TVB: The Greed of Man 大時代 (1992)

No. of episodes: 40

Theme Song by Adam Cheng and Alan Tam

Cast:
Fong Family
Damien Lau Chun Sun – Fong Chun Shun
Yammie Lam Kit Ying – Lo Wai Ling
Sean Lau Ching Wan – Fong Chin Pok
Ng Wing Hung – Fong Fong
Loletta Lee – Fong Teng
Carol Yang – Fong Man

Ting Family
Lai Suen – Ho Chin/Grandma Chin
Adam Cheng Siu Chow – Ting Hai
David Siu Chung Hang – Ting Hau Hai
Michael Dao Tai Yu – Ting Yik Hai
Ng Kai Ming – Ting Wong Hai
Derek Kwok – Ting Lei Hai

Supporting/Others:
Vivian Chow Wai Man – Yuen Mui
Amy Kwok Oi Ming – Long Kei Man
Bowie Lam Po Yee – Chan Tou Tou
Kenneth Tsang – Long Seng Bong
Law Lok Lam – Yip Tin
Lau Kong – Chow Chai Sang
Kong Ngai – Chan Man Hin

Synopsis/Storyline:
The story started from the 1970s and spanned for three decades, and the main plot revolves around the two families; Tings and Fongs and the ever dramatic stock market.

1970s
The first few episodes bring us to the glorious moments of Fong Chun Shun (Damian Lau) as the most successful player in the stock market and was even the prominent leader of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He had a best friend whom he had known since childhood; Ting Hai (Adam Cheng). However, Hai was the total opposite of the educated and cultured Fong as he was a brutal, ill-mannered and unreasonable man, believing that everything he does is right and he just cannot comprehend the whole world disagreeing with his views.

Hai’s girlfriend, Lo Wai Ling (Yammie Lam) was a high school student who helped to care for his four sons during his absence (he went to Macau to search for his ex-wife who left him as she could not tolerate his volatile behavior). Ling and one of his sons were caught for stealing from a shop as they did not have money to buy food. Fong helped to bail them from the police station but he refused to bribe the police to settle the case. Ling begged him as she was afraid of a criminal record and finally Fong agreed. Fong sent Ling home and was shocked to witness for himself the chaotic environment the poor girl had to live with at Hai’s house.

Ling, however, following the incident, decided that it was enough and wanted to leave Hai. She wanted to focus on her studies and give up on the days living in fear. Hai could not comprehend her decision and blamed it on Fong for intentionally taking her away from him. Hai constantly pestered Fong and Ling; leading to Ling detesting him.

At the same time, Fong was facing a major crisis as high and corrupted authority officials tried to bribe him to manipulate the stock market. During this time, Fong decided to manipulate the whole stock market to his advantage and that no one could control him, winning the admiration from Yip Tin, another expert in stock market and the partner of Fong as well.

In one incident when Fong was rushing to the stock market, Hai appeared and argued with him and the police ended up arresting him. Hai blamed Fong for being cold-blooded towards an old friend. He then continued to pester Fong. His mother, who was working for Fong as a nanny to care for Fong’s four children, was allowed by Fong to return to Hai to help him to manage his family and care for his four sons. Hai misunderstood his mother’s return as Fong’s way of revenge to dismiss his mother due to their conflict. Hai continued to find fault with Fong and in an incident, hit Fong badly that Fong ended up in a coma.

Ling and Fong had fallen in love, and Ling helped to care for Fong’s children during his coma. When Fong finally woke up, he lost his memory and even his ability of speech and limbs. He became slower; and was struggling to fend for himself. He finally recalled his past and found a job with a newspaper vendor. They have lost their days of glory when they were living in a luxurious mansion since Fong’s coma, and the Fongs, together with Ling now stayed in a government flat.

Fong had finally managed to pick up the pieces of his life with his family, when Hai suddenly reappeared one day at his home. Fong had just learnt his way home, followed by his eldest son, Pok when Hai made his way into their home. Hai argued with Fong and it ended up in a fight where Hai brutally beat Fong to death. The whole incident was witnessed by Pok.

