Steven Ma Pegged to Win TVB Best Actor Award This Year?
Charmaine Sheh Si Man was rumored to leave TVB and focus on money-earning opportunities in China . Bowie Lam and Joe Ma Tak Chungwill be heading to mainland as well. With few big stars left, TVB was forced to increase wages and please their remaining artists, such as Bosco Wong Chung Chak and Steven Ma Chun Wai. This included casting Bosco in a new Shaw Brothers’ movie and airing Steven’s new series in the latter half of the year, paving his road towards winning the TVB Best Actor Award this year.
There is a great demand for artists in the mainland film and television industries. Many mainland companies were actively recruiting Hong Kong artists and willing to pay high salaries. Many artists were interested in filming for mainland. Once dominating the industry, TVB now has to pull out various incentives to make their artists stay with the company.
TVB Eager to Make Steven Ma Stay
TVB regularly invited artists to dinners. In the past, Steven Ma was rumored to not get along with TVB executive, Viriginia Lok. However, at a recent dinner, Ms. Lok sat next to Steven and frequently chatted and joked with him. The atmosphere was harmonious. With Steven’s contract ending this year, TVB was eager to retain him.
An inside source at TVB revealed, “Steven often filmed ancient dramas and was very suitable for the mainland market. With mainland companies paying such high filming fees, TVB was afraid to [drag its relationship with Steven like before]. Aside from producing a new culinary programApprentice Chef <大廚出馬 2> featuring Steven, TVB will be airing Thunder of the Forbidden Palace <紫禁驚雷> in September, which will pave the road for the TVB Best Actor Award. Anyway, TVB was using every possible means to make Steven stay.”
Opening a Movie for Bosco Wong
Although Bosco Wong Chung Chak’s contract will not expire until two years later, many companies approached him to discuss collaborating together. Since Ms. Lok knew Bosco wanted to film movies, TVB decided to open a new film project to boost his popularity further. In the new crime thriller, Bosco will be playing opposite Anthony Wong Chau Sung. An inside source commented, “Earlier when Chin Kwok Wai filmed <戀夏，戀夏，戀戀下>, Ms. Lok advocated casting Bosco in the movie. Since the filming location would be Hainan Island , Bosco did not have time to travel to the filming location, so the role was given to another actor. By pairing Bosco with Anthony Wong in the new movieUnderworld Justice <江湖 ．義 >, TVB wanted to show how much they valued him and make Bosco stay with the company.”
With Charmaine Sheh determined to leave, TVB Deputy Chairman, Mona Fong, ordered management to make sure that no more popular artists will follow. Allegedly, TVB was successful in making Roger Kwok Chun On stay. Ms. Lok was still discussing contract details with Bernice Liu Bik Yee, who was interested in pursuing filming opportunities.
Jayne: Bosco fans clarified that his contract will not expire until 2017, which is likely the reason why TVB is placing its stakes on him, promoting him in movies. His last movie, “I Love Hong Kong 2011” did well at the box office, although it is arguable that the good results were due to the strong ensemble cast.
In an earlier interview, Steven Ma bluntly stated that he wanted to win the TVB Best Actor Award this year. Perhaps 2011 will indeed be his year….
It could possibly be his year, as he has been cast in many series and his performance is quite consistent. TVB has always been unfair to him by airing his series at bad timeslots. But, he still manages to garner some decent ratings in his series. I do believe he is overdue for this award. He better get it before Raymond Lam gets it. This has not been Ray’s year so far.. Steven already had 2 series aired this year already I believe. And with Forbidden Palace being aired closer to anniversary, his chances are quite high unless the series is a complete disaster and has low ratings or negative feedback. I have confidence in his series, though.
@Aly, I agree with your analysis. I liked Steven’s performance and every role he receives he always amazes me. I appreciate the way he acts and I like his singing too. It’s unfortunate that TVB would tend to use Steven’s series to pull in ratings and save their butts. If Steven feels like there’s nothing left for him in the company to continue to stay then I encourage him to go to the Mainland and earn money. I don’t blame him for tempting to leave and earn more since I feel like he’s being under valued. I just wish that they have a better management system and treat all their artists fair and equal. Well, it’s easier said than done right?
i hope Raymond Wong wins Best Actor instead. TVB’s actors are really unrefreshing, same type of acting over and over. at least RW come from outside and joined, so now he brings something new to the table.
Bosco is one of the worst, dont know why TVB is being stubborn in promoting him, he really sucks. some brooding eyes and lifeless energy in every drama. BORING!
Steven Ma is not gonna win! are you guys new to TVB? they have delayed giving Raymond LAM the award for yrs, they will do it this yr so they can propel him further. Steven has an early expiration date. its nothing to say of their acting, just being real.
Steven fans shouldn’t expect anything, will just be disappointed for nothing!
@lamentnomore At this point, the chances of Raymond Wong winning Best Actor in 2011 are very slim. First, he just won Most Improved Actor last year and it’s never been in TVB history that actors go up the ranks so easily. Personally, I thought Raymond deserved higher than Most Improved simply because he has been in this industry for more than 10 years and his performances has been consistent and good throughout all these years. I wouldn’t mind him winning Best Supporting, but I must say Evergreen Mak did very well in his role as well. Therefore, both wins were well-deserved. Second, since Steven’s contract is expiring this year, TVB might want to retain him and the only way is to let him win. TVB is in demand of good and experienced actors and although I was never a fan of Steven, he is not a bad actor. On the other hand, TVB knows that Raymond is not going anywhere as his career is just on the rise.
In terms of acting, I like Raymond a bit more (although the guy is so hardworking that he looks terribly tired in all his characters) than Steven. But realistically, it is definitely not Raymond’s year yet unless TVB decides to air My Cruel Lover this year and it gets great applause…
I think Raymond Wong’s acting is better than Steven too. Both looks pale but Raymond overshadowed Steven in SITS and has a better look and charisma. I don’t care about Steven at all at that time and just want Tavia to end up happily with Raymond Wong.
My Cruel Lover might be Raymond’s chance for this year but if this article is true TVB might hype up Steven’s series instead.
teven Ma is not gonna win! are you guys new to TVB? they have delayed giving “Raymond LAM the award for yrs, they will do it this yr so they can propel him further. Steven has an early expiration date. its nothing to say of their acting, just being real.
Steven fans shouldn’t expect anything, will just be disappointed for nothing!”
That’s because TVB too busy overpromoting Wayne Lai. I used to love Wayne Lai before he win Best Actor and got promoted too much by TVB and I start to question his power to lead a series ALONE and not with Sheren Tang.
TVB should promote new blood to better status such as Raymond and Ron but they spent this 2 to 3 years promoting Wayne Lai and Ha Yu.
Steven Ma is bored stiff. If he’s not promoted by TVB it’s because his charisma is lacking and he’s getting old. He looked so pale and old in 7DIL.
surprised there came this day, that i can actually praise Ron. TVB should of really promoted him more after ACOTOB, before it fizzled out. way back then(Guts, WAD) they gave too much attention to him too early, Ron has not matured until now. now they not giving enough to him, and he is playing many second fiddle roles. its time to promote him to first already. or they think he still in learning stages? gee.
now, i dont mind Wayne Lai or Ha Yu. seniors have their place or else the place will just be rampant with juniors. TVB needs many kinds of actors and unique characterizations, can be elderly, middle age, down the ladder. there is more than two dozen dramas filmed each yr, Wayne not filming all of them, so no reason to mad at him or Ha Yu.
@ lamentnomore
I think I’ll agree with sehseh now. TVB should give Ron a lead role, let him carry a series by himself and see whether he can do it or not.
So far, he has got a lot of praises from playing supporting roles. But, his ability to carry a series is still unproven.
Steven Ma should have won a long time ago actually lol. If Gallen Lo wasn’t also a nominee, Steven Ma probably would have won for his role in ‘Where the Legend Begins’ in 2002.
i have a soft spot for steven in ancient series, but overall steven’s acting is much like his last name…MA-MA lol. kinda boring for the most part, no?
I agree. I like Steven Ma in older series such as the horse racing one and salt something (don’t know the english name). His last 3 or 4 has been disappointing.
in my opinion, I did’nt like Steven’s early acting, but he has improved alot, unlike many young actors and actress who hav’nt show the slightest improvement in there acting career and yet still picking up leading roles, that su***kz !! Steven has a good vocal, shame that the lousy song writers fail to give him favorable lyics and all.
ps: I did’nt like the series with gambling theme/horse racing, its bad influence and lousy advertising for their sponser.
Still early to say anything. Depends on how good Forbidden Palace can make with the rating. If it has a so-so rating, he won’t have the award.
And I hope it will be. It is time steven ma wins.
Can’t say that Funn, give it to him if the acting for the role nominated is worthy or else it would just be another tvb awards lol.
It has always been that way, so since that particular work is of no importance to TVB, at least give the award to those whose entire work speaks for themselves.
Haha, finally, TVB is bucking up. Good news for Steven. 🙂
He’s long overdue for the Award. Hope gets it next year.
“airing Steven’s new series in the latter half of the year”
This is the funniest line to me. This has always been a point of dissatisfaction for fans and reporters who feel bad for Steven.
Don’t know how true the Virginia Lok news is. But, it’s funny reading how she’s trying to get along with Steven now after saying he ‘cannot get into household’. This might be all made up by reporters, but, it’s still funny.
steven ma is too cocky….its not his time yet. kenneth ma all the way…
Kenneth Ma can’t even act half of Steven Ma. Talent alone, Steven Ma should win. And being outspoken is not cockiness.
Kenneth Ma has shown great acting in A Fistful of Stances and overshadowed Kevin Cheng.
Kenneth Ma’s role in Forbidden Palace is touted as a more a ground breaking role than Steven. Steven has been playing this ancient role for countless time. There’s nothing new.
Kevin Cheng is easy to overshadow when it comes to acting. I am watching the said series and for me Kenneth Ma is still raw and does not display the heroicness and everyday man qualities that come so easily for Steven Ma. It doesn’t matter how ground breaking the role, when a role is mundane but is occupied by a capable actor, that to me is groundbreaking acting. Steven ma excels in this medium so why can’t be play such role? And since he did it so well each time, I would say let him do more. I am more worried for Kenneth Ma and his pout.
I genuinely feel that Kenneth Ma is overrated, especially in the Hong Kong forums. He may be good in the TVB style of scream, yell, stare and shout acting – but his performance in A Fistful of Stances had very little depth, even with a gem of a character. Of course, overrated doesn’t mean overpromoted.
Up to now I still can’t understand why ppl like Kenneth’s role in FOS that much. I even can’t like the series itself. Maybe it’s not my cup of tea.
Steven Ma’s acting is the same in every series and he’s lack of charisma and appeal. Sometimes he looks like he’s boring in his own series.
Kenneth always give all out in his series and is a very hardworking man. He’s underpromoted by TVB while Steven Ma is seriously leading series after series. His acting in LTT made me cringe.
@Funn
Although I agree with you about Raymond’s multitalent but I disagree with your view on Kenneth.
Kenneth is praised a lot in forums because his acting in AFOS is great. Kevin is just a block of wood and Kenneth did more than him in that series. I don’t like Kevin’s role too because all he did was fell in love with Natalie and even in only that he’s still wooden.
Kenneth is very versatile and has shown his versatility in many different characters. He’s also praised now for his villain acting in GUF
@abc
Kenneth is great but maybe you just don’t get him. His performance in AFOS is meaningful. He has great chemistry with Selena Li
Maybe I don’t. I like subtlety, depth and nuance, not in-your-face mugging for the camera. That’s all – we clearly have different yardsticks from acting, judging from who you think is a brilliant actor and who I don’t.
PS: I just don’t understand where you get all your “praise” from?
I am watching AFOS right now and hoping the story gets better because right now the story is the biggest problem, not the actors and also the fact of wrong casting. But generally I am not sure what happened to Kevin in recent years. He is going from ok to bad to worse. Perhaps being pushed into the limelight shows his inadequacies as an actor or lack of confidence because he seems rather nervous in a lot of roles. Maybe give him a villanous role, the only one which he did really well.
