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August 30, 2015

Posted at 12:25 PM

*Spoilers Alert* - If you don't want spoilers, stop reading now

Brick Slaves depicts the problems of expensive housing costs in Hong Kong in a comical way. The storyline revolves around the property management company "All in One", and all of the main and supporting characters are linked to the company one way or another. Vincent Wong (Jack, Lau Yiu Ming) became the manager of "All in One" because he saved Eliza Sum (Peggy, Juk Bik Gei) from the sea when she accidentally fell into the water. He encountered Evergreen Mak (House, Lo Bit Dak), who worked under him and had previously interviewed him for his current position. Selena Li (Cecilia, Choi Kin Ching) became Vincent's tenant in his apartment, and they started a bickering landlord-tenant relationship. Kiki Sheung (Joyce, Lei Oi Wah) is the owner of "All in One", and she always keeps an eye on Eliza. She even arranges Eliza to work in "All in One" as an intern.

Vincent's character as Jack is highly likable. He is a good cook and enjoys helping other people. Initially, he disagrees with Evergreen a lot on how things work at "All in One". Later, the two became good co-workers. Jack is trying hard to earn money to pay off his apartment. He is one of the "brick slaves" as he always needs to be concerned of losing his job and will no longer be able to afford his mortgage. However at the end, he sold his apartment and became a chef at his restaurant instead, with the help of Selena's character. Vincent's performance as male lead did not disappoint.

The backstories of Selena's past and the true identity of Eliza's father are the suspense in the drama. I was really intrigued to learn about Selena's past that has caused her to become so aloof and erratic at times. It turns out that her boyfriend, who is Kiki's brother, passed away while trying to rush to see her at her piano performance. Since then, Selena became depressed and would not perform in front of audience. She resorted to offer people piano lessons to make a living. Later, Vincent helped Selena to step out from her past, and she regained confidence to perform again.

As for Eliza, she has mistaken Evergreen's character House as her father due to Kiki Sheung's manipulation. Later, she was distraught when she found out the people she trusted the most are all lying to her. As it turns out, K K Cheung (Martin, Chow Guan Lin), who is Kiki's husband, is actually Eliza's biological father. Kiki tried to hide the truth from Eliza in order to protect her marriage.


Evergreen's family are somewhat supporting to the drama. I especially like Rachel Kan's (Mary, Chu Ma Lei) character, who is Evergreen's wife.


The main theme of the drama is the struggle between earning money to support the mortgage of expensive apartment versus pursuing your own dream. Vincent's Jack decided to pursue his own dream at the end. He sold his apartment and invested in his own restaurant. On the other hand, Evergreen's House continued his life as a "Brick Slave", working hard to afford his family a good apartment flat and paying off mortgage.

Overall, the drama is really enjoyable. There are a lot of spots for laughs, and the performances of actors and actresses are great. The story is well-paced, and the ending wraps up everything nicely. I also really enjoy the chemistry between Vincent and Selena. I think "Brick Slaves" are one of the great dramas in 2015.

Grade: 9 out of 10

TVB.com - http://programme.tvb.com/drama/brickslaves/

Labels: Brick Slaves, Reviews, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

August 21, 2015

Posted at 2:03 PM

Young Charioteers - Theme Song "Good Times" - Sang by Jinny Ng


曲:張家誠
詞:張美賢
編:韋景雲
監: 何哲圖／韋景雲


誰個永遠太忙 忘了最美好的時光
Who is always too busy, forgetting to enjoy the best time
誰也有權盼望 任性的光散發面龐
Everyone has the right to desire, the light of willfulness is spread across the face
陽光照遍最閃的汗 怠慢了我們能趕上
The sunlight shines on the sweats; even when we fall behind we can catch up
心存晴空 所以便勇敢盛放
The heart contains a bright sky, so (we are) brave enough to open up


