“Brother’s Keeper” Accused of Reusing Plot From 90s Drama, “The Change of Time”
Although it premiered just this week, Brother’s Keeper <巨輪> is already under fire for its many inaccuracies and lazy storytelling. Sharp-eyed netizens have been flocking to discussion boards to criticize some of the more blatant set mistakes. A viewer even went out of his way to suggest possible plagiarism, citing several similarities between Brother’s Keeper and 1992’s The Change of Time <龍的天空>.
Brother’s Keeper is a story about broken families and sibling rivalry that spans 30 years, from the 1980s to the present day. While the initial episodes took place in the 80s, modern background items in certain scenes extinguished the nostalgic illusion. Netizens were quick to call attention to objects that do not belong in the time period, including air-conditioned buses, Hong Kong’s new pedestrian refuges, and modern security cameras.
Recently, a very knowledgeable viewer pointed out that the drama’s plot and characters greatly resemble those of The Change of Time. In a detailed post, the viewer listed the below nine similarities:
1. Both series were directed by Amy Wong (王心慰).
2. In both series, Louise Lee (李司棋) plays a mother who made a failed attempt to illegally enter Hong Kong with her son. In Brother’s Keeper, Louise escaped with sons Ruco Chan (陳展鵬) and Edwin Siu (蕭正楠). While Louise and Edwin ended up in Macau, Ruco successfully made it to Hong Kong. In The Change of Time, Louise attempted to escape with son Francis Ng (吳鎮宇) though neither reached their destination.
3. Louise’s husbands in both series married someone else while in Hong Kong.
4. Louise’s sons in both series searched for and reunited with their birth fathers in Hong Kong.
5. Both series revolve around rivalry and hate between two half-brothers. Edwin was kidnapped by Ruco for money, while the innocent Frankie Lam (林文龍) was sent to jail as a result of Francis trying to cover up for an accidental murder.
6. Both plots involve regions outside of Hong Kong. In Brother’s Keeper, parts of Edwin’s story takes place in Macau. In The Change of Time, the plot includes characters from Mainland China and Taiwan.
7. In both stories, the main villain is one of the brothers.
8. Both are modern dramas that deal with conflicts that span two generations.
9. Both main villains escaped from China to Hong Kong, and were initially good people who later commit sinful acts to achieve certain goals.
Others also pointed out that in both series, the two brothers pursued the same love interest. Ruco and Edwin chased after Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣), while Francis and Frankie both had eyes on Gigi Lai (黎姿).
Source: Apple Daily
This article is written by Katrine for JayneStars.com.
Seriously, people who think BK is recycled shld just switch off the TV, shut up and stop spoiling it for the rest of us who haven’t watched the “original” at all. Given that this is a tv production after all, it’s not surprising that there are inaccuracies here and there; this is not a big budget Hollywood production, get it? Watch the drama for the story and the acting, why spoil your own enjoyment by scrutinising every single detail in the background? That’s just nit-picking. I’m fine with minor inaccuracies as long as it’s not glaringly obvious and absurd and distracts from the whole storyline. So far, i think the story and acting is well paced and enjoyable. Recycled or not, i don’t give a hoot.
But this is seriously plagiarizing the entire drama. Either it is Hollywood or not, which shouldn’t be allowed and should be avoided.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s ‘plagiarism’, since both series are TVB productions and also from the same producer (probably same scriptwriters involved too). Sure, the plot is probably recycled, but honestly, what series doesn’t have a recycled plot nowadays? Sure, it shows that TVB lacks creativity, but hey, what else is new?
but it is copying the entire drama story line. And I do know that TVB is lacking creativity nowadays
@Sheldon, suggest you verify facts before you shoot your mouth off cos now you look really silly.
@Sheldon see my post below
Sheldon I agree with scorpio. You are making yourself look silly now. Don’t start talking when you know no sh-t
@sheldon: But how do you know for sure though, since BK hasn’t even finished airing? Just because some parts of the story sound similar doesn’t mean the ‘entire storyline’ was copied….we won’t know until we finish watching the series and actually compare it with Change of Time. ‘Plagiarism’ is a very serious accusation, but it seems that nowadays, people throw that word around so loosely.
