My Abido

Hong Lou Xue Ying Meng Cheng Shi

2011-06-12T21:35:00.019-04:00

(Pinyin: hong lou xue ying meng cheng shi )
紅樓雪影夢成詩
Hung Lau Syut Jing Mung Sing Si

I was surprise to learn that this audio and video recordings of Mui Suet See’s solo performance become available again. It is such a delightful news for me personally since I was only getting to know and becoming interested in the art of Cantonese opera about a year ago. And undoubtedly, Lung Kim Sang 龍劍笙 and Mui Suet See 梅雪詩 are my most favorite Cantonese opera performers.


	(source: Mui Suet See Production Co., Ltd CD + Karaoke DVD back & front cover)

Produced in 2005, the collectible CD and DVD recordings set contains Cantonese opera performance excerpts from Dream of the Red Chamber [紅樓夢] Hung Lau Mung. Included are Burying Flowers 葬花 zong faa and Burning Poetry Manuscripts, Returning to Heaven 焚稿、歸天 fan gou、gwai tin.

While Burying Flowers gives a good introduction to the fragile heroine character of Lam Doi Juk 林黛玉, Burning Poetry Manuscripts, Returning to Heaven highlights the event in which Lam Doi Juk 林黛玉 dies on the day Gu Bou Juk 賈寶玉 is getting married.

Mui Suet See’s portrayal of the character of Lam Doi Juk is full of emotion. I’m impressed by her performance both vocally and acting-wise.

And that the accompanied bonus DVD footage of Dream of the Red Chamber’s Burning Poetry Manuscripts, Returning to Heaven [紅樓夢之焚稿、歸天] Hung Lau Mung zi Fan Gou、Gwai Tin from the annual TVB fund-raising program, "Tung Wah Charity Show 1995", helps to further enhance the listening and viewing experience, aiding to the understanding of the latter segment plot.~

See Also...
Reference Dream of the Red Chamber's Heaven Illusion [紅樓夢之幻覺離恨天] Hung Lau Mung zi Waan Gaau Lei Han Tin mentioned in a blog entry on Lung Mui Cantonese Opera Collection

Credits and/or Citations:
The above written reviews/recaps incorporate the utilization of the online MDBG Chinese-English dictionary for Jyutping Cantonese/Pinyin romanization of Chinese characters.

Where to buy
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: Hong Lou Xue Ying Meng Cheng Shi (CD + Karaoke DVD) [DVD Region ALL * * PAL Format * *] http://www.yesasia.com/us/hong-lou-xue-ying-meng-cheng-shi-cd-karaoke-dvd/1024148569-0-0-0-en/info.html

Lung Mui Cantonese Opera Collection

2011-03-30T20:00:00.102-04:00

(Pinyin: long jian sheng mei xue shi yue ju bao dian )
龍劍笙梅雪詩粵劇寶典
Lung Kim Sang Mui Suet See Jyut Kek Bou Din

A 30-year Career Spanning Collection of
TV Cantonese Opera Performance Excerpts

(source: JV Entertainment Productions Limited CD + Karaoke DVD insert booklet)

Over the past year, I have enjoyed Cantonese Opera video & audio recordings by Lung Kim Sang 龍劍笙 and Mui Suet See 梅雪詩 very much.

Through searching and researching, I came across YouTube uploaded video clips of Lung Mui (龍.梅) television performance excerpts recorded throughout their 30-year career. Like many other enthusiastic supporters, I was always looking forward to seeing those footage collected into one collection to showcase the classic art of Cantonese Opera and fine performances by Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See.

Much to my surprise, the welcoming news came just before the 2011 Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) celebration as JV Entertainment Productions Limited announced the releasing of [龍劍笙梅雪詩粵劇寶典] Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See Cantonese Opera Collection (CD + Karaoke DVD) - a four volume set.

Containing in each volume of Lung Mui’s 30-year career spanning collection are informational insert booklet, CD soundtrack and its companion DVD recording of Cantonese Opera classic highlights - excerpts from Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) charity specials. Those have undergone digital image restoration for best picture quality (visually) and enhanced with new music mix to bring out the best in songs (audibly). Moreover, they are rare performances by Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See captured on film that simply cannot be missed.

* * *

REVIEWS/RECAPS & IMPRESSIONS:


	(source: JV Entertainment Productions Limited CD + Karaoke DVD back cover Vol. 1-2)

Vol.1 第一輯
Excerpt 1: Princess Changping ~ Fragrant Sacrifice [帝女花之香夭] Dai Nui Fa zi Hoeng Jiu
This is the most frequently played excerpt of the beloved Princess Changping Cantonese opera. It's a classic!

Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See played their part well. Their performance is enjoyable.

Produced for television in 1979, the set design was kept simple - a bit too green from the color of the banana leaves I might say.

Nevertheless, very happy with the high-quality digital video transfer which helps to highlight Cantonese opera's exquisite costumes and its unique style of makeup.

Excerpt 2: Dream of the Red Chamber ~ Heaven Illusion [紅樓夢之幻覺離恨天] Hung Lau Mung zi Waan Gaau Lei Han Tin
I was once afraid to watch excerpts from Dream of the Red Chamber because the story is so sad. But, the more I see them the more I have an understanding of the story, the characters within the story and the events that shaped those characters.

Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See's performance in this 1991 special is superb. They were at their prime in mastering of the art. The maturity in their vocal and acting brought out the best in this bitter sweet ending scene to a sad love story filled with raw emotion.

Watching this excerpt brings a sense of closing to Mui Suet See’s emotionally charged solo performance of Dream of the Red Chamber’s Burning Poetry Manuscripts, Returning to Heaven [紅樓夢之焚稿、歸天] Hung Lau Mung zi Fan Gou、Gwai Tin - benefiting the 1995 TVB "Tung Wah Charity Show" fund-raising program.

That excerpt showcased the event in which Lam Doi Juk 林黛玉 died on the day Gu Bou Juk 賈寶玉 was getting married. Whereas here, Gu Bou Juk 賈寶玉, who went to become a monk after he learned of Doi Juk’s death, meets Lam Doi Juk 林黛玉 in a dream in which it is revealed to him that she is a fairy in heaven.

Excerpt 3: Butterfly and the Red Pear Blossom ~ Pavilion Meeting [蝶影紅梨記之亭會] Dip Jeng Gung Lei Gei zi Ting Wui
When I first watched the 2004 ATV’s charity show version of the same excerpt (also performed by Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See) prior to this 1986 version, my initial impression was leaning more toward the 2004 performance. Probably because it was by Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See whose vocal and acting I was familiar with after watching them in Princess Changping (2006) and Dream of the West Chamber (2005) stage productions respectively.

However, I later found the earlier 1986 performance is equivalent interesting in their youthful exuberance yet commanding of the art in comparison to the crafted expression of inner emotions that deeply touched the core of the heart.

Keeping her promise, courtesan Je Sou Chau 謝素秋 (played by Mui Suet See) tries hard not to reveal her true identity to scholar Jiu Yu Jau 趙汝州 (played by Lung Kim Sang) when they meet face-to-face for the first time. At the meeting, Jiu Yu Jau unknowingly expresses his grieving to Je Sou Chau for Je Sou Chau whom he thought that she had died.

Excerpt 4: The Reunion brought by a White Hare ~ Mutual Encounter [白兔會之相遇] Baak Tou Wui zi Soeng Jyu
This short Cantonese opera performance excerpt is SUPER cute!!!

Running only 8 minutes and 10 seconds long, the performance is filled with pleasing sight to the eyes (as in acting, costumes and makeup) and sound to the ears (as in singing). It can be watched over and over again without getting bored.

That said, the excerpt is about the encounter between Lee Saam Noeng 李三娘 and Lau Zi Jyun 劉智遠 as they are both having mutual affection for each other. Lau Zi Jyun was a homeless orphan whom Lee Saam Noeng’s father brought back to the house for a place to stay and work as a servant. Because of the position that he is in, Lau Zi Jyun didn’t dare to make his feeling for Lee Saam Noeng known. Yet, Lee Saam Noeng is very much in love with him and she is trying to strike up a conversation.

Lung Kim Sang is very 'handsome' as Lau Zi Jyun and Mui Suet See is equally charming and mischievous as Lee Saam Noeng.

The wit and playful charm in their acting of the characters are simply adorable. That is not to mention their beautiful vocal expression in songs.

* * *

Vol.2 第二輯
The entire disc includes excerpts from Lei Hau Zyu [李後主], also known as The Last Emperor of Southern Tang.

Lei Hau Zyu (Lei Juk 李煜) is a real historical figure during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960). He is the ruler of the Southern Tang (Naam Tong 南唐) and a poet who interests in literature, but shows disinterested in ruling, which made him vulnerable to the ambitious Song Dynasty.

After the death of his first wife, Queen Daai Zau 大周后, King Lei missed her very much. On top of that, Southern Tang was facing oppression and threat from the powerful Song Dynasty. Those contributing events caused him great difficulty focusing on handling state affairs.

Yet amid all that, King Lei found comfort and support from Siu Zau 小周, whom he later made her his second wife, Queen Siu Zau 小周后.

Despite his effort in reviving the kingdom of the Southern Tang before the invading Song, King Lei eventually lost his kingdom to the Song.

Together with Queen Siu Zau, King Lei led a life in exile and captivity.

Excerpt 1: The Last Emperor of Southern Tang ~ Secret Meeting [李後主之私會] Lei Hau Zyu zi Si Wui
Worrying about the Southern Tang’s state affairs, King Lei retreats to his chamber and refuses visitation.

This excerpt tells about Siu Zau’s encouraging meeting with King Lei when she secretly comes to visit him at his chamber.

(Temporarily translated the initial dialogue between King Lei and Siu Zau after their meeting embrace...)
King Lei: Siu Ji, I do really miss you!
Siu Zau: Your Highness, you missed me; yet, you didn’t want to see me as you have refused to receive my audition after many times I have asked for visitation.

In regard to the performance, Lung and Mui do look the parts as King Lei and Siu Zau respectively.

That was the first time I watched Lung Kim Sang takes on the role of a king. She fits right into character and looks so cool! As for Mui Suet See, her entrance as Siu Zau is lovingly beautiful, elegant and romantic. And that can be said the same for both in their acting of characters and singing of songs.

Excerpt 2: The Last Emperor of Southern Tang ~ Leaving a Nation to Live in Exile [李後主之去國歸降] Lei Hau Zyu zi Heoi Gwok Gwai Gong
King Lei and the Southern Tang are losing the battle against the Song.

To save the Southern Tang from further infliction of war, King Lei gives himself up in surrendering to the Song.

This excerpt tells about the departure of King Lei and Queen Siu Zau as the royal court officials and lady musicians saying their emotional farewell.

According to the opera’s segment ordering, this later excerpt is indeed following the former excerpt. Yet, it is a very interesting contrast in seeing those two segments of the same opera produced years apart, in reverse order; the former one was produced in the later years (1990) while the latter was produced 6 years earlier (1984).

In the former Secret Meeting, the maturity in Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See’s acting and singing shined through in their charming projection of the characters’ emotions.

In this latter Leaving a Nation to Live in Exile, Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See delivered a commanding performance with authority that is powerful and believable.

Also in this later excerpt, it is nice to see fellow Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe [雛鳳鳴劇團] actors and actresses sharing the stage. Notable actresses are Yam Bing Yi 任冰兒, Ying Suet Fan 言雪芬 and Chu Kim Dan 朱劍丹. It is truly a rare treat having a glimpse into Chor Fung Ming; especially, for those who were either too young or not yet born at the time when Chor Fung Ming started giving performance.

* * *


	(source: JV Entertainment Productions Limited CD + Karaoke DVD back cover Vol. 3-4)

Vol.3 第三輯
Having the same set up as disc 2 - Vol.2, disc 3 - Vol.3 includes excerpts from An Interrupted Dream in the Peony Pavilion [牡丹亭驚夢], also known as The Peony Pavilion.

It tells the story about two young people who meet and fall in love with each other in dreams.

Destined for one another, the couple eventually meet in real life three years after the interrupted dream...

Excerpt 1: An Interrupted Dream in the Peony Pavilion ~ Romantic Dream in the Garden [牡丹亭驚夢之遊園驚夢] Mau Daan Ting Ging Mung zi Yau Jyun
Dou Lai Noeng 杜麗娘 goes for a walk in the Spring garden with her maid. She fell asleep at the pavilion seating after enjoying the beauty of flowers. In a dream, she meets a young scholar whom she thought of as her ideal lover.

Upon waking up, Lai Noeng realizes that it was just a dream. Nevertheless, she becomes love sick and dies as a result. Before Lai Noeng died, she drew a self-portrait of herself.

Excerpt 2: An Interrupted Dream in the Peony Pavilion ~ Quiet Marriage [牡丹亭驚夢之幽媾] Mau Daan Ting Ging Mung zi Jau Gau
Three years later, Lau Mung Mui 柳夢梅, the real-life young scholar from Lai Noeng’s dream, happens to come across Lai Noeng’s self-portrait when taking up lodging at a temple.

Upon seeing the painting, Lau falls in love immediately with the young lady in the portrait. Lau quickly realizes that the young lady in the painting is indeed his dream lover that he once met in a dream.

That night, Lai Noeng’s ghost spirit appears to Lau. She lets Lau in the know about her situation and asks him to exhume her body from her grave in order to bring her back to life so they can reunite in marriage.

Needless to say, the chemistry between Lung and Mui is addictive. Their skill and talent in mastering the art of Cantonese opera yield an offering of mesmerizing performance.

This is, perhaps, my most favorite excerpt. It has a little bit of everything - comedy, romance and paranormal subject (i.e. ghost).

The excerpt reminds me of memorable scenes from 1977 The Legend of Purple Hairpin [紫釵記] Zi Gaa Gei, the scene in which Lee Yick 李益 and Fok Siu Yuk 霍小玉 reunited, and from The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom ~ Save Pui [再世紅梅記之脫阱救裴] Zoi Sai Gung Mui Gei Zi Tyut Zing Gau Pui.