來年多麼驚險 不要太早框了線
The next years are full of surprises. Do not put a border around too early
從前錯過了 期望更多明天
In the past have overlooked a lot, look forward to more in the future
回頭多少瘋癲 總會有天 需要努力備戰
To look back there have been a lot crazy times. But there will be a day where it is a need to be prepared to fight
似水匆匆流年 同座有你參加 這場盛宴
Time is like water flowing by. There is you who sit beside (me) to attend this banquet


迷茫那次愛情 沉醉間有一天夢醒
That time when lost within love. While indulging in love, one day there will be time to wake up
就算結局注定 別太早失去了熱情
Even though the ending is destined, do not lose enthusiasm too early
狂歡這晚變得安靜 笑或痛 也毋忘率性
The craze becomes quiet tonight. No matter laughter or pain, still retain frankness
寫成人生 不會後悔的 盡興
To write the life, do not feel regret; have fun


來年多麼驚險 不要太早框了線
The next years are full of surprises. Do not put a border around too early
從前錯過了 期望更多明天
In the past have overlooked a lot, look forward to more in the future
回頭多少瘋癲 總會有天 需要努力備戰
To look back there have been a lot crazy times. But there will be a day where it is a need to be prepared to fight
似水匆匆流年 同座有你參加 這場盛宴
Time is like water flowing by. There is you who sit beside (me) to attend this banquet


來年多麼驚險 不要太早框了線
The next years are full of surprises. Do not put a border around too early
從前錯過了 期望更多明天
In the past have overlooked a lot, look forward to more in the future
風急雨濺 新的起點 給我領先 未停留的衝線
Storms blow. New starting point. Let me lead; crossing the finish line with no reserve
跌倒撐起人前 無負霎眼青春 秒速改變
Even when fell down in front of people, still able to get up. Will not be failing the short-lived youth, changing instantly


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Lyrics Translations, Theme Song, TVB Series, Young Charioteers

posted by magnolia_sara | |

August 19, 2015

Posted at 9:51 AM

Wudang Rules - Theme Song "Fearless" - Sang by C AllStar

曲:張家誠
詞:楊熙
編:韋景雲
監:何哲圖／韋景雲


A1 (峰) 路在地上遇難題亦前去
The road is on the ground. Even when encounter obstacles still continue to go forward
夢也許　可觀不可追怕要告吹
The dream perhaps can be forseen but cannot follow, and it needs to be forgotten
(曦) 命裡得到失去　分隔伴隨　每天有誰
Whatever that is obtained or lost in life. Separated or together. Everyday who is there
其實我們哪知曉會有再聚
In truth we do not know when can we be together again

A2 (安) 道在地上別沉迷論和據
The road is on the ground. Do not be held up by rules and theories
任意走　不需它規矩或要允許
To go around freely; do not have to be ruled or governed by them
(銘) 別怕攻得不對　守得不對　會失去誰
Do not be afraid of wrongfully attacking or defending, will lose someone
來吧我們以堅忍戰勝畏懼
Come on we can win against fear with strongwill


B1 (峰＋安) 任世間興衰　也不苦惱進或退
Even when the world is thriving or failing, do not have to be troubled by moving forward or backward
讓我好比一點水　向下流墜
Let me be like a drop of water, flowing downwards
限界中爭取　也許身處挫敗裡
Fighting for within the limit, perhaps even when facing defeat
祭起兩手　我卸開一切便無懼
Hold up two hands, I wipe away everything and will be fearless


A2 Rpt (曦) 道在地上別沉迷論和據
The road is on the ground. Do not be held up by rules and theories
任意走　不需它規矩或要允許
To go around freely; do not have to be ruled or governed by them
(銘) 別怕攻得不對　守得不對　會失去誰
Do not be afraid of wrongfully attacking or defending, will lose someone
(銘＋安) 來吧我們以堅忍戰勝畏懼
Come on we can win against fear with strongwill


