Message from K: I’ve just finished watching the last episode of  ‘In the Chamber of Bliss’ and quite disappointed with the ending… The series itself is pretty good but the ending let it down..As I’m currently really busy with work and study, I’ll only be making a really brief post with a few thoughts and comments.

*spoilers*

Episode 19/20

• After Angela’s younger brother gets killed by Dominic, Angela decides to close the brothel business.
• With the help of Angela and her friends, Kathy and Damien manage to escape.
• Dominic finds out Angela is pregnant with his baby
• Kathy and Damien separate and Kenneth takes Kathy away but she ends up going back to find Damien.
• Toby gets killed by her father (Dominic)’s gunshot from protecting Kenneth.
• Dominic seeks revenge on Kenneth by killing Kenneth’s father. Before Kenneth’s father passes away, he tells his son that he is really proud of him.
• Kenneth and Dominic face off, and Kenneth ends up with the upper hand. Kenneth lets Dominic off as a way of repaying Toby for previously saving him.
• Kathy and Damien end up successfully escaping. Damien finally admits his love for her and the two share many happy times and memories together. They end up finding a little house and they get married.
• Kathy decides to leave him because she knows that he wants to go and save his country.
• Kathy gets captured by Dominic and Damien successfully returns to his home.
• Dominic eventually lets Kathy go because of Angela.
• Dominic finally realises Yuen Sai Hoi was selfish when Damien was winning in the war. Yuen Sai Hoi puts the blame on Dominic for supporting him to be the emperor in the first place. Dominic points a gun at Yuen Sai Hoi and Yuen Sai Hoi..dies from sickness?
• Angela lives happily with her baby and Kathy as they run their own bun store.
• Dominic becomes a monk and leaves a beaded bracelet with his son
• Damien dies from sickness after the war ended.

Comments (contains spoilers):

• I’m disappointed with the ending (usual for TVB=X )  How could Damien just die like that? It felt so insignificant (although if he’s a figure in history and that’s how he died- I guess they can’t make too many changes in the story- did he actually exist in history?) I rather he have died in war- that would have been really sad
• I loved the chemistry between Kathy and Damien; I smiled when Damien finally admitted he loved her ^^ The moments they spent together were really sweet
• The prelude is kind of misleading with Kathy being old and sad and teary thinking back because she said she would live on a happy life because he will always be in her heart. It made it look like she was sad and lonely!
• I didn’t like how Kathy never got to ‘reunite’ with Damien after she left him and got imprisoned. Damien didn’t get to see Kathy before he died =(
• The last episode was kinda boring and not much was going on.  The story died off slowly in last two episodes
• A bit lame to have Dominic turn into a monk- I somehow wanted him to reunite with his family. I also hoped he had “realised” earlier that following Yuen Sai Hoi was wrong, but when that did happen..it was too late already. You would think he’d realise after he killed his own daughter.

What did everyone else think ?

English Translations by KTVB Please credit if reposted.

Injured Love for Life (Themesong to In the Chamber of Bliss)

Sparks finally disperses, the land has taken over the ocean
Rose, eventually will wither yet still willing to re-grow
If I feel painful sorrow, there’s nothing that won’t change
Even if I’m the only one remaining, I will never leave

*If I endlessly wait, and not let go
Can still exchange each wisp of black hair into white, I will only dare to say I deserved it
From boundless sadness and hurt, happy will turn into sorrow
I actually only see suffering as dust,  my entire life use to confirm love.

Much of a broken heart, in the year/ month waiting and waiting
Endure on,  everyone has a their own bitter fruit and reasoning (cause and effect?)
After being sober again, it’s already dusk- like a dead dream’s drunken life
Who let me be so passionately devoted…

Repeat**

*Download the Full Version
Comments: Aww..the lyrics sound so sad. Sung by Kathy Chow as her character ‘Siu Fung Sin’, the song expresses her love and wholeheartedly devotion towards General ‘Choi’. It sounds so tragic and there’s a hint in there that it may only be a one-sided love, but she is willing to use her whole lifetime for him.

What will she have left in the end…?