Mui Suet See looks so beautiful in Lai Noeng's bridal gown costume. It’s always refreshing to watch Mui taking on role allowing her to show her versatile range of acting.

* * *

Vol.4 第四輯
Excerpt 1: The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom ~ Chance Encounter [再世紅梅記之折梅巧遇] Zoi Sai Gung Mui Gei zi Zit Mui Haau Jyu
On the occasion to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the death of Yam Kim Fai 任劍輝 and in supporting of Yam/Pak Charitable Foundation Limited, students of Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin’s Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe put on a very special live performance of Cantonese Opera excerpts in a 2004 program named Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che [重披霓裳歌遍徹] Cung Pei Ngai Soeng Go Bin Cit (literal English translation: Raise the rainbow costume, Lift the song through time).

Among those are excerpts from The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom [再世紅梅記] Zoi Sai Gung Mui Gei, Chance Encounter 折梅巧遇 Zit Mui Haau Jyu and Save Pui 脫阱救裴 Tyut Zing Gau Pui.

While Mui Suet See played both role of Chiu Yung in Chance Encounter and Lee Wai Leung in Save Pui, Connie Chan Po Chu 陳寶珠 and Lung Kim Sang took turn in playing the role of Pui Jyu in Chance Encounter and Save Pui respectively.

Although Connie Chan competently takes on the role of Pui Jyu, I then still want to see Lung Kim Sang playing that role without knowing about the existence of such excerpt.

Produced for television in 1987, the excerpt tells the story that picks up from the scene when scholar Pui Jyu 裴禹 went to pick plum blossoms and coincidentally ran into Chiu Yung 昭容, whose look is in resemblance of Lee Wai Leung 李慧娘, whom he met and fell in love with.

Comparing to the more polished version produced for live stage performance in 2004, this excerpt seems aged in the area of visual and sound. Nevertheless, performance from Lung Mui is captivative as always.

One media technical related thing that I have noticed is that the video editing at the beginning of this excerpt is a bit jumpy; specifically, the segment right after Pui Jyu first saw Chiu Yung.

Excerpt 2: Fairy from the Ninth Heaven ~ Fairy's Return [九天玄女之天女于歸] Gau Tin Jyun Neoi zi Tin Neoi Jyu Gwai
I’m personally not very familiar with the story of this opera though I might have heard about similar versions of the same story before. However, that lack of knowledge does not necessarily affect my enjoyment of the excerpt as it is being presented. It is rather quite entertaining. And that the insertion of this excerpt is nice addition to showcasing the complete spectrum of Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See’s representative work in their contribution to TVB television charity programs throughout the years.

That said, the excerpt is about the reunion meeting between a poor scholar who is Wind Moon Immortal 風月仙子 fung jyut sin zi himself and his once fiancé on Earth, who also happens to be Fairy of the Nine Heaven 九天玄女 gau tin jyun neoi. They finally receive God’s blessing for their marriage in Heaven.

Excerpt 3: Flying Dragon Dancing Phoenix [遊龍戲鳳] Jau Lung Hei Fung
As with the previous excerpt, I also find this excerpt pleasantly surprised. In a way, it reminds me of the story line from Lung Mui’s 1975 Laugh in the Sleeve [三笑姻緣] Saam Siu Jan Jyun.

Lung Kim Sang plays the role of a king in disguise who meets and falls in love with a commoner.

What I like the most about this excerpt is being able to watch the fun and playful side of Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See in their portraying of the characters. Notice the way that they handle the use of hand props (paper fan and handkerchief), it's a treat for the eyes.

Moreover, it is mesmerizing to observe Mui Suet See’s walking technique, a Cantonese opera featured movement. Because we would often see Mui Suet See wearing 'dress-like' costume in playing the female role of a princess or a noble lady, it is difficult to fully observe in order to truly appreciate the skillful movement technique that is being applied. Here, it is illustrated well due to the 'commoner' costume she wore in playing the character of Fung Ze 鳳姐, the young lady owner of the Dragon Phoenix Inn 龍鳳店 lung fung dim, whom the king tries his best to win her heart.

Excerpt 4: The Handsome Pan'an ~ Shop Encounter [俏潘安之店遇] Ciu Pun On zi Dim Jyu
Wan Siu Pan 雲小顰 is a young lady whose nickname is called Ciu Pun On 俏潘安. While traveling, she dressed up as a man.

At an inn, she meets King Zyu 瓊珠, the inn young lady owner. Through King Zyu’s retelling of her personal story, Siu Pan learns about a well-known benefactor named Lei Gwong 李廣. Among Lei’s many good deeds was to help out the then homeless King Zyu and her father setting up the inn. Little Siu Pan knows at the time is that Lei Gwong is indeed her husband-to-be in an arranged marriage she has objected earlier.

As Siu Pan grows fond and admiring Lei Gwong, King Zyu, who thought of Siu Pan as a man, also finds 'Ciu Pun On' equivalent attractive...

This is the excerpt that I keep on smiling whenever I watch the performance or listen to its soundtrack.

Lung Kim Sang looks handsomely cool as Ciu Pun On. Her performance of doing the horsewhip 馬鞭 maa bin at the opening scene is one of the performance many highlights. It’s a rarity in seeing Lung Kim Sang’s delightful take on the female role through only momentarily as Siu Pan thinking fondly of Lei Gwong.

Equivalently, it’s a joy to watch Mui Suet See’s performance in the role of King Zyu, who falls head over heels for Ciu Pun On -- both literally and figuratively. Most memorable scenes are those when King Zyu keeps on looking with admiration at Ciu Pun On and that she bumps into the table while holding the serving tray with his order of food and drink. King Zyu then accidentally spills drink over the cup and onto Ciu Pun On while serving him the famous Neoi Ji Hung 女兒紅 wine. They are hilariously funny!

* * *

Credits and/or Citations:
The above written reviews/recaps incorporate the utilization of the online MDBG Chinese-English dictionary for Jyutping Cantonese/Pinyin romanization of Chinese characters.

It also references materials from "Synopses of Cantonese Opera" owned by the Cantonese Opera Research Programme (CORP), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).

Where to buy
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: Long Jian Sheng Mei Xue Shi Yue Ju Bao Dian (Vol.1) (CD + Karaoke DVD) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/long-jian-sheng-mei-xue-shi-yue-ju-bao-dian-vol-1-cd-karaoke-dvd/1023966716-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: Long Jian Sheng Mei Xue Shi Yue Ju Bao Dian (Vol.2) (CD + Karaoke DVD) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/long-jian-sheng-mei-xue-shi-yue-ju-bao-dian-vol-2-cd-karaoke-dvd/1023966717-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: Long Jian Sheng Mei Xue Shi Yue Ju Bao Dian (Vol.3) (CD + Karaoke DVD) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/long-jian-sheng-mei-xue-shi-yue-ju-bao-dian-vol-3-cd-karaoke-dvd/1024035023-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: Long Jian Sheng Mei Xue Shi Yue Ju Bao Dian (Vol.4) (CD + Karaoke DVD) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/long-jian-sheng-mei-xue-shi-yue-ju-bao-dian-vol-4-cd-karaoke-dvd/1024035030-0-0-0-en/info.html

Echoes of the Rainbow

2010-07-12T06:35:00.038-04:00

做人，總要信
jou yan, jung yiu seun
In Life, We're Gotta Have Faith

Shui Yuet Sun Tau
Echoes of the Rainbow
A Mabel Cheung production of Alex Law film
(source: Tai Seng Entertainment DVD cover)

I first heard about the movie Echoes of the Rainbow while I was listening to the bits of news discussion in an episode of Kong-Cast - East Screen / West Screen. At the time, I listened just to listen and let that piece of news passed by without further follow up. Not until the DVD release of the movie, I immediately became interested upon reading on the film cast, news and synopsis.

Having seen Sandra Ng Kwan Yue 吳君如 (Ngô Quân Như) and Simon Yam Tat Wah 任達華 (Nhậm Đạt Hoa) in their previous works, I have no doubt in their leads in the movie. Although the fact that the film had gotten an international recognition at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival - Berlinale (February 11 to February 21, 2010) by wining the Crystal Bear award under the Children's Jury Generation Kplus section is a plus, the film's main theme is what had intrigued me greatly.

This film tells a story of an ordinary family living in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, from 1967 to 1977, with a struggling father from Guangzhou, an iron-willed mother supporting the family and their kids facing countless challenges from the changing world with an upbeat attitude...

-- From the Tai Seng Entertainment "Echoes of the Rainbow" DVD back cover.

The movie storytelling is close to the heart as I can relate to the father and mother figures in the Law's family as well as the stories of those lives and the cultural way of life being depicted.

My grandfather is a shoe maker himself. My elder uncle now owns a shoe store and that my Dad is working there as a shoe repairer. He is quiet, yet quick tempered. However, there is a soft, caring side of him like Mr. Law, the father character played by Simon Yam in the movie.

As for the mother character played by Sandra Ng, Mrs. Law, she reminds me of my strong spirited Mom, who is our family refuge to weather the storms of life as they come with faith and determination.

My favorite scene from the movie must be The Moon Festival 中秋 jung chau (Tết Trung Thu) since it brought back much of my childhood memories from making homemade lantern out of Ong Tho condensed milk can to enjoying sweet bean paste filling moon cakes.

My parents would bought high quality moon cakes from Saigon's famous Nhu Lan Bakery to gift them away; yet, we always opted for a lesser quality (and quantity) moon cakes to share among ourselves. They were usually mung bean or black bean paste filling moon cakes with no egg yolk in comparing to those with mixed fancy nuts and salted duck egg yolks filling. So much so that it became a habit as I now prefer the simplicity of bean paste filling moon cakes over the other expensive ones.

Speaking of simplicity, that's the movie all in itself. But, it has a lot of heart and it will surely touch yours.

Sandra Ng and Simon Yam's acting are commanding. Though it is understood that the basis of Mr. Law's character does limit Simon in showing outward displays of his character's inner emotion expressively, I still do wish him for a bit more scenes and/or screen time where he could have chances to better connect his character emotionally and fully with the audience, a performance I believe Mr. Yam is capable of delivering as he already proved it himself in both Mother's Red Shoes 母親的紅鞋 mu chan dik hung haai and Father's Wedding Ring 父親的婚戒 fu chan dik fan gaai scenes.

Those scenes are among the strong performances not only from Mr. Yam, but also from Miss Ng, especially in Father's Wedding Ring - the moment when Mrs. Law reached out to hold Mr. Law's hand, without taking a look at it or making eye contact at each other, checking as she must have known that he had pawned his wedding ring to come up with the money in time of need. The scene is without a spoken word; yet, the expressive performance speaks achingly and lovingly.

Playing Mr. and Mrs. Law's eldest son, Desmond, is Aarif Lee Chi Ting 李治廷 in his movie debut. His acting is better than average for a newcomer. And that it is enjoyable to see a fresh face on the scene; though, he might likely be remembered more for his singing of the movie theme song until his next strong, memorable breakthrough role.

Together, playing Desmond's younger eight years old brother, the mischievous and equally cute "Big Ears", is the young and talented Buzz Chung Siu Tou 鍾紹圖.

It's "Big Ears" who led the movie storytelling and he is the one who stole the viewer's heart. His simple and innocent view of the world reminds the older adults of carefree joy filled thought that sometimes gets lost in this fast paced and busy life.

Original Motion Picture Sountrack Music and Score
composed by Henry Lai
(source: JAVA Music Productions CD cover)

The movie's original soundtrack music and score composed by Henry Lai are like gentle breezes bringing along a sense of nostalgia. The sound is reminiscing of the happy time and peaceful place one would yearn for a revisit.

With lyrics penned by the movie director himself Alex Law Kai Yeui 羅啟銳 and music composed by veteran singer/composer Lowell Lo Gun Ting 盧冠廷, Aarif Lee's singing of the movie main theme My Secret Rainbow in English and 歲月輕狂 sui yue qing kuang in Chinese Mandarin is original as it can be.

Credits and/or Citations:
The above movie impression and references are sourced directly from the initial viewing of the movie DVD release and the audio sampling of the movie CD soundtrack.

The written material also made use of the online MDBG Chinese-English dictionary for Yale Cantonese/Pinyin romanization of Chinese characters.

Notes:
Read professional movie review written by Kozo at LoveHKFilm.com

Where to buy
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: Echoes Of The Rainbow (DVD) (US Version) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/echoes-of-the-rainbow-dvd-us-version/1022715005-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: Echoes of the Rainbow Original Movie Soundtrack (OST) http://www.yesasia.com/us/echoes-of-the-rainbow-original-movie-soundtrack-ost/1022740202-0-0-0-en/info.html

The Flower Princess

2010-06-18T22:35:00.021-04:00

A Cantonese Opera by Tong Dik Sang

Translated, edited and introduced by Bell Yung
Assisted in translation by Sonia Ng and Katherine Carlitz
Published by THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY PRESS
Hong Kong, China

Earlier this spring, shortly after my first viewing of live DVD recording of the 2006 Princess Changping [帝女花] Cantonese opera performance, I immediately went on the Web to research for more information about the opera and its historic references. During the process, I happened to stumble across Colombia University Press posting in regard to the new release of the complete English translation of the opera. It was, right then, the beginning of the start of a three months long searching with much excitement and anticipation.

Except for the fact that the book is readily available at the Chinese University Press in Hong Kong at the time, every (university/online retailer) bookstore I had checked - all turned out that they have not yet had it in stock, even at the supposedly main US distributor of the book. So, the search continued on until one day late in May. I was lucky enough to 'grab' the last book left in stock ("with more on the way") at amazon.co.uk for ordering, had it shipped overseas and finally received the book on the first of June.

My original intention for buying the book is to better my understanding of the opera since my Cantonese listening skill is a bit choppy at time and that my Chinese reading proficiency is not even worth mentioning (70% loss, 30% gain). And to my satisfaction, "The Flower Princess: A Cantonese Opera by Tong Dik Sang" translated by Bell Yung offers more than just a reading pleasure.