Hai then fled to Taiwan to escape imprisonment due to the manslaughter of Fong after the incident.


1980s
Following Hai’s disappearance from Hong Kong, the Fong still continued to pick up their lives. Fong’s four daughters have now grown up beautifully under the governance of Ling who had given up her studies to become a bus driver to support the children. The eldest daughter, Fong Fong had also given up her studies to help to support the family in the absence of their father and also eldest brother, Pok.

Pok had been sent away by Ling due to his rebellious and obstinate behavior following his father’s death to be disciplined by a local master. Fong Fong grew up hating her brother, for his irresponsible ways and for not being the man of the house since their father’s death.
The younger sisters, Fong Teng and Fong Man managed to make their way into universities and they missed their brother dearly.

Ling was searching for Pok who rarely kept in touch with the family and she finally found him under a bridge, He now repairs electrical items and refused to go home with Ling, but was forced home. Fong Fong continued to pick on her elder brother, until one day, when Grandma Chin, Hai’s mother came to visit the family. She used to be the Fong’s nanny, and all the girls were delighted to see her, except Pok. He got up from his sleep and started reprimanding Grandma Chin for her son and grandson’s evil ways and blamed the Tings for causing the death of their father and the downfall of the Fong family.

Ting Hai’s four sons have established a powerful triad society in Hong Kong; to the displeasure of their grandmother, who retreated to a monastery to repent for their ways and refused to stay with them. She was ashamed to face the Fongs and when Pok said all those things to her, she knelt down and begged for their forgiveness. Ling then realized that Pok was not being useless, but was in denial over their family’s misfortune.

Ting Hai’s eldest son had also fallen in love with Fong Teng, and their romance was disapproved by the Fongs and Teng was almost disowned by the family.

During this time, she found a job as a reporter and met Chan Tou Tou (Bowie Lam), a renowned stock market player from the States who returned to Hong Kong to fight with his own father. Pok had also bumped into Yip Tin, his father’s old friend who became his mentor to teach him about stock market.

Ting Hai was in jail for fourteen years for killing someone in Taiwan and his four sons established a new home for him in Taiwan when he was released from prison. Hai was unhappy with the arrangements and misunderstood his sons for not being filial when in fact; his sons did not want him to be arrested by police when he returns to Hong Kong. He secretly came back to Hong Kong to reunite with his family. He met up with Teng and pleaded with her to forgive his mistakes and not blame his son.

When Teng and Hau break up, Hau also turned ruthless especially when Ting Hai was arrested by the police after he held Ling hostage in the hospital.


The Ting brothers then blamed the Fongs for their father’s arrest and terrorized them.



The youngest sister, Fong Man even jumped to her death after being raped by Yik Hai and was humiliated in court during Ting Hai’s trial.

Ting Hai was also convicted of the murder of Fong Chun Shun finally, and was sentenced to death.

His sentence triggered the fury of his four sons, who then instructed their triad members to kill the Fongs and the remaining daughters; Fong Fong and Teng Teng were brutally pushed to fall to their deaths.



Pok somehow survived and escaped to Taiwan while Ling, angered by the incident tried to run down the four brothers of the Tings but failed. She ended up losing her mind, and landed herself in a mental institution.

1990s

Pok managed to escape to Taiwan after the death of all his sisters, and with the help of Long Kei Man and the triad members in Taiwan, he finally made his way back into the stock market and returned to Hong Kong to challenge the Ting family in a winner takes it all.

He emerged victorious with his foresight and the Tings made one wrong bet, losing their whole fortune in a blink and landing themselves in massive debt.
Ting Hai then took his sons to the top of the building and pushed them off one by one, telling them that as men they ought to die in dignity and not in shame after their loss.
He jumped off himself after his sons, but he somehow survived and ended up in a mental institution.

Pok finally avenged his family's death; and it was considered a good ending after so much tragedy and at least, there is one last standing among the poor Fongs.


It was a classic and memorable, not to mention a victorious scene for this epic drama.

