Charmaine Sheh’s Acting in “My Sister of Eternal Flower” Ignites Heated Crossfire
The premiere episode of My Sister of Eternal Flower <花花世界花家姐> was broadcast on Monday, May 16th in Hong Kong. Lead actors, Raymond Lam (林峯)and Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼)have become the subject of lively discussions, especially Charmaine’s portrayal of a mentally challenged woman. Charmaine’s “Sister Fa” character drew comparisons to Roger Kwok’s (郭晉安) “Ah Wong” portrayal in Square Pegs (戆夫成龙). Netizens criticized Charmaine for copying Roger’s earlier performance. In addition, Raymond’s rich heir character pretended to be a bank robber. This scene resulted in an audience member filing a complaint with the Broadcasting Authority, claiming it posed as a negative influence on children.
Charmaine’ “Sister Fa” character only possessed the mental capacity of a 10- year-old girl, a role which Charmaine regarded as an acting challenge. Since the broadcast of the premiere episode of My Sister of Eternal Flower, netizens complained the Charmaine’s portrayal did not resemble a mentally challenged person and only copied Roger Kwok’s acting in Square Pegs. Despite netizen’s criticism, there was still significant interest in the series first episode, averaging 29 points and peaking at 30 points (approximately 1.9 million viewers).My Sister of Eternal Flower trumped the finale broadcast of Relics of An Emissary (洪武三十二), which average 28 points last week.
A Flame War Ignites Online
On Hong Kong Discussion Forum (www.discuss.com.hk) and Tvb.com, the topic of Charmaine’s performance in My Sister of Eternal Flower sparked a heated crossfire. On Tvb.com, Charmaine’s fans strongly supported their idol’s performance and used “Sister Fa’s” favorite catch phrase, “It’s not that simple.” Another set of netizens attacked Charmaine’s performance and said she was unconvincing as a mentally challenged woman. They also complained that she uttered her lines too slowly, pointing out that she would say one word every 1.5 seconds. Some netizens complained that Charmaine’s performance resembled a 2 to 3-year-old rather than a 10-year-old girl. Others pointing out that Charmaine’s eyes appeared too alert and that her gestures were exaggerated, noting a regression in Charmaine’s acting.
Raymond Lam did not escape the judgement of netizens. Some people said that Raymond’s “chok expression” made them want to vomit and criticized his acting. However, there were also positive comments which praised the comedic effects. Although Raymond was quite “chok,” some netizens said he was quite playful. At the same time, Charmaine was praised as a rare pretty, mentally-challenged girl.
Producer Strongly Supports Charmaine Sheh
The Producer of My Sister of Eternal Flower, Kwan Wing Chung (關永忠), was aware that the public regarded “Sister Fa” as the female version of “Ah Wong” during the filming of the series. Mr. Kwan also followed the comments after the series’ broadcast, and noted that the positive and negative comments were quite balanced. Mr. Kwan said that comparisons to “Ah Wong” were expected and discussed this with Charmaine, hoping she would walk out of the shadow of “Ah Wong.” Mr. Kwan noted that the characters’ background and plot development were different from “Ah Wong.”
Mr. Kwan also noted that Charmaine had adequately prepared for the role and accompanied the scriptwriter to a school for mentally challenged people during the research process. Mr. Kwan explained that Charmaine spoke her lines slowly because her reaction was slow. Although she possessed the mental capacity of a 10-year-old girl, [she was different] from the new generation of 10-year-old who displayed more adult behavior. Regarding the complaint over Raymond Lam posing a bank robber, Mr. Kwan noted that My Sister of Eternal Flower crossed over boundaries to display the “devilish” aspects of Raymond’s character for comedic effect.
Source: Mingpao
Jayne: Why did Kwan Wing Chung have to make another series about a mentally challenged individual? Couldn’t they film a series about a physically disabled character instead? No doubt Charmaine’s performance would draw comparison to Roger Kwok’s memorable performance. I’ll say that Tom Hanks still delivered the best performance in “Forrest Gump” as a mentally challenged person though.
Packaging Charmaine’s character as a Cinderella type character is ethically wrong, as many people pointed out before. Perhaps Charmaine’s character teaches Raymond how to love in a pure, innocent level, much like a child teaches adults about the simple joys of life. Hmm…wonder what kind of ending this will be.
I watch this series every night for its comical value. It’s hilarious. While Charmaine’s portrayal of being a 10-year-old mentally is inaccurate, I find the portrayal of her as being challenged kind of convincing. Her acting kind of reminds me of autistic kids. While it’s definitely not perfect, because even a seasoned actor would find it difficult to portray a role of someone that has life experiences that are completely different from their own. This is a tough role despite its seemingly simple appearances. It’s not easy being a mentally challenged 10 year old, they typically don’t act like your average 10 year old anyways. I have to say that this is not the right role for Charmaine, she lacks the physical charm (I don’t find her particularly cute) that could make this character endearing.