Besides helps with filling in the understanding gaps of the opera speech and lyrics, the book's well documented and written introduction provides wealth of starter information to learn about traditional Chinese Opera in general with a comparative focus on Cantonese Opera and background details on the original work of The Flower Princess (also known as "The Floral Princess" or "Princess Changping").

It is not to mention of the translator's thoughtful consideration for the inclusion of brief stage directions together with descriptive explanation and indication of tunes, speech tones and types. Those allow for the readers to fully experience the unique art of Cantonese Opera through reading of the translated text material, making it a great companion to the opera's Cantonese language media recordings.

A note on the book...
The book is divided into 3 main sections: the introduction, the translation and the original Chinese text.

It is also worth noting that Ms. Pak Suet Sin, legendary Hong Kong Cantonese opera performer who starred in the title role of Princess Changping in the original Cantonese opera production premiered back in 1957, wrote the foreword for the book. Her note dated back in December 2006, possibly around the time when she staged and directed the production run of the 2006 Princess Changping led by two of Ms. Yam and Ms. Pak most loved and talented students, Ms. Lung Kim Sang and Ms. Mui Suet See.

For more detailed information about the book, please visit:
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

The Chinese University Press (Hong Kong, China)

Colombia University Press

amazon.com

1977 The Legend of Purple Hairpin

2010-05-24T10:14:00.056-04:00

(Pinyin: zi cai ji)
紫釵記
Zi Caa Gei

a LEE TIT film
"The Legend of Purple Hairpin"
(source: Universe Laser & Video Co., Ltd DVD cover)

According to the Hong Kong Film Archive’s Research Unit, an interesting finding has shown that "only 4 Cantonese opera films have been produced since the end of the 1960s, including Laugh in the Sleeve (1975, Lee Tit), Princess Chang Ping (1976, John Woo), The Legend of Purple Hairpin (1977, Lee Tit) and The Legend of Lee Heung Kwan (1990, Chor Yuen)."

Released in 1977, "The Legend of Purple Hairpin" marks the third and also the last movie of this genre that Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See made together aside from their long time partnership in live stage performances of Cantonese operas, which continued well into the early 90s.

The melodrama tells an emotional yet beautiful story of love and devotion.

Scholar Li-I married beautiful Huo Hsiao-yu soon after the first time they had met. The purple hairpin marked their intimate bond. Li served the army after their marriage.

Later, the Military Head ordered Li's return because he wanted Li to marry his daughter. Moreover, Li was forbidden from going home.

Hopeless and in great despair, Huo dressed up with her gown and crown and intruded into the wedding banquet. She had prepared to die for her love, fortunately her sincerity and passion won.

-- From the Universe Laser & Video Co., Ltd's "The Legend of Purple Hairpin" DVD back cover.

* * *

RECAP:
A young and talented scholar named Lee Yick 李益 (Lung Kim Sang) was told by a lady matchmaker whom he met on the festive night street while traveling with his two friends, Tsui Wan Ming 崔允明 (Leung Sing Bo) and Wai Ha Hing 韋夏卿 (Chu Kim Dan), that he should marry a girl who dresses in purple named Fok Siu Yuk 霍小玉 (Mui Suet See) since she is not only a beauty, but she also despites wealth and power.

Thus, at the sight of a girl in purple, Lee follows her to the front door of a house on Sheng Yen street where he happens to pick up an amethyst hairpin dropped by none other than Fok Siu Yuk, whom Lee wants to meet.

Taking up on the opportunity to divert Siu Yuk’s maidservant, Woon Sha 浣沙 (Wan Fei Yin 尹飛燕), went looking for the amethyst hairpin, Lee Yick chances upon meeting Siu Yuk when she was stepping out of the house looking for Woon Sha.

They fell for each other at first encounter. Lee Yick admires Siu Yuk’s brilliant as Siu Yuk to his poems and talents. Believed it is fate that they meet. Lee uses the amethyst hairpin as a betrothal gift and proposes to Siu Yuk.

Though Siu Yuk is happy to hear the proposal from Lee, she thinks that she is too low for him as she is only a brothel’s singer. Her courtesan life is with many struggles and that she has to take care of her mother.

Persisted, Lee wins the blessing from Siu Yuk’s mother, Cheng Luk Leung 鄭六娘 (Ying Suet Fan 言雪芬), for the couple hands in marriage that very night.

Following their wedding night, Lee wrote the couple’s vows on a pongee as testament of his sincere and devoted love for Siu Yuk and as proof of their marriage.

Keeping promise of a husband to raise the family status, Lee passed the imperial examination. Not only that, he came in first. However, Lee was called by the Grand officer Lo 盧太尉 (Lan Chi Pak) who is in charge of the military affairs for Lee to serve in guarding the border shortly thereafter. Thus, Lee has to part from Siu Yuk in order to fulfill his military duty.

Little Lee Yick knows at the time that it was a part of officer Lo’s grand scheme to distance Lee and Siu Yuk for three long years.

During those years, Siu Yuk was waiting patiently for Lee to come back and helping out Lee’s two friends by pawning her valuables, even at selling her beloved amethyst hairpin. She is only to learn from the jewelry craftsman that Lee has come back from the border and he is staying at the Grand officer Lo’s mansion. There is also news that Lee is to marry officer Lo’s fifth daughter.

Upon hearing the news, Siu Yuk pays a visit to the Lo's, but feels helpless standing at the Lo’s residence gate. She then goes to the temple praying for help. It is at the temple where she meets a chivalry elder man dressed in yellow 黃衫客 (Leung Sing Bo), he who is willing to listen and sympathize with her story.

It happens that same day Lee Yick was allowed to leave the Grand officer Lo’s mansion, not without guards, to be at the temple at an invitation.

Learning of Lee from Siu Yuk’s heartbroken story, the chivalry elder man dressed in yellow rescues Lee from the guards and brings Lee home to Siu Yuk.

Believing that Lee has deserted her, Siu Yuk has fallen gravely ill. Lee’s coming helps to explain on the couple’s misunderstandings.

It was Grand officer Lo who tricked Lee into believing Siu Yuk has sold her amethyst hairpin and that she has been remarried.

After taken Lee's written reference in a poem out of context, Lo used it against Lee, framing Lee for being disloyal to the Emperor with the sole intention of forcing Lee to abandon Siu Yuk into marrying Lo’s daughter.

When Lee was reluctant to comply with his wish, he confined Lee; or rather, held Lee captive - disallowing Lee from coming home to Siu Yuk.

Yet, Lee and Siu Yuk's reunion is short lived as officer Lo quickly sent his guards to bring Lee back to the residence to go through with the wedding ceremony as planned.

Tipped by the chivalry elder man dressed in yellow to dress in gown and crown, Siu Yuk enters the Lo’s residence to take back her husband at the chance of being beaten to death for intrusion.

As it turns out, the chivalry elder man dressed in yellow is the Emperor’s fourth brother. He comes right in the niche of time to expose Grand officer Lo's scheme and bring Lo to justice for the beaten death of one of Lee's friends, Tsui Wan Ming, who refused to betray Siu Yuk in complying with the request to be a matchmaker for Lee and Lo's daughter.

The Emperor’s fourth brother is then standing in as the matchmaker to officiate the reunion of Lee and Siu Yuk.

Mui Suet See and Lung Kim Sang in character for The Legend of Purple Hairpin
(source: 1993 Crown Record Co., Ltd CD cover)

* * *

[Thoughts and reaction...]
When first watching “Dream of the West Chamber” stage performance on DVD, my initial reaction was that why didn’t they stage “The Legend of Purple Hairpin”?

However, I soon developed a special appreciation for both individually despite the somewhat similarities in their story plotline in with my second, third, fourth and many viewings afterward.

In retrospect, I have come to appreciate the staging of the 2005 “Dream of the West Chamber” revival. The opera’s message and materials can easily be related to today’s modern world on the subject of love, marriage and relationships whereas the basis is built on understanding, communication and trust.

Yet, it is not to say that “The Legend of Purple Hairpin” would offer anything less. It is just that the opera’s entailing references might not play well with today’s youth in comparison to more simplicity and focus elements found in “Dream of the West Chamber”. And that is just my personal opinion.

* * *

[Acting impression...]
With Mui Suet See as Fok Siu Yuk and veteran Cantonese opera performer Leung Sing Bo pulling double duty - first as Tsui Wan Ming and then the chivalry elder man dressed in yellow (aka the Emperor’s fourth brother), they practically stole the scene in the emotional packed second half.

Much as one would feel the pain and sadness Siu Yuk having to go through at the news of Lee Yick marrying Grand officer Lo’s fifth daughter, they would also have great respect and admiration for Tsui’s courageous action of standing up to Lo’s power for what is righteous.

Moreover, the performance of the two artists as hero and heroine continues to shine with Leung Sing Bo's return for his latter portrayal of the chivalry elder man dressed in yellow.

As for Mui Suet See, Siu Yuk’s entrance to the Lo’s mansion to claim back her husband is an emotionally powerful scene. Here, the viewers can appreciate Ms. Mui Suet See’s artistry and effort in treating them elegant elements in Cantonese Opera the best she can within a film setting.

* * *

[DVD details & technical note...]
Although the DVD picture and sound didn’t get digitally remastered as with “Princess Changping”, it is of much better quality than Modern Audio Ltd’s releasing of “Laugh in the Sleeve”. Regrettably, there is no inclusion of special features except for Stars’ Files on Lung Kim Sang, Mui Suet See and Lee Tit, which are, by the way, informative.

The Chinese/English subtitles are helpful to non-Chinese Cantonese speakers; yet, they get in the way of the picture at time. But, that is something can be managed. Other than that, the DVD recording of the movie itself is something to treasure since there is no film of this genre being produced nowadays.

Hopefully, with UNESCO’s recent recognition of Cantonese Opera as "masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity", there are (and will be) efforts going on with the restoration of Cantonese opera films hand in hand with the revitalization of youth's interests in this unique art form.

Credits and/or Citations:
The above written review/recap does incorporate researched movie data from the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) and some information elements from "Synopses of Cantonese Opera" owned by the Cantonese Opera Research Programme (CORP), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).

Where to buy
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: The Legend of The Purple Hairpin (1977) (DVD) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/the-legend-of-the-purple-hairpin/1000000986-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: The Legend of The Purple Hairpin 新紫釵記 (2CD) http://www.yesasia.com/us/xin-zi-chai-ji-2cd/1022824770-0-0-0-en/info.html

1976 Princess Changping

2010-05-14T10:01:00.016-04:00

(Pinyin: di nu hua)
帝女花
Dai Nui Fa

a JOHN WOO film
"Princess Chang Ping"
(source: Fortune Star's DVD cover)

Following their first movie musical of Cantonese opera genre in 1975 with Laugh in the Sleeve, Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See went on to star in John Woo (吳宇森) directed “Princess Changping” based on the original story scripted by Tong Tik Sang.

It is an engaging historical drama set during the fall of the Ming dynasty depicting the stories of loyalty to one’s nation, filial duty to one’s parents and love to one another.

The Ming Dynasty is coming to a faltering end with rebels everywhere...

In the meantime, Princess Chang Ping is engaged with a young scholar Chou Shil-hsien, and the emperor is happy with the match. Yet, when the rebels invade the capital, the emperor orders the death of the empress and princesses because no royal house-hood should fall into rebel hands. Princess Chang Ping has luckily escaped, but...

-- From the Fortune Star’s digitally remastered “Princess Chang Ping” DVD back cover.

Originally bought this Cantonese opera movie for its English subtitles as a “back-up” in case I wouldn’t be able to fully comprehended the 2006 Princess Changping stage version performed in Cantonese in its entirety; but, ended up liking the movie version from a different perspective.

Comparing to a typical full-length opera that is usually performed in three and a half hours, the 103 minutes film version presents with no compromise on the original opera's main materials;that is, every scene from the opera is all there. Moreover, Mr. John Woo did elaborate on the ending scene to give it a bittersweet touch as the Golden Boy and the Jade Girl return to Heaven at the sound of the choral music.

* * *

Needless to say, the chemistry between Ms. Lung and Ms. Mui is addictive. They were young then. Their skilled yet youthful performance came bursting through, it is very refreshing. As they age, they become masters of their craft and mature in their performance in which they are able to inject deeper and stronger sense of emotion into the characters that they are playing and still continue to maintain the youthful exuberance of the yesteryear. This can be seen as they reprise their roles in the 2006 Princess Changping series of returning to stage performance.

And it’s great to see fellow members from the Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe taking parts in the movie cast. Starring along side Ms. Lung and Ms. Mui were none other than renowned Cantonese masters Lan Chi Pak and Leung Sing Bo (梁醒波) as the Ming emperor and Minister Chou Chung respectively. That is yet to mention Yam/Pak’s other beloved student, Chu Kim Dan, taking on the role of Chou Chung’son - the Ming’s military commander, Chou Bou Lun.

* * *

Overall, the DVD picture quality and sound restoration in this digitally remastered version are satisfactory. Though there are not that many in-depth special features included, what did get included are gems given the original production dated back in 1976. I really enjoy those special features of new and original trailers, photo stills/photos slide show and especially the brief interview session with Cantonese opera legend - Master Yuen Siu Fai 阮兆輝, who played the Ming emperor in the 2006 Princess Changping stage version.

I would recommend this digitally remastered DVD of John Woo’s 1976 English subtitled "Princess Changping". Beside the fact that it is a more affordable version to get in comparison to the 2006 stage version, it’s a good beginner's introduction to those who are interested in getting to learn more about Cantonese Opera.