Kenneth is a nice guy and cute. I like him but his acting suffers somewhat from wrong casting. I see him and I just go blank. If the character is better written in AFOS it might have suited him well but the problem is he doesn’t suit the character. I tried hard to see him as that character but the more I see, the more convinced I am he doesn’t have that natural leadership quality or one who has a whole load of burden on his shoulders. He seemed to fluffy, too lightweight. He is best for comedy, those light hearted series because he is likeable. His acting is just not there yet but AFOS’ main problem is the story and the dialogue, nothing seems to fit. I tried to imagine him as Steven’s character in Safe Guards and find myself unconvinced. He just doesn’t suit the role. Doesn’t make him a bad actor, just an inadequate one. The role was badly written but even that he has a whole lot of scenes in just the first few episodes alone. He himself did not contribute much to that character so to me AFOS looked promising but at this moment the promise has yet to take off. To say Kenneth is the problem is unfair but he is one of the many many problems.
Kevin is one that I have given up hope whatsoever.
AFOS, to me is not a good series. It remind me of moonlight series but with kung-fu, and I say these to rosy business and safe guard too. It like a freaking formula in TVB now. People find it their cup of tea. Not me. Bunch of yelling, crying and talking. Too much noise. I likes Kenneth Ma but seriously, I can’t stand his character in AFOS, he way too annoying.
@Vivien
I liked Kenneth’s character in AFOS but he (or the script) made him too ‘happy’ to fit his backstory. And its odd that he isn’t suppose to be the lead, yet the whole series would falter without his character, but in the end you cannot say his character was crucial to the series. A hard call. Kenneth has so far only convinced me he can take comedy and semi-dramatic roles.
Lol… I don’t think Steven is being cocky. He’s just speaking his mind and every artist would want to win this award at least once in their lifetime to prove to themselves that they are capable and well-liked by the audience.
Although I’m not a fan of Steven and find his roles to be the same in every series, he does show a different side of his acting in 7 Days of Life. Maybe because I’ve seen him in way too many series as the good guy, his image in 7 Days just didn’t sink in and I’m not quite convinced that he’s a talented and well-rounded actor.
Speaking of Kenneth, he has been given the same righteous roles since the day he began playing lead roles. But in Grace of Fire, he is showcasing a new side in which he turns evil later on. I’m still anticipating that and if he does well, I don’t mind supporting him for My Favorite Male Character.
In terms of experience, Steven has more. After checking Wikipedia, I realized he has been in this industry since 1993, which is almost 20 years! If he has a breakthrough and good role, I do think it’s his turn to win. One thing I’ve noticed is that Steven has been leading for so many years before Wayne Lai, but Wayne has won the Best Actor TWO years in a role while Steven still hasn’t won it at all. Personally, I find Wayne a more talented and realistic actor who can portray a variety of emotions while Steven is kind of stiff and boring in his emotional scenes. However, since Steven is so loyal to TVB and has been in the industry for so many years, I do pity him and can’t help but feel that it’s a slap in the face for him to not have won it yet when Wayne has won it for his second lead role, Rosy Business.
“Jayne: Bosco fans clarified that his contract will not expire until 2017, which is likely the reason why TVB is placing its stakes on him, promoting him in movies. His last movie, “I Love Hong Kong 2011″ did well at the box office, although it is arguable that the good results were due to the strong ensemble cast.”
I agree. I believe in another version of the news more i.e. Eric Tsang want to cast Bosco. Eric Tsang has more than once said Bosco has potential. Eric seems to like Bosco a lot.
“Ms. Lok was still discussing contract details with Bernice Liu Bik Yee, who was interested in pursuing filming opportunities.”
Also interesting to read this news. Earlier, people were saying Bernice’s career is going down due to her negative news, that TVB is not supporting her anymore. But, now, we see TVB is still eager to make her stay.
@Kidd, now that you mention about Bernice it doesn’t seem like she’s acting drama series nor do you see her in movies. The latest drama that she acted was in “Show Me The Happy” with Roger Kwok. We mostly see her attend functions or endorsing products but other than that what is she doing with her entertainment career. It makes me wonder.
I like Bernice a lot and it’s a shame to see her career to get shot down just like that. I hope she will have more new projects and I miss her appearance.
@Kidd, since Eric Tsang is producing for Shaw Brothers, I question how much power Eric really has in determining the leads for his films. Perhaps the lead cast is more determined by Shaw Brothers management.
Perhaps Shaw Brothers always wanted to promote Bosco…he had various parts in Lunar New Year movies over the last two years. Perhaps Eric is merely reiterating what Shaw Brothers management already wants, to cast Bosco….
@ Jayne
No matter what, I still believe that Eric has very favorable view towards Bosco and he’s not just parroting TVB.
http://www.dramaplot.com/entertainment-news/chinese-news/eric-tsang-tells-tvb-to-value-their-artists.html
He said: “It is necessary for Hong Kong to have more locally produced films. Besides Luanr New Year films, I hope to direct more films and it does not have to be comedy flicks.” Eric also hopes to use more new actors, sharing and passing on his acting experiences to them. Asked if he has a candidate in mind? He said: “Nope! When the time comes, I’ll choose based on the situation. I personally really like Bosco Wong, but once he gets popular, the TV station (TVB) will end up over using him. So, I want to go on the streets to get people for auditions, even people who have no experience at all will do.”
Eric Tsang should do the Stephen Chow way. Open casting. Stephen has been quite spot on in his casting decisions lately. And I think Stephen Chow is the man to revive HK cinema because he makes movies that I wanna go to see in cinemas.
What is Stephen doing? Kung Fu Hustle 2?
I don’t think Eric Tsang likes Bosco that much, he might be forced by TVB to make this comment.
We can all see that Bosco can’t carry a movie by himself yet since he doesn’t even he doesn’t even have a TVB series under his name unlike Wayne Lai, Gallen Lo or Raymond(Lam). Bosco’s acting is still in need of improvement.
@ Vivien
Eric Tsang is not some TVB-managed artists that TVB can maneuver like a puppet. If TVB can force him to say or not say things, he wouldn’t be criticising TVB.
We all know you don’t like Bosco. But, that doesn’t mean others have to think like you and if they don’t they are lying or forced by TVB to say so.
If that’s the case, I can also invalidate any praises that any veterans give to you fave e.g. Raymond and Ron. Eric also praises Fala. Base on your logic, Eric Tsang also dislike Fala and it’s TVB who forced him to praise Fala?
Eric Tsang has more than once gave favourable comments on Bosco.
Wayne has once praised Ron for having potential. At that time many people were bewilded at his view and disagreed with him. But, no one ever said he’s forced by TVB to praise Ron.
Now, please don’t go saying Ron indeed has potential and Wayne is right blah blah blah. What I’m trying to say is, many people did not think Ron was good at that time, but, no one second guessed Wayne and concluded that’s not his true opinion and someone forced him to say so.
I think you should give this courtesy to Eric Tsang too.
@Kidd
Eric Tsang is a guy who made many rotten and mo liu comedy movies. I don’t like his movies and I don’t think people will take his judgement as that credible because he produces crap movies.
Wayne worked with Ron in Rosy Business before he said about Ron having potential. He sees Ron at work everyday. Wayne must’ve seen something other people don’t so that’s why nobody is questioning Wayne and then later Ron proved that he’s great in Rosy Business. I love his role a lot and many people become his fan after this. Wayne was even more right when he won that Best Actor somewhere in China and I-Cable for the maid series. China give Ron good roles where he achieve breakthrough. TVB don’t promote Ron and always give him second leads only and only Wayne sees Ron’s potential and praise him.
@ Vivien
Your logic is still bias. Eric Tsang has made a lot of good movies as producer and he himself has won Best Actor in HK Film Award. He has work with Bosco before in 72 Tenants and I Love HK. So, his opinion is aw valid as Wayne.
that’s why nobody is questioning Wayne”
Lots of people were questioning Wayne’s comment at that time.
” TVB don’t promote Ron and always give him second leads only and only Wayne sees Ron’s potential and praise him.”
TVB promoted Ron way earlier than they did Bosco. But, Ron did not live up to expectation at that time. Now, TVB tone it down and it’s good for Ron. He can polish his acting.
Ron is not great in Rosy Business. His acting improved, but, is far from great. That new actor who play his younger brother act better than him.
You just don’t like Bosco and refuse to give him credit on anything. I think even if Chow Yun Fat praised him, you will find some reasoning to discredit CYF’s opinion. On the other hand, if Eric Tsang praised Raymond, you will go, ‘Eric Tsang, a veteran in the movie industry for so long also praised Raymond, that prove Raymond’s talent’.
Initially, you try to discredit Eric’s words by saying TVB forced him to say so. When this doesn’t work, you go and discredit Eric himself to make his work seem not credible.
Vivien, do you mean Wong Jing? Because he’s the one having reputation of producing mo liu low class sorta of movies. Eric has been critically acclaimed. Isn’t Infernal Affairs by him? If not well, he was fantastic in it. Anyway every producer has their muse and maybe Bosco is his.
Ron is heavily promoted by TVB but in a smart move TVB decides to let him stand back and gain experience so it shows in his recent performances BUT in Rosy Business, he wasn’t THAT great. Watch carefully and you will see his performance is the same as his every other performance, the only difference is this time he is not the lead and so not very obvious. Moreover Wayne Lai and Sheren Teng dominated each scene they were in, so basically not much is noticed of Ron during those times.
@Vivien Eric Tsang is (was?) the Chairman of the HK Artistes Association. He has some credibility and clout in the industry, more than Wayne Lai I suspect.
But that said, both Eric Tsang and Wayne Lai’s opinions are more important than yours.
@Kidd + Funn + abc
72 Tenants and ILove HK are mo liu
@Funn
Ron is nice to watch in Rosy Business and not annoy me as before. I love his character. His character is among my most favourite in that series so I conclude that his acting has improved leaps and bounds.
You are the one who said Eric Tsang said he sees Bosco as the next Andy Lau. I just think that Eric is exaggerating it and in terms of achievement or clout Bosco is far away from carrying a movie like Andy Lau or Chow Yun Fat.
@abc
Eric produces the mo liu 72 Tenants and I Luv HK.
Eh, I happen to enjoy 72 tenants very very much. It was one of those rare big cast production which was funny and well acted. Eric Tsang and Jacky Cheung practically stole the show from the young ones. Not sure about the other movie.
@ Vivien
72 Tenants and I Love HK are decent comedies. They have some silly moments, but, contain good messages and heart. But, these are not the only movies he produced. He produces many movies before.
“Ron is nice to watch in Rosy Business and not annoy me as before. I love his character. His character is among my most favourite in that series so I conclude that his acting has improved leaps and bounds.”
Likable character does not equate to good acting.
Agree with Funn. I also enjoy ’72 Tenants’ a lot. ‘I Love HK’ is not as good as ’72 Tenants’, but, still very decent comedy.
@Funn – maybe you think Ron wasn’t that good in Rosy Business but in HK forum Ron captured many netizens favour with his acting in Rosy Business.
In HK forum now Ron’s acting is more celebrated than your favourite Steven Ma. So I guess it’s up to Vivien’s opinion if she thinks Ron is great. A lot of HK people and other audience think like her too.
@Kidd – Ron may not be that great in Rosy Business but he is superb in A Chip off the Old Block. Myolie and Ron both have great breakthrough in that series and was extensively praised in HK forum and overseas audience. I feel bad that the series doesn’t win any award. It was a creative, enjoyable and touching series.
@ lol
A lot of people in HKForum likes Ron does not validate Vivien’s opinion or invalidate Funn’s opinion.
From what I read in HKForum, the netizens like Ron more for his performance in ‘Chips of the Old Block’ than ‘Rosy Business’.