On the other hand, I kind of like the acting that is done by the actress that plays Charmaine’s mentally challenged best friend. It’s cute.
well anyway, i can understand why they kept complain, because everything must be the other party who didnt support thing like other, when other love and support half die, they will complain and critic like almost die in so many way.
So far I have watched 4 episodes, and it isn’t as bad. Why is everyone giving negative comments on Charmaine? I’m definitely not a fan of hers, but I find that she’s suitable with the character. It isn’t easy to do that. Unless whoever who complained about her stands up and take that character better than her. Till then, she’s good for what she has done.
What? She is above complains? Until I walk in her shoes am I allowed to complain? Ok, tell TVB to offer me the role. But since i know I am not capable, I will turn down TVB which is what Charmaine should have done.
well said. we should all know our limits and act accordingly or risk paying the consequences!
@Funn, But if Charmaine never gave the role a try, how would she know if she could do it? How would she know if she could pull it off or not?? I thought it was good to take risks.
I won’t dispute that. But I’ve had enough of fans praising sky high when it is obvious she is terrible. I am also fed up with take the role yourself if you can do better so just shut up sort of argument. It is good to take risks. And it will be fair to judge not the fact she took the risk since she won’t die from this deathless risk, nor will her reputation be any worse anyway BUT judge how well fared taking that risk.
Take risk is good but just because she took risks doesn’t mean I am not allowed to criticise her or that it is a job well done. Taking risk is first step, and is commendable. I still like Charmaine, her work ethics must be respected but let’s face the facts about her acting. You take risks in proportion to your possible ability to take on that risk. So now we all know how “well” she did. And just admit that; she sucks. Is it that bad to admit that? So she can do better next time. If so much praises and awards, how will that benefit her growth as an actress?
To Fun, I appreciate your outspoken of your views and i do support it even though i am too a movie n drama series appreciator for the past years as we all grew up with TVB series.
Mind me to ask, in your view what is the key point if she is not acting well and can you embrance it further so one can have a little key point from everyone room for improvements. One can do better but how to if the director n co-team think its the best, what and how much more can it be done out from where she had done??? I also know it can do even better but how?
In every role you take up, there are always risk takings in one reputation if you have a choice and of course you can turn it down, what if you have no choice but to accept it and make the fullest in one abilities. TVB is still local taste with the 10 years series in them cuz they have this in them “we’ve always done it all this time in this way” (it might be a political issues or plot act you might know to teach a certain actor or actress sinced they think they are so highly thinking, its negative i am sorry to say look deeper if you can). Have they really listen to the both viewers n their colleagues commends to prepare for the new era change? Why people can make it and not them? or they still stick to what they want n done for the past years. What is the best way to bring out one inner self to able to express their talents at their best or they are just a control freaks like a bird in the cage? What they think is the right way? They will never make it.
Hey Fun its great to read your views n enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing, if we have more people to step out to have their views perhaps they might get improved when they have an open mind. If we give too much of whatever advice, we will be taking their pay for who is responsible for their ratings n action feedback. 🙂 (wahahaha)stay cool always cheers 😀
AVP3, thanks for your comments. I am not always the one saying negative stuff. But sometimes you just get fed up. I am not saying she is such a terrible actress she should retire (I reserve that for Shirley Yeung). She has her good points, but this one particular role which I admit I’ve seen 1 episode and some trailer thus far is terrible. generally as you can read it is agreed she did a terrible job but as we all know, the series grows on you and plus the cuteness factor and surrounding actors which may or may not be more competent than her, you will tend to just let it be and say enjoy for what it is. That I am ok with but there are some sections will praise sky high for something we all know is a terrible performance. What is a terrible performance? A performance that does not meet the requirements of the character. It is good to take risks, and I applaud her for that but what annoys me are those who applaud her not for taking risk but for doing a great job. Taking risks does not equate to a job well done. It is what it is. I just feel this role is not hers to be in, performance wise. Charmaine is someone I like as a person, I’ve read a fair share of criticisms on her which is obviously very very personal to which I have written back with countless others. If artistes come out and say evaluate me by my body of work, not my personal life, then that is what I am doing. My opinion right now is squarely on her body of work. Am I biased? I don’t know. I believe you can like someone and still be objective, or hate someone and still be objective.
The point is sometimes some roles are not for that particular actor or actress. You can always ignore and enjoy it for what it is which is almost what fans of TVB do nowadays but sometimes someone like myself just can’t stand it anymore. What’s the problem you ask? Just watch episode 1. In fact I can safely say watch the entire series and none of it could change my opinion.