2006 Princess Changping

2010-05-10T09:42:00.014-04:00

Also known as "The Floral Princess" or "The Flower Princess"

(Pinyin: di nu hua)
帝女花
Dai Nui Fa

Script by Tong Tik Sang
Artistic Director: Pak Suet Sin

Starring:
LUNG KIM SANG 龍劍笙 as . . . . . . . .
Princess Changping’s prince consort, scholar Chou Shil Hsien 周世顯
MUI SUET SEE 梅雪詩 as . . . . . . . .
Princess Changping 長平公主 Changping gung zyu
YIU SING PO 尤聲普 as . . . . . . . .
Government official of the Ming dynasty, Minister Chou Chung 周鐘
YAM BING YI 任冰兒 as . . . . . . . .
Chou Chung’s daughter, Chou Seoi Laan 周瑞蘭
YUEN SIU FAI 阮兆輝 as . . . . . . . .
The last emperor of the Ming dynasty, 崇禎帝 Sung Jing Dai
LIU KWOK SUM 廖國森 as . . . . . . . .
The Qing emperor, 清帝 Ching Dai
PANG CHI KEUN 彭熾權 as . . . . . . . .
Chou Chung’s son, the Ming's military commander Chou Bou Lun 周寶倫

With supporting performance from the ensemble of Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe
雛鳳鳴劇團
* Performed in Cantonese with traditional Chinese subtitles

On the occasion to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of establishing Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe (1956-2006) , a complete full-length Cantonese opera “Princess Changping” graced the stage for a series of sold-out returning to stage performance and delighted the audience with the storytelling of a classic star-crossed Chinese love story setting during the historical end of Ming dynasty (明朝, 1368-1644 AD).

*~*~*

DISCLAIMER: Below scenes recap was written to the best of my Cantonese Chinese comprehension ability based on the live recording performance that I have seen on DVDs and the accompanied script book that I have read. The poor translation/description is mostly due to my Cantonese listening skill, which is a bit choppy at time and that my Chinese reading proficiency is not even worth mentioning (70% loss, 30% gain). Thus, feel free to comment on any corrections and/or provide with suggestions for improvement to stay close to Mr. Tong Tik Sang’s original work of "Princess Changping".

Prologue

Scene 1. 第一場 Oath Under the Twins Tree [帝女花之樹盟] syu mang
Princess Changping meets her future husband, prince consort Chou Shil Hsien, for the first time outside of Yuet Wah Palace.

She seems pleased after their exchanges in getting to know each other; especially recognizing Shil Hsien’s eloquently displaying of his sincerity and mutual respect.

Scene 2. 第二場 Princess' Suffering [帝女花之香劫] hoeng gip
The Ming emperor and empresses are happy to learn of their eldest daughter, Princess Changping, taking favor of Chou Shil Hsien.

Though the Emperor would rather have a military man as his future son-in-law than a scholar given the current situation of the Ming dynasty - facing rebellion from the eunuchs and the rise of the Manchu at the time, he comes to accept Shil Hsien as Princess Changping’s prince consort.

The not yet started celebration was quickly shortened as the news of the rebellion is closing in at the Imperial gate.

Realizing that the Ming dynasty had come to the tragic end, the Emperor ordered death to the empresses and princesses to protect the female members of the royal family from being harmed by the enemies.

After the two empresses received the red scarves from the Emperor, Princess Changping was called in front of the Imperial Court to learn of the Emperor’s order.

Having loved and cherished Princess Changping for fifteen years of her life, the Emperor couldn’t come to tell her of his decision; thus, leaving it to Chou Shil Hsien. However, being the princess’ newly crowned prince consort together with his deep love for her, Shil Hsien’s couldn’t come to tell Princess Changping of the Emperor’s order either. Finally, government official, Minister Chou Chung had to tell the princess himself that she is to say her goodbye to the prince consort and then to receive the death order from the Emperor.

In the mist of chaos, Princess Changping and Chou Shil Hsien got separated.

Determined, the Emperor 'injured' Princess Changping with his sword. Believing that she had died, the Emperor went on his way to kill himself to show loyalty to his subjects.

Among the dead bodies on the Imperial ground, Minister Chou Chung found Princess Changping's. She, who had not died, is still breathing and alive, just being unconscious from the sword injury. The Minister then brought the princess back to his residence.

Scene 3. 第三場 Begging for Princess' Corpse [帝女花之乞屍] hat si
While recuperating from injury at the Minister Chou Chung’s residence, Princess Changping befriended with the Minister’s daughter, Chou Seoi Laan. They quickly became close, like sisters.

One day, Princess Changping and Seoi Laan overheard Seoi Laan’s elder brother, Chou Bou Lun, suggested with the Minister to hand the princess over to the now ruling Qing emperor in exchange for wealth and the father’s and son’s government official ranks.

Upon hearing, Princess Changping would rather die than being handed over to the 'enemy' Qing who had caused such a tragic end to her family as well as the Ming. However, the good-heart Seoi Laan advised the princess otherwise. She arranged for the princess to go into hiding at Seoi Lan’s late mother's residence, the Purple Mansion.

In with the plan, the princess wrote a handwritten suicide note letting Seoi Laan's father and brother into believing that she had killed herself by disfiguring her face and drowning.

In the mean time, Chou Shil Hsien might have heard that it was the Minister who had retrieved the princess’ dead body from the Imperial ground. And after much searching, he finally found his way to the Minister’s residence, begging to see the princess' grave in order to burn her joss sticks and pray for her spirit.

Shil Hsien soon found out Princess Changping had not died on that chaos day. Yet, she just recently died from suicide by drowning. Saddened by the disheartening news, Shil Hsien wishes to die following the princess himself.

Quick thinking, Seoi Laan reminded Shil Hsien that fate will definitely bring them together even at dead. Else, if there is no fate, they’ll never bind to meet. It’s her hint to Shil Hsien to stay alive since she knew too well that the princess is at a safe place.

Scene 4. 第四場 Reunion at the Nunnery [帝女花之庵遇] am jyu
Approximately one year later, Princess Changping is now taking on a life of a nun at the nearby temple, 10 miles away from the Purple Mansion.

She lives, but still grieving for her parents who had died without a proper burial and that her younger brother, the prince, was held imprisoned by the Qing. It was not to mention the loving for her prince consort, Chou Shil Hsien.

Coincidentally, Shil Hsien happened to pass by the temple one day and saw the back of a nun who looks pretty much like Princess Changping. Remembering what Seoi Laan had to tell him, he was determined to ask the nun for a meeting.

Princess Changping recognized her beloved prince consort upon meeting Chou Shil Hsien face-to-face, but she couldn’t come to reveal her identity and to acknowledge him, afraid in bringing both Shil Hsien and herself more trouble and heartache. Thus, she denied him.

Persisted, Shil Hsien kept on pressing and testing the princess. He finally had to threat killing himself rather than begging for love. Only then, the princess slipped up on her identity and came to acknowledge him.

Their reunion was short because soon thereafter the Minister and his servants were already at the temple ground as one of the servants spotted Princess Changping, the nun, earlier and reported it back to Chou Chung.

Princess Changping and Chou Shil Hsien had to part once again. Yet, they agreed to meet each other at the Purple Mansion.

Minister Chou Chung tried to persuade Shil Hsien into discussing the matter over with the princess, asking her to return to the Imperial Court, so that Princess Changping and Shil Hsien can both marry each other and live happily in marriage.

Upon that thought, Shil Hsien came up with a plan and pretended to go along with the Minister's suggestion.

Scene 5. 第五場 Welcome Princess [帝女花之迎鳳] jing fung
Arrived at the Purple Mansion with Minister Chou Chung and the imperial maidservants, who brought along the princess crown and gown, Chou Shih Hsien was there to meet Princess Changping and to welcome the princess' return to the Imperial Court.

Disappointed at the way Shih Hsien was acting, Princess Changping came to believe that she had misjudged Shih Hsien for a good man since he made known of his disloyalty to the fallen Ming by disclosing his ambitious desire to submit to the empowered Qing, just as the ruling government had now changed 'hand'.

Little the princess knows at the time is that Shih Hsien was only tried to act in making Chou Chung and those following him from doubting Shih Hsien's submissive devotion to the Qing emperor. For that reason, Shih Hsien couldn’t let Princess Changping in the know.

Not until the Minister and others leaving the couple alone to talk it over, Shih Hsien had the opportunity to explain to the princess; thus, cleared up on the misunderstanding.

Princess Changping and Chou Shih Hsien were aware of the Qing emperor’s true intention. The Emperor didn’t just genuinely asking them to return to the Imperial Court in with the plan to hold their wedding at the Imperial Palace. Rather, he did so to appease the Ming loyals in order to justify his ruling and as a way to suppress thoughts of rebellion.

Understood the situation, Princess Changping and Shih Hsien agreed to go along with what the Qing emperor had planned, but not without conditions.

To fulfill the filial duty to her parents, Princess Changping wrote petitions asking the Qing emperor to order a proper burial for the late Ming emperor and empresses and to immediately release her younger brother prince from prison. Only then, she would agree to return to the Imperial Court.

Meanwhile, Princess Changping and her prince consort, Chou Shih Hsien, secretly planned to drink poisoned wine to each other on their wedding night so they can die a fragrant dead to remain loyal to the Ming.

Scene 6. 第六場 Negotiating with the Qing emperor [帝女花之上表] soeng biu
Shih Hsien presented Princess Changping’s written requests to the Qing emperor.

To the Emperor’s surprise, he then knew Princess Changping had seen through his plan. The Qing emperor had no choice, but to agree to the princess’ conditions in order to get at his way.

Once the Qing emperor gave out his orders in accord to what had been requested, Princess Changping asked the Emperor to also allow her and Shil Hsien holding their wedding outside of Yuet Wah Palace, where they first met each other.

Scene 7. 第七場 Fragrant Sacrifice [帝女花之香夭] hoeng jiu
According to plan, Princess Changping and Chou Shih Hsien drank poisoned wine on the night of their wedding.

Their dead are testament to their loyalty to one’s nation, filial duty to one’s parents and love to one another.

*~*~*

Performance Impression
"Princess Changping" is the first ever truly Cantonese opera I had the chance to watch and fall completely in love with it.

It is a very well scripted opera, providing a well balanced presentation of historical events and love stories.

Led by Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See, the ensemble cast is amazing. Their performance is mesmerizing and captivating.

Every scene is memorable in each own special way. Due to a tight plot, there is not a scene that should be missed. Listed below selection only highlighted a few...

Mei’s Picks

Best song: It's a hand down to the song in the last scene, Fragrant Sacrifice 帝女花之香夭.

Best scene: Reunion at the Nunnery 帝女花之庵遇.

Best artistic performance: Negotiating with the Qing emperor 帝女花之上表.

The song in 'Fragrant Sacrifice' is a classic! Its verses are well-known by many Cantonese Opera lovers. For that reason and moreover, the emotional and powerful ending of the 'Fragrant Sacrifice' scene made it most famous performed excerpt from "Princess Changping" to date.

In a way, the 'Reunion at the Nunnery' is a very romantic scene. Both Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See’s charm and cuteness in their portrayal of Chou Shil Hsien and Princess Changping shined through. They basically carried and stole the scene with their lovingly dramedy performance.

With Lung as Shil Hsien presenting Princess Changping’s written petitions to the Qing emperor and Mui as Princess Changping returning to the Imperial Court, both artists’ performance are topnotch in their expressive acting and dialogue exchanging in 'Negotiating with the Qing Emperor'. Watching those artists’ artistic performance in this particular scene gave much aesthetic appreciation for the art form of Cantonese Opera.

A note on the media product and/or its technical aspects...
The limited 4-DVD set edition recording of the live performance together with the accompanying script booklet come pre-packaged by Crown Records in an elegant oversized jelwery-like box.

As with the 2005 Dream of the West Chamber, the DVDs' picture and sound quality are exceptionally great. Though there are traditional Chinese subtitles, it is still without the extra feature of English subtitles.

Also, wondering why didn't Crown Records include any of the behind-the-scenes production footages as with the 2004 Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che release?

Anyway, I’m very happy and satisfied with my purchase of "Princess Changping" DVD and CD set capturing the performance in its entirety.

Speaking of the CD set, it is a 4 disc audio recording of the live performance complementing the aforementioned DVD set. So, for those who like to collect and/or those who simply want to listen to "Princess Changping" Cantonese opera, you might be interested in knowing that there is such CD audio recording made available.

Where to buy
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: Princess Chang Ping (DVD) (4-Disc Limited Edition) (Hong Kong Version) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/princess-chang-ping-dvd-4-disc-limited-edition-hong-kong-version/1011405274-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: Princess Chang Ping (4 CD Deluxe Edition) http://www.yesasia.com/us/princess-chang-ping-4cd-deluxe-edition/1011629493-0-0-0-en/info.html

2005 Dream of the West Chamber

2010-05-01T09:39:00.008-04:00

(Pinyin: xi lou cuo meng)
西樓錯夢
Sai Lau Chor Mung

Script by Tong Tik Sang
Artistic Director: Pak Suet Sin

Starring:
LUNG KIM SANG 龍劍笙 as . . . . . . . .
Young scholar Jyu Suk Je 于叔夜
MUI SUET SEE 梅雪詩 as . . . . . . . .
Courtesan Muk Sou Fai 穆素徽
YIU SING PO 尤聲普 as . . . . . . . .
The Imperial Court Knight 胥長公 seoi coeng gung
YAM BING YI 任冰兒 as . . . . . . . .
The Imperial Court Knight's wife, Heng Hung 輕鴻
YUEN SIU FAI 阮兆輝 as . . . . . . . .
Suk Je’s father (于父 jyu fu), Jyu Syut Ban 于雪賓
LIU KWOK SUM 廖國森 as . . . . . . . .
The Head of State 池相國 ci soeng gwok
PANG CHI KEUN 彭熾權 as . . . . . . . .
The Head of State’s son Ci Tung 池同 (三公子 saam gung zi)

With supporting performance from the ensemble of Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe
雛鳳鳴劇團
* Performed in Cantonese

After being well received with the set pieces of Cantonese opera excerpts performed in a commemoration cum charity program called Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che [重披霓裳歌遍徹] Cung Pei Ngai Soeng Go Bin Cit, Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See went on to perform a series of full-length Cantonese opera “Dream of the West Chamber” staged under the artistic direction of their mentor, master Cantonese operatic performer Pak Suet Sin.