From the ‘3 Kingdom’ thread, I also get the impression that the netizens there like Ron more than Ray. Most want Ron to be in the series over Ray. Does that mean Ron is a better actor than Ray? No.
The HKForum comments can only show which TVB actors are more popular in HK or more popular in that forum. It is not a prove of acting ability.
@ lol
Just curious. Did you read HKForum?
@Kidd – “From what I read in HKForum, the netizens like Ron more for his performance in ‘Chips of the Old Block’ than ‘Rosy Business’.”
I also said above that the netizens praised Ron extensively for A Chip of the Old Block. He is certified as ‘great’ in this series. It’s a pity that the series aired at the wrong time. It was better than No Regrets and Can’t Buy Me Love. Based on most people’s comments Ron and Myolie would’ve a shot for Best Actor and Actress if the series aired at the correct time.
@Kidd – I do went to HKForum sometimes. Enough to see that the HK netizens love Ron after E.U., Rosy Business and love him even more after A Chip of The Old Block. Myolie who was criticised and hated before also gets positive praises after this series.
I also learned there that many netizens likes Ron in the sales presentation and think he suited the gamer’s role.
But, reading comments in HKForum, Steven is not as highly praised in there as in mainland and english forum. So, don’t really know the actual popularity of Steven in HK.
On the other hand, Ron is very well liked in HKForum.
I will like Ron more than Steven too. Steven is stagnant and unimproving all this years while Ron has shown improvement in Rosy Business.
Ron has been likeable since Rosy Business and Queen Office and it’s undeniable that Ron is a better looker than Steven.
TVB should promote Ron more. I mean he is like the only young Siu sang that hasn’t had a cd in such a long time. And he is quite popular aobi don’t get why they don’t promote it, it’s not like he’s a bad actor. They should give him more chances.
From what Kidd said Ron sounds popular in HK.
If I’m TVB I will rather promote a younger siu sang with better looks and improving acting instead of an older Siu Sang like Steven Ma
Ron has also won Best Actor award for TVB’s rival station Cable TV for his mainland series Beautiful Maid
The recent comments in HK forum are complaining about Ron being pushed out from Return to Three Kingdoms. Ron is quite popular in HK. The netizens don’t care about Steven being replaced but they make forum threads to complain to TVB about Ron’s treatment.
From their comments Ron’s performance in the sales clip captured HK netizens favour but on the other hand Steven not so much.
Isn’t it about time that TVB cannot act like they are the “Boss” of everyone and all actors/actresses? Thank goodness that all these tvb people have a way out and not have to work for such an authoritative company with such stupid management.
On the other hand, never been impressed much by Steven’s acting abilities. While I’m sure he has some followers, he isn’t all that handsome, over-exaggerates with his acting and really doesn’t have any charm or charisma. Can’t really understand what (if any)there is about him that even qualifies him to win the best actor for TVB this year.
Steven used to be good a long time before but now his acting stays stagnant and keep using the same formula, same facial expressions, same characters and we got tired.
Steven recently wasted and almost destroyed a ground breaking role made for him in 7 Days in Life because of his formulaic acting. If the role was given to Moses or Joe Ma instead it will be more successful.
Moses Chan over ever have 1 facial expression and he can’t carry a series. Joe Ma will equate to zzzzzzzzzzzz
i assume you’re Steven’s follower so I understand your opinion but watching 7 Days in Life not only me but many other non followers of him also thinks Steven is zzzzzz and has no charisma as what the role should be. Most of his costars in this series overshadow him.
Joe Ma might be horrible for everyday man roles but is perfect for strong type roles. Moses is bad in comedy but suave when he’s required to be suave just as in Gem of Life and Healing Hands 3.
I think you got it mixed up. Moses excels in comedy.
And perhaps why steven seems boring is because the writing is boring?
@lol
I’d agree Steven’s acting hasn’t changed much but I’m not sure how much that is due to him; could just be TVB’s lame scripts. In fact, Steven’s character in ‘7Days’ is for me, the worst written character in the series. Its cliche, boring and tiring. In fact all the supporting characters overshadowed him. The 2nd and 3rd worst written characters are Sonija’s and then Bosco’s, respectively – however Bosco’s livelier acting made up for it and Sonija… well… lets just say she looks better than Steven Ma, so that puts her ahead.
I’m not sure how Moses or Joe Ma would do in the role. I’d put my money on the fact Joe Ma wouldn’t do any better; Moses could but I doubt it would be ‘ground breaking’.
Steven’s role in ‘7Days’ is hardly ‘ground breaking’. Its the most boring cliche role I’ve seen him take in all recent memory. That said, he got a bad leading role in ‘Links to Temptation’ but that was ‘leading’ – whereas his role in ‘7Days’ cannot strictly be considered ‘leading’.
It depends on the series it’s self but Steven Ma’s acting I like a yogo sometimes it good some times it not. But he doesn’t really give his characters personalities…just cause they are airing it in the latter half of the year that doesn’t mean he will be getting the best actor thing, everything depends on the ratings. Unlike western tv show who get awards on their acting, Asian ones get awards on the ratings…
Without a back support like TVB, I think it’ll be really hard for Bosco to get into the film industry. I think TVB is promoting him like they did with Raymond Lam last year with movies dramas and music. Maybe it’s finally his year to shine! Plus his contract ends in 2017…he has plenty of time to build A reputation in the film industry.
I don’t think Bosco can carry a movie by himself. He’s not Louis Koo and Bosco is an unknown in the movie industry.
Acting besides Anthony Wong is dangerous too. Anthony Wong is in a total higher level than Bosco. Michael Tse becomes invisible in his Laughing Gor movie last year because of Anthony Wong overshadowing him.
The Laughing Gor movie is not about Laughing. All other in the cast overshadowed Laughing Gor.
I still think this movie is not interesting.
at least we share opinion that this Eric Tsang movie is not interesting.
There are very few people who are of the same level as Anthony Wong, so it’s obviously a given that Bosco isn’t there yet.
I think it’s (comparatively) easier for males as opposed to females to make it in the movie industry; but given that Raymond Lam has been getting his push solely from TVB thus far, I don’t see why not for Bosco either. The question simply is where you go after that.
Raymond Lam is in a different level than Bosco too because he has a much bigger fanbase.
I say it will be harder for Bosco to break into movies. He hardly has leading roles in TVB series.
@abc – Actually some of TVB females have a chance at some good movies too. For example Myolie last year has a chance to guest star in 2 good movies. One by Johnnie To as Richie Jen’s wife and one is the mainland movie Formation of A Party as Chow Yun Fat’s wife. She got to work and know these respectful directors.
Exactly, like you said, guest starring.
Queenie Chu has worked in Ann Hui/Alan Mak movies as well, but unless you get a leading/considerable supporting role, you aren’t going to be able to earn enough to feed yourself simply as a movie actress.
The truth is, Hong Kong directors see the need to shove in a Mainland actress for virtually every big production. Look at all the recent “big movies” and you realise that there’s a disappointing paucity of local born and bred Hong Kong actresses.
As for Raymond Lam, I don’t see his so-called big screen charisma or even (after ten years) considerable acting depth in his two outings thus far. I reserve opinion on Bosco for that reason – to the folks in the movie industry, Bosco and Raymond are probably on the same level, except that one also has EEG behind him.
The only one who had distinct potential in movies until TVB decided to ruin her – Kate Tsui. Which also shows that filming movies require different qualities from TVB series.
Isn’t Bosco has East Asia Media behind him :P?
East Asia is not Media Asia.
PS: The reason why I mentioned EEG is because EEG has a movie arm that films many movies exclusively to promote some – questionably talented – people under their label. Media Asia doesn’t do that.
@abc – I’ll stop here but at least some like Myolie’s case can work on the connection with the directors and may help them to secure bigger movie roles later
Fox is right. EEG is promoting Raymond because he certainly is very marketable and has a huge amount of fans who will buy his work.
Bosco has a recording contract with East Asia but we can see that he’s not in Media Asia movies because he can’t carry a movie yet and is not as marketable as Raymond.
@abc – So you can see that to EEG, Raymond is valuable in their movies and to East Asia, they don’t think he’s that valuable like Raymond so they’re not promoting him. Janice Man and Aarif Lee are under East Asia and they have many movies in their hands.
Raymond Lam is very famous in S.E.A. When Ron and him stood side by side, fans wanted to hug Ray. I think even with all these pictures and all, he is still famous and marketable.
I didn’t say he isn’t marketable. I’m just saying that from a purely movie industry recognition point of view, Raymond and Bosco are on the same level; there is nothing in Raymond’s performances/critical acclaim thus far that indicate that he is at an entirely different level from Bosco.
abc, Bosco and Raymond both are on different level, whether talent or fame. I agree Bosco can be marketable as in become huge but talent wise, I still question Bosco’s acting/singing/dancing talent. Raymond is beyond Bosco already in terms of fame. I see Bosco as up and coming, Raymond is already there. All he needs to do now is not let more scandal rock his image. Bosco can’t carry a movie or series. He has a long way to go. But it is unfair to place these 2 together. Bosco and Ron maybe. Raymond is just on a different league.
@abc
There is. Raymond was praised for Perfect Wedding and Perfect Wedding has received good box office at the cinema.
@abc
Funn is right. abc you’re having a wrong estimate about Bosco. Raymond is praised for his multi talent but Bosco still criticized can’t carry a movie or a TVB series and is in a lower league than Raymond. Bosco still has a long time to go. Besides Bosco is also isn’t as likeable as Ron or Kenneth Ma in TVB series.
@abc
Bosco’s acting like Funn said is still being questioned by Raymond’s acting is already strong and steady. Raymond’s singing is very nice but Bosco can’t sing. From this you can already see why Raymond is more successful now. We hope you can get the right estimate as to where Bosco currently stand in the ent biz now.
I don’t know; I’m not a fan of Bosco or Raymond but I do follow the movie industry a lot more than TVB. Like I said, the movie industry is an entirely different kettle of fish – acting in movies is very different. That was the sole point I was trying to make. I’m not judging either of them suitability or talent wise in terms of movies simply because Bosco hasn’t been in a proper movie project yet.
As for the praise in Perfect Wedding, from whom? Barbara Wong? While he “improved” from Jade and the Pearl (?) – which is not difficult – it’s not as though Raymond has blown people away.
Likewise, I too hope you don’t have an overestimation of Raymond’s ability, as his fans are only too prone to doing. Even Louis Koo don’t have all that firm a foothold in the movie industry yet, and thinking that Raymond is “up there” is not going to do him any favours.
*doesn’t
TJATP and PW were filmed at the same time, one in the days and one in the nights, so can’t compare his acting in both. If wanna compare, better to compare Stolen love to TJATP and PW.
Yes, but that would be like me comparing Gallen Lo in The Seasons and in Cold Blood Warm Heart. Is there any point at all in saying that he has improved? 😛
@abc – you’re clearly more harsh to Raymond in your comments. What fox, Vivien, Funn and me are doing is just to show you the true account of the real world fanbase and achievements of them.
Most comments and audience accounts have concluded that Raymond is more favoured and is regarded as a better actor and singer than singer than Bosco. Try making a poll and I’m sure my results is right.
Raymond’s ability to stay in his popularity after the scandal is a big evidence of how strong his foothold in the industry. I have to correct you on Louis Koo too, he is now one of the most sought after actor in HK and China movies.
I don’t see why I’m being harsh on Raymond; I think it’s Raymond fans who simply cannot accept it when I express a different opinion.
And I beseech you to please engage directly with my arguments and not with a straw man. I have never once said that Bosco is more talented/better actor/better singer/better dancer/more popular and whatever other attributes you wish to tack on to make the point that Raymond is superior. I have also never once referred to the entertainment industry as a general coherent whole but solely the movie industry. And I do think that in the movie industry, both of them have very little standing; there is little to differentiate them at this stage.