As far as I’m concerned, the ‘claims’ that the particular netizen pointed out about how ‘similar’ the 2 series are don’t hold any water at this point in time because he/she is basing their ‘claim’ on plot / storyline summaries that might not even be accurate (keep in mind that even TVB’s own summaries on their website and in their magazines aren’t accurate either). If that person wants to make a true ‘plagiarism’ claim between BK and TCOT, then do a side-by-side comparison after BK finishes airing…otherwise, the claims are nothing more than ‘undue speculation’ at this point.
Both series are TVB productions, the latter cant be accused of Plagarism.
Second to scorpio. The HK viewers are seriously too fussy and nitpicking! I have never heard about the series at all and I’m sure many other have never seen it too. Who cares if there are a couple of similarities since even Hollywood movies have similarities with each other! HK viewers should just sit back and enjoy the superb story with superb brilliant acting by Ruco instead of nitpicking about every single thing! This js TVB not Hollywood production where budget is abundance!
Yes, I Have not heard about the “other” story. Please let me enjoy this one.
Exactly, I never understood why its PERFECTLY OK to remake all those ancient series and yet you cant even have some recycle material? All those condo heroes, 4 scholars, butterfly lovers all those are NOT recycle those are REPEATITIVE REMAKES, how come those are OK to produce? I seriously do NOT get.
My mom happened to rerun that series a while ago which i didnt catch all but i saw the beginnings it was actually really good. These new series can’t even a candle to older series, the plots and storylines are just so deep and emotionally entertaining to watch. Frankie Lam actually is quite good in it and Gigi lai, as usual her acting has always been so so. Francis Ng, was good portraying evil. Ruco, love him so don’t even give a hoot whether it’s copying it directly, i will watch for him alone to see him in the evil character.
Come on people, stop whining, l just love these kind of drama, wish fala chen were in it.
It’s interesting to note that out of all the posters here, only 2 have actually watched The Change of Time; yet these people are all busy echoing one another about BK’s “recycled plot” based on ONE piece of article written by a “very knowledgeable viewer”. Like a bunch of brainwashed sheep, these people simply parrot that “very knowledgeable viewer” without even having a clue about the plot of the original drama. Sheep-ple, has it occurred to you to do some research on the internet? I’ve not watched the “original” so I decided to look it up. Just for you Sheep-ple, here’s the link so as to save your tiny brain the hassle of looking it up:
http://www.spcnet.tv/TVB-Series/The-Change-of-Time-review-r1704.html#.UkRDg4bil8E
As i‘ve pointed out earlier, the so-called similarities are only superficial, namely that the story revolves around 2 half brothers. The other superficial similarity is that Louise appears in both dramas. Is that such a big deal as to render BK a copycat? TVB artistes keep reappearing in many dramas in similar roles all the time but no one ever complains till now, strange, why? BUT note that she is only mother to Francis in the old drama but mother to both Ruco and Edwin in BK. Besides having 2 half brothers as the central characters, there’s no similarity in the plots if you care to read the link provided for the synopsis. Francis in the old drama was a villain through and through whereas Ruco is not a villain per se. He is more of a flawed character, a man who’s basically good but driven by circumstances of his own doing (his greed and ambition) leading to his downfall. This is a more realistic character than the outright villain that Francis is, who resorted to framing his own half brother to save himself (twice, no less!! What a scumbag!!). Ruco did not frame Edwin in BK, rather he sold the company to cover his losses in the stock market. Ruco was the one who went to prison not the good brother Edwin (obvious difference betw the old and new, no?). While the half brothers of ruco and Edwin have their unhappiness with each other, no one purposely set out to plot against the other, unlike Francis who stole the family business and Frankie’s girl. In fact, their brotherly love is still intact by the time the drama got to present day. There are also no half sisters in BK; Linda and Kristal are not related at all (Gigi and Maggie half sisters). Ruco did not reunite with his father unlike Francis. And did Frankie have to struggle to make his fortune selling peanut candy or whatever? No, cos he was born into a rich family (another obvious difference, no?). Francis married Gigi who was Frankie’s girlfriend but Ruco doesn’t have the hots for Kristal in BK ,haha (by this time, only idiots will still think the storyline is similar). Though I’d like to delve further into this, I’d much rather be watching episode 4 of BK now. What I’m trying to say is that naysayers here are so eager to bash BK that they don’t bother to form their own opinion, just go with the flow and bashing for the sake of bashing. To them, based on the superficialities, BK is a copycat, blah blah blah. I would say that the 2 dramas are as different as chalk and cheese, day and night. If you want to miss out on a good drama by TVB (finally!) be my guest; just quit crapping about recycled plot cos that’ll make you look really stupid.