B1 Rpt (銘＋曦＋安) 任世間興衰　也不苦惱進或退
Even when the world is thriving or failing, do not have to be troubled by moving forward or backward
讓我好比一點水　向下流墜
Let me be like a drop of water, flowing downwards
限界中爭取　也許身處挫敗裡
Fighting for within the limit, perhaps even when facing defeat
祭起兩手　我卸開一切便無懼
Hold up two hands, I wipe away everything and will be fearless
B2 (All) 任世間興衰　也不苦惱進或退
Even when the world is thriving or failing, do not have to be troubled by moving forward or backward
讓我好比一點水　向下流墜
Let me be like a drop of water, flowing downwards
限界中爭取　也許身處挫敗裡
Fighting for within the limit, perhaps even when facing defeat
祭起兩手　我抱虛於太極裡不放也不追
Hold up two hands, I embrace the virtue in Tai Chi and do not release or chase
任世間興衰　放鬆緊接意念去
Even when the world is thriving or failing, relaxingly follow the idea
用四兩推開千斤　靠力凝聚
Use four ounces to push away thousand catty of strength; use strength to gather force
限界中爭取　也許身處挫敗裡
Fighting for within the limit, perhaps even when facing defeat
我這雨水　地殼多堅固亦無懼
I as a drop of rain water, no matter how hard is the earth's crust I will be fearless


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Lyrics Translations, Theme Song, TVB Series, Wudang Rules

posted by magnolia_sara | |

August 18, 2015

Posted at 4:05 PM

Come Home Love 2- Theme Song "Love Travelling Together" - Sang by Fred Cheng


作曲：張家誠
作詞：楊熙
編曲：韋景雲
監製：何哲圖、韋景雲
主唱：鄭俊弘


A1 誰曾講　花開總結果　如陽光　天黑透便會光
Who has said before that when flower blooms then there will be fruit. Just like the sunshine. After dark it will be brighter
常言道雨會過　路總通向遠方
Like common saying, rain will pass. The road will lead to a faraway place
從前的　不需想太多　來年的　即將發現更多
There is no need to think too much about the past. There are more to discover in the future
同行萬里有我　攜手一起領放
To walk thousand of miles with me; (we) can hold hands to depart


B1 同行中　一絲一絲的捉緊最美的盼望
To walk together, little by little (we) can hold onto a beautiful hope
同成長　親手的一筆一筆去兌現承諾
To grow up together, we fulfill the promise by taking it step by step
遙遙長路裡定會在旁　伴著遊歷萬方
Even the road is long, (I) will always be by your side. Together traveling thousand of places
歷練過再往前看　前程會更寬廣
Gaining experiences then look forward, the future will be broader


C1 如寒冬　點起手裡火　提起　火把發熱發光
If it is in the cold winter, I will hold the fire torch with my hand. Raising the torch, the fire will burn brighter
重頭又再振作　定可找到結果
To regain confidence, (we) can find the results
人潮中　分不清太多　能同舟　相交過已不枉
Among the sea of people, it is hard to distinguish everything. To be able to ride the boat together, knowing each other is enough
同行萬里有我　和你一起細看
To walk thousand of miles with me; (we) can watch around together


A2 叢林中　荊棘不怕多　仍可　走出四面八方
Inside the forest, do not have to be afraid of obstacles. (We can) still travel around
憑互信躍過　前方一切怯慌
With trust, (we) will overcome every obstacle in the future
從前的　揮揮手抹乾　來年的　即管接力去闖
Say goodbye to the past. It is alright to tackle the future
同行萬里有我　攜手一起領放
To walk thousand of miles with me; (we) can hold hands to depart


Repeat B1


C2 如寒冬　點起手裡火　提起　火把發熱發光
If it is in the cold winter, I will hold the fire torch with my hand. Raising the torch, the fire will burn brighter
重頭又再振作　定可找到結果
To regain confidence, (we) can find the results
人潮中　分不清太多　能同舟　相交過已不枉
Among the sea of people, it is hard to distinguish everything. To be able to ride the boat together, knowing each other is enough
同行萬里有我　和你一起細看
To walk thousand of miles with me; (we) can watch around together


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Come Home Love 2, Lyrics Translations, Theme Song, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