Louis Koo is obviously doing well for himself, but when I say not so firm a foothold, I mean that Louis Koo is still forced to take on lightweight projects with Raymond Wong Bak Ming instead of being at the level where he can be more selective to ensure a certain minimum level of quality.
As far as I know there isn’t a lot of choices for HK cinema. I see the same people in every poster.
How can you see the improvement between 2 movies who were filmed at the same time? I said: PW was filmed on the days and the same days but at night, TJATP was filmed.
I don’t mention that he is improved or not, but trying to say that you can’t compare these two.
If you ask me, I think he has a good acting in PW. The facial expression is shown very good in this one. I don’t think he is anything too outstanding in the movie industry, but he did his roles not bad through.
I hope you noticed that I said “improved” and not improved. I was alluding to the fact that The Jade and the Pearl was so egregious that his performance was not worth mentioning – and it’s not just Raymond’s fault.
@ abc: I seriously think that we have misunderstanding here. I don’t plan to compare Bosco and Raymond. I just wanna correct some errors that you have when you compare they two.
All here know that they both stepped the first steps on movie industry and no one can sure who will get better than who. However, at the moment, if compare the fanbase, LF is winning Bosco.
@abc
lol is right because you do sound more critical to Raymond and can’t seem to find good things to say about him.
Raymond is good in PERFECT WEDDING and have great chemistry with Miriam. TJATP is a bad production overall but Raymond maintained his level and his acting isn’t bad at all. Obviously he’s not to Louis Koo’s level yet but compared to Bosco he’s certainly progressing ahead and you can’t deny that.
@fox If everyone was as rational as you were, there would be no argument at all. But again, I’m sorry if I sound pedantic but I was always making a very narrow point – in terms of CRITICAL ACCLAIM and STANDING in the movie industry, they are of the same level. I was never comparing their fanbase.
@abc
I have to agree with fox, we don’t mean to compare Raymond and Bosco but it’s just the need to correct you on your estimation of the overall view on them.
Agree with fox again, if comparing the fanbase alone, Raymond is winning.
@Viven We just have different definitions of what constitutes good acting – so we should just agree to disagree.
But I want to make it very clear that I am not trying to be harsh on Raymond. I just want to make the point that a lot of his fans don’t seem to have very realistic assessment or expectations when it comes to the movie industry.
Well but if there is no fanbase, who will come to the cinema to watch? TJATP can reached to 9 millions of box office only thank to the fans (of all 4 main chacs). The reporters made TJATP sounded like a very big failure but the fact is in HK, its box office is doubled Karate Kid and Reign of Assassins.
If compare, one reason to make ppl think Bosco is behind LF is the non TVB movies. At least LF has some invitations from non TVB movies while Bosco up to now, only has invitation from TVB movies.
If talk about acting, it’s very hard to compare them because good/bad acting is like beauty, depends on the view of the beholder.
Well lets end it. In above points I was also just trying to point out that Raymond did got positive views for his breakout in PW and he certainly is heading for the positive with his involvement in the two mainland movies. I was also just pointing out that between Raymond and Bosco, Bosco is the one receiving more criticisms for his TVB acting and Raymond is receiving more acclaim because this might affect their movies qualities.
I agree that we do have differing opinions so yes we should just end here.
I was of the impression that the box office for TPATJ did not reach 9 million; but if so, I stand corrected.
I’m not sure where this argument is now going because my initial comment was merely that there is nothing wrong with TVB giving Bosco the push when they gave Raymond one too. I don’t know how Bosco will fare, and like I said, I decline to judge until then. If standing in movie industry is based on fanbase, then the Twins at their peak should have picked up HFKA Best Actresses – but I’m sure we all know otherwise. 😛
Good for Raymond that he is getting invitations for non-TVB movies, but once again, I think it’s way too premature to judge. There really isn’t a need for everyone to jump on me for not agreeing that Raymond is on an entirely different level. I’m merely an insignificant movie audience.
fox gets the point with the fanbase thing. If there’s no fanbase how to receive box-office? who will come to the cinema?
Like what fox stated receiving offers from non TVB movies shows that Raymond is more sought after than Bosco in the movie world while Bosco is just filming Shaw movies. HK people don’t think much highly of Shaw movies.
@abc – one fact that’s true is that you are the one who brought Raymond’s name first 😛
I was responding to Yee:
“I think TVB is promoting him like they did with Raymond Lam last year with movies dramas and music.”
And also your following comment:
“Raymond Lam is in a different level than Bosco too because he has a much bigger fanbase.”
I didn’t bring in he-who-must-not-be-named randomly; judging from how one is apparently not permitted to make any comment that is not remotely laudatory of him, I apologise if you took umbrage because of that.
@abc: Ah Sa won HFKA best actress for a commercial movie :P. So don’t say fanbase doesn’t work.
TJATP reached 9 million box office. Maybe it’s hard to believe but it’s true. It’s even in top 10 best box office in GZ area. Many ppl blv it’s a failure but actually it’s not truly one.
I don’t think abc is too harsh on Raymond. What abc was trying to compare was just Raymond’s and Bosco’s standing in the movie industry.
Abc never deny that Raymond was a better actor and singer than Bosco or that he’s more popular than Bosco and has a larger fanbase and a more successful career.
What abc did was just comparing Bosco and Raymond in the movie industry and he/she did not think Ray is a league above Bosco or has made it. The reasons he/she gave was also reasonable.
Bosco got criticism, so, does Ray.
Raymond was praised in Perfect Wedding by some reviewers, but, that does not translate to ‘Raymond can carry a movie’. The most can be said is Raymond can hold his own in a movie.
If he’s so great, he would have won some movie awards. Miriam won for Perfect Wedding, but, Raymond didn’t even get nominated. So, in terms of movie industry, he’s still not there yet.
And what’s with these comments about abc having wrong estimate and hope he/she get the right estimate of Bosco’s and Raymond’s standing, like your estimate is the most accurate one? It’s especially ironic coming from Vivien who always overly overestimates her idols and underestimates the ones she doesn’t like.
Anyway, I agree that Raymond is ahead of Bosco now in many areas. But, we shouldn’t write off Bosco yet. Lets see how his first serious movie do.
@Kidd
“And what’s with these comments about abc having wrong estimate and hope he/she get the right estimate of Bosco’s and Raymond’s standing, like your estimate is the most accurate one? It’s especially ironic coming from Vivien who always overly overestimates her idols and underestimates the ones she doesn’t like.”
I wasn’t overestimating or underestimating what I said was estimation based on what I figured and what I see from public opinion.
It’s public knowledge that Raymond is ahead of Bosco in many areas and you yourself agree with the notion. There’s no overestimating here. Last night Raymond has also added an extra credit to his acclaim by winning the IFPA award and praised by Sammy Cheng herself as King of Live Singing. I’m not making this up it really happens.
But singing doesn’t relate to movie industry, right?
@ Vivien
Last night Raymond has also added an extra credit to his acclaim by winning the IFPA award and praised by Sammy Cheng herself as King of Live Singing. I’m not making this up it really happens.
Those award and praise are related to music, right? Abc is talking about movie industry.
@fox I’m pretty darn sure Ah Sa has never won a HKFA Best Actress; she was nominated in 2008 for Simply Actors, but she has never won. I see what you mean about the 9 million box office if you include the China box office. If so, I think 9 million might be an underestimate instead.
@Vivien I can see now why you “overestimate” Raymond. I too follow Sammi Cheng’s weibo and she said that he sang well live; I don’t recall her saying that Raymond was “King of Live Singing” – how do you think Jacky Cheung, Eason Chan or Hacken Lee would take that comment? 😛
As for public “knowledge” of Raymond’s superiority, knowledge is by definition based on the existence of a set of facts/truths. I don’t think it’s a fact that Raymond is ahead of Bosco in many areas – opinion, perhaps, if only because assessments of singing/dancing/acting are subjective. If you are able to understand that I too am entitled to my own opinion and my own estimation, then perhaps it’s only worth debating with you.
“I think you got it mixed up. Moses excels in comedy”
You must be kidding. Moses is a huge mess of wreck in CBML and ITEOTB.
7DIL is a bad series overall. The script is a mess of wreck and Steven’s boring acting make it worse. I agree Steven has no charisma and puts people to sleep.
Steven is better in ancient series but that doesn’t mean he can carry a series. He was good in Safe Guards but Wayne Lai and the Chung Chi Kwong are better and help him carry the series.
Huge mess in both perhaps but he has always been better in comedy. It is drama that makes me question his acting abilities. He has the ability to play silly and dead pan and isn’t ego enough to have others poke fun at him. And I do think he is funny in his own dead pan 1 expression sort of way. Comedy is about timing and delivery and somehow he can do that. Either the best actors can do it (Wayne Lai) or the worst (Moses).
I think Steven Ma is a competent actor. Competent enough for TVB to promote into the leading-man position in the company. However I think he’d have a hard time if TVB tries to push Wayne Lai or Moses Chan – both who have shown acting abilities better. Of course this is only based on what I’ve seen. Steven hasn’t really gotten any ‘gorund breaking’ roles before. ‘Safe Guards’ was the closest one, but his role was held back by the more level-headed approach of the entire series.
I think Michael Tse would be close competition with Steven Ma. Raymond Lam can act, and his probably shown he can do better, but I doubt any future roles TVB gives him can convince me his done better than Golden Faith, The Last Breakthrough or La Femme Desperado.
As for the TVB Best Actor Award – ever since it was given to Kevin Cheng I no longer watch it. I’m sorry, that was just too rigged. Like its usually rigged given its awarding its own artists, arranges its program slots, manages those same artists – but when you award Kevin Cheng with best actor its obvious you think the audience are tossers. No offence to Kevin fans of course; he did well in umm… The Ultimate Crime Fighter. 😛
Wayne Lai is a no brainer. But, I disagree that Moses has better acting abilities than Steven.
I’d prefer Steven too; a bias formed since Healing Hands; but his roles to date have not shown him to be a ‘better’ actor. Its mostly a casting/scripting issue I think. However Steven has played a string of very boring characters very boringly and it makes me increasingly think he might not be able to ‘make a series’. Of course not many actors can ‘make a series’ but I’m getting a sense Steven has either lost the ideal to ‘make a series’, that love for acting kinda thing, or his fed up being given crap roles.
Moses has shown competence in a range of roles whilst Steven still is a bit unbelievable and edgy in his more dramatic roles – but his great in comedies.
@SDS
I don’t find Moses to have a good range. His forte is in comedy and even this he faltered in the first half of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’. He’s a poor actor in dramatic roles. I’ll agree that he will do lady killer roles better than Steven, since he has this charisma.
I find Steven very good at giving life to the everyday man character and ‘A Watchdog’s Tale’ shows that Steven can do comedy very well too. I still think that Steven deserve the Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Ah Gong in AWT.
Dramatic roles: Steven >> Moses
This is my humble opinion.
I did not watch Link To Temptation, so, I can’t comment. But, 7 Days. I guess Steven is a miscast. He did well in the later episodes when it started to show his ‘bad’ side. I guess Steven cannot do suave casanova roles. He does not have this charisma. But other than that, he performance has always been good and dependable.
Agree! Steven’s forte is in everyday man role but not of course rough everyday man but rather not the suave type although I find his suave whenever he is in those costume series.
Moses does not have better acting abilities but rather different type of genres. However Steven can carry a series, Moses can’t, not even now.
I think Moses and Steven are almost at the same levels but Moses might make the suave character comes out more. Steven lacks the whole charismatic thing.
Maybe I should correct myself. Being the better actor doesn’t make one a natural leading actor and being able to lead a series doesn’t make one a better actor.
To me Steven is a capable actor but a great leading actor. Moses can’t lead a series without having one or 2 others side by side, and even until today he still is in a group effort sort of series whilst Steven is in smaller series, where he is always almost invariably the leading actor.
Like Bobby is a natural lead actor, whatever you might think of his acting. And where is Bobby??
Despite my preference for Steven I just haven’t seen the range.
