let it go], in the end they weren't destined for each other. One in front, the other following close behind, it's as if they were like passers-by, who have never met each other in their lifetime. If I can, really want to jump inside the television & pull them closely together. I cried. My heart's been torn apart, for the many times that they have passed each other by.
Love how Gu Manzheng and Shen Shihchun met, love how Gu Manzheng packed Shen Shihchun's luggage, love how Gu Manzheng cleaned the dirt off Shen Shihchun's face, clothing, & hands w/ a wet handkerchief, love how they earnestly made a wish under the tree, love how they shared an umbrella together, love how he gently placed a scarf around her, love their first 'in the grip of passion' moment in the peach blossom forest, love how he braved the wind and snow to retrieve her lost glove, all of these became like a sharp knife stabbing at my heart, it wasn't pierced too deeply, but I was unable to breathe. Although all the emotions in the entire series are full of ills & troubles[or in a disastrous state], we hurt deeply, but we have also been touched[moved]. Although they cannot finish what they started, but we know that these feelings will be forever in their hearts; whether it be Manzheng & Shihchun, Shuhui & Tsuichih, or Manlu & Yujin.
Some people said "BSY" has a bit of Qiongyao's touch, I don't have such notions, just thought that Manlu's screen times had been absurdly sensationalized. Manlu is one to be pitied, as well as hated. One cannot express her life just w/ smoking a few cigarettes, causing a fuss by kicking & screaming, or opening her eyes to shed tears. Then there's Shen Shihchun. Zhang Ailing's book described him as a bit of weak in character, but was unlike that of the TV series to love crying that much. Also, Xu Shuhui & Shi Tsuichih should be this serial's other selling point, but the screenwriter & director just let it passed w/ a stroke of the pen. In actuality, this series should be briefer. A lot of the heart-felt sequences of events are all in the book, but the others were added by the screenwriter to sensationalized this series. This made it felt too arbitrary[or farfetched].
Now a brief discussion of this serial's actors:
First, let's talk about this entire series' main character, Lin Hsinju. When Lin Hsinju accepted this serial, questions were raised by many. But I want to make a fair point here, it can be said Lin Hsinju has succeeded. Many details were portrayed by her as if she was in the book, from a look of innocence--to worrying about the family's livelihood--to the helplessness felt during time of imprisonment--to one after 14 years of tribulations. She learned to use just a look of her eyes, one turn of her body, & other subtle movements to perform. The person performing was deep in character, the person watching was also by led into the world of Gu Manzheng. Nearly from the climatic 25th episode & onward, from each episode one's heart ache for Gu Manzheng, she did not cause a fuss by screaming or kicking, but w/ a perceptual dialogue and a subtle look of her eyes were enough to let one feel w/ unlimited regrets and feel one's heart tremble after seeing all the bitter experiences she went through. I want to especially recommend watching the final two episodes, Lin Hsinju succeeded in portraying all of the(character's) tribulations, people will be surprised (or open their eyes). This point she definitely surpassed Wu Chienlien's version of Gu Manzheng. If one insist on being picky about her weaknesses, then it'll have to be that the gentle characteristic of Gu Manzheng and some of her former roles are similar, this is also precisely a way to challenge an actor's performing skills. What sort of performance is required in order to stand out; is it by using Qiongyao's way of displaying sorrows? No, she learned how to subtly interpret the character, her performance let the person feel like they're having a cup of bland tea. Initially tasteless, but full of fragrance upon swallowing.
Still remembered Gu Manzheng's monologue--a bland, desolate intonation, "It's been 14 years, time passed so quickly, for those who are middle-aged & on, eight or ten years passed like a blink of an eye, but to the young people, three or five years means a lifetime."
Tan Yaowen (Patrick Tam): As opposed to the producer's initial choice of Leo Ku, he's more restraint, also is a bit more good-natured. Although he lacks Leon Lai's handsomeness, he has been recognized as a good actor. Having him play the part of Shen Shihchun was the right choice. The facts says it all, he performed many of the scenes mildly. But don't where they find this person to dub his voice, nearly destroyed this role. Just think, you see affectionate words flowing from his lips but hears the sound of this dubber's voice instead, you're going to choke w/ laughter. Don't know whether there was something wrong w/ Patrick's luck or what.