And the story itself is flawed. No one gets my point. I get everyone’s point, those who liked it. Why can’t her character have a chance at love? True, why not? But sometimes it is not that simple. She made it simple. The writers made it exceedingly simple. In real life, and there should be some basis of real life in this, it is objectionable. The story itself is the problem but take away the story, look squarely into her performance, is there any one time you’re ever convinced there is something not I wouldn’t say normal but rather usual with her behaviour? Does she strike you as someone with a problem?
agree, my sister of an eternal is really funny and fun.
I love this series i dont get why ppl are complaining. -_-“.
theyre not netizens, they are the common hongkong drama audiences, anyway they complain at absolutely anything, all the time, like seriously stop wasting your own time and do something more special with meaning.
Just watching the first episode I feel Charmaine is so unreal in that role. She is not natural and should not have taken the part as she did not do it well. Makes me want to vomit!
ray is so cute and funny in this show, i really liked the part where he robs the bank and lies like what to his grandfather.
I am so tired of seeing Charmaine’s in almost every movie. TVB, we have enough of her, let’s get some fresh faces out there. i refused to watch this series because I can’t stand seeing Charmine.
2 series per year is ‘almost every movie’? So, TVB only produce/air 3-4 series per year?
The exaggeration is always baffling to me because it’s so far from the truth.
there’s such thing as sarcastic. Get a lift in life.
@ sandy
Your sarcasm failed big time.
Maybe 2 series per year but when released it seems like one after the other so I can understand the “sarcasm” in this instance
@Funn – you’re completely right on the dot. Some people just don’t think outside the box. hahaha!!
Thinking outside the box means seeing things from a different point of view, not twisting facts. It seems like Charmaine is in ‘almost every movie’, but, it’s still not a fact.
Charmaine’s series is not even aired back to back. Her last series is CBML which was aired last year. Sister Fah is aired in the middle of this year. It’s like how many months already?
This is not the case of ‘thinking outside the box’ or ‘being sarcastic’. This is a case of someone who does not like Charmaine exaggerating facts. To a Charmaine hater, one series is too many. So, even if Charmaine is only in 1 series per year and only 1 series of hers is aired per year, she will still say ‘Charmaine is in almost every movie’.
Being sarcastic won’t make someone’s point stronger, what more failed sarcasm.
Lastly, saying Charmaine is in almost every movie is not thinking outside the box. Most Charmaine haters say that. It’s common illusion of Charmaine’s haters.
@Kidd
Do the math, if TVB creates a couple movies a year and she in one of them so when airing time, does it seems like she’s in every movie?
Being sarcastic is a form of speech, if you’re so closed minded and analyze on everything, you have a problem.
I am a Charmine hater and let that be!!!
Isn’t Charmaine mostly filming in CHina now?? If some of you only watch TVB, then you will not see much of her at all so why complain?? Also, there is more to a series than just the cast.
I also agree that this is just an entertainment site so we should not over analyze everything and take things too seriously. I did in the past and it bothered me, but not anymore since it is not for school, work or anything serious but just entertainment purposes. Therefore, why take things so seriously??
@HTS, Charmaine is in HK filming her new series with Moses. 4 in Love, if I remember the title correctly. There’s actually an article about it on this blog.
@Chriselle,
Thanks for the info! I didn’t pay attention to the news. Is that her one series per year with TVB??
@HTS, I’m actually not sure if signing a per series contract with TVB means only filming one series per year with them. I think it means at least one series per year, but it seems like Jessica Hsuan who signed a similar contract films more than one series per year. Last year, she had three series aired, if I recall correctly. Of course, they prolly weren’t strictly filmed in that one year period, but rather over a span of 2 years. I’m guessing TVB goes by the # of episodes and not strictly how many series per year?
Can someone else confirm or un-confirm this? 🙂
“Do the math, if TVB creates a couple movies a year and she in one of them so when airing time, does it seems like she’s in every movie?”
It will only seem like that for someone who don’t want to see her at all.
“Being sarcastic is a form of speech, if you’re so closed minded and analyze on everything, you have a problem.”
Yeap, I like to analyse and my analytical mind sees through the real reason behind your ‘Charmaine is in every movie’ thought. 😛
Sandy, you were winning until
“I am a Charmine hater and let that be!!!”
No no! Stick to statistics. You had me quite convinced!
Agree with you completely. I am fed up of seeing her…
@Agreed
Be aware of what you typed because Kidd from the above post will not like to hear our opinons about Charmine. hahah S/he thinks only one way and wanted to control our perspectives by giving us her own reasoning or calculations. hahha
“S/he thinks only way”
And you are able to think in many ways?
“wanted to control our perspectives “
Is that even possible?
I was just pointing out a fallacy in a statement.
But, you obviously cannot stand having your opinion questioned/countered and got angry.
“by giving us her own reasoning or calculations. “
Sound and logical calculations.