Moses has played quite a range of roles competently: Healing Hands 2, Gentle Crackdown, Dance of Passion, Heart of Greed, Ultimate Crime Fighter, Gem of [bloody] Life, Fly with Me.
Also I’ve seen Moses in bit-parts in films and his shown competence all the time. I’d put my money on that Moses’s can carry a series to the same effect as Steven at the very least.
Steven just hasn’t shown me the goods yet. And his recent two roles have, as I said in another post somewhere, made me rethink my stereotype that ‘I’d like most series with Steven Ma in it’.
Oh yea woops. Kevin also did alright in Split Second. But he absolutely killed it in Burning Flame III so I guess that neutralises his achievements (although I agree that mess was more the script and direction than him, but seriously like he could do any better?).
Kevin did his villain roles better than his goody 2 shoes roles.
@ fox
Crazy psycho is easier to act than boring good 2 shoes I guess. 😀
I think Kevin is an actor who need colorful characters to make him ‘act well’. He can’t make a perfect character or goody two shoes character comes alive (although I personally think he succeeded in ‘Under the Canopy of Love’). His acting is too understated. So, you need to give him something more active to work on.
Maybe like Funn said, he lacks confidence. I remember seeing him in a mini concert. On stage he was awkward. He seem like not sure what to do and not at ease. But, in backstage interview, you can see him become more easygoing and animated (but still reserve compared to someone like Bosco). In the 15/16 game show, he partnered with Carol Cheng and Carol basically did all the talking.
He’s less reserved now compared to before. Maybe this will help in his acting. He did quite well in ‘Only You’ from the few episodes I saw.
I referred to Kevin’s old roles in Taiwanese series. I rmb how I rolled my eyes when I watch Yummy Yummy. Goody 2 shoes roles are not for him.
@ Fox
Maybe I have low requirement for acting. I remember I don’t have any problem with Kevin’s acting in Yummy Yummy. 😛
As for the Taiwanese series. I watch a bit of the twin series and saw him there. But, I can’t judge his acting in there since I only watch a small part of the series. I watch the Mermaid series in full. Yeah, he was pretty good in the series. Not great, but, adequately villainous. 🙂
I wonder if villain roles is easier to bring out an actor’s acting chops. Shirley Yeung’s best acting was also her villain role in ‘The Brink of Law’. She was usually pretty awful in acting. Watching FOS now and she’s pretty bad in it.
@SDS
“I’m not sure how Moses or Joe Ma would do in the role. I’d put my money on the fact Joe Ma wouldn’t do any better; Moses could but I doubt it would be ‘ground breaking’.
Steven’s role in ’7Days’ is hardly ‘ground breaking’. Its the most boring cliche role I’ve seen him take in all recent memory. That said, he got a bad leading role in ‘Links to Temptation’ but that was ‘leading’ – whereas his role in ’7Days’ cannot strictly be considered ‘leading’.”
I’m not sure about Moses or Joe Ma too, and Raymond will be too young for that role. Especially when Sonija although still pretty but is clearly shows aging signs on her face. It was inappropriate seeing Bosco and her sharing some mouthful kiss in the series brrrr
Steven was a mess in LTT. You wouldn’t think his acting can be let down like this.
Steven isn’t a bad actor but he’s stagnant and boring. He has less charisma too. I agree Raymond and Michael Tse might the competition to Steven this year seeing the series that TVB are holding for them.
Yeah, although I’ve always enjoyed Steven’s series, his big problem is his appearance does not scream charisma. When in a dramatic role you really need to have charisma (e.g. Michael Miu) or you need to know how to live your character’s role (e.g. Gallen Lo). Steven hasn’t really shown either. His shown above average acting, able to look natural in more roles than not, but that’s it.
” It was inappropriate seeing Bosco and her sharing some mouthful kiss in the series brrrr”
Nothing inappropriate about a younger man kissing an older woman. I find them having good chemistry in the series.
From the cover of the TVB artist featuring magazine last time, Michael Tse becomes one of the competitor.
The race this year will have some fun. If LF’s scandal is near the end of the year, sure that he won’t win but lucky to him, it’s in the beginning of the year so he is still a horse in the race. Up to now, the race seems to be Steven/Moses/LF and Michael Tse. Wayne won’t be one of the competitor as he won 2 continuous years. Let him win a triple round is just too much. Might have some dark horses but not sure who. Depends on which series will have the highest rating this year.
I agree with someone above on the awards based on the rating, not the acting.
@fox
Yep. And TVB’s ratings hardly mean anything, if accurate. Shove anything into the 8.30-9.30 slot and you’ll secure averages of 30+ points. Yay!
You should be glad TVB hasn’t tried putting the leads it wants to promote always in that time slot. Ahhh… I can just imagine it… Raymond Lam 5 days a week, 8.30-9.30 for about 340 days… I’m sure by then HK audience will understand the power of constant stimulus bombardment = eventual liking.
Michael Tse is indeed seem to be the competitor this year. From the overview of the series that TVB wants to promote this year, I can see that TVB is pushing Michael Tse, Raymond and Moses. Steven might be a last minute competitor decision since Charmaine suddenly wants to leave.
I have to agree too that the awards is based on rating. Wayne is a great actor but without the high ratings of his series he won’t win.
Moses was terrible in CBML but the high ratings of the series made him a competitor for last year.
I agree that Wayne won’t win it for the third time. Michael Tse’s level in TVB is going up for real after Laughing Gor. I’d say TVB might promoting him for the TV King race too. Yeap the race might be between Steven/Moses/Raymond/Michael. An extra space might be left for unexpected or underdog contender.
If TVB really wants Steven to bag home the TV King award I wonder if that means his series might be scheduled at a favourable time slot to get ratings. Maybe 1-2 month before the award.
I don’t think it is ratings based. If they want him to win he will win. I think generally he has the public vote. I think.
@ Funn: Public vote only takes 30% (as TVB announces that but the exact meaning of public vote, only TVB knows).
TVB’s calculation is like some restaurant bill. However you calculate it just doesn’t add up!!
Haha, I like your comment.
You’re right. In the end it’s up to who TVB wants to win. If the ratings is so-so they could just made up some calculations. TVB is always rigged
Why does it bother everyone that it is rigged? It’s called the TVB Anniversary Awards; of course it quite legitimately means it’s TVB’s choice. 😛
Which is why I’ve felt all along that TVB should not have changed the name of the award from Most Favourite Actor/Actress to Best Actor/Actress. Surely the former is more apt.
TVB wants above all else respectability and so best sounds so much more respectable than most favourite. But we all know the truth.
I really hope Steven wins and wins legitimately. Am tired of seeing same old faces. Maybe TVB should add Promising Newcomer, More Promising Newcomer and Most Promising Newcomer as well as Improving, Improved, Most Improved because the way I see it only a very few deserve the so called Best actor or actress (it really is most popular).
Steven should win. But he needs a memorable role.
He should have won for Safe Guards. Not sure now…
@Funn
He did great in Safe Guards (I would say he ‘made the series’ but for Wayne Lai); but the series overall wasn’t that great in terms of originality – and since TVB only awards those it tries to promote and/or gets it the ratings it wants, they don’t get the award.
Nothing is original in TVB anymore, not Rosy Business, not No regrets, nothing. But Safe Guards is a prime example of a small-ish production that takes chances in certain not so reputable actors as leads or second leads or such and backed up with a really great script. If anything else, watch it for the script. The start is OTT but let it rest for 3 episodes or so (after that irritating story of that young girl is over) and the rest just sails through. Right amount of angst, drama, etc. Definitely one of the best written series in recent memory. Watch it for the script, Wayne, Ben Wong AND the veterans. Steven Ma was also great, of course his acting is not THAT great but there is an earnestness to his portrayal that you can’t help but cheer for his character and wish Ben Wong instant death. This series’ main point is the word ethics and it really has the script to explain to us why the characters play by Steven and Wayne are better man than the character played by Ben. If you have watched it and didn’t quite like it, please do watch again. One of the best scripted ever.
Anyway I should stop talking about Safe Guards. Sorta off topic.
You know what the problem about Steven Ma is? He is forgettable! If I don’t see him for a long time, I won’t think: ” where is steven? When he will come with a new serie”.
He staying on TVB for so many years. But if you ask me, which roll of steven Ma was for you the most memorable? I really, really don’t know. Cuz for me, he is forgettable.
There is some memorable actors, these actors will impress the people with his difference acting skills. Like play a jerk, looks really like a jerk that the people will hate him. Or play a lovely person, the people will love him.
In my opinion there are few actor who is memorable. Like: Wayne Lai, Moses Chan, and raymond lam.
About the TVB award, there is a difference about popular or real deserve the TVB award. Most of the time I disagree the choices. Like raymond lam. To early to deserve the award. Also like Kevin cheng. I think they make the choice on the popularity of the stars.
How long do you think an artist needs to get the award? To consider early or not early is kinda funny. Look at A-list siu sangs of TVB now, all worked for TVB in at least 8-10 years. So how is early and how is not?
I personally feel it’s unfair to judge one is “deserve to get the award” by his age.
Age isn’t a factor. But ability to portray a character well. That should be the mark. You can be 10 but if you can act better than a 30 year old, why not?
You are saying reason why I’m annoyed with comments like: “He worked for TVB too long, he deserves the award” or “He is old enough to have the award, he deserves it.” and something like that.
Moses memorable? I like him but memorable?
I can only quote Safe Guards. That’s the series that made me rediscover Steven, his acting abilities and his ability to carry a series. Even at his worst like that Duke of Mount Deer, he was rather memorable. Maybe I am a fan but I don’t agree Steven is consistent but he is memorable for a variety of reasons. Safe Guards is one, Land Of Wealth the other. He and Tavia made a golden couple and that was one of Tavia’s best performance because that was the only series I have ever seen where she is graceful, quiet, understated and elegant. Then there’s.. what’s that with Linda? That marathon series, his relationship with Fala as siblings. Steven may not be a whole lot of things but being unmemorable isn’t one of them. He is actually very charismatic.
And he is one of those rare actors who brings out the best in the actresses or actors who act with him. He may not be that great but somehow those surrounding him seems so much better than they usually are.
As others have mentioned Steven suffers of lack of charismatic appearance.
He was quite good in years before in his ancient series but as I have said recently he severely lacking in charisma and often produces zzzzz type of acting. He’s very forgettable.
@ Funn
“And he is one of those rare actors who brings out the best in the actresses or actors who act with him. He may not be that great but somehow those surrounding him seems so much better than they usually are.”
Maybe that’s why some Steven fans are complaining that TVB always made him mentor new actresses and bringing up other actors but, they never value Steven for his own.
@ Loekie
“He staying on TVB for so many years. But if you ask me, which roll of steven Ma was for you the most memorable? I really, really don’t know. Cuz for me, he is forgettable.
I think he’s most memorable in ‘Safe Guards’. TVB should have given him the Award then. It’s harder to give him now. It has to depend on whether his series is popular or not and his character/performance is well received and memorable or not.
Didn’t he won Most Fave Chac with Safe Guards? Seems like everyone forgot this award of SM.
@ Fox
“Didn’t he won Most Fave Chac with Safe Guards? Seems like everyone forgot this award of SM.”
No, everyone did not forget. What everyone mean by award is specifically the Best Actor Award.
Personally neither Steven or Moses is memorable in terms of performance. I only remember Steven for his Healing Hands role which I felt, back then, he was someone who could act – bear in mind he was acting alongside some very capable actors (e.g. Nick Cheung), yet he still pulled it off so as to fit in with everyone else. He didn’t seem uncomfortable or distant. That has to be talent.
Steven has shown above average acting in most other series his in; the problem is there seems to be a generational gap between the current lead roles TVB are writing and what we’ve come to accept as ‘great’ acting. I saw no flaws in Steven’s acting given his roles all the way up to ‘Links of Temptation’ – he gave the same performance from ‘The Brink of Law’. That was disappointing. Although its not totally his fault.
