Selena Li and Kenneth Ma Generate Sparks in “Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain”
*Spoilers*
Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain <寒山潛龍>, which began airing on June 30, stars Kenneth Ma (馬國明), Power Chan (陳國邦), Ngo Ka Nin (敖嘉年), and Lin Xiawei (林夏薇) as four constables who work together to solve crimes. The drama is at first comedic and lighthearted, but towards the end of the series, its characters will be involved in a major revenge plot.
As the series’ main protagonist and lead character, Kenneth has a lot of weight to hold on his shoulders, but producer Marco Law (羅永賢) is confident in Kenneth’s performance, “Kenneth’s image is well-accepted by the public, but not too strong and powerful. He portrays a good man this time, and the character suits him really well. This drama will be about solving crimes first, but it will slowly develop into a political drama. I hope the audience will enjoy it.”
Kenneth Ma Works with Selena Li Again
Portraying Kenneth’s wife in Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain, Selena Li (李詩韻) worked with Kenneth for the fifth time. “They don’t have a lot of intimate scenes in the drama because they are portraying a married couple of over ten years. However, once they come together on camera, chemistry immediately sparks,” said the producer.
Selena portrays two characters – one as Kenneth’s wife, the village housewife, while another is a beautiful and famous courtesan. The latter role not only seduces Kenneth, but also becomes one of the series’ main villains.
It was a challenge for Selena to portray two completely different roles. The village housewife is patient, loving, and kind, while the courtesan is materialistic and hungry for money. “She will do anything for money,” said the producer. “She has a very complicated background and is a very ruthless killer. We tried to make these two roles as different as possible. It was challenge, but Selena grasped them very well. These roles give the series’ more tension.”
Lin Xiawei Receives Praises
Lin Xiawei, a graduate of the Beijing Central Academy of Drama, had plenty of theater acting experiences prior to joining TVB in 2010, but she came across a new challenge in Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain. Xiawei’s role, the only female constable in the agency, was originally meant for Aimee Chan (陳茵媺), but Aimee had to withdraw from the cast due to her pregnancy at the time. Xiawei did not have ample time to study the role, but she managed to earn the praises of the producer and directors.
Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain is Xiawei’s first wuxia drama. She finds the series’ refreshing and enjoyed filming the action scenes. “I have many odd appearances in the show. Besides cross dressing, there is also a part where I go undercover as a prostitute,” said Xiawei.
Raymond Cho Portrays Himself
Possessing youthful looks far beyond his real age, Raymond Cho (曹永廉) portrays Kenneth’s best friend, a lazy and indolent stooge. Marco Law exclaimed that the role is perfect for Raymond, who is just as superficial as his character. He laughed, “I always tell him that he always comes off as somewhat of a fool. We’ve collaborated over ten times so I know what Raymond can do. This role is perfect for him! I told him to just be himself, and he gave a fabulous performance.”
“Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain” Trailer
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Source: Oriental Daily
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
They were so cute in the first episode!! I’m enjoying this series so far and I can’t wait to see Selena’s second character appear.
Also, Lin Xia Wei isn’t the only female constable in the agency. Isn’t there another one?
She even dig his nose.
Yes she isn’t but no one cares about the other one. I personally do not care for Lin Xiawei.
Ditto! Lin’s acting is too forced and exaggerated.
I don’t care for her too but prefer watching her than that Aimee.
I just hope Power Chan does not turn evil. Right now he is my favourite.
Who is the actress who portrayed the gambling woman who knows medicine? The one who hates Power, got beaten up, etc?
candy something. she’s the one that got into some drug scandal i think.
she was in On call 36 hrs 1, portraying Him’s almost gf and she was horrible in that
She is still in TVB or the series is that old?
yes funn, she is Jing Jing in the first On Call! Not bad, I like her actually!
And I actually enjoyed LXW’s performance better now.
張慧雯
she was miss chinese toronto
& miss chinese international second run.
@Funn LIm LOL! That is what I am hoping too. I hate how TVB always make Power seem like the protagonist in the drama, and in the end he becomes the antagonist.