Good one scorpio. I can’t fathom why so many people love to jump on the bandwagon on nitpicking the series when they haven’t even watched the old series! It’s good to have it cleared up that there are little resemblances only and the complainers are exaggerating. Why must some people spend time to do things like this and complaining for sake of complaining! It’s their loss that they are missing out a great series and great performances namely by Ruco! Their loss!
@Mydatewithspring They conveniently choose to focus on the so-called MINOR similarities while ignoring the MAJOR differences and all of them passing judgement without knowing anything about the old drama but commenting as if they know the story. What a joke!
agree with you. people keep complaining about a lot of series not being good enough. and when something good comes out they bash it like it’s no tomorrow.
wait, did I mistaken TCOT with another series?! I thought Frankie’s character was in love of Maggie’s the whole time, while Gigi’s was in love with Frankie’s.
Nice one scorpio2010!!
@lingling
Frankie’s character was with Gigi first. After he went to jail, he refused to see Gigi. Slowly, Gigi got won over by Francis. Only after Frankie got out of jail that his relationship with Maggie Siu developed.
Well said scorpio2010. I’ve watch TCOT and there are more differences than similarities between BK and TCOT.
Spot on scorpio, i’m watching it for entertainment. Plus i’m pretty sure production in 90s comparing to 2013, that’s a huge different – in both fashion and the surrounding. Landmark and people. Also, watching it on flat screen, good sound system …. just relax, sit back and enjoy the technology of today =]
It’s nice to note that after people know what is the actual plot of ACOT that comments are now generally positive. This piece of article by the dear “very knowledgeable viewer” is nothing but garbage. I wholeheartedly agree with Kidd who said “If those vague and very general points listed by the netizens constitute plagiarism, all movies and novels of the same genre plagiarise from one another.” Thanks for the support and for reading my very lengthy post of Sept 26 @11.32 am. My effort has not been wasted 🙂
oh wow, TVB running out of ideas. I haven’t seen or heard of The Change of Time before.
I haven’t watched “The Change of Time”. Therefore, I don’t see anything wrong of using the similar plot to film “Brother’s Keeper”. Anyway the cast, except Louise Lee, is totally different.
Most of the audiences are housewives, so therefore, they must have seen “The Change of Time”. TVB is seriously running out of ideas and was hoping that audiences won’t notice it. failed
Oh yeah? there’s a whole new generation of c9s who havent watched the old. Besides, isn’t every plot recycled in one way or another these days?
You are too fussy. There are no more original plot nowadays. Everything are recycled one way or another. Why must nitpick on a so far great series with brilliant performance by the male lead Ruco?
I remember “The Change of Time”. It was a good series, definitely well-acted. Somehow, there’s a rawness to older dramas in the 80s and 90s that doesn’t exist in new ones anymore. Just think “My Father’s Son” or “The Greed of Man”…they really put these new series to shame.
It’s nothing unusual, it’s not their first time anyways. Now I’m curious about seeing Change Of Tme. I like Frankie and Gigi, just finished watching them in Drifters.
BK is ok so far, hopefully it won’t drag like most series.
Seems like Frankie and Gigi don’t get happy endings together. They’re pretty cute together onscreen. I think Drifters was their first collaboration and they dated somewhere in between.
As I thought before, BK has resemblance with 1992’s The Change of Time, same producer Amy Wong, brotherhood theme. The Change of Time is good quality drama, had strong cast like Francis Ng, Frankie Lam, Maggie, Gigi Lai. I watched and still remember this oldies. Francis turns evil and grabs anything of Frankie own including his girlfriend (Gigi). Yeung Kwok-hoi (Francis) and Yeung Man-hoi (Frankie). The ending is pretty good one, no cheesy rush ending like typical current TVB drama 😛
Now that the posters are side by side, even the casting looks strangely familiar don’t you think?
sorry, no.