The new arrangement based on the original opera scripted by Tong Tik Sang tells a story of a young scholar who fell in love with a brothel’s courtesan. They made vow of promising marriage to each other just as the scholar’s father found out and confined the young scholar home in opposition to his son having loved a courtesan.

The couple get separated due to the scholar’s love sick misunderstanding of a dream and later reunited after much events have had happening, proving that their love was true to one another as they receive the blessing from the young scholar’s father for the couple’s hands in marriage.

Though the plot line is predictable and well-known to those who are familiar with Cantonese opera, it is up to the performers to bring those characters into life and to captivate the audience with the storytelling. And this ensemble cast of “Dream of the West Chamber” did just that.

Cantonese opera is presented at its best for its colorful and splendid costumes, unique melodic tunes and percussive music along with exquisite and aesthetic performance.

*~*~*

DISCLAIMER: Below scenes recap was written to the best of my Cantonese Chinese comprehension ability based on the live recording performance that I have seen on DVDs and the accompanied script book that I have read. The poor translation/description is mostly due to my Cantonese listening skill, which is a bit choppy at time and that my Chinese reading proficiency is not even worth mentioning (70% loss, 30% gain). Thus, feel free to comment on any corrections and/or provide with suggestions for improvement to stay close to Mr. Tong Tik Sang’s original work of "Dream of the West Chamber".

Prologue

Scene 1. 第一場 Visitation Meeting [西樓錯夢之病晤] beng ng
Young scholar Jyu Suk Je and famous courtesan Muk Sou Fai admired each other talents through songs and poems. They finally get to meet each other face to face as Suk Je paid her a visit at the West Wing.

Although Sou Fai had fallen ill and was resting at the time, she blissfully came out of bed to welcome Suk Je. And it was love at first sight. He is nineteen and she is sixteen. They made vow of promising marriage to each other.

Sou Fai then sang for Suk Je the [楚江情] Co Gong Cing song to convey their love to one another.

She also gave Suk Je her hairpin as an "engagement" souvenir. While the hairpin was being handed over, Suk Je didn’t get a hold of it in time; the hairpin gets dropped and broken in two - an omen for the two to be soon parted.

Soon thereafter, Suk Je’s father found out that his son had fallen in love with a courtesan. He opposed it and thus confined Suk Je home. Moreover, the brothel, where Sou Fai is, was forced to close down. The brothel’s madam is in a bind.

Learning of the situation, Sou Fai wrote a letter to be sent along with her lock of hair to Suk Je. In a hurry, Sou Fai accidentally folded up a blank piece of paper and mistakenly took it for the written one as she put it in the envelope for her maidservant to hand delivery to Suk Je at his residence.

In the mean time, the Head of State’s third son, Ci Tung, (三公子 saam gung zi) is in love with Muk Sou Fai’s beauty and wants to take her in as one of his concubines. Taking up at the opportunity, he deals with the brothel’s madam for 500 gold dollars in tricking Sou Fai into marriage.

Scene 2. 第二場 Wrong Dream [西樓錯夢之錯夢] chor mung
Being confined at home by his father, Suk Je becomes love sick due to his longing to see Sou Fai.

At the news of Sou Fai’s letter being delivered by her maidservant, he was ecstatic and overjoyed. But, then, his father’s coming presence had interrupted Suk Je before he has a chance to read the letter and/or reply to Sou Fai. Suk Je only had just enough time to gift his personal identification piece of jade with the maidservant to give to Sou Fai in return.

That night, Suk Je’s father was there to teach Suk Je eight Chinese maxims on not to believe in a love of a courtesan in his effort of trying to make Suk Je giving up on loving Sou Fai and focusing back on studying for the imperial examination.

By the time Suk Je gets around to open the letter, he doesn’t know what Sou Fai was trying to tell him because there is not a single word written.

Tired from self-questioning and thinking over the blank letter, he fell into a deep sleep. In a dream, Suk Je confronted Sou Fai as she denied their vow.

Mistakenly taken that Suk Je had fallen ill and that he is dying of love sick. The news of his death is “sort of coming out” and it was overheard by a friend of Sou Fai who stopped by Suk Je’s residence. Upon hearing the news, the friend immediately went to look for Sou Fai to let Sou Fai know of Suk Je’s death.

When Suk Je finally recovered, he believes in his dream and took that Sou Fai had sent him the blank letter to tell him just that.

Scene 3. 第三場 Empty Vessel [西樓錯夢之空泊] hung bok
While waiting to take a boat to travel to Sou Fai’s aunty house, Sou Fai encountered a good-natured Imperial Court Knight who happens to be a close family friend of Suk Je’s father.

At the time, the elder Imperial Court Knight doesn’t know it was Suk Je that Sou Fai had made the vow of promising marriage with. Though, he learned of Sou Fai’s personal story and sympathized with her situation.

Coincidentally, Suk Je and his father were also there to take a boat to the capital where Suk Je will take on the imperial examination. However, Suk Je and Sou Fai didn’t get a chance to meet at the harbor that day.

Scene 4. 第四場 Unexpected News [西樓錯夢之驚訊] geng seon
Arrived in front of Sou Fai’s "supposedly" ailing aunty house (or that was what the brothel’s madam had to say), Sou Fai says her goodbye and thanks to the Imperial Court Knight and his wife, Heng Hung, for escorting her.

Waiting inside the house is Ci Tung, dressing in his full groom dress. He was there waiting for Sou Fai to arrive in order to commence the marriage ceremony at once.

Upon entering the house, it is when Sou Fai learned that the brothel’s madam had sold her for 500 gold dollars into marrying Ci Tung.

She then threatened killing herself to be faithful with Suk Je rather than marrying Ci Tung since Sou Fai had already considered Suk Je as her husband. Feeling pressured, Ci Tung agreed to not rush Sou Fai into marriage. Yet, he kept her captive and under watch.

Sou Fai’s friend came to see Sou Fai with the news of Suk Je’s death. Devastated, Sou Fai asked Ci Tung allowing her to leave the house for the temple in order to pray for Suk Je’s spirit.

Scene 5. 第五場 Temple Rescue [西樓錯夢之壇劫] taan kip
Dressed in funeral gown, Sou Fai mourned Suk Je’s death not knowing that Suk Je is still alive and that he was on the temple ground that very day. Once again, they missed the opportunity to see each other.

It also happens that the Imperial Court Knight and his wife were also there. By chance of reading Sou Fai’s written prayer placed on the altar, the Imperial Court Knight gets to know that it was Suk Je with whom Sou Fai had made the vow of promising marriage. And that the elder Imperial Court Knight is fully aware that Suk Je has not died.

Quick to learn Sou Fai is being held captive by Ci Tung and she is kept under watch by his guards, the Imperial Court Knight husband and wife came up with a plan to rescue Sou Fai first, then to reunite her with Suk Je.

By having Heng Hung dressed in funeral attire, the same to that of Sou Fai, the Imperial Court Knight took Sou Fai away at the temple lighted out, leaving Ci Tung feeling perplexed upon seeing Heng Hung who is definitely not Sou Fai.

Scene 6. 第六場 Jade Meeting [西樓錯夢之會玉] kui yuk
After being rescued from Ci Tung and his cohort, Sou Fai is now staying at the Imperial Court Knight’s residence.

From the residence’s balcony, Sou Fai saw the procession of new scholars who passed the imperial examination came marching by and among them was the leading scholar Jyu Suk Je. Joyful, she sent the two maidservants to call for him.

They met.

Although Suk Je loves Sou Fai very much, he is petty as he is still holding on to the misunderstanding. He first returned her engagement gift to him, the hairpin, and told Sou Fai that he was going to get married per his father’s wish. Hurtful, Sou Fai returned him the jade object that he had gifted to her back then in exchanged so that Suk Je can begin anew with his new love.

Taking aback as Sou Fai leaving in tears, Suk Je called out to Sou Fai. He asked her about the blank letter she sent. Thus, he found out the truth and cleared up on the misunderstanding.

Suk Je was then being ordered back home to get marry.

Refused to return home for the arranged marriage by his father, Suk Je determined to stay by Sou Fai in life and death. However, the elder Imperial Court Knight had advised Suk Je otherwise as he who had thought of a witty ploy to convince Suk Je’s father for Suk Je and Sou Fai’s hands in marriage without Suk Je knows.

Scene 7. 第七場 Questioning Hall [西樓錯夢之堂訊] tong seon
Suk Je’s father ordered Suk Je to get marry to a girl who he had chosen for Suk Je.

Suk Je only came to agreement when his close servant let him in the know of the elder Imperial Court Knight’s plan in switching the bride to Sou Fai.

Suk Je’s father found about Sou Fai, the bride, just after the marriage ceremony, which he cannot go back on.

Thinking of courtesan as low-born and uneducated, Suk Je’s father questioned Sou Fai on the "Three Submissions and Four Virtues" (三从四德 saam cung sei dak), the dutiful criteria of a wife and a daughter-in-law, before he can give the couple his blessing. Although being a courtesan, Sou Fai is intelligently well versed in those teachings. Her answers are to the satisfactory of Suk Je’s father and he had to give in in giving Suk Je and Sou Fai the marriage blessing.

Ci Tung did not accept the fact that he had lost Sou Fai to Suk Je. He took advantage of his father being the Head of State to frame Suk Je for taking his “wife” for whom he had paid 500 gold dollars.

Once again, the Imperial Court Knight husband and wife couple came to the rescue, wittingly playing the same catch backed fire it on Ci Tung since it was Ci Tung who took away Heng Hung at the temple and that Heng Hung is the Imperial Court Knight’s wife. So, if the Head of State is to judge Suk Je, he must judge his own son, Ci Tung, on the same manner.

In the end, all parties involved made peace to one another. Ci Tung returned back to Suk Je Sou Fai’s written letter which he happened to pick up at the West Wing.

*~*~*

Performance Impression
There is a little bit of everything in this happy ending, love defying social class story such as romantic encounter, hero and heroine, witty dialogue and many comedic moments.

As always, the chemistry between the two leads of Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See is mesmerizing and captivating. It is not to mention the well-rounded performance from the rest of the supporting cast, making the viewing of the show enjoyable.

Having seen the 2006 production of "Princess Changping" prior to this, it’s great to see the same cast in less serious and more fun roles.

Mei’s Picks

Visitation Meeting 西樓錯夢之病晤 as the most romantic and cutest scene.
Jade Meeting 西樓錯夢之會玉 as the emotional and heart-tugging scene.
Chujiang Love 楚江情 co gong cing is for the best song, arrangement and performance.

It is noteworthy to note that the song Chujiang Love 楚江情 co gong cing had been newly arranged by Mr. Anthony Lun Wing Leung (倫永亮).

And that the music, the sound together with the modern setting and lighting had greatly enhanced the pleasant effect on the performance of the song sung by Mui Suet See with the supporting performance from the Chor Fung Ming chorus/dancing unit whose performers were wonderfully choreographed to realistically portrait instrumental music players.

A note on the media product and/or its technical aspects...
Crown Records did a nice job in packaging the 4-DVD set recording of the live performance together with the inclusion of the accompanying script booklet. The DVDs' picture and sound quality are polished, definitely a step up from the 2004 Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che release.

It would be even nicer to have the set released with English subtitles, a way to introduce English-speaking audience to Cantonese opera performance.

Although the DVD recording itself is worth every penny spent in supporting of the arts, the limited edition packaging priced around $230 US dollars might not be easily affordable and/or accessible to many, Cantonese opera lovers and overseas viewers alike who didn’t have a chance to watch the show live on stage during its special run.

Where to buy
Note: My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: Dream Of The West Chamber (4DVD Limited Edition) (Hong Kong Version) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/dream-of-the-west-chamber-4dvd-limited-edition-hong-kong-version/1004569171-0-0-0-en/info.html

Lung Kim Sang

2010-04-18T10:00:00.060-04:00

龍劍笙
(Alternate Cantonese Romanization of the name: Lung Gim Saang, Loong Kin Sang)

Lung Kim Sang 龍劍笙 (Long Kiếm Sanh) was born Sabrina Lee Poh Sang 李菩生 (Lý Bồ Sanh) in 1944 into a family of 8 siblings. Lung Kim Sang is a stage name given by Ms. Lee’s mentors, master Cantonese opera performers, Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin. More often, she is affectionately known and called by friends and fans as Ah Pau 阿刨.

Ms. Lung Kim Sang
Photo Source: Radio Television Hong Kong (香港電台 RTHK) - Press Release 新聞稿

When the Sin Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe held an open enrollment in 1960 to recruit chorus/dancing unit for Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin’s new production work of Cantonese opera “The new Legend of the White Snake” [白蛇新傳] Baak Ji San Cyun, Lee Poh Sang applied in response to the open call.

After eight months of intense training, she was selected to be a part of the Sin Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe. Under Yam/Pak’s guidance, Lung Kim Sang learned the art, especially specializing in playing male roles (e.g. young scholar 粵劇小生 jyut kek siu saang) like master Yam’s herself.

In 1965, Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe was officially formed under the wings of Yam/Pak’s Sin Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe. The original selection of trainees from the open enrollment was to head Chor Fung Ming. The troupe started out by performing Cantonese Opera excerpts (once made famous by Sin Fung Ming) then to complete Cantonese operas starting in the late 60s. Chor Fung Ming eventually succeeded Sin Fung Ming as Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin retired in 1972.

For the following 20 years (during the 70s & 80s), Lung Kim Sang performed opposite Mui Suet See as the two led Chor Fung Ming in performances locally and overseas tours to Southeast Asia, North America and Australia.

In 1992, Lung Kim Sang made the announcement to retire from stage. She was then immigrated to Vancouver, Canada.

Only twelve years later, in 2004, Lung Kim Sang came back to stage on the occasion to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her master Yam Kim Fai’s death.

Re-united along side her long time stage’s partner Mui Suet See and with the supporting performance from Yam Bing Yi and Chu Kim Dan, she reprised an excerpt from the Cantonese opera “The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom” in a commemoration cum charity program called Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che [重披霓裳歌遍徹] Cung Pei Ngai Soeng Go Bin Cit.