Cast/Character Analysis:
Damian Lau as Fong Chung Shun

He had it all; fame, power, wealth, a happy family and even romance came to him when his best friend’s girl fell in love with him. His life can be considered perfect, but nothing is perfect in this world and the worst thing that could happen to him in his life is to have a best friend in Ting Hai. I do not understand how someone like him could be best friends with an idiot like Ting Hai. It was the biggest mistake in his life and a costly one too; as it subsequently affected the next generation as well.
Fong is a righteous man in character and incredibly talented in investing in the stock market, making him highly sought after by greedy and corrupt officials to help them to control the stock market. The worst is his own best friend pushed him to the hands of these people and it was also his best friend who killed him with his own bare hands. Fong had done nothing wrong in his life; except having Ting Hai as his best friend.
I feel that this is one of Damian’s best role; as he transitioned from a calm and confident man to an almost invalid, gaining the sympathy of everyone who watched the drama.

Adam Cheng as Ting Hai

This is the most insane and unreasonable character I have ever seen in all the dramas I have watched. He is really a mad cow of a villain; and yet at times he made it seem like he was not the real villain by the way he kept finding reasons for everything he had done. It is confusing really, I felt like laughing at his hilarious ways and at the same time, hating him for everything he had done. He is just a useless rat; refusing to admit his own mistakes yet continuously praising himself for his own righteousness. He used violence to settle most of the issues, and yet he never felt he was wrong but rather the victim for his actions. Everyone is wrong, except him and he could find reasons for everything he had done. It is really ridiculous and you just wished him dead from the very start, for how could a person like this exist on the face of earth?
This meant that Adam Cheng was truly successful in portraying this scumbag to be hated by everyone. If Damian was the most sympathized character, Adam, on the other hand, must be the most hated character and I must say, one of the worst characters TVB ever created.

Yammie Lam Kit Ying as Lo Wai Ling

She wasted her youth and future on two men; and to some, she may be the instigating point of all the tragedies in the story. However, if it was not for her, we would not have the storyline for the Greed of Man. She was foolish enough to get involved with Ting Hai at a young age, but she repented her ways when she stuck to the Fong family. For a girl, she was truly strong and determined and I guess it had to do with the way she grew up and the difficulties she faced during your young age. She did not deserve her ending though; sadly, after all that she had done.
This must be the first time I have seen Yammie in a cold and warm character like this; and she must be applauded for her excellent portrayal of a woman scorned and how she fought her way through with the Tings.

David Siu Chung Hang as Ting Hau Hai

He is the eldest son of Ting Hai, and appeared to be the most sensible or at least the only one who had a mind. He seemed to be the most righteous one and even loved Fong Teng with his whole heart. However, when Teng broke up with him, he became as ruthless as his own father and plotted mishaps upon the Fong family. How could Ting Hau Hai just be so cold and ruthless towards the woman he loved? He was far worse than his own father, at least his father could never bring himself to kill the woman he loved.
This was a memorable role for David Siu to play; and also the most despicable. This role of Hau also proved to us that birds of a same feather do flock together, and despite how nice he could be in the beginning, he still had that despicable gene in him.

Michael Tao as Ting Yik Hai

The second son and also the most despicable one (please be ready for the repetitive use of despicable as I describe these hateful Ting brothers!). He was demanding and arrogant like his crazy father, and only sought violence as the only solution. He was also a sex pervert, and he raped the youngest sister of the Fongs; Fong Man, causing her death. When his eldest brother passed the mandate to him to decide the fate of the Fong family after their father’s death sentence, he happily did so by ordering all of them to be brutally killed. This character had no sense of humanity in him at all!
This must be Michael Tao’s most despicable role as well, and also the most memorable one. If Ting Hai is hated, this is also another one that everyone should hate and despise!!

Ng Kai Ming as Ting Wong Hai

This is the third son, and supposedly one of the educated ones; as he was a lawyer. Well, lawyers may not necessarily be good, and like his brothers, he also used his education and profession to do evil. There was not much focus on this character except during the father’s trial but he is just the same as his brothers.
I rarely see Ng Kai Ming in tv series except during the 80s, and if you feel that he reminds you of someone, well, he does, as he is the real brother of fellow actor Lawrence Ng Kai Wah.