I guess if you think that bananas look like apples, then i guess yes, it’s familiar. On a more serious note, why criticise for the sake of criticism?
It’s same writer go why those fussy people bother about the same storyline? Even if using same idea is alright coz The Change Of Time really broadcasted for so many years behind, maybe 20-30 years ago? I’m ok with BK story up to this moment. It’s much better than Sniper Standoff.
So what its not the first series that’s been recycled what’s the big deal this time
they’re jealous of ruco, that’s why cos his acting just steals the thunder from every other siu sang right now. Therefore got to create negative news to pull down the ratings.
Agree
Exactly. Some lonely middle age housewives must be jealous that Ruco and his fine performing arts are getting recognition and they purposely complain on this petty issue to give negative news to Ruco to stop Ruco from getting what he deserves. Didn’t we heard before about these HK viewers wanting Francis Ng and Chilam to get the awards this year?
agree,ruco is amazing he is not only a good actor but also a very good singer,the theme song he sing for this serie is just brilliant.
kolo the theme song are ruco n edwin duet. but no doubt that ruco singing is perfect… coz he use to sing before that..
i know,ruco’s voice completely overshadowed edwin’s. ruco’s voice has more bass and the singing technic is much better.
“what’s the big deal?” of course this is a big deal.
Scriptwriters aren’t allow to copy the ENTIRE story plot of another tv drama from before, this shows uncreativity, and it harms their reputation,(I think at the beginning TVB should say that they are remaking the tv drama The Change of Time). Sure, they can re-use some plots, but not using the entire story
Maybe it is a remake?
nothing wrong with remakes,as long as its a clasic its fine. tvb plans to do more clasic remakes in 2014,im looking forward to see this clasics,especially wuxia clasics.
Nothing wrong with remake, but TVB did not say this was a remake of the classic drama. They think that audience won’t notice it
the plot is totally different, see my reply above.
It is mostly the same
@Sheldon Obviously you didn’t read the synopsis then or you didn’t understand what you read.
LOL @the several posters that thinks plagiarism is OK as long as it’s not a hollywood production.
This series would be the equivalent of Michael Bay, replacing the original cast of Transformers with Michael Cera and Mila Kunis, under the same plot, visual effects, and robots then calling it Converters, because as long as the audience has not seen it. It would be OK!
Right
Honestly, the similarities raised are rather lame and just scratching the surface and i wld say they amount to pre-judging.
Instead of focusing on superficial similarites, what about other parts of the drama that are different? How come no one talks about that?
Spot on scoprio. The conplainers are purposely focusing and listing out the so called similarities. Why don’t they list out the longer list of differences too? It doesn’t matter now. If they think the series isn’t good they should just stop watching and complaining, but they are still watching.
This comparison is downright stupid and biased and blatantly aimed at trying to bring down the ratings of the drama. Even hollywood productions recycle plots all the time but nobody raises a big hue and cry like this. There may be similarities in various parts of the story and some discrepancies here and there but as long as they don’t take away the enjoyment of the entire viewing experience, it doesn’t matter, no need to split hairs over small issues. Furthermore, who knows, this drama may even be superior to the so-called “original” which by the way is at least 20 years old (therefore, there’s actually a whole lot of viewers who haven’t watched the old drama). I know nothing of the “original” story or even if the similarites raised are valid for BK to receive such harsh criticism but from what i’ve read of the synopsis and from the trailers of BK, i don’t think this is a tale of vengeance between brothers. The “villain” brother is actually not a villain but a flawed character who was forced by circumstances (of his own doing)to betray his brother by selling the company; it was not motivated by hatred for his brother and for that it’s a refreshing change from the usual i-do-you-in-you-do-me-in genre. The brothers obviously still love each other very much as can be seen from the first episode where Ruco secretly allows edwin to free himself. Sure, he beat up edwin at first but i think it could be becos he blames edwin for his plight (going to prison); still no matter what when it comes to the crunch, blood is still thicker than water. It’s also pretty obvious that the elder brother did not know that the target of the kidnappers was his brother, why else did he purposely tie the knot in such a way that edwin cld free himself easily and he also gave the clue to Kristal which enabled her to trace the hideout? Whatever the hidden agenda of the author, only he knows best. For the rest of us, we’ll just sit back and enjoy one of the finest performances by Ruco (as always, have no doubts he’ll deliver); i’m also liking the rest of the cast who are doing a decent job so far.