Li Lijun and Shuiling: Strictly speaking, Li Lijun does not fit well w/ the author's take on Zhu Hongcai. He is much older. Also, when he smiles he doesn't look like a mouse(rat). Shuiling is also quite different from Gu Manlu, although her face gave that feeling. But after watching it, I feel that her performance was not too bad. It's just that, the TV version of Gu Manlu has become a totally new character & not that of Zhang Ailing's writing. Zhu Hongcai & Gu Manlu are the culprits who gave Gu Manzheng a lifetime of frustrations(or hard luck). Basically they could be considered villains, but the screenwriter allowed one to become laughable & the other pitiful. All the hateful elements had all been but diluted. This point completely deviates from the author's original work. The relevance of the characters of Zhu Hongcai & Gu Manlu in the TV version, compared to book, were greatly increased, more conflictive, w/ more room for expansion, but some scenes were quite unnecessary. Adding more & more scenes also makes it to become more dragging.
Chang Cheng & Hu Ke: In the book, Xu Shuhui & Shi Tsuichih were originally the second main point. In the TV series "BSY", their story just flashed by. On a more ridiculous note, the one Shi Tsuichih's in love w/ turned out to be Shen Shihchun. This sort of modification will definitely be unaccepted by all of Zhang Ailing's readers. Let's now discuss Hu Ke. Her Shi Tsuichih does not have elegance, but more fragile. Nearly in all of her scenes, not one contain one in which she wasn't crying, how absurd. Chang Cheng does not have the good-looking appearance of the book's Xu Shuhui. His story in the TV version were quite few, so I won't say much here.
The selection of the other supporting cast members were not too bad, each one of them were appropriately cast. I want to memtion about Ah-bao, it's as if she jumped right out of the book, very lifelike.
Now let's talk about the post-production. The music of the theme song "Ban Sheng Yuan" has the grayish feel of old Shanghai, complimented w/ Lin Hsinju's fresh, rain-filtered singing voice, sad & misty. The first time listening to it, you would think that it's not bad. But after listening to it for a while, there's more & more feel to it. This song is worth your deep listening to. The lyrics are a bit grave, a bit helpless, & a bit melancholy. Everytime I hear, "You came & gone like the wind, my heart filled then emptied again", my head's full of Gu Manzheng' suppressed, inner feelings appearing, her helpless monologue, "Shihchun, I have been waiting w/ a mood of despair.....after we leave this room, we part forever." Her love, henceforth "like a kite, drifting w/ the wind", unable to find a shoreline. The melody of the ending song, "Tsa Jian Er Gu" was not bad. It's easily memorized. After a while, it'll be like a very good pop song, what's passed is passed. The producers said, "BSY" was like an oil painting, but from my understanding, the scenes in the series were still a far cry from that point. Truthfully, the set & lighting were not bad, also the music.
This series has its good & bad points, but all & all can be considered one of the best TV series rarely seen in the last few years. Whether it be the director or the cast, both parties spent a great deal of heart & effort into it. For those who hasn't seen this serial, if you have the time, might as well sit down & have a look. Our days passed by in such a satisfying manner, it doesn't hurt much to grieve a little. But keep in mind, it is best if you watch the last episode by yourself, & have tissue paper handy
Written By: Happy
Translation By: Me(-->Jackie)
Finally finished watching "BSY" a few days ago, many of my feelings all followed the plot's lead, felt happiness, felt touched. I consider this particular series, of all the serials that I've seen these few years, to be one that can be refer to as a classic. Of course, it has its shortcomings. For instance, a Gu Manlu who yells on every occasion, a Shi Tsuizhi who likes to cry, a Shen Shihchun who's a bit overly-excited, a too perfect Gu Manzheng.