I certain like this series alot cause of Selena and Kenneth I too dont really care for Raymonds cousin but Kenneth n Selena is so adorable especially in the 1st 2 eps Y^^Y
The female “poison” villain’s facial features remind me of Christina Kuo.
I actually thought it was her with her voice dubbed !
It wasn’t her?! I really thought it was her, they look identical to me lol.
I’ve seen 3-4 episodes of this. Agree that Kenneth and Selena’s collaboration has sparks but they’ve also been an onscreen couple a few times before this so it’s expected already. I can’t remember when was the last time I saw Selena onscreen so it’s definitely refreshing to see her back again and her village wife character is so hilarious, almost a little too ditzy for my usual taste.
Not that I particularly care for Lin Xiamei, but I’m a tad bit glad to know at this moment Aimee wasn’t able to film this. Other than the fact that I can only hear Xiamei’s pronunciation half the time, she’s really okay. She has expressions and is not wooden.
As for the story, I find the crimes and investigation a little boring at the moment. I hope they expand over a few episodes instead of solving them within one episode. I suppose I’m looking forward to the more political aspect of the show as well as Selena’s being the villain. It would be a greater challenge for her than the housewife role, which she has played similar alternatives many times before this.
This series is surprising good. That’s good they add humor in it. This serie is much better than UA.
Yes so much better than UA.
Hahaha…no wonder I like Raymond Cho’s character in the series so much – he’s just playing himself! I’m totally enjoying his humor so far and his interaction with the other characters in the series.
Power Chan is also my favorite in the series so far – I got such a kick out of seeing him “pretend” to be a eunuch in the opening sequence (reminded me of his memorable Eunuch Pang role in The Confidant)….his character is quite likable so far and his acting is superb as usual, so I’m definitely looking forward to watching the rest of his performance (I also hope his character doesn’t turn evil, but even if he does, I’m sure I’ll still enjoy his performance).
Like most of the others here, I’m also glad that Lin Xiawei replaced Aimee Chan – of course, I’m not fond of Xiawei’s acting at all and would not deliberately choose to watch her series, but if I like the rest of the cast and the storyline well enough, I don’t mind “tolerating” her for however many episodes I need to….Aimee on the other hand – well, let’s just say that she has ruined most of the series for me in which she’s had significant roles (I can’t think of a single series she’s been in that I’ve actually watched entirely from beginning to end).
I’d rather Aimee. The role in here requires her to sulk, all the time. Aimee is good at that. Lin Xiawei is just plain annoying.
In fact should have been Mandy Wong.
@Funn: Ah…now that you mention it, Mandy Wong would have indeed been the best candidate to play Lin Xiawei’s role — not only because of the sulk, but also the tomboy aspect. Definitely agree with you there.
Well I wouldn’t mind Mandy Wong, she’s a good actress.
Didn’t think of her, but Mandy would have been a great cast. Have she ever been in an ancient drama before? I believe she hasn’t been in an costume drama with action before though. But she can shine in any role. 😉
Although i am not a fan of Lin Xia Wei, i much rather have her in this role than Aimee or Mandy Wong
Anytime Lin Xia Wei over Aimee. Aimee is just bad..that i wanted her to retire and take of her baby.
I’m glad Aimee didn’t take the role because we’ll see more of her instead. The female constable was meant for Aimee, but it was reduced when LXW took over. So, we got more of Selena and less of the other role. It has worked out so far, lol
This drama is totally not what I expected. This has not nothing to do with wuxia. It’s a comedy with people in ancient costumes. TVB just don’t know to make a good wuxia anymore. Sad.
I haven’t got a chance to watch this yet. Sad to know that it’s not wuxia. Been looking forward a TVB wuxia series for ages.
Kidd it is detective story. I see it as Criminal Minds where they’re special task force from FBI(Imperial) called in to investigate cases of national security or whatever the emperor like them to investigate. It is oddly a comedy when it should be dead serious. It has kung fu elements and thank god not 100% wuxia because the kung fu scenes suck big time.
However don’t miss this. Having a fun time guessing who will go rotten, and I hope it is not Power Chan who is very enjoyable to watch in here.