There’s nothing wrong with sampling ideas from songs, movies, or drama series. As a matter of fact, it’s a common practice in the entertainment industry. However there’s a restraint on how much you can copy, when the content you plagiarize resembles 80-90% of another product, where your merely just replacing a few actors and slapping on a brand new name, then that’s just wrong.
How do you know it’s 80 to 90%? don’t judge just by what others say or worse pre-judge.
I stand corrected on that one. I don’t know which is worse – to pre-judge or judge based on what others say.
The series has only shown 3 episodes. How can you be so certain that 80% or 90% of the series resembles another? We don’t know how the entire story will unfold! It’s inevitable now for a series not to resemble another previously done series because almost no original plot left to explore.
Absolutely agree scorpio. These petty viewers should just sit back and enjoy the unfolding story and Ruco’s fine arts. Ruco gives his all for this peformance. There’s nothing alarming about a series loosely resembling another series. Aren’t all Hollywood superheroes movies and Korean dramas follow the same plot?
The thing with watching dramas is that people become really attached to them. I personally haven’t watched “A Change of Time” and I’m enjoying BK a lot, but man the cast for A Change of Time seems REALLY good. C’mon Francis, Frankie, Gigi, Maggie? They’re like veterans and great actors/actresses. This is probably a drama that left a very memorable experience for people who did watch it.
If you think of a something you watched and really enjoyed… and then so and so years from now, you watch something very similar, wouldn’t you feel somewhat annoyed? Especially when nothing was mentioned if it was a remake or not, but the idea/storyline is similar. I don’t think people are purposely trying to bring down ratings, I think it’s just human nature to compare things and feel upset if a drama they’ve grown an attachment to is being “plagiarized”.
you’ve put these people on a pedestal, unfortunately, not every one thinks as highly of them as you. As far as i know, gigi, frankie and maggie are never considered great for their acting. Maybe Francis can boast abt his BA award but seriously, i dont think he’s awesome either.
I never thought Francis was that good either. He also sounds arrogant in his interviews as if boasting that he has all the skills of a magnificent actor. He was over the top in T2 and he is no Nick Cheung.
Very well said. Agree with Krissy 100%.
krissy, did you bother to find out the plot of the old drama first before commenting, since as you admitted you didnt watch it? How is a totally different plot plagiarism?
Sorry scorpio2010, but I a life. I don’t spend hours on this article trying to bash on other people’s comments, like you do. You failed to even notice my point in the first place. I wasn’t trying to defend Change of Time or criticize BK, I’m just simply stating how people might have felt watching something SIMILAR. No one is more biased and ignorant like you are. You’re right, acting is totally subjective. Not everyone thinks Francis, Frankie etc are great actors. LIKEWISE, not everyone thinks Ruco is a good actor either. OUCH, did I just offended you? Stop wasting your time fangirling and learn to look at both sides of the story. Talking to you seriously lowers my IQ. 🙂
Krissy, your original comment implied that BK is plagiarising which i’m trying to point out to you that there isnt any. You’re the ignorant one who missed my point. If only some people werent so ignorant, i wouldnt need to spend time here to set the record straight. It’s people who comment like they know everything abt the 2 plots when they know nothing that gets my goat. The whole point i’m trying to make here is not forcing others to think that ruco is a good actor (though i think he is) but that this drama is not the copycat that it’s accused of being. If you dont get my point, i guess you’re just too thick.
Wow wow someone who is still waiting for his tv license is at work again. A team of people have been assigned to watch TVB programs 24/7 and pick on the slightest errors and build a big mountain out of a molehill.