Inadvertently thought about what Shen Shihchun had said, "there are a lot of marriages in which those who loved each other cannot be together, those who can be together, doesn't necessary mean it's w/ the person they love, how ironic." It seems like that this predicted his and Gu Manzheng's future, no one would have thought that it would become a recollection of these two former lovers wanting to see each other but cannot. Fourteen years slipped by. On an ordinary day, Gu Manzheng came upon Shen Shihchun. So sudden, to run up & hug him & tell him everything that has happened, or to turn around & leave, watching him coming closer. She then turned herself around, she's the mother of a child now, & he's married, forget it[or let it go], in the end they weren't destined for each other. One in front, the other following close behind, it's as if they were like passers-by, who have never met each other in their lifetime. If I can, really want to jump inside the television & pull them closely together. I cried. My heart's been torn apart, for the many times that they have passed each other by.
Love how Gu Manzheng and Shen Shihchun met, love how Gu Manzheng packed Shen Shihchun's luggage, love how Gu Manzheng cleaned the dirt off Shen Shihchun's face, clothing, & hands w/ a wet handkerchief, love how they earnestly made a wish under the tree, love how they shared an umbrella together, love how he gently placed a scarf around her, love their first 'in the grip of passion' moment in the peach blossom forest, love how he braved the wind and snow to retrieve her lost glove, all of these became like a sharp knife stabbing at my heart, it wasn't pierced too deeply, but I was unable to breathe. Although all the emotions in the entire series are full of ills & troubles[or in a disastrous state], we hurt deeply, but we have also been touched[moved]. Although they cannot finish what they started, but we know that these feelings will be forever in their hearts; whether it be Manzheng & Shihchun, Shuhui & Tsuichih, or Manlu & Yujin.
Some people said "BSY" has a bit of Qiongyao's touch, I don't have such notions, just thought that Manlu's screen times had been absurdly sensationalized. Manlu is one to be pitied, as well as hated. One cannot express her life just w/ smoking a few cigarettes, causing a fuss by kicking & screaming, or opening her eyes to shed tears. Then there's Shen Shihchun. Zhang Ailing's book described him as a bit of weak in character, but was unlike that of the TV series to love crying that much. Also, Xu Shuhui & Shi Tsuichih should be this serial's other selling point, but the screenwriter & director just let it passed w/ a stroke of the pen. In actuality, this series should be briefer. A lot of the heart-felt sequences of events are all in the book, but the others were added by the screenwriter to sensationalized this series. This made it felt too arbitrary[or farfetched].
Now a brief discussion of this serial's actors:
First, let's talk about this entire series' main character, Lin Hsinju. When Lin Hsinju accepted this serial, questions were raised by many. But I want to make a fair point here, it can be said Lin Hsinju has succeeded. Many details were portrayed by her as if she was in the book, from a look of innocence--to worrying about the family's livelihood--to the helplessness felt during time of imprisonment--to one after 14 years of tribulations. She learned to use just a look of her eyes, one turn of her body, & other subtle movements to perform. The person performing was deep in character, the person watching was also by led into the world of Gu Manzheng. Nearly from the climatic 25th episode & onward, from each episode one's heart ache for Gu Manzheng, she did not cause a fuss by screaming or kicking, but w/ a perceptual dialogue and a subtle look of her eyes were enough to let one feel w/ unlimited regrets and feel one's heart tremble after seeing all the bitter experiences she went through. I want to especially recommend watching the final two episodes, Lin Hsinju succeeded in portraying all of the(character's) tribulations, people will be surprised (or open their eyes). This point she definitely surpassed Wu Chienlien's version of Gu Manzheng. If one insist on being picky about her weaknesses, then it'll have to be that the gentle characteristic of Gu Manzheng and some of her former roles are similar, this is also precisely a way to challenge an actor's performing skills. What sort of performance is required in order to stand out; is it by using Qiongyao's way of displaying sorrows? No, she learned how to subtly interpret the character, her performance let the person feel like they're having a cup of bland tea. Initially tasteless, but full of fragrance upon swallowing.