“Do the math, if TVB creates a couple movies a year and she in one of them so when airing time, does it seems like she’s in every movie?”
TVB aired 20+ series per year and she’s only in 1 or 2 of them. How is it possible to seem like she’s in every movie?
But, somehow, it is possible in the eyes of Charmaine’s detractors. Although I also see this complaint used on other artists, it’s mostly just during the period where he/she was truly overpromoted and in everywhere. When his/her series lessen, this comment on him/her also disappear. But, in Charmaine’s case, this complaint stick with her no matter her series output. That’s what really baffling.
Most of the ‘she’s in every series’ comments I read are directed at Charmaine.
Lastly, I’m not a Charmaine fan. Just noticing this phenomena and pointing it out.
I’m surprised with so many criticism to encourage the actress. So people are positive, other negatives, and angry ones.
It is entertaining reading the entries.
Getting involved in this discussion. I wonder what type of mental disorder Charmine is trying to portrait. Visitng mentally challenge may help her define her character.
I liked A-Wong character so much that I acted like him with my friends during the season. I don’t think Charmine’s acting is that similar to him, but her appearance. Her hair is annoying.
So far, I am enjoying the story. Love has no boundary, real love is not materialist, Pure love sees beyond what life brings about and find strength to endure difficulties. This story is a sweet story that remind Hk society… a challenged mental person is human and they deserved to be loved. And, when we give chance to them, we are living true and pure love that completes each other needs.
“And, when we give chance to them, we are living true and pure love that completes each other needs.”
I like this. 🙂
I’m up to episode 9 now and the relationship between Raymond and Charmaine is getting more interesting. I didn’t like the initial scenes where Raymond was pursuing Charmaine to get on his grandfather’s good side. However, after he moved into Charmaine’s place, I’m beginning to like their mutual scenes more.
Regarding Charmaine’s performance, I feel like she’s on and off with the mentally challenged girl mentality. Sometimes, she can seem to think like a normal human being. In one particular scene, I thought she even appeared quite smart. Most of the scenes that showcase her being mentally challenged is when she doesn’t understand certain “bigger” terms that people use, e.g., when Raymond explained to her what “lo chun” meant. I find that more hilarious than mentally challenged.
However, it really annoys me when Charmaine bites her lip every time she doesn’t understand something.
her face alone is annoying. Trying too hard to open up those eyes.
hahaaa I totally agree with ya Sandy!! ..i watched like a minute of this series and just turned to English tv! Her voice is soooo annoying..
@Jim yeah they may both be popular actors but to win an award for this series..hmmm
I don’t think so!!!
I think tvb should pick up their act as the series they have been producing lately are crap..well disappointing..ridiculous storylines
i hope ray and char wins tv king and tv queen this year, ray and char both the most popular artist in tvb.
char yes it little bit bored to wait it out her scene, but have onyone see that retarded community has a ability to speak like a normal people, i dont think so.
awww happy ending, good job charray.
in my opinion, the way they carry the role is very different, i dont find any similar sister fa and ah wong, notice that char added a lot of small hand gestures, the way she walks, facial expressions, and the way she talk and cries look very natural, why people say is illogical that someone will fall in love with sister fa, but in reality some mentally challenged person still have partners.
I somehow could not get past the 10th episode. I have to admit, by the 10th, it was a drag (actually by the end of the 1st I wanted to give it a few more chances so I kept fast forwarding to the scenes of Charmaine’s sister which had much more substance). This series actually got me soo frustrated that I ended skipping to see the so called “happy ending” of the 20th episode.
While I usually do LOVE Charmaine’s acting, and what not to love about Raymond, but this story is just subpar to everything else TVB has put out. To be quite honest, although we all watch the dramas for comedic, or just entertainment effects, it lacks a characteristic of truth in this one. I am a very compassionate person, but is it truly possibly to see such ending as the one here with Fa-Fa Ka Chie pregnant with a rich hubby? Probably not. Things in reality never turn out for the mentally challenged community, and it is only wrong to make them think otherwise. Money should have spent in biomedical research and advances for these people and not in making a series that portrays these people in such weak roles, yet doubling the wish to make them the strongest characters. I applaud Charmaine for her attempt and portrayal, but it isn’t something realistically written.
How are you giving them chances by forwarding their parts?
“Money should have spent in biomedical research and advances for these people and not in making a series that portrays these people in such weak roles, yet doubling the wish to make them the strongest characters.”
This is one silly argument. Different organisations have different roles. TVB is a commercial company whose business and role is to make series and provide entertainment. Biochemical research and advances are the job of other organsations.
Secondly, how is Sister Fah a weak role?
“this story is just subpar to everything else TVB has put out.”
You just watch 5 episodes of it (10-all the part you fast-forward).