I’m not surprised if your suggestion is the answer to all these stupid complains. Who else is trying to make TVB go down and must be writhing in agitation to see Ruco’s fine acting boosting TVB’s profile? These complainers are suspiciously watching series to pick on the slightest error the series can make as if they have so much time or are living to do the job.
exactly, i’ve always wondered if it’s true that the average viewer is so sharp to notice and nitpick every single detail even down to the modern cars that can be seen in the background. For most of us, the lesser mortals with no eagle eyes, we only watch the drama and focus on the actors, who has time to look at the background details? Unless it’s really glaring say, like one of the characters wearing a teeshirt with the words King of Pop 1958 to 2009 for example lol.
Edwin Siu acting has improved and of course dear Ruco is better than ever.
Condor heroes get remade about 15 times with word for word scenes. Even one remake or update of 80 or 90 story is not too bad even refreshing .
how about the monkey king… we need more remakes of those. ugh.
I’m fine even if it is a reproduced version. There is a long list of movies / series remakes in Hollywood / HK / Taiwan. If the script is good and actors are able to pull off those characters, perhaps it is more worth watching than some original but bad series.
I find BK to be quite solid and enjoyable thus far. Ruco is completely in his element, he was able to express his sorrow and tenderness with just his eyes and subtle facial gestures. His scene with Linda was really good.
Exactly. What’s most important is the series is done well and have great acting especially from Ruco. These complainers are not watching series for enjoyment but inly have ulterior motive by his nitpicking!
Most people watch tv dramas for entertainment enjoying the acting, dialogue etc. Who will concerntrate on the background mundane details eg a too modern ashtray unless that person is put there just to pick on “mistakes”. Probably he has to watch rerun several times. These complaints have become very common in 2013 very suspicious!!
I disagree. The best production crew or prop crew are those who can do so many details that we as viewers never notice because it blends with the scene. If it doesn’t, then the prop crew failed. I remember watching the BTS of Lord Of The Rings and Sir Ian McKellan actually complained that their costumes were too much detail to the point the audience can’t see the inside and they can just wear anything but when in costume they wore the full set, inside and outside. We don’t notice but it lends to the credibility of the character and the actor’s ability to immerse fully into the role. That level of attention to detail is something TVB can never do but they should strive for.
Do remember thst this is tvb where everything is produced in a hurry, not hollywood with its multi million budget. Nitpicking on minor details robs you of the entertainment value.
I disagree with some comments here that there is no need to nitpick on mistakes as to backdrop, technology, facts. If such is the case why film a costume series in a forest? Film it in the middle of HK surrounded by high rise then. It is important to try as best to follow the timeline of the story. If 90s, then don’t suddenly show up with the new iphone. Off my a year or 2 is ok but at least be careful of the obvious mistakes. That is the integrity of production and film. Companies as big as TVB with their budget can afford to be so lazy in details.
Agree with Funn!
The emphasis is on the word “minor”, not glaring mistakes like what you suggested.
funn,i think you will be a good panel for the movie academy awards,but the most viewers are not so critical and dont pay so much attention on the background details unless they are very obvious.
the most important for viewers are the actors/actress,the story,dialoques, and the main theme.
Simple. Plots are recycled because it still works with TVB mainstream audience, mostly family seelais.
Sibling rivalry, rags to richest, secret birth, love triangle, long running family business empire. They have been recycled over and over again in Asian dramas. What else is new?
Funn Lim do you mean when a drama with a winter storyline is filmed in the middle of HK famous hot and humid summers the actors are supposed to wear long johns and thermals so as to add credibility to their acting?? Thank goodness you are not in charge of wardrobe at TVB…
So you mean if it is supposed to be winter and the actors wear singlets and you expect anyone to believe it is winter? That is why TVB is getting rubbish because it has no standard isn’t it? Either the actors remain professional OR god forbid, TVB actually cares and change the season from winter to summer. Won’t kill them.
No you got it all wrong. What I mean is the actors usually wear “winter look” costumes while trying to keep as cool as possible if filming is done in summer. Come on TVB have more sense than you suggested, actors do wear singlets if their characters call for them, what’s wrong with that. You mentioned Lord of the Rings strict costume protocol, I sincerely don’t wish TVB actors to faint from heat strokes.
By the way if TVB dramas are rubbish, why do you watch them and post these long reviews?? Must be difficult to sit there hour after hour and suffer…
Been through this sort of inane counter arguments and I have no wish to reply all over again.