It was the show that officially kicked off a series of returning to stage production of complete Cantonese Opera classics "Dream of the West Chamber" in 2005 and "Princess Chang Ping" in 2006. Both starred Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See.

Credits and/or Citations:
The above written artist's profile does incorporate researched information from various sources including reading materials from the Internet (e.g. wikipedia.org), TV/radio interviews, movie DVD Stars' Files and so on.

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/龍劍笙

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loong_Kin_Sang

Stars' Files from the 1977 movie musical adaptation of Cantonese Opera The Legend Of Purple Hairpin [紫釵記] Zi Caa Gei - released by Universe Laser & Video Co., Ltd.

Ms. Lung Kim Sang's photo [http://www.rthk.org.hk/APSuppics/mfile_66_47940_4.jpg] is sourced from Radio Television Hong Kong (香港電台 RTHK) - Press Release 新聞稿 [http://www.rthk.org.hk/press/chi/20021025_66_47940.html].

Mui Suet See

2010-04-18T10:00:00.053-04:00

梅雪詩
(Alternate Cantonese Romanization of the name: Mui Syut Si, Mui Shet Sze)

Mui Suet See 梅雪詩 (Mai Tuyết Thi) was born on July 20 as Mandy Fung Lai Man 馮麗雯 (Phùng Lệ Văn). She is the eldest in her family of 7 siblings. Mui Suet See is a stage name given by Ms. Fung’s mentors, master Cantonese opera performers, Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin. More often, she is affectionately known and called by friends and fans as Ah De 阿嗲 (De Gu 嗲姑).

Ms. Mui Suet See
Photo Source: ent.sina.com (SINA Corporation 新浪) and TUNGSTAR - East Star Entertainment 東星娛樂

When the Sin Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe held an open enrollment in 1960 to recruit chorus/dancing unit for Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin’s new production work of Cantonese opera “The new Legend of the White Snake” [白蛇新傳] Baak Ji San Cyun, Fung Lai Man applied in response to the open call.

After eight months of intense training, she was selected to be a part of the Sin Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe. Under Yam/Pak’s guidance, Mui Suet See learned the art, specializing in playing female roles (e.g. young belle 粵劇花旦 jyut kek faa daan) like master Pak’s herself.

In 1965, Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe was officially formed under the wings of Yam/Pak’s Sin Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe. Original selection of trainees from the open enrollment was to head Chor Fung Ming. The troupe started out by performing Cantonese Opera excerpts (once made famous by Sin Fung Ming) then to complete Cantonese operas starting in the late 60s.

For the following 20 years (during the 70s & 80s), Mui Suet See performed opposite Lung Kim Sang as the two led Chor Fung Ming in performances locally and overseas tours to Southeast Asia, North America and Australia. She also starred in three movie musical adaptation of Cantonese operas with Lung Kim Sang in the mid to late 70s.

After Lung Kim Sang announced her retirement from stage and immigrated to Canada in 1992, Mui Suet See partnered with Mr. Lam Kam Tong 林錦堂 to form Hing Fung Ming [慶鳳鳴劇團] Opera Troupe in May of 1993. The troupe went on to become Hong Kong’s renowned Cantonese Opera troupe to date.

In 2004, Mui Suet See re-united along side her long time stage’s partner Lung Kim Sang on the occasion to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their master Yam Kim Fai’s death.

Together with the supporting performance from Yam Bing Yi and Chu Kim Dan, they reprised an excerpt from the Cantonese opera “The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom” in a commemoration cum charity program called Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che [重披霓裳歌遍徹] Cung Pei Ngai Soeng Go Bin Cit.

It was the show that officially kicked off a series of returning to stage production of complete Cantonese Opera classics "Dream of the West Chamber" in 2005 and "Princess Chang Ping" in 2006. Both starred Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See.

Credits and/or Citations:
The above written artist's profile does incorporate researched information from various sources including reading materials from the Internet (e.g. wikipedia.org), TV/radio interviews, movie DVD Stars' Files and so on.

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/梅雪詩

http://lamkamtong.com/

Stars' Files from the 1977 movie musical adaptation of Cantonese Opera The Legend Of Purple Hairpin [紫釵記] Zi Caa Gei - released by Universe Laser & Video Co., Ltd.

Ms. Mui Suet See's photo is sourced from ent.sina.com (SINA Corporation 新浪) and TUNGSTAR - East Star Entertainment 東星娛樂.

2004 Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che

2010-04-07T22:35:00.057-04:00

Literal English Translation: Raise the rainbow costume, Lift the song through time

(Pinyin: zhong pi ni chang ge bian che)
重披霓裳歌遍徹
Cung Pei Ngai Soeng Go Bin Cit

presented by
Yam/Pak Charitable Foundation Limited
(source: Crown Record Co., Ltd CD cover)

This is a very special live performance of Cantonese Opera excerpts performed by the best and brightest students of Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin’s Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe on the occasion to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the death of Yam Kim Fai and in supporting of Yam/Pak Charitable Foundation Limited.

Part 1. Opening Title - Forever Yam Kim Fai 永遠的任劍輝 (1913~1989)
A short slide show featuring documentary pictures of Ms. Yam's life and work through time

Part 2. Program Introduction
Host of the evening, Lydia Shum Din Ha, welcomes the audience and guests including an honored guest, Ms. Pak Suet Sin.

Shortly after Lydia giving a run down of the planned Cantonese Opera excerpts together with the performers' name in each segment, the performance for the night is then officially started!

Part 3. Cantonese Opera excerpt I: Butterfly and the Red Pear Blossom ~ Ending Reward 蝶影紅梨記之酬願 Dip Jeng Gung Lei Gei Zi Cau Jyun

Script by Tong Tik Sang
- performed by Chu Kim Dan and Tse Suet Sum.

Part 4. Cantonese Opera excerpt II: The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom ~ Chance Encounter 再世紅梅記之折梅巧遇 Zoi Sai Gung Mui Gei Zi Zit Mui Haau Jyu

Script by Tong Tik Sang
- performed by Connie Chan Po Chu and Mui Suet See.

Part 5. Cantonese Opera excerpt III: The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom ~ Save Pui 再世紅梅記之脫阱救裴 Zoi Sai Gung Mui Gei Zi Tyut Zing Gau Pui

Script by Tong Tik Sang
- performed by Lung Kim Sang, Mui Suet See
and supported by Yam Bing Yi 任冰兒 (Yam Kim Fai's younger sister), Chu Kim Dan.

Part 6. The Curtain Call
Lydia Shum thanks the audience on behalf of the entire cast and Yam/Pak Charitable Foundation Limited for their supports of the show as well as the charity event. She is then introducing Ms. Pak who spoke fondly of her beloved stage's partner Ms. Yam.

Yam/Pak's students get back to stage for their final bows only after gestured in touching the empty chair laid with a red rose, which was specifically positioning on the center stage, in commemorating the presence of Yam Kim Fai.

Part 7. Behind-the-Scenes Highlights

Yam/Pak’s students and friends speak with gratitude and fondness in thanking and reminiscing of their teacher and friend, Yam Kim Fai.
Back stage footages of the cast rehearing for the performance, participating in the praying ceremony before the show and gathering for group picture as they were leaving stage after the performance
More on slide show of Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin back in the good old days including stills from movies they made together as well as Cantonese stage operas that they had performed with the Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe.

* * *

Produced in 2004, the show was well put together in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of Yam Kim Fai’s death. What is more appropriate to remember one’s beloved sister, stage’s partner, teacher and friend by putting on a show to showcase excerpts from the Cantonese Opera classics that Ms. Yam once raised the stage. Those excerpts were performed by none other than Ms. Yam’s very own students: Lung Kim Sang, Mui Suet See, Connie Chan, Chu Kim Dan and Tse Suet Sum as a way to pay respect in thanking their teacher. Moreover, it is also a charity show in supporting for the continuation of the art.

Although this is the show that officially kicked off it all for a series of returning to stage production of complete Cantonese Opera classics “Dream of the West Chamber” in 2005 and “Princess Chang Ping” in 2006, I bought and watched the DVD recording of this show last, only after finished viewing “Princess Chang Ping” and “Dream of the West Chamber”, respectively.

It's great to see more of Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See’s performances. It confirms that they are the best among Cantonese Opera artists and they do live up to be called Yam/Pak’s successors.

The performance marks Ms. Lung Kim Sang’s returning to stage after 12 years of retiring from stage since 1992. Through her superb acting and singing in the third segment, it is surprising to learn that Ms. Lung had been away from stage for such a long time.

As for Ms. Mui Suet See, she acted and sang well in both segments; the first along side Connie Chan Po Chu and the second opposite her long time stage’s partner, Lung Kim Sang. It’s hard to pick the character of which segments that she played best since they are both very different and that Ms. Mui played them both superlatively; one is an adorable young Chiu Yung with uttering cuteness while the other one is an ill-fated spirit Lee Wai Leung with much sadness and maturity.

It is also the first time I have a chance to watch Ms. Connie Chan performed in full Cantonese Opera’s make up and all. And, she did manage it competently.

Yet, not to mention Chu Kim Dan and Tse Suet Sum together with the supporting singers/dancers, they did a great job in opening the show with an excerpt from the "Butterfly and the Red Pear Blossom".

* * *

Overall, I enjoy the show and that I’m happy with the technical aspects of the DVD recording released by Crown Records. (Though, the missing English subtitles would be a nice addition.) It is always a joy to learn more about Cantonese Opera, especially Yam/Pak’s legacy.

My personal pick for the favorite song must be the ending song from the second excerpt. Of course, the best segment must be the performance from Lung, Mui, Yam and Chu in the third/last excerpt; whereas, the appearance of Lee Wai Leung's ghost/spirit and the finale ending fight scene put "The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom ~ Save Pui" over the top.

Notes:
For those who are not very familiar with the story/plot of the referencing Cantonese Opera classics (like Mei, myself :), I have researched the following information to share with us all:

Reference Excerpt I - Scholar Yu-chau becomes the Number One Scholar and gets reunited with So-chau.

Synopsis of "Butterfly and the Red Pear Blossom"

"Famed courtesan Tse So-chau comes to admire Chiu Yu-chau by reading his literary works during their three-year correspondence. Their final rendezvous in the monastery during the Lantern Festival cannot take place because So-chau is ordered back by the Prime Minister. Treacherous minister Wong Fu forces her to marry a barbaric king in an attempt to cement diplomatic relationship. Yu-chau plunges into despondency not knowing that So-chau has successfully extricated herself by faking her death.

Eventually, a butterfly steers Yu-chau's way to see So-chau, who chooses not to reveal her true self but to assume the identity of a ghost to urge Yu-chau to concentrate on his studies. Upon becoming the Number One Scholar, Yu-chau punishes Fu and marries So-chau."

-- from the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) http://ipac.hkfa.lcsd.gov.hk

Reference Excerpt II - Scholar Pui Jyu 裴禹 went to pick plum blossoms and coincidentally ran into Chiu Yung, whose look is in resemblance of Lee Wai Leung, whom he met and fell in love with.

Reference Excerpt III - Pui Jyu gets to know the story of Lee Wai Leung's death as her spirit appears to him. They also learn about their true love for each other. That night, Lee Wai Leung was there to warn Pui Jyu of harm coming his way and to help him fending away the evil work ordered by the government official.

Read more about "The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom" at: http://www.moviefanprincess.com/plumblossom.html
It's a review of the 1968 film adaptation of Tong Tik Sang's The Reincarnation of Lady Plum Blossom Cantonese Opera. The movie starred Connie Chan, Nam Hung and Leung Sing Po.

Credits and/or Citations:
The above photo references are sourced from Crown Record Co., Ltd's 2004 Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che CD booklet.

1975 Laugh in the Sleeve

2010-04-02T22:30:00.059-04:00

(Pinyin: san xiao yin yuan)
三笑姻緣
Saam Siu Jan Jyun

a LEE TIT film
"Laugh in the Sleeve"
(source: Modern Records' DVD cover)

Released in 1975, this is the first of three movie musical versions of the Cantonese Opera genre series that Lung Kim Sang (龍劍笙) and Mui Suet See (梅雪詩) made together back in the 70's. The other two are 1976 Princess Chang Ping [帝女花] Dai Nui Fa and 1977 The Legend Of Purple Hairpin [紫釵記] Zi Caa Gei.

The story is about one most talented of the four scholars from Gong Naam 江南, Tong Bak Fu 唐伯虎 (Lung Kim Sang), who felt in love at first sight with a maid, Chow Heung 秋香 (Mui Suet See), whom Tong met on the way to the temple as Chow Heung accompanied the wife of Grand chancellor Wah 華太師 (Lan Chi Pak 靚次伯) to the temple for prayers.

In order to get closer to Chow Heung and to win her heart, Tong tried to enter the Wah family’s house by getting a job there as a servant to the Grand chancellor Wah’s two sons, Wah Man 華文 (Leung Sing Po 梁醒波) and Wah Mou 華武 (Tam Bing Man 譚炳文).

Interesting enough, Grand chancellor Wah’s second son’s wife, Ji Siu Naai 二少奶 (Lee Heung Kam), happens to be Tong’s cousin sister. With whom he made a bet that he would be able to woo and marry Chow Heung in two months. Else, he will lose 3,000 silver dollars to his cousin (or he’ll win them all, if otherwise!).

Would Tong, disguised as servant Wah On 華安, be successful in wining Chow Heung’s love? Or, will his cousin try to intervene the couple in keeping her from losing out the bet to Tong? And, did Tong in with his plan for love or the money?

Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See in character for Laugh in the Sleeve
(source: Modern Audio Ltd CD cover)

* * *

Personally, this is a very fun and entertaining movie musical version of Tong Tik Sang’s Cantonese Opera classic Tong’s Affair. There are a lot of comical and adorable moments; especially, those exchanges between Tong/Wah On and Chow Heung. Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See are both very cute in portraying their witty characters of Tong and Chow Heung, respectively. Their chemistry is great and their charisma is magnetism!