[Contains spoilers]

I started chasing this series and awaiting on Episode 11:) Half way through the series already! Is anyone else watching this? 🙂 (although it hasn’t started showing on TVBJ yet)

As previously expressed, In the Chamber of Bliss was a series I wanted to watch. Not only because of the 2 leads, but also because TVB has in the past surprised me on how well these period dramas turn out, despite appearing unappealing at first glance e.g The Silver Chambers of Sorrow, When Easterly Showers falls on the Sunny West. (I’m not usually into period dramas ^^) I think the series is quite enjoyable so far and shall continue to finish it off!

I think the highlight of the series for me is the soldier/military/war plot. I often find myself quite engaged with the whole scheming/strategy and tactics from the numerous exchanges between Damien (Choi Cheung Gwan) and Yuen Sai Hoi/Dominic (the bad guys hehe). They both hate each other, but on the surface “pretend” they are working on the same side as Damien made an agreement with Yuen Sai Hoi that he will pledge his loyalty to the Yuen Sai Hoi Government if what he does is for the best for the country. Yuen Sai Hoi knows Damien is really clever and a great General so wants to use him and have him on his side…yet he does not trust him completely and finds him as a threat that will overthrow his government. As a result, Yuen Sai Hoi and Dominic constantly plot schemes against him to pull down his power in hope to ‘tame him’. Watching how  Damien deal with each problem thrown out him is quite exciting. On top of that, issues arise from externally as other countries attempt to take over China..

I really like Damien’s character  from the speech he gave in Episode 1 as be bravely leaves to Beijing to face off Yuen Sai Hoi, to his numerous exchanges/confrontations with Dominic/Yuen Sai Hoi, how he deals with the other 3 generals,  the effort he puts into training his students/the army, his love for this country, love for his family..and the loyalty he puts into his friendship. I was deeply touched by the speech he gave when he returned after his failed attempt of holding Japan off 🙁 The whole loss was pretty sad. He desperately attempted everything to save the country, but the idiot Yuen Sai Hoi didn’t believe him..and now Yuen Sai Hoi also planning to ‘ally’/give in to Japan for his own self reasons and holding Damien’s family in hostage…what will Damien do??

As clearly expressed from Episode 1, In the Chamber of Bliss is not just a war story, but also a love story: a love story between a courageous, righteous, heroic, Military governor ‘Choi- Jeung Gwan‘ (Damien Lau) and ‘Siu Fung Sin’ (Kathy Chow) who is a prostitute. From him indirectly using her; to making her hate him, to her understanding him, and for him to learn about her, the two started to see each other differently and the two become friends.

I really started to pity Kathy in episode 6 when her so-called ‘family’ abandoned her and revealed their true ugly selves. What selfish people!! I can’t believe they humiliated her like that after all she’s done for them and they did not show a sign of gratefulness at all!! Her brother is totally pathetic for listening to his wife like that- how COULD he? Her family meant everything to her and everything she did was for them..what does she get in return?? I’m actually quite annoyed she took them back after all that…

It was in this moment of despair, Damien was there for her and saved her when she sought death. It was him who had changed her and given her courage to live on. The two go through some life/death situations and Kathy eventually falls deeply in love with him. It’s obvious Damien cares a lot about her and has feelings for her too. However, he refuses to admit that and  rejects her as he already has a family which I can totally understand. I really like the love he has for his family and somehow inside I don’t want Damien to hurt his wife (played by Krystal Tin) by accepting Kathy. I don’t know what will happen in this relationship but with the numerous flashbacks..I hope their love story won’t drag on…

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Title: Beyond the Realm of Conscience 宫心计

Cast: Charmaine Sheh (佘诗曼), Tavia Yeung (杨怡), Moses Chan (陈豪), Kevin Cheng (郑嘉颖), Michelle Yim (米雪), Susanna Kwan (关菊英), Selena Li (李诗韵), Mary Hon (韩马利)

Episodes: 33

Release date: 19 October 2009 ( HK)

Producer: Mui Siu Ching

Scriptwriter: Kar Wai Nam & Choi Ting Ting

Themsongs: Susanna Kwan | Charmaine Sheh (Sub) | Sub Instrumental

Synopsis

Imperial Household Bureau is responsible for managing and directing all household services to the Emperor and the Imperial family in Tong Dynasty. It is comprised of four departments, namely Jewels, Attire, Food and Furnishings. LAU SAM HO (Charmaine Sheh) and YIU KAM LING (Tavia Yeung) are introduced into the bureau in their tender age and brought up in the disciplines of the palace. The two girls are diligent. YUEN TSUI WAN (Susanna Kwan), Head of the Jewels, and CHUNG SUET HA (Michelle Yim), Head of the Attire, are both very fond of HO for she is a kind-hearted young girl. Soon, they start fighting for the fellowship of HO.