If brother keeper’s was reusing plot of a change of time ,then a change of time is reuse plot of Chow yun fatt the brother in 1980an.
Edwin and Ruco was step brother while Frankie and Francis was half brother in the change of time .not really copy .
the other are the feud of 2 brothers by Alex man.
Edwin and Ruco are HALF brothers. Same mom.
Always brothers. No feud of 2 sisters?
Wait! Is there some spoiler here??
i didn’t watch the change of time but i’d assume brother keeper’s plot was plagiarised somewhere, like atv’s flaming brothers maybe. at least they plagiarised their own station’s series.
When people find that they are on the losing side of an argument their best way of retreat is ” I have no wish to reply” hahaha
When it comes to TVB, there is no such thing as “coincidence”.
They have long been taking bits and parts of their other more popular series and changing(or not) tiny things about them and putting them into new series.
I think the criticism is good for them, maybe they will cut down on it in the future if they get a lot of backlash.
It’s up to the viewers whether they want to sit back and enjoy a series for what it is, or to “nitpick” all the details, but it’s up to TVB whether they want to put more effort into all the details, or deal with people pointing them out. If there are errors, then there are errors. There are no excuses and you can’t blame people for noticing. “Don’t be so picky” is not an argument. It is TVB’s JOB to make sure that things are consistent.
At the same time, nobody’s perfect. Having some errors does not make the whole drama terrible. Lots of Hollywood movies have spoofs too. It’s just a matter of how much attention one wants to put into making a drama as perfect as possible. TVB (or rather, everyone) should listen to their critics and use that feedback to improve and raise the level of their productions. TVB doesn’t have to BE perfect, but they should strive to be.
Also, it IS possible to like something and give constructive criticism at the same time.
@swan: Very well-said!!! You echoed my sentiments exactly (especially with the last sentence). Kudos for taking the ‘neutral’ approach and showing people how it’s done!
Very objective comment indeed. Accept constructive criticism graciously and ignore those motivated by harmful intentions.
^-^
I don’t get what is wrong with Brother’s Keeper at the moment. Yes there are inaccuracies but they aren’t that obvious anyway. Besides, it can’t be plagiarism since both series were produced by Amy Wong. Its just like saying the plot of a book is “plagiarised” off the same author. Viewers should focus more on the artists` performances and the storyline instead. Even if the plot is reused, the time broadcasted from the two series are so different. One showed in 1991, one now showing in 2013. If that’s the case why don’t people complain about the same type of legal dramas and medical dramas being broadcasted like every year.
Totally agree!
I personally also feel there’s nothing wrong.
Even songs are also being reused in the states.
A lot are doing it, but it still doesn’t mean it is alright to copy the ENTIRE story plot. I mean it’s alright to reuse some, but not all.
@sheldon
U ARE REALL FUNNY or should I say DUMMIEE?!!
Keep mentioning that BK copied the ENTIRE plots when it is OBVIOUSLY both are TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!!
Ruco Chan’s fans should not worry because if Ruco Chan acts so well in this series then he will be recognized no matter what.
O shoo off to those annoying folks yea ur preaching is wasted mann! Same producer rite n so wat!!!!! BK is fresh n d cast is kinda hotttttttttttttt n ppl r drooling :p Havent watch COF though who cares anyways.
oops its COT
Wow, the topic becomes hot now 😀
IMO, The Change of Time is one of Amy Wong’s best TVB drama despite less popular compared than another TVB oldies hits like The Greed of Man or Looking Back In Anger. Brother’s Keeper has just started, we don’t know how this drama storyline exactly. I’m only hope BK will be truly excellent drama which TVB is really struggling to produce that kind of quality.
Love Brother’s Keeper! Hot cast, amazing story telling, fully packed action.. can’t wait to see more of sexy Ruco’s awesome acting! 🙂
Hmmm, this sounds like someone’s attempt to sabotage. Otherwise, who would be so free to pick apart a drama whose main characters just happen to be 2 half brothers, so therefore it is a ripoff of ACOT? Does that mean that in future, tvb dramas cannot have stories about 2 half brothers anymore cos everyone will scream ‘PLAGIARISM”!!!??? Or stories of 2 half sisters? How about no more tvb dramas about doctors or lawyers or gangsters cos that’s plagiarism too going by the very narrow sense of the word as this article suggests? Plagiarism is defined as copying someone’s work in whole or to a large extent and passing it off as your own. I don’t see how BK is plagiarism when all it’s “guilty” of is that the main characters are 2 half brothers. The rest of the plot is entirely different, how is that plagiarism? Btw, agree that constructive criticism is necessary for anyone to improve but so far, none of the criticism here has been constructive.
