“Freedom Memories” Finale Surprises With Bonus Cameos
Although it struggled to break through viewership ratings over 21 points during its Hong Kong broadcast, retro youth drama Freedom Memories <青春不要臉> received positive feedback for its nostalgia content and lively delivery. In the two-hour series finale, Freedom Memories wrapped up the storylines between the two main couples while delivering unexpected “cameo” surprises.
Aside from the sweet ending, 9 superstars from the 1980s were shown. These clips were actual footage from archives and when cleverly inserted in Freedom Memories, they brought back wonderful memories from one of Hong Kong’s golden eras.
The 9 superstars featured in the bonus cameos include: Leslie Cheung (張國榮), Chow Yun Fat (周潤發),Alan Tam (譚詠麟), Eric Tsang (曾志偉), Carol Cheng (鄭裕玲), Sammo Hung (洪金寶), Cherie Chung (鍾楚紅), Sam Hui (許冠傑), and Paula Tsui (徐小鳳).
Screenwriter Steffie Lai (黎倩儀) said this ending was an inspiration from the 1989’s 16-hour marathon-style TV program, Together, We Create 1990 <齊心同步創90之演藝同歡新里程>.
Additional Easter eggs from Freedom Memories included clips from the TVB Artiste Training classes, allowing fans to get a glimpse of stars’ pre-debut days. As well, videos of some of the biggest contributors to the Hong Kong entertainment industry were showcased in the series finale, including clips of the late TVB founder Sir Run Run Shaw (邵逸夫), Johnnie To (杜琪峯), Ringo Lam (林嶺東), Robert Chua (蔡和平), Ng Man Tat (吳孟達), Chan Man Fai (陳文輝), Cecilia Wong (黃杏秀), Felix Wong (黃日華), and producer Lee Tim Sing (李添勝).
Freedom Memories’ finale, which aired on Saturday, February 5, averaged ratings of 18.4 points. Although this was lowered than the average ratings in its final week of broadcast, which averaged 20.1 points, the overall reception has been positive. The drama earned a 7.8 rating on Chinese site Douban.
Airing during a similar broadcast window and considered to be its closest competitor among Hong Kong demographics is ViuTV’s In Geek We Trust <IT狗>. The IT drama aired its ending on Friday, February 4 and averaged 4.8 points in its final broadcast week.
“Freedom Memories” Finale
This article is written by Su for JayneStars.com.