@SDS – I think that’s the problem with Steven. That we keep seeing him giving the same type of acting in every series. Like he doesn’t change his acting so it gets boring after a while
Ia. Steven has zero charisma is really forgettable.
As for raymond Lam, I won’t mind if he wins the award over Steven. I myself is looking forward for his upcoming Ground-Breaking performance in Men with No Shadows, Sister Fa and Back to 3 Kingdom 🙂
I think Raymond(Lam) and Myolie deserves to win this year. Myolie’s acting was very good in The Rippling Blossoms. She’s already achieve the fadan level of acting.
Yeap. I will be happy for Myolie to win this award. She gives a memorable and perfect pitch performance in the recent Rippling Blossom
It is NOT up to us to decide who wins or not anyways… Also, even if Steven did win, who knows what people are going to say?? Winning an award from TVB honestly doesn’t seem to mean much since they seem to want to give it who they want to give it too, not because they feel that someone deserves it or not.
I mean; RAYMOND WONG!!! 🙂
Honestly, which role of Raymond Wong in TVB is memorable?
That ermmm..when lanes merge or something? I hear great things. So far I haven’t seen anything from hims that is memorable, as in performance but as an actor he is rather memorable. That one.. salt whatever that one? Also quite good.
I almost forgot that Raymond Wong was in When the land marge :P.
Raymond Wong made a good choice to switch from movies to TVB – he fits in with greater ease in TVB.
Raymond Wong is memorable in When Lanes Merge. His character and performance hit it off in this series.
Raymond Wong is very memorable in ‘Sweetness of Salt’. His best performance so far. Wu Ting Hin is also the best thing in the series. After he’s gone, the series became lest interesting to me.
Raymond Wong was quite good in Central Affairs (ATV; 2005) – but so were most the leads and supports in that series.
His another underrated actor, although he sometimes overacts, however I don’t see him being promoted in TVB. He’ll probably become the next Wayne Lai.
@ SDS
Raymond is very promoted in TVB now. So much so that I see complaints in HKForum that he’s in too many series this year. Raymond has played lead along side Kent Cheng in When Lanes Merged and he will be the main lead in the lawyer series starring opposite Tavia. He also won the ‘Most Improved Male Actor Award’.
But, TVB couldn’t promote Raymond W the same level as they promoted Raymond L or even Bosco because Raymond W is not managed by them. Raymond W is managed by China Star and from his interview, he doesn’t seem to have any plan to change management.
@Kidd
Actually, its kinda nice to know his not managed by TVB. But it seems they are trying to persuade him to change management. His being given roles, but nothing important. I suppose its TVB’s way of enticing actors to join its stable. Have a little bit of cake and if you’re good, we’ll give you more.
Raymond Wong has a great relationship with TVB for someone who’s not in TVB management. He’s also the male lead in Tim Gor’s Niki series although technically he’s the Fourth choice and Raymond L. is the First choice.
He was surprisingly impressive in When Lanes Merge; I think he has quite a future as a siu sang.
Then he will make an interesting siu sang, A married father. Openly married, openly a father and still promoted and has a following. Doesn’t that make him an example to all young male actors in TVB? Be open in your relationship sort of thing?
Have they not seen him in that 7 days in a hotel series (forgot the title, just remember the premise?? Boring as heck, tuned out after 2 episodes.
What a joke these awards are if they are given just to make an actor stay.
Steven is the most boring factor of the series. Everyone else overshadowed him.
The thing is, TVB won’t care.
@lol
I agree with you on Steven and I generally like Steven Ma’s series!
So face it Steven fans, you can’t totally blame the script.
I think the sales presentation clip had a better cast and story line. THey shouldn’t of changed anything. But I think what they did end up with was good concept, it’s just the story line wasn’t that good, the whole thing with Steven and Sonjia I found kinda pointless and it wasn’t going anywhere, and in some way VERY CONFUSING, they should of just kept it nice a simple confusin, not real confusing. I like Bosco and Joyce’s relationship in the series tho. It was kinda unreal how Bosco ended up with Ocean in the series. I hate how TVB can never put a fat girl with a good looking guy, so mean to little chubby girls everywhere…BOO
Bosco and Joyce indeed has very good chemistry. The neck-lock Bosco like to do on Joyce in the series was actually thought up by them both. It’s not in the script. The producer mention this in his weibo. 😀
I’m also disappointed that Bosco did not end up with Joyce. But, then, ending up with Joyce might be a bit predictable. Ending up with Oceania is more surprising.
AWww that’s cute…But still I mean putting them together would be unpredictable for TVB, I mean when have they put an actress who is not have a great body with someone who is very good-looking? It’s just way to tipical for them to put Bosco and Oceane, I kinda expected it since like the begining. Joyce and Bosco would have been a surprise. I kinda feel bad for Joyce tho, she is always called “fat thing” in all her series. I mean give the girl a break, she has downsized a lot since off pedder. Be nice people.
@ Yee
I think Joyce is already used to it. I don’t know if deep down she still minds. But, in an interview, the reporter was talking about the rumour of actress selling sex and she asked Joyce, ‘if someone ask you for price, how will you response?’ Joyce jokingly replied ‘I’ll be happy. This means I’m beautiful. Level up (sing le)’. So, Joyce knows how outsiders think of her and she choose to make joke about it.
I guess what you said is true. Hot guy paired with not so hot girl is more unpredictable.
I can think of 3 such pairings so far
– Galen Lo/Kingdom Yuen
– Eric Li/Celine Ma
– Stephen Huynh/Siu Yi
Doesn’t Kevin Cheng have a new series coming out where he is a boxer/fighter?? Saw the trailers awhile ago and I think that will be his breakthrough role. Before, he always played the good looking role (kinda like Ray), but once you turn into a rough character and not care what you look like and act with full emotions, your potential comes out. (My Opinion).
I still haven’t seen any outstanding characters with Steven Ma, but will watch his new series. Even his hotel series with Sonija Kwok…I watched the initial bit and it was ok. Long ago he said he looked like Leon Lai and was kinda going towards the idol look. I personally think that he is not that good looking and should focus on the talent route and I hope that he can become a Wayne Lai in the future and prove me wrong.
Kenneth Ma said in FFOS is his first series as a villian and this character has many depths. I need to catch up on this series. and He said it’s the most challenging character so I’m hoping to see his true potential as well.
I think you mean Grace Under Fire. I have read too that Kenneth said his character has a lot of depth and is his most challenging character as a villain in this action series. I have to catch up too. This one also sounds like a ‘groundbreaking’ role for Kenneth.
@lol
Most people say its groundbreaking only because its a villain role. Its episode 15 and Kenneth still has not shown himself to be much of a villain. He actually hasn’t even shown the depth of pain, angst and greed to prepare for a villainous change either. Its just all prompting and external setups by separate scenes. I cannot wait until he becomes a villain just to find out how he pulls it off.
Don’t get me wrong I think Kenneth is a good actor, but his yet to do something entirely dramatic.
It’s a 32 episode drama, his evil is comming be paitent. It’s just like Growing THrough Life, it was almost end when Bosco became evil. BUt I like him better as the happy lying water pouring boy, than whatever rich hguy he will become….
Maybe they should give it to some veteran like Paul CHun or David Chaing….haha. Like they did back then with Ha yu, Susanne Kwan and Michelle Mai Suet…etc. But its not going to be as exciting.
Paul n John gor doesn’t need tvb award, they are way above 🙂
Yeah Paul Chun got the lifetime achievement award a couple years ago, if anything that award is way more significant than any TV King, that mean you are the top one…nothing can beat that. Paul CHun and John Chiang are brothers, right? Talk about competition…I would hate to be working at the same company as my big bro or little bro.
@ Yee
Paul and John are so old now. I don’t think they will compete against each other for awards like youngsters do now. They both have had their glory days already, especially John Chiang, who was a big star during the Shaw Brothers day.
BUt they are brothers (like blood related ones, no like a bud)? What were the Shaw Brother day?
@Yee,
Yea, John and Paul are real brothers, not close friends or sworn brothers. I don’t think they need to get any rewards to show that they are talented or not because they have been actors for such a long time. They have already shown the audience what they are capable of. I think getting an award for them right now does not mean that much anymore, especially one from TVB since they don’t always give an award the ones that deserve it most.
@ Yee
Before Sir Run Run Shaw formed TVB, he made movies under Shaw Brothers Studio. Shaw Brothers Studio made a lot of movies in the 60s, 70s and 80s. John Chiang was very popular during that time.
From wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaw_Studios#Actors)
“In the first half of the 1970s two other stars were particularly well known and favoured by Chang Cheh in his movies: Ti Lung and David Chiang. Ti Lung is considered one of the most, if not the most handsome martial arts actor to grace Shaw Studios, but is also accredited as a capable actor who reinforced his muscular glamour with strong characterisation over his many films. Chiang on the other hand was slight and wiry and often played sarcastic anti-hero to Lung’s standard archetype.”
Note: David Chiang = John Chiang
Paul Chun did not have such a peak in his career like John, but, he has had a long fruitful career is his 60 years in the industry. He started as a child actor.
Btw, Shaw Brothers Studio is back to producing movies now. ’72 Tenants of Prosperity’ and ‘I Love HK’ are produced by them.
I have not seen Steve win any awards yet so I hope that he wins. His acting is actually not bad. But then again, I wonder if the TVB awards really mean anything since they are not always given to the right artists for the right reasons. I still remember the big debate about why Sharen did not get the best actress award for War and Beauty but Gigi got it instead? Many felt that Sharen deserved it more than Gigi. I also remember years ago(I think it was in 1999) when TVB gave the 2 of the 5 most memorable awards(was it for most memorable character?? Something like that since it has been too long so I don’t really remember) to DIcky and Lawrence whom many felt did not deserve it. I guess TVB just gives an award to please an artist just because they fear that they will leave or some other reasons, not for the true reason that they deserve that particular award in a specific category. Therefore, you honestly how much does these TVB awards really mean and represent???
TVB Awards is no emmy show,it’s not even really a award show, it’s away for TVB to keep it’s artist working for them, and please them, it’s more like a years end bonus. If you work well and get them money, they give ou the award. TVB is a like a little corrupt country that makes some damn good dramas. No matter who gets the awards or not TVB still will make dramas, and people will countine to watch. REally awards shows would be between different channels, not only one company. You don’t see FOX give it’s own awards…
In a second, I thought you mention of me, hehe.
@Yee,
My thoughts exactly which is why I don’t see what the big deal is if an artist gets an award from TVB or not, because the award will not really show whether they are talented in that particular area or not. TVB awards are pretty much like a little reward that they get if they are faithful to the company, makes good dramas that rakes in big bucks and high ratings,etc… However, I don’t feel that TVB makes that many good dramas anymore. Competition now is high with Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore,etc… Luckily TVB is one of the biggest companies/channels in Hk and still have a faithful audience or else I honestly don’t know if they can survive against all of its other competitors.
THey might not make as good dramas any more, because they need to be efficient, get certain dramas out at certain times, so it could decrease it’s quality. But overall the plots are good, eventhough some are kinda messed up(Links to Temptations, 7 Days in Life…etc.)and the acting overall is good. I don’t watch any other asian dramas, so I don’t know aht the competition is. All I know is I hate dubs and subs, so I don’t particulary prefer watching Korean, Japanese, Chinese, or Taiwanes dramas. I’ll just stick with my good old TVB. WAtching the award show is like watching how actors and actresses really are, and look at their pretty dresses. Doesn’t matter how bad it gets, I think I’ll always be a loyal fan of TVB. I was raised watching TVB dramas, and always will, no matter how crappy. Oh and it’s not you Fox, it’s the americian television chanel FOX. lol 😛
@ Yee
I’m a loyal fan of 90s ATV drama. But, now that ATV has turn into a big mess and all they ever do is buy dramas from somewhere else and dub it, I change more loyalty to Cantonese dramas as a whole. 😀
I’m still a big fan of ATV’s 90s actors though. So, I have special fondness for the ATV actors in TVB such as Ruco Chan, Crystal Tin, Elena Kong etc.
