Wayne Lai, Michelle Yim, and Maggie Shiu Film “The Great Eunuch”
Starring Wayne Lai (黎耀祥), Michelle Yim (米雪), and Maggie Shiu (卲美琪) ,The Great Eunuch <大太監>, was one of TVB’s heavyweight dramas in 2012. Originally, the cast of The Great Eunuch was scheduled to leave Hong Kong on March 12th to film in Hengdian, China. Since TVB was attempting to accommodate international film and television exhibition, FILMART 2012, the date of departure was delayed by one week, upon which the cast will film in Hengdian until April. Wayne Lai indicated that he was happy to be able to participate in the annual showdown of FILMART 2012. With the imminent war to start in the Hong Kong free broadcasting industry, Wayne did not mind even donning “armor” help out!
FILMART 2012 was a four-day exhibition event starting on March 19th at the Convention Center. Following its normal practice, TVB will display its “showdown” of heavyweight dramas for the year, including: The Great Eunuch <大太監>, War and Beauty <金枝慾孽Ⅱ>, Fight Crime <雷霆掃毒>, Prominent Family <名媛望族> and Stairway to Heaven <天梯>.
Wayne Lai Wears Knee Pads To Avoid Exertion
Last night, Wayne Lai, Michelle Yim, and Maggie Shiu filmed an outdoor scene for The Great Eunuch at the Kowloon Walled City Park. The scene spoke of the little emperor seeking thrills which lead to a fire. Portraying an eunuch, Wayne saved the life of the little emperor in a timely manner. The event became the turning point in which Wayne gained the notice and trust of the Empress Dowager Cixi, portrayed by Michelle Yim. During the filming of the scene, Wayne knelt on the ground for several times while greeting Michelle. Fortunately, Wayne prepared in advance by wearing knee pads. Revealing that he will be kneeling often in the series, Wayne will wear knee pads to avoid discomfort.
Michelle Yim As Empress Dowager Cixi
Wayne was happy that The Great Eunuch was heavily regarded by TVB. “I do not mind putting on armor for a battle scene! Although it was difficult for everyone to film this palace series and the pedantic dialogue required a lot of time to memorize, but the partnership has been enjoyable. Michelle Yim delivers an elegant and grand impression in her portrayal of the Empress Dowager.”
Michelle thanked Wayne for his praise. Michelle noted, “The dialogue is beautifully written in The Great Eunuch. If the dialogue is memorized duly, then the lines will flow comfortably. I was not a strong student in school, thus I will need more time to memorize the lines.” Costar, Helen Ma (馬海倫), praised Michelle for possessing a good memory and having few outtakes. Maggie Shiu complimented Michelle for leading the cast towards immersion in their respective roles.
Wayne Possesses No Intention of Plastic Surgery
Recently filming an online shopping ad, Wayne noted that the make-up artist was able to transform his looks to make him appear more youthful. Filming the Outsmart <財智達人> program at night, Wayne reverted back to his normal look. In addition, Wayne wore a wig for the filming of the online ad, giving his hair a lush and thicker appearance. On the other hand, Wayne wore a cap for his Outsmart appearance, which resulted in a significant difference.
Stressing that he never considered plastic surgery, Wayne noted that the audience was accustomed to seeing his normal face. In addition, existing lighting and camera work can already produce wonders. As a man, Wayne was unable to easily accept plastic surgery. He felt that it was normal for one to exhibit the signs of aging and did not mind [about his looks].
Jayne: Wayne Lai’s face has more character with lines; in fact, he looks better now than when he was younger. Not a classically handsome face, but a relatable face.
Agree, Wayne looks like a good man, his looks aren’t outstanding but not a shady or sleazy look either. No need for plastic surgery!
I guess I like the cast and expect quite a performance from them… But… I’m a bit worried the storyline will be dry and not that interesting (a bit reminiscent of FH3)… I hope this is a well done palace series!
Whenever I watch new palace series, I miss Kwong Wa so much. He is by far the best TVB actor ever to portray Emperor roles and such. He has such a handsome face and regal demeanour. Sigh… I really wish TVB made the effort back then to keep the good actors instead of being ignorant and thinking they don’t need those actors as they can just “breed” new generation actors and actresses T___T
I generally don’t really rant about TVB’s downfall because everyone already does and I wasn’t around during the 80’s and early 90’s. Late 90s+ were more my scene. But really, when I think of palace series.. I just feel so utterly disappointed. Like, cannot even fathom the decline. No offence, but Moses, Sunny, Kevin … all really lame emperors. Even Oscar who I like .. not appealing as an emperor. Wayne, nope. Gahhh!~
Also, miss Bobby Auyeung in a palace drama! (Hence my excitement for the Dazzling Dance of ChangAn!) And Roger Kwok! Yeah, just been rewatching Happy Ever After and feeling nostalgic!
I miss Kwong Wah as well!!! and of course loved him in the palace series…just finished watching Lady Flower Fist so fuNNny!!
ew and yes Moses and Sunny and Kevin ARE lame emperors!! not a match at all.
Yes, Kwong Wah has the feel of rich!
I think Sunny makes an okay emperor. I don’t like Moses’ emperor portrayals though. But I agree that Kwong Wa makes excellent emperors!
And do watch 80s and early 90s dramas! They’re creative and good! Much better than the stuff that TVB is chugging out now.
Oh ….yes…. Kwong Wa is the BEST emperor of them all !! He has the “it” factor !
Sunny Chan is the worst haha…. so weak!
can’t wait to watch this one.
me too, since I’m a fan of ancient series.
Same here and have not seen a good ancient series from TVB in awhile now…
Excited to watch this!!!
The costumes look recycled.
They probably are since TVB is really known to recycle their costumes pretty frequently so save money. I don’t think it is a bad idea since it costs a lot of money to make the costumes and it would be a big waste to wear them only once.
I do think he is very handsome, especially in those ancient dramas. He is just not tall.
I think Wayne is charming but not really handsome…
Agree, Wayne is handsome, especially in ancient drama.
Haha… Wayne has great fans here!
He’s not handsome but he’s so good & patient, & has been an underdog for so long, one just cant help but wish GREAT things will happen to him.
And thank Goodness it did before it’s too late!!!
Hope he do a comedy at some point, he’s so funny as “piggy” in journey to the west! Such a classic that one!
I don’t think Wayne is either handsome or charming. His acting is not bad though ….. he worked hard on his acting over the years. However, due to his very plain face and small built, he is only good for some characters, and not for all.
I wonder will tvb show the cruelty side of empress dowager ci’xi in the series without fearing of Hkers complain? hopefully tvb will show the cruelty and how evil ci’xi is in the series so the entire series can become even more realistic.
I personally don’t think so as it will likely be more that she was “forced” to do the things she did for some reasons.
It will be difficult though for TVB to find plasible reasons for her spending habits, LOL
Who are the younger actors & actresses in this show?
i am excited to watch this drama. i adore wayne lai and love him in the old kind of dramas.