Derek Kwok as Ting Lei Hai

He is the youngest brother and a doctor. Don’t think he is the best of the lot, as he is just as hateful as the rest of his brothers! As a doctor, he also smuggled drugs for the triad society and is just another bastard of the Tings. We see a very young Derek Kwok in this role, but not much of a highlight in the series, except as part of the Ting brothers’ troupe.

Sean Lau Ching Wan as Fong Chin Pok

He is the eldest son of the Fong family and is also the main protagonist of the drama besides Ting Hai. When he first appeared in the drama, he seemed like a useless scumbag who was just plain lazy and good for nothing, but you could tell that he was no fool either. He was a great big brother who would stop at nothing to protect his sisters from danger, taking up the responsibility of being the man of the house. I loved it when he finally returned to the scene in the 90s, and plotting his revenge against the Tings for his family’s death.
Sean Lau is incredibly good in his acting, and it is a pity that we seldom see him on screen. He depicted the role of a calm and cool guy really well, and his facial expressions when his own sisters were killed or hurt by the rascals were just classics! Excellent, and definitely my favorite character in the whole drama!

Ng Wing Hung as Fong Fong

She is the second eldest daughter but she was the most temperamental one of the lot. She irritates easily and yet was really cowardly when things happen. She chose to hide behind her siblings and refuse to stand up to injustice for fear of danger. All she wanted was just peace and a low profile life.
Ng Wing Hung is always good in her acting, and I had always wondered where she’d go after the 90s (married?). She depicted the role of this emotional lady really well, and she is just believable as a down-to-earth type. In fact, she connects with most of our inner self that sometimes we too want to hide and just live in peace, without wanting to get ourselves in danger.

Loletta Lee as Fong Teng

She is the second daughter and the university graduate. With all her education, she was also the one who fell in love with the enemy; Ting Hai’s eldest son, Hau Hai. However, she too woke up from the romance and decided to break off all ties with the Tings as she could not forget their father’s death as caused by Ting Hai. Being the most highly educated sister, she was also the calmest of the lot, and she was not afraid to face the Ting brothers nor was she worried about the dangers posed by the bastards. However, she did not meet with a good ending as she was also forced off the building by the sore losers, when they lost their father’s trial. It was definitely the biggest mistake in her life to be involved with the rat; Ting Hau Hai and it was great that she realized that.
Loletta Lee is a really sweet and beautiful girl, and she played her role believably well, making everyone love and empathize with this strong and yet ordinary girl choosing between her family and love.

Carol Yang as Fong Man

She is the youngest daughter and the most timid one; making her the easiest target for the Tings. She was the brightest in her studies, and she was always a high achiever. Unfortunately, she was raped and blackmailed by the bastard of Ting Yik Hai and lived in fear ever since. She was ashamed of herself and her predicament worsened when she was publicly humiliated in court about her affair with Yik Hai. She suffered further blows when she returned home and found bills stuck all over the flat building she lived telling of her as a scandalous woman and she decided to end her life by jumping off the building, before the very eyes of her family.
Carol Yang is always a sweet girl and I really liked her a lot, but like most of the actresses in this drama, she disappeared from TVB after the 90s. She really made everyone love and pity the sad character of Man Man and her tragic end.

Vivian Chow as Yuen Mui

She is an honest and exceptionally thrifty young girl, saving her hard-earned money and enduring leftover meals with her grandmother whom she stayed with in the low-cost flat. It was not hard to understand her anger then when she found out that Pok used her hard-earned savings in the stock market. She fell in love with Pok, and was disappointed when Pok turned her down but she was the one whom he really loved and married in the end anyway.
I am a fan of Vivian Chow, and I have always loved her in all her roles as she always played demure and lovable characters. The character of Yuen Mui fitted her personality of an innocent young girl like a glove and there is no one else who could this role like her.