I know, just kidding.
@Yee,
Well every company has to get series out at a certain and have filming schedules and deadlines to meet, so it is not just TVB. SInce you only watch TVB that is why you don’t know much about the series and productions of other companies. I don’t mind watching dubbed series since there are times you have to, like with Korean series since I don’t understand Korean. I don’t really like many Korean series and feel that they are overrated too. I guess as long the dubbing is good then it is ok.I used to watch 90% TVB way back in the days, however, I now only watch about 10-15% TVB at most and the rest is Taiwan, China and sometimes Korea. There are good and bad productions from every company. I do admit that even though TVB has gone downhill through the years, they still have some pretty good series every now and then which is why I still watch them.But I watch series from other companies as well since they are good too.
Well, I’m not so familiar with the 90s ATV stuff, since I’ve never even seen ATV drama before. But I probably couldn’t of in the 90s since I was either not born or less than 5…lol. But ATV actors are still quite popular at TVB as well, so it’s all gud. Never knew Ruco Chan was from ATV, good to know…Oh yea and there’s Susan Tse, she’s good at playing the evil first wife…
Wow! There are so many comments for this article already! I think that it would be great if Steven Ma won the TVB Best Actor Award this year because he is a really good actor. I don’t watch all TVB series, so I don’t know if he is ‘consistent’, but from the TVB series that I have watched he has performed really well in them. My favourite acting performance from Steven is his character from ‘A Journey Called Life’.
I guess talent is also in the eye of the beholder just like looks are to a certain extent. I personally don’t think Wayne Lai is good leading actor but is a good supporting actor, but he is now so highly praised. He even won the best actor award 2 years in a row?? I wonder if it means anything to win an award from TVB anymore??
@HeTieShou
I actually can’t remember a series Wayne lead in on the top of my head (besides the two obvious ones which he did not technically lead either).
Oh wait. Pages of Treasure.
I don’t remember anything about Pages of Treasures at all.
Pages of Treasure is a small feel good family drama. Wayne is the big brother who came back from overseas. Father work at a bookstore. Wayne pair with Sonija who have a shop selling miniature products and teach people to make miniature. The series also have Eric Suen, Shirley Yeung, Vivien Yeo and Chun Pui.
Actually what I mean is Page of Treasure is forgettable and it was Wayne’s first lead role. Without Rosy Business Wayne won’t be where he is today.
I can’t remember that series, at all.
I think Wayne’s rise (again) is Safe Guards. Rosy Business made him mega. Hopefully one day I can see him, Dicky, Kong Wah and Evergreen (is he still called Evegreen?) together in one series but looks like no chance at all.
@ Lol
“Actually what I mean is Page of Treasure is forgettable and it was Wayne’s first lead role. Without Rosy Business Wayne won’t be where he is today.”
Is Galen Lo memorable in that Cat & Dog series? Is Bobby and Sheren memorable in ‘Your Class or Mine’?
Without a good series and good roles, none of the successful leading actors can be where they are today.
So, your argument using this point to show that Wayne is not a good leading man is moot.
Yea, Wayne was rarely ever a lead actor. I remember Wayne even way back in the 80s when he was still playing extras and never thought that he was that great of an actor. Through the years, his acting got better as he started to play bigger roles.I thought he was pretty good in more supporting roles, but never thought that he can ever play a leading role. I still feel that he lacks the first lead charisma. I guess I am in the minority that thinks that… I think that the success of the series helps the actor/actress too. IN the circle, it is not just based on talent, but on timing, luck, and many other things too..
Some people have all the talent but none the luck. In TV, it only means you have the talent but none the viewers’ likeability. Some have all the charm but none the talent. Given enough years they’ll be recognised for their effort and even honoured with some best performances award when we all know it is total B.S
Some are talented AND charismatic and they only need time to hone their skills and present themselves to the world when the world is ready for them, thus crucially the best most suited role is very important.
Some are forever the second liner, never the lead. Some are pushed as leads and fails to entice. Some are natural born leads but needs a bit of time to prepare for the limelight.
Some are just hopeless.
Where is Wayne?
He is the sort that no one sees as a lead but everyone recognises he has plenty of talent. He steals the scene when he is the second liner but yet no one will take a chance to give him the lead to see if he has enough talent and charm to have the audiences glued to the TV. So he would in the end need a very well written role in a series with a story that is fail safe. Fail safe as in a good story, well written, well scripted and the only to screw it up is that he can’t act for the life of him. Wayne can, from the start until now and beyond. So all he needed was a chance to prove himself, and I think many fans of TVB who has seen his career from nothing to mega stardom can agree Wayne was like those actors whose talent is waiting to be discovered.
Gallen Lo for example was a god awful actor but he somehow magically improved and then can do no wrong. It took him a decade if I am not mistaken. Many more, like Sean Lau, Francis Ng, etc.
The difference between male actors and female actresses is the female counterpart had it easier; they’re pushed into the limelight as the leads, whether they crash and burn or succeed, doesn’t matter. Male actors in the olden days take their time to hone their skills, be they comedy or drama. Which is why with so much suffering, so much waiting, so much opportunity gained and lost and found again, they invariably became a better actor because they had decades to observe, unlike young actors these days.
One example I can think of is Stephen Chow. Who would have thought this sulky wise cracking children show’s host could be a lead actor he is today? Someone did, gave him a chance and he never looked back. And whilst waiting for that opportunity to come, he waited, and observed.
Many young actors’ these days now suddenly the fadans and siu sangs never had that opportunity and in a way, we the viewers become poorer because of that. Actors who suffered usually makes better actors than those who didn’t, and this applies to those who has the talent but waiting for the right time to blossom.
Whatever many may think of Wayne as he is now, to fully appreciate him now, you need to track his career way back and between then and now, you will probably agree he deserves where he is now, more than many and he is one of those who I will watch for him, although I don’t watch his every series.
@SDS,
I don’t remember Pages of Treasure at all. Is it a modern series? If so, that is probably why I don’t remember since I was not into modern series back then. I just recently re-watched the Legend of the book and Sword from the 80s and Wayne played a really small and minor role in there. He was actually kind of funny and sweet in The Water Margin too. He liked Lily Chung’s character but she only thought of him as a close friend. I felt so sorry for him…
If Wayne Lai doesn’t deserve the win, 2 years in a row, nobody does. He was totally awesome in Rosy Business. But for me my favourite from him is in Safe Guards. A fantastic story, very well acted, very great script.
And he has leading man quality. I can’t take my eyes off him, not because he is terribly handsome but because I am eager to know what he will do next.
I think Wayne Lai did better in the past than Rosy Business. His unforgetable role to me is the Pig in Journey to the West or Chow Pa Thung than Chai Gou. I personally think Chai Gou is kinda overrated.
Wayne is great in Rosy Business and No Regrets, but if we take away Sheren and Tim Gor and replace them with a younger fadan and a less powerful producer will Wayne still be as wonderful as the lead?
“Wayne is great in Rosy Business and No Regrets, but if we take away Sheren and Tim Gor and replace them with a younger fadan and a less powerful producer will Wayne still be as wonderful as the lead?”
This question can be apply to any lead actor. Without a good role and a good script, can any lead actor become wonderful?
As for leading actress, yes, I believe Wayne can still be wonderful with a younger fadan.
And lets not forget that not all Tim Gor’s series succeed and not all Tim Gor’s lead actor get acclaim. The fact that Wayne did become successful should be credited partly to himself.
Yes he will be. You can’t take away his acting BUT can he have the same chemistry, the same interaction or will he have to overcompensate and so end up with OTT performance? That I can’t be sure.
Like I have said, it is just my opinion…I feel that you have to have more than looks to be a talented actor. Wayne is a good supporting actor to me, but to me he lacks the qualities that a leading actor should have. I also thought that Rosy Business was way overrated. It was a decent series, but wasn’t as good as everyone was saying. My friends were all raving about it before I watched it so my expectations were a bit high.I felt that Wayne did better in a lot of other series as the supporting or second lead actor rather than the lead in Rosy Business.
Rosy Business was not the best series, but it was the better one amongst the many recent releases. It has its problems but overall it was well written and above all else, well acted.
If looks is one of the criteria that can be counted as talent, I am afraid you have got it all wrong. Good lookingness helps but being handsome is not a talent. if it is a lot of people are super talented.
Talent as an actor is the ability to inhibit the role and make us the viewers believe this is the character. He can draw us in and make us laugh, make us cry and make us believe such a man could possibly exist and we can love or hate this character. He will deliver each line with the right kind of emphasis, at the right time. He acts with not just his head, but his entire body; he can be as subtle as he wants us to see him as or as loud as he wants. He wants us to look at him more, and chase after the show when it ends. And when it all ended, you will think and rethink and wished it never ended.
The line is not very clear between talent and idol with one exception; for talent you don’t need to like that guy or girl to admit “Damn! He’s good!”
That is Wayne Lai. And if you disagree, I urge you to watch his older series rather than focusing on the recent ones. His body of work is such that when he won I can’t remmeber the name of the award in Malaysia, fans cheered, loudly. Because it was time a man who works his way up gets recognised. Wayne Lai is an embodiment of those talented actors that sometimes your talent may take a few more years to be recognised but do your role justice, and your effort will be rewarded.
@Funn
Yea, for the past two years no once else deserved it besides Wayne, that’s indisputable.
I agree he can lead a series but I’ve just seen Wayne in support too often that it becomes difficult to see him lead alone. Perhaps he just needs the right script and/or chance. His chance is coming up in Forensic Heroes 3, but I’ve hated that series from the get go- so it shits me I have to watch it just for Wayne. Ah well. I’ll let that slide this time.
I think Wayne proved his bankability in Rosy Business but it was Safe Guards that again showed to everyone what a great actor he is, after he was kinda shunted aside but those who remembers him will remember his past performances, like my ultimate fave JTTW and many more.
His problem and my fear is being too famous will be a burden and he stops excelling. I never liked FH but maybe he will be a reason to watch the series. But ultimately however great he is without a good script to back him, it is talent wasted and since TVB is never good with technical series, I will declare right here right now that not Wayne nor Maggie can save FH if it continues to be the dud that its predecessors were.
Oh SDS, I think you will need to readjust your perspective because from the way things go, Wayne is probably the big brother of TVB now. Unless he suddenly can’t act at all, I don’t see his position changing. Or maybe he realises China is the place to go.
@Funn,
“His problem and my fear is being too famous will be a burden and he stops excelling.”
I share the same sentiments. It is quite a relief that TVB isn’t doing The Big Eunuch series that was supposed to be aired this year. Let Wayne and the audience have a break. I can’t wait to see Wayne n Michelle Yim in it, but I would also hate it if they hype it up like they did for No Regrets.
@Moonriver
There’s some info that TVB will still make The Big Eunuch with cast of Wayne, Susanna Kwan, and Steven. Might not be Michelle
Yeah, I was surprised when moonriver said TVB won’t film ‘Big Eunuch’ because I remember reading in HKForum (Return to 3 Kingdom section) that Fala and Steven were sent to act in Big Eunuch, while Tavia move to 3 Kingdom (Tavia is in the sale presentation clip of ‘Big Eunuch’).
@Kidd
Nope Fala is promoted higher now. She’s now Laughing’s girlfriend.
Laughing’s girlfriend is not high at all. Lol.
Tavia played Lap Man’s girlfriend in TA and she doesn’t have much to do and is quite insignificant in the series.
I hope she has more to do in the Laughing Gor series than a vase.
I bet she was casted in this role because she played Laughing’s girlfriend in the movie.
@Kidd
Dont assume too soon. Virginia Lok think highly of Fala and want to promote her. Fala is a cop in Laughing and not a vase, Tavia wasn’t a cop in TA.