It’s not just about 2 half brothers, the entire story line is basically the same. As you have read in the article.
Don’t mean to be rude but you’re not very smart if you can’t even make out the differences.
Another one jumping the gun hahahahah!!!!!!!!
No, the entire story is not basically the same.
If those vague and very general points listed by the netizens constitute plagiarism, all movies and novels of the same genre plagiarise from one another.
This series is pretty good to watch. It’s not drama for your mama. If ppl know the link to watch the old series please post below.
Funn Lim, have you gone back to watching TVB dramas last night? Felt so sorry for you that you have to suffer at least 1 hour of watching “rubbish” since you have categorized TVB dramas to be mostly an insult to your intelligence. Looking forward to reading your very professional reviews and hope you will be selected to the judging panel of HK Oscar soon.
Don’t put words into my mouth. I never said they’re mostly an insult to my intelligence.
stop personal attacks fockinggenius,funn is ok.
I just lurve how easily people lap up everything, hook, line and sinker 🙂 Easy targets for con jobs.
That’s just dumb guys LOL accusing tvb of plagiarizing, i bet you every single drama that has come out has the same plot as another drama made before. There is bound to be ones that will be the same plot. As long as they make it good, then why complain?
really not accusing tvb of plagiarizing, but they are. The Mysteries of Love is definitely copying japanese drama Galileo
we’re not talking abt MOL here.
Apparently the two shows are about 20 years apart. Haha! I’m too young to have seen the previous one, so I’m pretty much enjoying the exciting drama now:)
Chill ppl! Just enjoy the show and Admire RUCO’S perfect acting!
Lull, when did I launch a personal attack? My post shows great respect to Funn Lim, you are trying too hard to guess. By the way 4 letters word substitute is so childish.
nice and i show great respect to you,fockinggenius.
Funn Lim you called TVB dramas “Rubbish” and to me that means they are of no whatsoever value to you as a viewer. Please pardon me for my poor understanding of English, perhaps “rubbish” has a different meaning to you.
Do you know how to use the reply under?
The points listed by the “very knowledgeable viewer” are common plots. Brothers rivalry are also and often used theme. This is nitpicking.
I’ll nitpick one their points too.
“Ruco and Edwin chased after Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣), while Francis and Frankie both had eyes on Gigi Lai (黎姿).”
In BK, Linda started out with Ruco, the elder bad brother. In TCOT, Gigi started out with Frankie, the young brother and ended up with the older brother.
So, it’s different.
Did Gigi died in the end too?…I don’t think Linda is going to die in this series.
Yup, Francis accidentally killed her wife (Gigi Lai) in last episode. Honestly, my fave character in The Change of Time is Kei Lo (Maggie Siu), a strong willed woman.
i dont really care if they did reuse the plot. what matters is the execution by the director and actors; if its done well it can be a good drama regardless
Love TCOF, grew up with it, watched over 10 times, BK is totally different, seem like a comedy to me so far, 90’s dramas are the best, TCOF is a tragic story compared to bk
As critical as I am of the recent TVB series, this one is looking decent and the execution is more well rounded.
Problem with re-using an old plot is that you must make sure nothing in the story is predictable. I think Netizens have jump the gun after 5 episodes, give it some time first.
Also, Brother’s keeper is more a hybrid of “Change of time” and “Cold Blood, Warm Heart”.
I haven’t watched “The Change of Time” so I can’t tell if its storyline is very much copied to “Brother’s Keeper”. However, I enjoyed watching “BK” so far in the first 5 episodes. Acting is good.
Is it just me or all the fighting on this page is even more entertaining than the dramas themselves? Lol 🙂
Agree. ha ha ha
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. The story might be totally different at the end.
The series is good to watch; I really like it.