Amy Kwok Oi Ming as Long Kei Man

She is the daughter of Long Seng Bong, the corrupted high-ranking officer who tried to bribe Fong Chun Shun. She was not really loved at home as her father was cheated of his fortune by her siblings and mom. She made a very humorous appearance when she fought with Pok for the same taxi and was pushed out onto the road. She then tracked him down, making him apologize for pushing her. She then fell in love with Pok, but was upset that he chose Mui instead. She and Mui helped Pok with his plan for revenge.
Amy Kwok was still quite new in acting, and honestly, I remembered her more for her amazing ability to cry and cry!~ Although in this drama, Sean Lau chose Vivian as his wife, but in reality, Amy was Sean’s choice of a lifetime partner and they are now happily married

Bowie Lam as Chan Tou Tou

He is the son of Chan Man Hin who was a very powerful speculator and also a corrupt leader in the stock exchanged board; but he had a very bad relationship with his father. He hated his father for abandoning his mother and him, and the hatred deepened when his father would not even listen to his pleas to see his mother for the last time at her death bed. Tou Tou is based in the United States and is exceptionally talented in manipulating and investing in the stock market, establishing a solid reputation in the field. He returned to Hong Kong to battle against his father, but his complacence and pride caused his downfall as well. He hired Teng Teng as his personal assistant in Hong Kong, despite already having five personal assistants from the States. He then fell in love with Teng, and this stirred jealousy in Hau. After the incident where he lost to his father and also a dispute with Hau, Tou Tou seemed to have disappeared from the scene and only reappeared in the last few episodes.
He had returned to Hong Kong to avenge Teng's death (he was updated on the news revolving their family; which created headlines as well anyway), and focused on striking down the hateful Tings. He was victorious in the beginning, but one unheeded advice from Pok (whom he got acquainted with via the stock market; actually they knew each other earlier as Pok helped him before but this round, they were both playing behind the screens and he did not know it was Pok helping him. He thought it was just another expert) made him lose badly when the stock market crashed.
Bowie Lam is absolutely the right choice to play this character who was just cool and collected. It was just too bad that Teng did not reciprocate his love earlier, but he was truly a good man as he still avenged his beloved woman's death.
Besides Pok, this is my second favorite character in the drama!!~

Memorable Scenes:
1. Fong Chun Shun working at the newspaper stall after waking up from his coma, and how his children supported him. That was a classic and tear-jerking scene!
2. Ting brothers crossing path with the Fong family when Pok was bailed from the police station.



3. Pok and Mui sharing a sweet and melodious scene where they performed a rendition of Red River Valley in both English and Chinese. This song became a hit in the 90s.

4. All the stock market scenes

5. When Pok reprimanded Grandma Chin for her son and grandsons’ doings and showed us that he was a real man. It was really touching and heart-warming to see how he truly felt for his family’s mishap and how he chose to be in denial after suffering such a big blow during his childhood.

6. Man Man jumping off the building and the expressions on her siblings and Ling, was just unforgettable and jerked at our emotions.

7. Ling trying to run the Ting brothers down with her bus but to no success.

8. Pok finally gaining his victory in the stock market, and beating the Tings. That was the BEST scene ever!

9. The Tings being thrown off the building one by one, now that is a classic and finally, a GREAT Ending for all the evil they had done to the others.

10. All the scenes of Mui and Pok


11. How the Fongs bravely stood up to the threats of the Tings


Interesting bits:
1. All the sons of Ting Hai also had the name Hai (literally translated to Crab) as part of their middle names. Ughs, what an insult to the actual crabs.
2. Sean Lau and Amy Kwok, as mentioned are a real life couple who are married. Perhaps they met on the set of this drama?


3. I found out from Wikipedia that Yammie Lam had been insane in real life like her character here.
4. To be frank, sometimes I feel that Ting Hai’s sons are worse than their father as they raped, killed and did all the worst things imaginable. Then again, at the same time, at least his sons were brave enough to admit their wrong doings and that they are scoundrels although they are still cowards as all five men, did not dare to face a fair trial.
5. There is a Ting Hai effect on the stock market in Hong Kong after this drama; and it seemed that every time Adam Cheng’s drama is aired, the stock would drop by the points. (refer to wikipedia for more details on the Ting Hai effect).
6. Take note of a lot of songs by Alan Tam, Beyond played throughout the drama.