Still remembered Gu Manzheng's monologue--a bland, desolate intonation, "It's been 14 years, time passed so quickly, for those who are middle-aged & on, eight or ten years passed like a blink of an eye, but to the young people, three or five years means a lifetime."
Tan Yaowen (Patrick Tam): As opposed to the producer's initial choice of Leo Ku, he's more restraint, also is a bit more good-natured. Although he lacks Leon Lai's handsomeness, he has been recognized as a good actor. Having him play the part of Shen Shihchun was the right choice. The facts says it all, he performed many of the scenes mildly. But don't where they find this person to dub his voice, nearly destroyed this role. Just think, you see affectionate words flowing from his lips but hears the sound of this dubber's voice instead, you're going to choke w/ laughter. Don't know whether there was something wrong w/ Patrick's luck or what.
Li Lijun and Shuiling: Strictly speaking, Li Lijun does not fit well w/ the author's take on Zhu Hongcai. He is much older. Also, when he smiles he doesn't look like a mouse(rat). Shuiling is also quite different from Gu Manlu, although her face gave that feeling. But after watching it, I feel that her performance was not too bad. It's just that, the TV version of Gu Manlu has become a totally new character & not that of Zhang Ailing's writing. Zhu Hongcai & Gu Manlu are the culprits who gave Gu Manzheng a lifetime of frustrations(or hard luck). Basically they could be considered villains, but the screenwriter allowed one to become laughable & the other pitiful. All the hateful elements had all been but diluted. This point completely deviates from the author's original work. The relevance of the characters of Zhu Hongcai & Gu Manlu in the TV version, compared to book, were greatly increased, more conflictive, w/ more room for expansion, but some scenes were quite unnecessary. Adding more & more scenes also makes it to become more dragging.
Chang Cheng & Hu Ke: In the book, Xu Shuhui & Shi Tsuichih were originally the second main point. In the TV series "BSY", their story just flashed by. On a more ridiculous note, the one Shi Tsuichih's in love w/ turned out to be Shen Shihchun. This sort of modification will definitely be unaccepted by all of Zhang Ailing's readers. Let's now discuss Hu Ke. Her Shi Tsuichih does not have elegance, but more fragile. Nearly in all of her scenes, not one contain one in which she wasn't crying, how absurd. Chang Cheng does not have the good-looking appearance of the book's Xu Shuhui. His story in the TV version were quite few, so I won't say much here.
The selection of the other supporting cast members were not too bad, each one of them were appropriately cast. I want to memtion about Ah-bao, it's as if she jumped right out of the book, very lifelike.
Now let's talk about the post-production. The music of the theme song "Ban Sheng Yuan" has the grayish feel of old Shanghai, complimented w/ Lin Hsinju's fresh, rain-filtered singing voice, sad & misty. The first time listening to it, you would think that it's not bad. But after listening to it for a while, there's more & more feel to it. This song is worth your deep listening to. The lyrics are a bit grave, a bit helpless, & a bit melancholy. Everytime I hear, "You came & gone like the wind, my heart filled then emptied again", my head's full of Gu Manzheng' suppressed, inner feelings appearing, her helpless monologue, "Shihchun, I have been waiting w/ a mood of despair.....after we leave this room, we part forever." Her love, henceforth "like a kite, drifting w/ the wind", unable to find a shoreline. The melody of the ending song, "Tsa Jian Er Gu" was not bad. It's easily memorized. After a while, it'll be like a very good pop song, what's passed is passed. The producers said, "BSY" was like an oil painting, but from my understanding, the scenes in the series were still a far cry from that point. Truthfully, the set & lighting were not bad, also the music.
This series has its good & bad points, but all & all can be considered one of the best TV series rarely seen in the last few years. Whether it be the director or the cast, both parties spent a great deal of heart & effort into it. For those who hasn't seen this serial, if you have the time, might as well sit down & have a look. Our days passed by in such a satisfying manner, it doesn't hurt much to grieve a little. But keep in mind, it is best if you watch the last episode by yourself, & have tissue paper handy
::)Jackie, thank:*