Oh, I meant that Big Eunuch won’t be aired this year…or will it? I was hoping it could be KIV-ed for a while…
Ah, I know, maybe they have plans for Steven Ma to win this year, after which they will promote Big Eunuch as the ultimate super mega production of 2012 that will boast of TWO TV KINGS! Oh dear. That doesn’t sound good.
I totally agree with you. I don’t get what the big deal about Wayne Lai is…I mean I’m not saying he’s a bad actor, because he is a really good one. It’s just when it comes to lead actor, his personal personality doesn’t fit the type. I think. Not only because of his age, but his style as well, is more of a supporting actor approach. I do enjoy his acting like in Moonlight Resonance, and Best Selling Secrets (I never watched the one where he won the supporting award, so I dunno how his performance was :P). He has good chemistry iwth the partners he works with.
I do think that Rosy Buisness and No REgrest are wayyy overrated. I think rosy buisness is not that fantastic of a script, it was normal, just like all the other familly battling buisness dramas. AS for No Regrets that was more enjoyable, and it gave younger audiences a chance to experience the hardships our ancestors went through in the late 30s and 40s during the Japanese invasion. But compared to Can’t buy me Love, it was kinda depressing and sad…Boo. No wonder it didn’t win best drama. Plus in No Regrets, they were too lucky too often, and everything seems to always go as the plan was planned out. I guess the only reason why he won the Best Actor award was becasue he was the lead actor for the drama with the most viewers. It’s like every time. But TVB should give the chance to newbies. In the past three years, they’ve given it to people over 40. Give the news ones a chance, I’m surprised TVB isn’t helping their “true birth children”.
Or TVB should give in entires to true awards shows like the Rainbow thing, like the “asian emmys”, then you’ll see how good the artist acting really is.
@Yee,
I think this is an area where we both agree with each other. It’s not that I don’t think Wayne is good actor, he is as a supporting or even second lead actor. However, when he becomes the first lead actor, for some odd reason, he just lacks the charisma and something that makes him suitable to be the first lead in a series.
I also agree with you about Rosy Business and No Regrets. My friends were all raving to me about how good it was so I got excited to see them. But after I did, I would not say that I was 100% disappointed but it did not live up the raves and high ratings. It was not that the series were bad, but they were just like any typical series that I have seen from TVB and was nothing unique or spectacular at all. I actually don’t like the time period for No Regrets since that time period in history was too depressing and political for my taste. It isn’t anything against that series, but for any series set in that time is just not my cup of tea.
I do prefer Steven’s acting in the past or it could be the script…
I think 7 days was the worst acting I saw from him.
I doubt it means anything to win from TVB since everyone feels it’s rigged but then again better than no award. At least as an artiste, they know the company values them.
My problem with Steven Ma is that he smiles too much. There’s too much positivity around him. I look at him and think ” ah, everything will go well for this character” and I lose interest in seeing what he will do next.
but you guys are saying so much about Safe Guards, I am going to watch it now 🙂
@moonriver
Actually for a recentish series Steven doesn’t get a character where ‘everything will go well’ for his character see ‘Cupid Stupid’. But you may be slightly sick of seeing him with Tavia Yeung for the 1294691612th time.
If you’re watching Safe Guards and not a fan of Steven, you’re going to have to do at least 3-4 episodes before the story picks up. So don’t stop until you hit 4-5 if you find the start kinda a bore.
@SDS,
I am actually watching it for Wayne. Alright, and Steven.
Wayne was fabulous but he plays off well with Steven. I love that scene where Steven explains to his mother why her son Wayne can’t be the leader. Excellent scene and Steven injected the right amount of worry, burden, etc. Of course Wayne is a much better actor. Ben Wong also did extremely well. In fact the acting in Safe Guards is generally excellent, with the veterans having a chance to shine but please forgive the female lead. She did get better after that series.
I tried to watch Safe Guards and actually did not like it much so I do not understand what all the rave is about that series?? Maybe I should try watching it again??
I really liked safe guards as well… it was a series that was way over-looked… probably due to the fact that the female lead was a nobody at the time. It was well-acted with a great story-line and good actors! It was one of my fav series of the year!
” it was a series that was way over-looked… probably due to the fact that the female lead was a nobody at the time. “
It might be one of the reason, but, I don’t think it’s the main reason. This is one of those small budget series use as time-filler that no one think much off. The biggest star in that series was Steven Ma. Others are all second line. Even the poster look not serious.
The success of the series was very expected and caught everyone by surprise. This series is truly a dark horse.
I also want to add that Wayne owes a lot of his success to Sharen as the main lead. If he were paired up someone else I actually don’t think he would be that successful in Rosy Business. While it is true that that can apply to any actor, but I still feel that if the actor were really good like for example, Felix Wong, then I think he would still be able to give a good performance even without a good female lead. I think if you are a good actor/actress, then you can still stand alone and do well even with a less appealing actor/actress is paired with you. But you just would not be as successful as an on screen couple since you may lack chemistry.
I agree with HeTieShou: It is easier to act better if others around you are also good at acting. The same is true for chemistry on all levels -protrayal of the character (actor persona), the real personality of the actor/actress, and the combined result of these. You’d most probably find the same of other professions where people collaborate together, music groups being a good example.
I also think Wayne has excellent chemistry on all levels with Sheren. and that his acting, just like Sheren’s, goes beyond that of excellent pairing of actors/actresses; his acting is superb, and I think he would go well with any other superb actress. The question is – who would this actress be (since I can’t recall anyone else apart from Sheren)?
Omg so many comments in just a few days.
Well Steven Ma to me is a good actor in the technical sense, but he’s not my cup of tea in my term of charismatic men.
As much as I like Bosco it’s an open secret that it’s not easy for a mere TV star to break into movies. However it’s no harm to try and take the risk, you won’t know how far you’ll go until you try. Best of luck to him.
Simply said many find Steven have no charisma. He can be good as normal guy only.
From looking at the TVB series thus far for this year, it seems like The Rippling Blossom is leading in terms of rating–average 35pts
[src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TVB_series_(2011)%5D
If TRB remains #1 when it’s closed to TVB Anniversary, then Julian Cheung or Damien Lau may grab the TVB Best Actor award and Myolie Wu would grab the TVB Best Actress award.
Steven Ma has the potential to be the next TVB King but he needs a viewership of 35 or greater in his next series to be aired this year.
All I know is that he’s giving himself a lot of undue pressure as viewers are unpredictable.
Personally, I really like Grace Under Fire, but for some reason it drags behind Only You and TRB.
I guess my taste doesn’t follow the mainstream.
TRB’s average rating is 31 only, not 35.
But it peaked at 35 this week!!
Only You also reached 35 last week.
It’s all a matter of taste.
I don’t like TRB. Only like certain parts of Only You. However these two series are well received.
I don’t like Grace Under Fire. It has a very flawed storyline.
I like Seven Days in Life.
I like 7 days, too. Haven’t watched GUF and Only You so can’t judge. I like 7 days than TRB.
I dont like 7 Days. TRB is much better and made me love Chilam more. I hate Myolie before but she’s great in TRB.
I heard Only U is even better than TRB. I’m going to watch
Only You peaked at 35 points last week. TVB will air the finale next Saturday. I have to say that I am enjoying this series a lot! I didn’t care too much about it at first because I’m not really a fan or Yoyo or Kevin. But I ended up enjoying it a lot. Very lighthearted and funny. Evergreen and Kristal are quite likeable too in the series. And there are lots of guest stars in it. 🙂
It’s because Only You barely has any intense drama. It’s light fun drama, which makes it appropriate for the 8:30 spot and fun to watch. Everyone (most people) like to watch people get married, so I’m not surprised that it’s well received. It’s obviously not gonna become in the race for best drama or it’s actors. It’s just a good comedic drama to watch. It’s just good for the soul. Kinda like chicken soup.
Good analogy. Chicken Soup for the Soul. 😀
‘Only You’ is indeed a very light-hearted and feel good series.
I’ve only watch a few episodes, but, plan to watch more.
I’ve heard only good reviews about Only You. I have watched the first 5 episodes and I like that they make it mini series style. The stories so far are cute and touching.
I know Vivien doesn’t like Bosco Wong, but I think Bosco is very cute, very adorable, always cheerful and carries a happy-go-lucky persona. He has the charisma to make the audience smile just like how babies make people grin. He’s the face that people want to see for something light-hearted.
I like Lam Fung too. He is mult-talented and closed to being perfect. Every time I listen to his music my crush for him grows stronger. He has a mature look and persona. He’s the type that our parents would approve of for dating. He also seems like the very traditional type–in the sense that men overpower the women.
In any who, I wish both Bosco and Lam Fung could be the next Tony Leung and Andy Lau and that HK to not follow the western culture and use sex to sell.
Yes Bosco gives that vibe, but his talent doesn’t match his charisma or rather his personality. Somehow on TV his charisma seems to just disappear. Watched Eric Tsang said he thinks Bosco is like the next Andy Lau or something? I say give him 5 more years and my answer is a maybe.
I didn’t know that Eric Tsang is saying that Bosco might become the next Andy Lau. Eric is exaggerating! Bosco is like just any average kid in HK and I don’t see him feeling like Andy Lau who are worshipped by many fans across the globe.
If there’s anyone in TVB who is growing to be the next Andy Lau it’s Raymond Lam with his ever growing popularity sold out CDs and concerts and is filming huge movies.
I know asian is like the only place left where the sex appeal is everything, and where on tvb they are always talking about sex. In TVB dramas, the romatic relationships are always about love and how they are sweet. As for the actors and actresses, all the major ones have either a kinda idol image, which is way better than what western culture has, that’s why I have basicly cut my western culture (eventhough it makes me look like a fly in a milk bucket). I mean common has anyone seen taht new Lady Gaga music video for “born the way” it’s nasty…
THe artist in Hong Kong are way better than anyone else. I have to agree with TVB fan I really like Bosco and Raymond, but my two fav would be 2R, they have nice voices(not just singing)RAymond Lam is definately on track to becomming the nest Andy Lau, but most likely he won’t be blacklisted by TVB…Lol. Bosco, not so sure he will make it that big, he’s only recently becomming bigger, but in all his series he is being overshadowed. For example in the series airing now, Grace Under Fire, he is kinda being overshadowed by Ma Ming’s character. I personnally like watchin for MA Ming’s character, I just stopped because I’m to scared to watch just an innocent and naive character turn evil, and go against his family, and country.
@Yee
“… I just stopped because I’m to scared to watch just an innocent and naive character turn evil, and go against his family, and country.”
What are you communist? 🙂 Joking.
No I really don’t wanna watch him become like the nest Fei Fan Gor, I just like it when people stay evil through out or good through out, not really in to the whole turning evil thing, so I stop watching. And the plot ain’t that good, it’s kinda like No Regrets. Ma Ming will turn against his country work for the Japs blah blah blah…dies a slow and painful death. The end…
In my opinion, theres so ltttle talented actors remains with tvb, viewers are rether shock by low wages that the actors and actresses and presenters are getting peanuts, how could they life the life of a sterotyped of a real star, or is there no real stars in tvb?? those succesful or lack op, and talented eventually or have move on, fallinfg stars or faailing company!!… is it look good but not not good to eat in chinese!
Please with so many Steven Ma fans keep saying he should deserve Best Actor an so on and on I’ll laugh if Steven Ma ever get Best Actor. He has NO CHARISMA whatever onscreen and offscreen. HK people also don’t think Steven has charisma.
He can only be those average man in his roles and some action righteous person.
Whoever watched 7 Days will see how much Steven’s charisma is lacking. He has the worst charisma out of everyone in the show. If average up and downs actors like Bosco, Sonija, Joyce Cheng and Zhu Xuan are being more charismatic than you in a drama that says something about how low your level of charisma is.
I can tell you guys that try putting Steven Ma with Kenneth Ma and Raymond Lam and Steven will be overshadowed by Kenneth and Raymond.
Ron is also above Steven Ma too. He has the looks that Steven doesn’t have. Looks add to charisma.