My verdict:
This is the most popular and watched classic in the 90s and it featured almost all the interesting elements; from the excitement of the ups and downs in the stock market to the complex and heart-tugging relationships between all the characters. Undoubtedly this is also the most memorable and tragic drama of all; from the fates of the main and good characters in the drama and leaving the viewers frustrated when the bad guys live till the last episode; of course, there will be less drama if they died earlier. Anyway, the ending was definitely satisfactory as we finally get to see the evil brothers all die, but the only thing is that Ting Hai still did not die, what a coward!!
It is not really that great of an ending as the Fongs were all dead; and the Tings deserve to die more than a thousand times for everything they had done.
This drama brought a lot of tears and anger when I watched it, and even the theme song sounded really emotional and was suitable for the overall theme. I highly recommend it ; but I am sure almost everyone had watched this drama before. Anyway, worth a re-watch and another, to see the exceptionally strong and talented cast in this epic drama!~

TVB: Once Upon a Time in Shanghai 新上海灘 (1996)

No. of episodes: 40

Cast:
Sunny Chan Kam Hung - Hui Man Keung
Gordon Lam Ka Dong - Ting Lik
Nadia Chan Chung Ling - Fung Cheng Cheng
Adam Cheng Siu Chow - Yu Chan Hoi
Poon Chi Mun - Fung Keng Yew
Patrick Tham Yew Mun - Chan Hon Nam
Shirley Cheung Yuk Shan - Wong Yuet Kei
Law Kar Ying - Henry
Lee Kar Seng - Lok Tin Yau
Carol Cheng - So Chat Hau/ Chat Koo Leong
Maggie Cheung Ho Yee - Khoo Ching Wah
Amanda Kwok Po Wai - Lui Hei
David Lui Fong - Cheung Kwai
Bowie Lam Po Yee - Tse Tong
Noel Leung Siu Bing - Kong Chi Kwan
Florence Kwok Siu Wai - Fong Yim Wun

Special Appearances/Cameo:
Eric Tsang Chi Wai - So Ng
Gallen Lo Kar Leung - Kok Sei Wai

Synopsis/Storyline:
Set against the turbulent backdrop of Shanghai in the 1920s period and boasting of an amazingly star-studded cast to once again bring the story of the famed drama The Bund to life.

This remake of the 1980's classic was successful in bringing the notoriously charming characters of our hero, Hui Man Keung, then played by Chow Yun Fatt to life and once again, set our hearts beating with the rapid development in the storyline as the drama progresses.

Sunny Chan plays Hui Man Keung in this remake; and he seemed to be the perfect choice as he bear a resemblance to the suave big brother and continued to mimic his signature style of Hui Man Keung to perfection.
Hui Man Keung was a virtuous and righteous student who started out in Shanghai, but eventually involving himself in the high profile triad society in the tumultous era.

He and his best friend, Ting Lik (originally played by Ray Lui Leong Wai, and in this remake, played by Gordon Lam) then ventured to establish their own careers amidst their struggle to survive in this turbulent period.

Then comes the high profile gambler in Shanghai, Yu Chan Hoi(Adam Cheng) who was probably one of the more virtuous man living in that period. He took over the largest and notable casino in Shanghai from his mentor who was murdered by another mafia leader, Fung Keng Yew (Poon Chi Mun) in an event of conspiracy to protect his own position.
Hoi swore revenge for his mentor, and resided in Shanghai, handling the casino and at the same time, protecting his mentor's only son, Lok Tin Yau (Lee Kar Seng) who was a good-for-nothing but overly ambitious young man who created trouble everywhere he went.