It’s a rare treat in getting to watch Ms. Lung and Ms. Mui’s performance back in those early days while they were making names for themselves with the Chor Fung Ming [雛鳳鳴劇團] Young Phoenix Opera Troupe, a troupe that succeeded their mentors Yam Kim Fai (任劍輝) and Pak Suet Sin (白雪仙)’s originally founded Sin Fung Ming [仙鳳鳴劇團] Opera Troupe. That is not to mention special appearances from Lan Chi Pak, Leung Sing Po, Tam Bing Man, Lee Heung Kam, Chu Kim Dan and Lydia Shum Din Ha (沈殿霞) in the supporting roles.

* * *

In regard to the media technical aspects, I bought this movie musical DVD of the Cantonese Opera genre released by Modern Audio Ltd. Though it is watchable, the transfer quality is not that great. There are many vertical and horizontal black lines, white and/or yellow spots appearing in a few parts, one more than the others. The audio is faded in and out at time and the picture is paused in a couple of scenes before being transitioned to the next as if something was edited out. The Chinese subtitles (for songs only) are displayed in the hard to read white colored font and that those should be read the traditional way, from right to left that is.

However, due the great quality of the movie musical itself, in term of casting and production wise at the time, it is enough to overlook the aforementioned issues with the DVD transferring quality and hope for a digitally remastered DVD version in the near future to do the Cantonese Opera movie musical “Laugh in the Sleeve” its justice.

Credits and/or Citations:
The above written review does incorporate researched movie data information from the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) and some elements of the Linguistic Society of Hong Kong (LSHK) Cantonese Romanization Jyutping via the Cantonese to Pinyin online conversion tool by Dofufa.

Where to buy
Note: This is for information only. My Abido is not responsible for the content of external websites!

YESASIA: Laugh In The Sleeve (1975) (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) [DVD Region All] http://www.yesasia.com/us/laugh-in-the-sleeve-1975-dvd-hong-kong-version/1010690762-0-0-0-en/info.html

YESASIA: Laugh In The Sleeve 三笑姻緣 (2CD) http://www.yesasia.com/us/san-xiao-yin-yuan-quan-tao-2cd/1022824771-0-0-0-en/info.html

Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Collection

2010-03-30T22:00:00.059-04:00

These are script books, live stage performances DVD, CD audio recordings and the 70s DVD movie musical versions of Hong Kong Cantonese Opera together with their original soundtrack that I have collected.

[Note: All starring/performed by Lung Kim Sang 龍劍笙 and Mui Suet See 梅雪詩 unless otherwise noted!]

Cantonese Opera script books:

The Flower Princess: A Cantonese Opera by Tong Dik Sang [Hardcover]

Bell Yung

Sonia Ng

Katherine Carlitz

The Chinese University Press

Cantonese Opera TV performances:

2011 Lung Kim Sang and Mui Suet See Cantonese Opera Collection [龍劍笙梅雪詩粵劇寶典] (CD + Karaoke DVD) - a four volume set - Traditional Chinese subtitles

	Vol.1 1. 帝女花-香夭 2. 紅樓夢-幻覺離恨天 3. 蝶影紅梨記-亭會 4. 白兔會-相遇
JV Entertainment JVE-0028A

	Vol.2 1. 李後主-私會 2. 李後主-去國歸降
JV Entertainment JVE-0028B

	Vol.3 1. 牡丹亭驚夢-遊園驚夢 2. 牡丹亭驚夢-幽媾
JV Entertainment JVE-0028C

	Vol.4 1. 再世紅梅記-折梅巧遇 2. 九天玄女-天女于歸 3. 遊龍戲鳳 4. 俏潘安-店遇
JV Entertainment JVE-0028D

Cantonese Opera audio recordings:

2005 Hong Lou Xue Ying Meng Cheng Shi [紅樓雪影夢成詩] Hung Lau Syut Jing Mung Sing Si (CD + Karaoke DVD); performed by Mui Suet See
1. 葬花
2. 焚稿、歸天
Album audio recording
Mui Suet See Production Co., Ltd
MSS 041102

Cantonese Opera stage performances:

2006/07 Princess Changping [帝女花] Dai Nui Fa (4-Disc DVD Limited Edition) - Traditional Chinese subtitles
2005 Dream of the West Chamber [西樓錯夢] Sai Lau Chor Mung (4-Disc DVD Limited Edition) - No subtitles
2004 Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che [重披霓裳歌遍徹] (2-Disc DVD); starring Lung Kim Sang, Mui Suet See, Connie Chan Po Chu 陳寶珠, Chu Kim Dan 朱劍丹, Susan Tse Suet Sum 謝雪心 (Tạ Tuyết Tâm)

Audio recordings of Cantonese Opera stage performances:

2006/07 Princess Chang Ping (4CD Deluxe Edition); performed by Mui Suet See, Lung Kim Sang and the Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe 雛鳳鳴劇團
2004 Zhong Pi Ni Chang Ge Bian Che (2CD); performed by Lung Kim Sang, Mui Suet See, Connie Chan Po Chu, Chu Kim Dan, Tse Suet Sum
蝶影紅梨記之酬願 – 朱劍丹/謝雪心
再世紅梅記之折梅巧遇 – 陳寶珠/梅雪詩
再世紅梅記之脫阱救裴 – 龍劍笙/梅雪詩/任冰兒/朱劍丹
Crown Record
1987 LIU YI DELIVERS A LETTER :: Send Off :: 柳毅傳書之洞庭十送 (24bit Gold CD); performed by Mui Suet See and Lung Kim Sang
洞庭十送
Album audio recording
Wing Hang Record YSCD-1139
1977 The Legend of Purple Hairpin 新紫釵記 (2CD); performed by Mui Suet See, Lung Kim Sang and the Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe 雛鳳鳴劇團
第一段燈街拾翠
第二段吞釵拒婚
第三段花前遇俠
第四段劍合釵圓
Original soundtrack excerpts
Crown Record CCD-2003
1976 The Floral Princess (Crown Records 50th Anniversary Gold Discs Series) 帝女花主題曲 (娛樂唱片五十週年金碟系列); performed by Mui Suet See, Lung Kim Sang
第一段庵遇
第二段香劫
第三段香夭
第四段迎仙
Original soundtrack excerpts
Crown Record CCD-202
1975 Laugh in the Sleeve 三笑姻緣 (2CD); performed by Mui Suet See, Lung Kim Sang and the Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe 雛鳳鳴劇團
(全套)
A complete original sountrack
Modern Records MCD-8701

70s Movie musical versions of Cantonese Opera genre:

1977 The Legend of Purple Hairpin [紫釵記] - Traditional Chinese/English subtitles
1976 Princess Chang Ping (DTS Version) (Digitally Remastered) - English subtitles
1975 Laugh in the Sleeve [三笑姻緣] - No subtitles

Making Leap to Cantonese Opera

2010-03-29T21:45:00.035-04:00

Lately, I have been spending time watching and re-watching DVD recordings of various live stage performances as well as movie versions of Cantonese operatic productions.

It all started out with the re-viewing of the Cantonese musical production of “The Dark Tales” [聊齋新誌] following by “A Sentimental Journey” [劍雪浮生]. Those are the first two theatre productions on DVDs that I happen to own until my collection has been extended recently to include Cantonese Opera.

In retrospect, I felt connected with “The Dark Tales” almost immediately (at the very first viewing ;) since the musical strikes a lot of familiarized elements that I have been introduced before in ancient costume TVB TV series of the 80s - in term of characters and settings along with classic Cantonese songs and dances.

As for “A Sentimental Journey”, it did not clicked to me right then, mainly due to my lack of knowledge about the who’s who in Hong Kong’s Cantonese Opera history.

The retelling of the celebrated lives and work stories of talented Cantonese operatic playwright Tong Tik Sang 唐滌生 and master Cantonese operatic performers Yam Kim Fai 任劍輝 and Pak Suet Sin 白雪仙 didn’t initially come across as an inspirational piece of a musical production.

Only on the second viewing, a long five years following the first, I began to get a hang at the alternate storytelling scenes that were acted out in highlighting and documenting those career lives of Tong Tik Sang, Yam Kim Fai and Pak Suet Sin as they crossed paths and made their marks in the history of Cantonese Opera.

This second chance of viewing allows me to watch “A Sentimental Journey” from a different perspective. I started to appreciate how cleverly the show were put together and what wonderful performance it was from the cast, especially from Connie Chan Po Chu, Au Ka Man and Leung Hon Wai in their portraying of Yam Kim Fai, Pak Suet Sin and Tong Tik Sang respectively.

Moreover, the stories of Yam, Pak and Tong, the development of the Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe and the traditional art form of Cantonese Opera in particular had intrigued me greatly. It re-ignited the passion in me to fully return with my first love for stage performances.

Yet, before making that leap, I did wait out just a bit longer. . .

The only stage production that I was hesitating in getting my hand on since I last bought “A Sentimental Journey” is “Only You” [天之驕子]. It’s another Cantonese musical performance produced by Spring-Time Stage Productions, starring Connie Chan Po Chu and Adam Cheng Siu Chow.

At the time, my main reason for hesitating in buying “Only You” was because the Hong Kong DVD version of the recording set was produced without English subtitles. Although I was able to understand conversational Cantonese, what are being spoken and sang on stage is a whole different story; especially, when classic poem like referencing narration is being recited in between dances and songs.

However, after being mesmerized via the second viewing of “A Sentimental Journey”, I braced myself to manage with only traditional Chinese subtitles. As it turned out, the viewing of “Only You” was fun and interesting due to the light-hearted story of Mang Lai Kwan 孟麗君 (Mạnh Lệ Quân) and the incorporation of some Cantonese operatic elements.

And “Yes!” I did manage to make the most in understanding the performance (with a bit of guessing going on, of course :). That boosted my confidence in looking forward to truly watch a typical Cantonese Opera performance in its entirety (all 7? parts in 3-4 hours).

Nevertheless, I felt so nervous upon the moment I placed the ordering for the 2006/07 returning to stage production of the Cantonese Opera classic “Princess Chang Ping” [帝女花] Dai Nui Fa. Besides the fact that it was a very big investment money wise, by doing so, I'm ready to commit myself to Cantonese Opera. It’s no longer simply a stage musical. And the rest is history since I felt completely in love with it!

Love Letter

2009-07-03T20:44:00.007-04:00

When it hurts so much to watch, you know that you are in for a good TV drama series.

Or, at least, it is what I personally feel about the 2003 MBC Korean drama series "Love Letter".

Jung Woo Jin, Andrew & Cho Eun Ha

Photo Source: www.imbc.com
http://img.imbc.com/tv/drama/loveletter/html/photo/01.jpg

Like others drama series I have watched before like Beautiful Days, Winter Sonata, and Stairway to Heaven, Love Letter has delivered the same heart tugging feeling.

Usually, the normal length of a 16 episodes series can be getting through rather quickly. But, it is not this time around. The series seems longer and we are taking time watching one episode at a time after we got through the first 10 episodes or so.

A break in between episodes is rather needed to reflect on the definition of true love. . . holding on or letting go? Loving and hurting. . . Greed and sacrify. . . Life and death. . .

Cho Eun Ha
(First arrived at the church's Angel House for Orphanage)

Photo Source: www.imbc.com
http://img.imbc.com/tv/drama/loveletter/html/photo/20.jpg

Despite having the same name, Lee Woo Jin/Andrea (Jo Hyun Jae) and Jung Woo Jin (Ji Jin Hee) lead a very different life. Yet, they share equally love for the same woman, Cho Eun Ha (Soo Ae) and the longing for caring affection from the one they both called, "Mother!"

Dr. Yim Kyung Eun
(Andrew's mom)

Photo Source: www.imbc.com
http://img.imbc.com/tv/drama/loveletter/html/photo/31.jpg

Perhaps, Andrea has been called to share God’s greater love that cannot be contained just for one person, but for all people.

Andrew & Father Peter
(Andrew's maternal uncle)

Photo Source: www.imbc.com
http://img.imbc.com/tv/drama/loveletter/html/photo/10.jpg

Still, Andrea is also a human being too. And that he has been struggling to think through…

The mother he thought he lost when he was young that now have been found. She is now having a family of her own. There is no rightful place for him to fit in. Through, he loves them very much.

As he preparing to take the final step in dedicating his life serving God, he discovered a truth that he has to face in acknowledging his love for his only childhood friend, Eun Ha. It was a feeling he had been trying hard to suppress, which prevents him from being truly free.

Finally, Andrea had to make peace in his friendship with Jung Woo Jin, whom he befriended, resented and empathized with.

Since I’m curious to learn about Ms. (Park) Soo Ae’s acting while waiting for the release of the 2007 MBC 9 End 2 Outs, I have decided to take on Soo Ae’s earlier drama series, Love Letter, and it has been satisfactory so far. Better yet, I’m impressed with her memorable performance and that I have started to like her as one of my favorite actresses.

Next up, I plan to watch Soo Ae’s other works including her 2004 Blue Dragon Awards Best New Actress winning performance in A Family and the well-known historical TV drama series, Emperor of the Sea.

Glass Slippers

2009-06-05T21:45:00.018-04:00

"God will never give you any thing that you cannot bear."

Chairman Kim said to Sun Woo, Glass Slippers

Originally, I had no intention to watch the entire 40 episodes of the 2002 SBS Korean TV drama series "Glass Slippers" (Giầy Thủy Tinh) even at a friend’s recommendation.

When there were no new releases and it happened that the series was on sale, I ended up buying it and started the grueling process of watching the series without much expectation.

Among the starred actors, I only had seen Han Jae Suk once in the 2000 MBC Korean TV drama series "All About Eve" and that I only heard about So Ji Sub for all the praises that he got in 2004 SBS "What Happened in Bali" and KBS "Sorry I Love You." Other than that, I have not seen lead actresses Kim Hyun Ju and/or Kim Ji Ho in any of the drama series previously.