August 17, 2015

Posted at 10:37 AM

The Fixer - Theme Song "Maze" - Sang by Alfred Hui



作曲：張家誠
作詞：楊熙
編曲：張家誠
監製：何哲圖、韋景雲
主唱：許廷鏗



踏前或逃逸　原是簡單的選擇
To step forward or to escape is originally an easy choice
蜜糖用完後　誰害怕酸澀與苦辣
After finished up the honey, who will afraid of the tastes of sour, bitter or spicy
問誰沒疑惑　人在這世界大迷宮裡
Everyone has troubles, as people are living in the world’s big maze
回頭亦要代價　沒有路會被留下
To turn back requires consideration; there is no road that will be left behind

猶如被困在時間　被歲月離間　剩低一堆灰白
As if being trapped by time and alienated by ages, the only thing left is gray and white
重圍在四面牆裡　沒有路能回去　哪裡是家
Cornered by four sides of walls, there are no roads leading back. Where is home?
為何自困象牙塔　浪費著時間　未必只得黑白
Why did (you) self-trapped inside the ivory tower and wasting time? There is not necessary just black and white
難題沒有盡頭嗎　亦要動員解拆　拆去誤差　什麼都會解決吧
Are hard-to-solve problems endless? However the problems still need to be solved with members’ efforts, removing the errors. Everything can be solved

問誰又明白　誰亦只懂得表達
Asks who will understand. Everyone only knows how to express
諾言用完後　誰害怕失去與孤立
After consumed promises, who is afraid of losing and being isolated
問誰沒疑惑　人在這世界大迷宮裡
Everyone has troubles, as people are living in the world’s big maze
回頭亦要代價　沒有路會被留下
To turn back requires consideration; there is no road that will be left behind

猶如被困在時間　被歲月離間　剩低一堆灰白
As if being trapped by time and alienated by ages, the only thing left is gray and white
重圍在四面牆裡　沒有路能回去　哪裡是家
Cornered by four sides of walls, there are no roads leading back. Where is home? 
為何自困象牙塔　浪費著時間　未必只得黑白
Why did (you) self-trapped inside the ivory tower and wasting time? There is not necessary just black and white
難題沒有盡頭嗎　亦要動員解拆　拆去誤差　別要被迷惑打
Are hard-to-solve problems endless? However the problems still need to be solved with members’ efforts, removing the errors. Do not be set back by nuisances

明明就快沒時間　就快沒期盼　路口即將崩下
Frankly there is no time left. There is nothing to look forward to, and the intersection is crumbling down
重圍在四面牆裡　沒有路能回去　哪裡是家
Cornered by four sides of walls, there are no roads leading back. Where is home?  
為何自困象牙塔　浪費著時間　未必只得黑白
Why did (you) self-trapped inside the ivory tower and wasting time? There is not necessary just black and white
難題沒有盡頭嗎　亦要動員解拆　拆去誤差　別要被迷惑推翻
Are hard-to-solve problems endless? However the problems still need to be solved with members’ efforts, removing the errors. Do not be overthrown by nuisances


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Lyrics Translations, The Fixer, Theme Song, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

Posted at 9:43 AM

Brick Slaves - Main Theme Song "Four Hundred Square Feet" - Sang by Edwin Siu


作曲：朱俊傑
作詞：楊熙
編曲: 朱俊傑
監制: 朱俊傑


好想休假　光陰偏有限
Really wants to take vacation, but time is not enough
未能換衫　即刻飛去玩
Cannot change clothes yet, but immediately fly to the vacation spot
誰可辭工無代價
Who can resign from his job without consequences
一千幾百　都不敢怠慢
One thousand and a couple of hundred dollars. There is no room of slowness
為房地產　天天都要慳
Every day needs to be stingy because of real estate
需知一失業更煩　（哎呀）
Must know that if being laid off, it is more troublesome (Aiya)
人人明白四百呎如火棒
Everyone understands that four hundred square feet (flat) feels like a fire torch
租金那升幅可曾放慢
The rise in rents have not gotten slower
唯求盡責為了父母和子女
In order to be responsible to parents and children
永未停下　（哪可退下）
There is no stopping (Cannot move down)
然後然後然後四百呎仍迫壓
And then the four hundred feet square is still pressuring
過廿年亦得一磚一瓦
After twenty years, still remain the brick house
大半生虔誠地全為樓有用嗎　（太多困惑）
The whole life devoted to buying an apartment is worthwhile or not (too many troubles)
也許不過自製麻煩
Or it is just creating your own troubles
欣賞一下　天空多蔚藍
Appreciate the sky that is blue in color
為何未敢　於草地懶散
Why not dare to relax on the grass
誰想忙碌如習慣
Who wants to be accustomed to always busy