HO always remembers her mother’s words left to her before she passed away, that she was told, ‘Doing good deeds, Speaking good words, Showing goodwill’. She lives her life of being gracious and kind-hearted in the palace. On the other hand, LING believes her survival in palace is achieved through cruel and calculating tactics. She cheats and schemes her way to the top and finally becomes the concubine. Though she realizes that HO has fallen in love with the chess master KO HIN YEUNG (Kevin Cheng), her jealousy still arouses by HO’s attraction to the Emperor LEE YI (Moses Chan). Fearing that she is losing power, she ruthlessly makes up a false allegation against HO for murdering the Empress (Mary Hon) and condemns her to death. No matter how clever she is to scheme, things do not go the way she planned. By using a strong comparison of the two distinctive characters, HO and LING, the message of the drama is that “benevolence” is the only way to gain final victory.

Purchase the DVD with English Subtitles: Available at YESASIA

Episode Synopsis, thoughts and screencaptures:

• Episode 1
• Episode 2-3
• Episode 4,5,6
• Episode 7
• Episode 8
• Episode 9
• Episode 10
• Episode 11
• Episode 12
• Episode 13
• Episode 14
• Episode 15
• Episode 16
• Episode 17
• Episode 18
• Episode 19
• Episode 20
• Episode 21
• Episode 22
• Episode 23
• Episode 24
• Episode 25
• Episode 26
• Episode 27
• Episode 28
• Episode 29
• Episode 30
• Episode 31
• Episode 32-33 (Finale)
• 5 Downfalls of Beyond the Realm of Conscience

Extras:

• Themesong Lyrics, Translations & Download Performed by Susanna Kwan
• Sub Themesong [Wind Mill] Lyrics, Translations & Download Performed by Charmaine Sheh
• Opening Screen Captures
• Chibi Drawing of the Cast

Polls – Cast Your Vote!
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Comments: Yay!! I can’t wait til this series get released 😀

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Charmaine is upset talking about her ex-boyfriend (played by Joel Chan) and Dayo is behind her listening to her.

Half way through..

Dayo: Tissue tissue tissue..
Charmaine thinking Dayo was offering her a tissue, turns around to get it and thank him, but ends up seeing him use it to wipe his dripping icecream XD haha

—-

In another scene, Dayo continues having his sleepless nights because he feels guilty of causing his mentor’s death. He starts reading books at night, and one suggests he needs to talk to someone..but he has no one he can talk to.

While walking along a park, he sees two old people talking to each other, confessing their own family problems and inner concerns so decides to join them in hope he can confess his own.

Dayo: I caused the death of my best friend and mentor.
Old lady: Oh what! You killed someone??
Old man: Let’s go
( XD I’d have the same reaction too haha…poor guy)

As Dayo continues to wander around, he comes across a hole in a tree. Co-incidentally, Charmaine was walking pass and sees him.

Dayo: You’re a tree right? You can keep secrets right? Something happened to me. Ever since that happened, I haven’t slept at all! I’m scared that if I don’t tell anyone I won’t be able to hang on any longer.

Dayo gets called by two police who walk by.
Dayo: What’s wrong, ah Sir?
Police1: Your ID please.
Police2: What were you doing over there with the tree hole?
Dayo: Confessing my feelings
Police2: You’re confessing your feelings to a tree hole?
Dayo: Something’s been in my heart for a very long time, and I felt that the tree can keep secrets, so  wanted to chat with it. Is there some Hong Kong legislation that prohibits people from talking to a tree?!
Police2: Sir, don’t get worked up on it. There isn’t any law in Hong Kong saying you can’t talk to a tree, but chat only. Don’t damage the tree.
Dayo: Unless it would diminish away after hearing secrets, I don’t’ think anything will happen to it!