This one is the worst series of Rosina Lin Xia Wei. I do not know if the script requires everyone to be that OTT or she does not get used with ancient. Everyone are OTT and right now, the best (actually the only good) actor is Power. Raymond Cho has cute character but he is OTT as well. I never can take Ma Ming and his comedy acting serious so I just try to see him because of Selena. However, first 5 episodes are more than enough to me, the series is plotless. Definitely not a wuxia one.
IMO Selena is 1 of the best actress tvb has … she can play any role given to her.
I like the chemistry btween Kenneth and her.
Funniest thing I’ve read in a looooong time! Hoo hoo ha ha!
are you series? selena is one of the best….?? this is a joke right?
Yes! Let’s go watch Aimee or Priscilla instead!! (psshh)
Hahahahahahaha!!!! Gold!!!!!!
@Her, you said it so well
Haven’t watch an eps yet thinking might be boring, but after reading all the comments might give it a go.
i really loved watching this film ‘ghost dragon of cild mountain’!!!!!!!! especialy selena li and lin xia wei is okay in this film not bad!!!!!!!!!! <3
cold not cild!
so far im enjoying it, its not good but its something refreshing lol
i find kenneths acting is so meh
Kenneth Ma look like a perv in that moustache and his acting is OTT childish. In real life he is a good man though.
Glad to know I’m not the only one that thinks he looks like a perv. with the mustache..
yup, this article just confirms that the loving village wife will die in the middle of the series… sigh*
Lin xia wei is ok in this drama … but irritating in Outbound Love.
Same here Lin Xi Wei is bothering me in this series never liked her….althought i wouldnt mind seeing more of Kennneth n Selena in this series they are so cute and have so much chemistry in this series ^^
Enjoying the series and cast so far, including Lin Xi Wei. Yes, there are a some inconsistencies, but I have faith in her! Plus, she’s so pretty! And for once, I’m actually enjoying watching Kenneth Ma — he’s usually unbearable for me to watch. So far so good!
Rare for me to say, but I’m actually enjoying this TVB drama — to the point where I’m trying to catch each episode every day! No doubt this is the underdog series of the year though. There’s barely been any hype.
I think what makes this series so lovely so far is the chemistry between Kenneth and Selena. I’ve got to say, this has got to be the best role Selena’s ever played to date. She’s actually cute! And LOVABLE! I’ve never appreciated any of her previous characters because they were always the same and so sullen. Here she’s vivacious and perky! It’s so rare to find this kind of character in a TVB drama these days (at least, not without being incredibly annoying.) And Selena nailed it. Not only that but Kenneth and Selena have a great sense of humor. The comedy in this drama is ON POINT! For once it’s not dry, shove-down-your-throat, patronizing kind of humor. It’s humor I’ll actually LOL because it’s witty and slapstick. I mean, per Pierre Ngo, “if she’s missing a finger…how is she going to hold chopsticks?” That’s gold right there. How do you not love this stuff?
And while people have been complaining about Lin Xia Wei, yeah I do think she can improve acting-wise, but this is a great start. She’s already much better than some of the newbies who started before her. I see great potential in her.
Of course it doesn’t hurt that some of the best “veteran” support actors are there to give a boost to the newbies, i.e., Ram, Power, Raymond, etc.
The plot is still somewhat disjointed, as expected per most TVB dramas, but a lot of great elements brings the story together and keeps me entertained. I look forward to the rest of the series (I just hope they finish strong.)
This drama is boring. All the cases are uninteresting and too quick to wrap and most of the acting are OTT. Only Power Chan and Raymond Cho are natural and good to watch. Selena is ok only, but her character is loveable. Ngo Ka Nin is OTT and so is Kenneth Ma who is OTT and childish. Lin Xia Wei is unnatural.
@ Lorelai – LOL! Okay you summed up the unlikeable parts of the drama pretty well.
The plot is pretty bland, but the interaction between the characters, keeps the drama moving. I don’t know why but I just like them too much to stop watching.
I think Pierre is OTT though. Him dressing up as a girl really made me cringe. But some ppl can find that funny so I just let it go.
definitely better than ultimate addiction…. i’m glad to know…my ultimate addiction is not TVB series…. i could let it go….