無奈已四季無休假
Helplessly without holidays for four seasons
薪金那升幅依然有限
The pay raise is still limited
唯求盡責為了父母和子女
In order to be responsible to parents and children
永未停下　（哪可退下）
There is no stopping (Cannot move down)
然後然後然後四百呎仍迫壓
And then the four hundred square feet is still pressuring
過廿年亦得一磚一瓦
After twenty years, still remain the brick house
大半生虔誠地全為樓有用嗎　（太多困惑）
The whole life devoted to buying an apartment is worthwhile or not (too many troubles)
也許不過自製麻煩
Or it is just creating your own troubles


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Brick Slaves, Lyrics Translations, Theme Song, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

Posted at 7:00 AM

Ghost of Relativity - Theme Song "Daybreak" - Sang by C AllStar


作曲：徐洛鏘
作詞：楊熙
編曲：徐洛鏘
監製：何哲圖、韋景雲
主唱：C AllStar


A1 同事每日像敵國　為了達到什麼
Coworkers are like warring countries. What is the purpose of that?
難道說為了實幹　要煽風點火
Perhaps need to fan the flames in order to work hard
我但顧著我　似鬼一般飄過
But I only mind my own business, just like a ghost floating by
管不到太多
Cannot care about too much
A2 在壓力內度過　為了避免什麼
To live under pressure, is because of avoiding from what?
也沒有被發現過　我靜悄在旁
And no one has noticed me who is silently waiting at the side
只是哪又算漏我　到我出醜
But who did not count me in, and made me embarrassed
猶如大雨在滂沱
It feels like pouring rain
B1 日日像隻鬼一般飄蕩
Everyday floats around like a ghost
看了兩眼回頭行過
Read the eyes and going by
日日像隻鬼一般張望
Everyday looks around like a ghost
為何無人無人教我
Why there is no one to teach me?
日日像隻遊魂浮游過
Everyday likes a spirit floating by
人人沉迷結果
All only care about the results
人人沒有奈何
All has no other choice
C1 惡鬥惡　為何嫌善怕惡
Mean versus mean. Why are people afraid of mean but despice nice
各有各　為何偷偷卸膊
Each person goes about his own business. Why does he secretly avoid the responsibilities?
趕趕趕　OT已經天光
Hurry and hurry. Overtime has lasted until the morning
困於電腦房　被晉升有用麼
Trapped in the computer room. Is there a purpose to get promoted?
看看我　就連鬼都怕我
Look at me. Even ghost is scared of me
放飛刀　為何天天要擋
Why must avoid flying daggers everyday?
誰人在背後作弄我
Who is making fun of me behind my back?
誰人在背後要令我出錯
Who is trying to cause me mistakes behind my back?
A2 每天壓力內度過　為了避免什麼
To live under pressure, is because of avoiding from what?
也沒有被發現過　我靜悄在旁
And no one has noticed me who is silently waiting at the side
只是哪又算漏我　到我出醜
But who did not count me in, and made me embarrassed
猶如大雨在滂沱
It feels like pouring rain

Repeat B1, C1
C2 惡鬥惡　為何嫌善怕惡
Mean versus mean. Why are people afraid of mean but despice nice
各有各　為何偷偷卸膊
Each person goes about his own business. Why does he secretly avoid the responsibilities?
趕趕趕　OT已經天光
Hurry and hurry. Overtime has lasted until the morning
困於電腦房　爭到後求什麼
Trapped in the computer room. After winning the competition then what is desired next?
惡鬥惡　人人嫌善怕惡
Mean versus mean. Why are people afraid of mean but despice nice
各有各　人人逃避卸膊
Each person goes about his own business. Why does he secretly avoid the responsibilities?
趕趕趕　OT已經天光
Hurry and hurry. Overtime has lasted until the morning
困於電腦房　被晉升有用麼
Trapped in the computer room. Is there a purpose to get promoted?
看看我　就連鬼都怕我
Look at me. Even ghost is scared of me
放飛刀　為何天天要擋
Why must avoid flying daggers everyday?