Dayo rushes back to the tree: I caused Martin’s death, I caused Martin’s death, I caused Martin’s death..because of money, I betray him and worked with Hunter, I caused his death. I made KK lose his father, I made Ah-Lin lose her husband, I made Betty lose her son-

Suddenly a phone starts ringing in the tree hole XD
Charmaine appears and takes her phone back: It’s for me. Hello?

Dayo: Hm, I wonder why they’re taking so long to get here. Other than the fact it’s a bit sunny here, this place is quite suitable for people to go on dates.

Theresa: Then you should find yourself a girlfriend- you’re always by yourself.

Dayo: Did you know that, out of 10 people who first start a business, 9 will fail…but! Out of 10 people who first start dating, all 10 will fail. The success rate is 0.  Love is so much harder to calculate than doing business.

Theresa: You can’t calculate  love.

Dayo: It’s because you can’t calculate, it means you can’t control it, see how dangerous that is? It’s like now..a lot of people are like this. You just look, and look at each other and then…it just comes.

Dayo: Can you feel it?

heheh XD XD Theresa really felt something, but Dayo was actually saying how the other 2 girls have come…and he was trying to act normal LOL XD

English Title: Born Rich

Cantonese Title: 富貴門 (foo gwai moon)

2009 Grand Production/Anniversary Series

Cast: Ray Lui Leung Wai (呂良偉) Gallen Lo Ka Leung (羅嘉良) Anita Yuen Wing Yi (袁詠儀) Kenix Kwok Ho Ying (郭可盈) Jamie Chik Mei Chun (戚美珍) Joe Ma Tak Chung (馬德鐘) Nancy Sit Ka Yin (薛家燕) Benz Hui Shiu Hung (許紹雄), Kenneth Ma, Sharon Chan

Episodes: 41

Release date: 19 October 2009

Producer: Chong Wai Kin

Scriptwriter: Au Koon Ying

Official: Purchase DVD @ YesAsia.com (English Subtitles)

Themesong: On the verge of Eternity Gallen Lo | 兩生關 Two Rounds of Life Kay Tse (Sub) | English Sub

Synopsis

Sophisticated banker CHEUK YAT YUEN (Ray Lui) mistakes con artist SA FU LOI (Gallen Lo) for his half brother CHEUK YAT MING, fortuitously elevating the swindler to one of the leading figures in the banking industry.  The lost and found brotherhood has blinded YUEN to FU’s real nature and intentions.

YUEN is kidnapped overseas by a group of rioters.  He undergoes a dramatic personality change after the incident. YUEN’s wife HO TSEUK NIN (Jamie Chik) has tried her best to console him but still cannot help him get over the unpleasant experience.  Longing for more comfort and support, YUEN gets back with his ex-lover TUNG LING CHI (Kenix Kwok Ho Ying). NIN is heartbroken to learn about the affair and it has left the broken mirror that can’t be mended.

The identity of CHEUK YAT MING gives FU not only a sense of family warmth but also a sweet taste of romance.  He finds himself in love with YUEN’s little sister CHEUK YAT SUM (Anita Yuen).  SUM is attracted to FU too but thinking that they are true biological siblings, she decides to keep her love under wraps and stays with her long-term admirer KO TOK MAN (Joe Ma) instead.  This comes as a huge blow to FU.  He is not willing to lose his love, but neither can he reveal his real identity.  Caught up in the dilemma between love and money, FU finally chooses the fortune road of no return.

It is all about a tough battle for money, a devious triangle of love, and a severe challenge to ethics.

Blog Entries:

• Episode 1-5
• Episode 6-10
• Episode 11-15
• Episode 16-20
• Episode 21-25
• Episode 26-30
• Episode 31-35
• Episode 35-41

Specific Scenes:

• Gallen And Anita Scenes 1
• Gallen & Anita Scenes 2

Extra Stuff:

• Themesong Lyric Translations & download– Gallen Lo
• Sub Themesong Lyric Translations & download– Kay Tse
• Polls– Vote your favourite actor, character and couple!

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A short message to say..KforTVB has reached 2million hits on 15 September 2009!! YAY! (That took 3 years and 4 days since the beginning) And its all thanks to you guys!! Thanks everyone!! 😀

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Keep them coming! ^^