The drama series itself reminds me much of the story lines from SBS 2001 "Beautiful Days" and MBC 2000 "Truth" to a point that the theme music for Lee Sun Woo/Kim Yoon Hee (Kim Hyun Ju) and Jang Jae Huk (Han Jae Suk) in the first 20 episodes or so is the same as the one that was played in Beautiful Days. It irritated me a bit. Can they use something else? Luckily, they finally switched to a different sound track playing in those later episodes.

Toward the end, the drama picked up steam as the story developed and characters matured. There were moments touched the viewers’ hearts. Its charm somewhat helped to erase some lackluster moments experienced earlier in the series. Personally, it is an okay series to me - not great, but not too bad either.

In regard to the acting performances, I don’t think that the role of Jang Jae Huk fits Han Jae Suk well. He seemed awkward carrying the role. Thus, his character didn’t come off as authentic as his portrayal of Kim Woo Jin in All About Eve.

Jang Jae Huk & Kim Tae Hee

Photo Source: img.sbs.co.kr
http://img.sbs.co.kr/newimg/star/photo/524-31_20020312111641.jpg

So Ji Sub was dead on with his comical Bruce Lee imitation. I’m interesting about the other roles that he took on since his role as Park Chul Woong in Glass Slippers doesn’t give a feel for his acting direction, though his character is likable.

Park Chul Woong & Lee Sun Woo/Kim Yoon Hee

Photo Source: img.sbs.co.kr
http://img.sbs.co.kr/newimg/star/photo/524-6_20020311153537.jpg

Kim Hyun Ju’s acting is refreshing as the always lovely and cheerful Sun Woo. Yet, I sometimes get frustrated with the character that she played.

And then, there was Kim Ji Ho as Sun Woo/Yoon Hee’s older sister, Kim Tae Hee. I initially didn’t like her character as a career oriented, determined woman - very dry. . .

But, hidden behind it all are the deepest love for her baby sister, Yoon Hee, and the lovingly devotion for the only man in her life, Jang Jae Huk. So, it is not difficult to see into her suffering when she feels betrayed by Jang Jae Huk and when she wants to give the best of things for her sister even at sending Jae Huk to Yoon Hee.

As the story progressed, I slowly fell for the charm of Kim Ji Ho’s acting. She portrayed the character well - strong head, but equally love and human - very authentic.

Later in the series, I kept on hoping for a romantic development between Tae Hee and Jang Jae Huk’s gangster leader friend, Lee In Soo (Lee Ki Young). In Soo was the one that sent Tae Hee to Jang Jae Huk when she was young. I actually wanted Tae Hee and In Soo to get together as the director’s shots often hinted so as they exchanged looks at each other when they are in the same frame.

And it is a nice way to put it for the viewers to interpret and decide as the two sisters walk off to the sunset in their childhood home town. . .

Goodbye Choi Jin Sil

2008-10-02T19:18:00.012-04:00

Just as I started to get interested and looking forward to see more of her works, she has left us.

Choi Jin Sil
1968 - 2008

Photo Source: MBC Global Media

The news of Ms. Choi Jin-sil’s sudden death came as a shock and I’m saddened by it. My heart goes out to those of her children, family, friends and colleagues. May their heart and soul find peace and comfort.

The Korean public and the Korean entertainment have indeed lost one of their most talented and celebrated artists.

Though Choi Jin-sil has gone, she has left behind the gift of her great works in which she lives on...

To us, those who only getting to know her through her works and learning to appreciate and respect her artistry, Choi Jin-sil is always a star in our heart! We continue to wish her all the best - peace and happiness wherever she might be.~

TVB City Studio

2008-09-27T18:36:00.060-04:00

I first got a chance to watch Hong Kong movies and TVB television series was in the early 90s. It was my cousin brothers who introduced those to me.

At the time, their favorite movie star was Jackie Chan (Thành Long). As for some of their many favorite kung-fu historical drama series are: Chor Lau Heung 楚留香 starring Adam Cheng (Trịnh Thiếu Thu), The Demi Gods & Semi Devils 1982 天龍八部 (Thiên Long Bát Bộ), Legend of the Condor Heroes 1983 射鵰英雄傳 (Xạ Điêu Anh Hùng Truyện/Anh Hùng Xạ Điêu), The Return of the Condor Heroes 1983 神鵰俠侶 (Thần Điêu Hiệp Lữ/Dương Quá – Tiểu Long Nữ) and The New Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre 1986 倚天屠龍記 (Ỷ Thiên Kiếm Đồ Long Đao/Cô Gái Đồ Long).

That is not to mention the gangster drama The Bund 上海灘 (Bến Thượng Hải) starring Chow Yun-fat (Châu Nhuận Phát).

TV City Studio
Photo by: Paul Fox

Having worked as live-in laborers for factories in the Chinese populated Cho Lon District 5 (Saigon, Vietnam), my brothers found an enjoyment in getting to know about Hong Kong movies and television series as they were offered as a type of entertainment by the factory employers to be shared with the employees on off time.

And it is understandable for my brothers finding the "ooh" and "aww" in watching the play back of those movies and television series since we all grew up watching TV shows on a black and white television set and listening to the airing of the afternoon and night programs from an old radio. The fact of getting a color television set was already hard to come by, letting alone the VHS head for playing back recorded video tapes.

Not until we immigrated to the States where local Vietnamese video rental shops for Hong Kong movies and TV series were not hard to find and the VHS head was readily available to us.

On snow days, we each cuddled up watching them away - one episode after the next - under the spell of the Hong Kong cinematic and television studios.~

Catching the Waves

2008-09-27T09:52:00.012-04:00

After the death of Anita Mui late in 2003, I became disinterested in the Hong Kong entertainment as a way of coping with the great loss of one of Asian most talented and beloved entertainer.

Two years later, I started to ease back in following my love for stage, film and music one again. I did it on my own term without much of expectation.

It was as if I was back out at the beach catching those waves crashing ashore, bringing along a cultural flow with much curiosity to learn and to experience. Those are the Korean waves!

Though I had heard about the Korean television series, their companion soundtrack and the popular music, I was still very skeptical in disregarding all hypes. I stubbornly refused to take up on the raving series of Winter Sonata even when a close family relative introduced it to me.

Until there were the days I found myself anxiously waiting for the showing of the next episode of Country Princess playing on my native television station and watching many of the online episodes of Full House in one sitting. That was when I knew I had become interested.

As of today, I’m enjoyed watching Korean television series with my parents and listening to Korean popular music in my free time. And that, I’m also collecting them. Along the way, I pick up the knack for making a choice on what series to watch and how to select music to listen to, which I’ll definitely share in the subsequence posting.~

Something About

2008-09-24T18:56:00.024-04:00

Choi Jin-sil

There is something about Choi Jin-sil that I cannot quite pinpoint exactly what it is. Whether it is her great acting skill or her hidden charm, there isn’t a reason to dislike her. Yet, I didn’t feel for her immediately in the beginning.

South Korean actress Choi Jin-sil (May 2008)
Photo: AP Photo/Yonhap, FILE
sourced from HuffingtonPost.com

I first watched Choi Jin-sil’s performance in Star in My Heart (aka Wish upon a Star) as she takes on the role of Yun-hee, an orphan who beats against all odds to become success in the fashion design and meets the love of her life along the way. I happened to stumble upon the series as I got curious about the early years of Korean television series. And, Star in My Heart is known as one of the series that got introduced outside of Korea.

Most recently, I really enjoyed watching Choi’s performance in The Last Scandal of My Life. The role of Hong Sun-hee ajuma fits her perfectly. It’s nice to see her in light hearted role with a comic touch in contrast to those dramatic ones.

Perhaps it is the maturity in her acting skill making me looking forward to see more of her works as they get released.~

Updated on October 2, 2008

IN MEMORIAM
Choi Jin Sil
1968 - 2008
Goodbye Choi Jin Sil

Last Scandal

2008-09-21T16:03:00.039-04:00

Making A Lasting Impression

In between finishing watching Be Strong, Geum-soon Volume 3 and waiting for the release of the final Volume 4 set, I picked up on The Last Scandal of My Life (Yêu Lần Cuối) and it turned out not a disappointment after all.

Last Scandal is a surprisingly funny, cute and yet, touching (family) romantic comedy.

Last Scandal Drama (2008)
Photo Source: MBC Global Media

It is interesting to learn of Ms. Choi Jin-sil (Hong Sun-hee, Last Scandal) response to an interview question in the Q&A segment asking her on how does she think about the fact the Last Scandal has ended on a high note (i.e. rave reviews and ratings). She truthfully and humbling said that the beginning of the Last Scandal wasn’t stellar.

And I must have to agree. Though the first three episodes are somewhat quirky and it seems like that all the elements are throwing at once, only until the last scene in the third episode starts to set the tone and pace for the rest of the series.

A middle aged woman works odd jobs to support her family as her husband carelessly gets the family in debt by gambling away the money in many attempts of failed businesses. He is now on the run or rather it is what he wants to say in tricking her into a divorce.
An actor lies about his age and lives a life of a super star. By accident, he meets his first love for the first time after 20 years. And he is about to be let into a secret of 15 years passed.
A man who sacrificed his life helping to make his younger brother a success; yet, only wants his brother to carry on a happy life – no matter who his brother chooses to be.
A woman comes to get back what are rightfully her; only that she gave up on them years ago.

Since it is not easily to give up on family, but once broken, can it be mended again?

My favorite quotes, slightly paraphrased, from the series are:

Sun-hee said to Jae-bin:

"When I was 19, you are my every thing, but now I’m 39 I have other obligations."

Dong-hwa said to Na-yun:

"If you hold on to something, it does not necessary be yours."

Thoughts to Ponder…
Many come from struggling and/or broken family. Is there hope? Can they strongly move on?

When we are young, we can live freely. But, as we grow older and especially when we start to live responsively not just for ourselves, we have the obligation for not disappointing someone we love dearly; whether that someone is our parents, spouses, children, friends or relatives.

Look at our mother! Does she forget to take care of herself while she lives selflessly for us, the children? And, yes, she does look as beautiful as ever because of her love is shining through. Wouldn’t we want to make her a Cinderella for a day?

Selfishly fighting for love or passively waiting for love is not what one want to possess love since love can only be found when both understand each other.

RECOMMEND READINGS:
* Information posted here may no longer be available at the site listed. In that case, please leave a note to report on broken links.

MBC Global Media Last Scandal Drama (2008)
Get it straight from the source for streaming/download preview, synopsis and casting
The Last Scandal of My Life at dramabeans.com by javabeans
For in-depth episode recaps and related news articles
Last Scandal – DramaWiki
For additional information and sometime rating numbers

My Love Affair

2008-09-20T09:33:00.013-04:00

With stage, film and music…

Ever since I was young, stage plays and musicals are a part of my life. Public television and radio were the only two sources at the time. My family was so poor then. We could not afford tickets for live performances staging nightly at various local theaters in the city.

Not until my family and I immigrated to the States in the winter of 1992, I had given the opportunity to get acquainted and experience different culture. Through the new journey, I learned to appreciate and embrace Broadway stage plays and musicals, classic and contemporary Hollywood movies and the American music.

At the same time, I did not forget to get in touch with my Asian roots. I found my way back by learning the languages and studying the culture diversity among Asian countries.

As I’m now finding myself enjoyed going to Broadway shows on tour at a local theatre, listening to Hong Kong music, watching Korean television series and learning Japanese Kanji characters brought by the Chishikiyoku Project, it is quite an educational experience.

Being a Vietnamese of Chinese heritage living in the States gives me the best of both worlds, East and West. I’m proud of who I am.

Blogger Personal Data

2008-09-18T17:55:00.018-04:00

Place of Birth: Saigon, Vietnam
Ancestry/Heritage: Guangdong, China
Nationality: Vietnamese American

Education Level: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Computer Science)
Occupation: computer programmer

Interest: Reading, writing, programming, learning foreign languages, listening to music, and enjoy different kinds of performing arts. And above all, taking time not to do those things in order to breathe!

Favorite Place: Home - yet, love to travel ;)

Most Respectable Artist(s): Anita Mui Yim-fong 梅艷芳 (Mai Diễm Phương), Lung Kim Sang 龍劍笙 (Long Kiếm Sanh) & Mui Suet See 梅雪詩 (Mai Tuyết Thi)

About

2008-09-18T16:17:00.034-04:00

My Abido is conceived with the purpose for putting together a personal online book catalog and media collection of for easy reference.

With My Abido, I would also want:

to pass on some (and hopefully useful) insights into what I’m collecting
to share with you all my personal thoughts on each piece; whether it’s about a book I read, a music album I have listened or a television series that I’m following.

At the same time, I like to hear back from you as you comment on things.

This blogging project is supposed to be entertained. So, it’s okay to tell me:

"Mei, you’re abido!"

What’s with the name?
Abido is English romanization shorthand for the Vietnamese phrase: À bì dớ.

Even in Vietnamese, the phrase does not have any meaning.

I was told by my parents that I used to utter such phrase earlier in my childhood whenever there was a request for me to sing a song.

Up till now, my parents still take it as something amusing. They do recollect from time to time – for their sole purpose in teasing me :)

Come to think about it, it is quite interesting as I found out from urbandictionary.com that the word abido is used to describe "anyone who has been an utter fool and needs to be told".

And yes, I took it positively and decided to use it in naming this blog.

	1. 葬花 2. 焚稿、歸天
Album audio recording Mui Suet See Production Co., Ltd MSS 041102

	蝶影紅梨記之酬願 – 朱劍丹/謝雪心再世紅梅記之折梅巧遇 – 陳寶珠/梅雪詩再世紅梅記之脫阱救裴 – 龍劍笙/梅雪詩/任冰兒/朱劍丹
Crown Record

	洞庭十送
Album audio recording Wing Hang Record YSCD-1139

	第一段燈街拾翠第二段吞釵拒婚第三段花前遇俠第四段劍合釵圓
Original soundtrack excerpts Crown Record CCD-2003

	第一段庵遇第二段香劫第三段香夭第四段迎仙
Original soundtrack excerpts Crown Record CCD-202

	(全套)
A complete original sountrack Modern Records MCD-8701