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Ghost of Relativity, Lyrics Translations, Theme Song, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

Posted at 6:30 AM

Master of Destiny - Theme Song "Shatter the World" - Sang by Edwin Siu


作曲：陳子敏
填詞：楊熙
編曲：Johnny Yim
監製：何哲圖 / Johnny Yim
主唱：蕭正楠


如若尚在的　統統失去　你叫我怎反應
If everything that I have is all gone. How should I react?
凝望著上天　天不開眼睛
I gaze upon the heavens, but the heavens will not open its eyes
如剩下自己　走出荒野　血拚裡甦醒
If I am by myself, I run to the wilderness. I fight to wake up
誰人在歷練我　迫我學好勝
Who is training me to become competitive
從前誰並沒大器　不需爭氣　不會覺得卑微
Before who is inconsiderate, don't need to fight, and will not feel abase
然而誰並沒道理　將我亂投在地
However who is unreasonable, thrown me to the ground

若我不無情轟天動地　定會給洪流一沖到尾
If I don't be emotionless and shatter the world, I will be hit by the torrent of water
為了贏唯有　拋棄自己　抬頭重生覺醒
In order to win, I need to throw myself away. I raise my head and regain consciousness
無需同情別人傷悲　人留情才走到絕地
No need to sympathize with other's sadness. If human is considerate, then he will be led to his end
戰場亂世　想法別兒戲
The warring zone is not a place for naive thinkings

誰尚在自欺　堅守本性　盼會博得尊敬
Who is still deceiving himself, and stay to his true nature. Hoping to gain respect
難道問上天　可找到究竟
Perhaps ask the heavens can find the truth?
人在命運中　開始崩塌　世界太少公正
Facing destiny, it seems the world is crumbling. The world has too little justice
誰人在歷練我　迫我學好勝
Who is training me to become competitive

若我不無情轟天動地　定會給洪流一沖到尾
If I don't be emotionless and shatter the world, I will be hit by the torrent of water
為了贏唯有　拋棄自己　抬頭重生覺醒
In order to win, I need to throw myself away. I raise my head and regain consciousness
無需同情別人傷悲　人留情才走到絕地
No need to sympathize with other's sadness. If human is considerate, then he will be led to his end
我還是我　不要又提起
I am still myself. Don't need to remind me


Song credited to: 星夢娛樂 The Voice Entertainment Group

Labels: Lyrics Translations, Master of Destiny, Theme Song, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

August 16, 2015

Posted at 11:32 PM

2015 

Brick Slaves


Last updated: 8/30/2015

Labels: Reviews, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

Posted at 11:00 PM

2015

Under the Veil main
Captain of Destiny main
Every Step You Take main
Momentary Lapse of Reason main
The Fixer main
Brick Slaves main
Ghost of Relativity main
Master of Destiny main
Come Home Love 2 main
Wudang Rules main
Young Charioteers main

Last updated: 9/28/2015

Labels: Lyrics Translations, TVB Series

posted by magnolia_sara | |

Posted at 10:00 PM

I will try to provide TVB Main and Sub Theme Songs Lyrics and English Translations. I am starting off with the newer songs first, and will gradually build my database up.

Labels: Lyrics Translations, Site updates

posted by magnolia_sara | |

Posted at 9:11 PM

I think I am back in blogging about TVB, and probably at times about K-pop and other subjects? We'll see I guess. :)

Labels: Site updates

posted by magnolia_sara | |