Yau set his eyes on a dancer in his own casino's theatre; Kong Chi Kuan (Noel Leung) and wanted to woo her, but Chi Kuan only had her eyes for Hui Man Keung who had rescued her from danger multiple times.
Chi Kuan was already married, however, when she was younger, her family married her off to another family to be a wife to a young boy whom she had to care for like her son.
Yau offered to bring her 'husband' fishing, but he actually intended to kill him, and he drowned the poor boy. The whole incident was witnessed by Ng (Eric Tsang), a compulsive gambler and he used it to his advantage to gain benefits from Yau whenever he gambled in his casino.
It came to a point when Yau was infuriated with Ng's constant demands, and he assassinated him on one night when he was supposed to hand over a large sum of money to Ng.
Ng's death angered his sister, So Chat Hau (Carol Cheng) and their workers at the pier (they run a logistics/shipping company) and Chat Hau vowed revenge.
Chat Hau found a gold pen beside her brother's body and concluded it was Yu Chan Hoi's doing. She confronted Hoi who promised her an answer within three days.

Yau blamed it on his follower; Kam, whom he paid to disappear from Shanghai for the time being. Chat Hau was unhappy when Hoi could not produce the murderer, but she was appeased that the truth was finally revealed.

However, Hoi soon found out that it was Yau's doings, but due to his promise to his mentor, Hoi let him go when Yau promised to repent.
Yau then found fault with Chat Hau and even burnt her company down, leaving Chat Hau and her workers in a rut.
Hoi then hired Chat Hau in the casino, much to Yau's chagrin, and he continuously created trouble to get Chat Hau out of job in the casino. Hoi prevented him from doing so by protecting Chat Hau.


Chat Hau's fiance, Kok Sei Wai (Gallen Lo) then returned from overseas, and he was supposed to marry Chat Hau. However, Chat Hau soon realized that Wai was also a gambler and even caused her company to be burnt down. Realizing how heartless her man was in person, she severed all ties with him. During this time, her longtime friend, Tse Kong (Bowie Lam) who was secretly in love with her all the while, took care of her, but she rejected him.

Chat Hau slowly fell in love with Hoi, but Hoi was actually in love with his first love, Khoo Ching Wah (Maggie Cheung) who was now the companion of his rival, Fung Keng Yew.
Ching Wah bore a deep hatred for Hoi, who disappointed her many years ago when he failed to show up on the day they were supposed to elope. Ching Wah refused to forgive him. Unknown to her, it was not that Hoi did not want to elope, but he was actually kidnapped by her father and was almost beaten up to death. Her father objected to their relationship as Hoi was just a trishaw puller at that time.
Ching Wah turned Hoi down and continued to make him jealous by acting loving towards Fung Keng Yew.

Hoi then promised to give up everything he had and elope with Ching Wah again to start a new life. They promised to meet up at the train station, and Ching Wah turned up but Hoi, due to a last minute emergency to rescue Chat Hau was almost murdered by Yau, failed to appear at the station once again.
Ching Wah, was furious and decided to marry Fung Keng Yew and even hinted that Hoi was better off dead.

Fung Keng Yew took her idea, as he wanted Hoi to disappear from Shanghai and got rid of Hoi by planting a bomb inside his car. Henry (Law Kar Ying), Hoi's trusted assistant managed to trace one of the servants who was sent to beat Hoi years ago, and Ching Wah finally learnt of the truth. She regretted her actions and rushed to the scene, only to see for herself Hoi's car exploding into flames.

Hoi was then believed to be dead, and Hui Man Keung was furious when he found out that it was his best friend, Ting Lik who planted the bomb in Hoi's car.
Man received the same order from Fung who wanted to kill Hoi, but he told Fung that he could convince Hoi to leave Shanghai voluntarily. Fung appeared to agree with Man but he summoned Lik after Man left and ordered Lik to kill Hoi.


Man was upset with Lik and Fung's plans and at the same time, he was in a dilemma as he had fallen in love with Fung Cheng Cheng (Nadia Chan), Fung Keng Yew's only daughter.
Cheng Cheng was persistent and constantly tried to win his attention but Man was being cold and aloof towards her.

Cheng Cheng's best friend, Wong Yuet Kei (Shirley Cheung), on the other hand was jealous of Chan Hon Nam (Patrick Tham), their classmate who had been admiring Cheng Cheng since university days as she had fallen for him and she reminded Man to accept Cheng Cheng's love.
Man continued to hurt Cheng Cheng, but finally realized his love for her when a false alarm of a bomb in Fung's car caused him to worry for Cheng Cheng's safety and they finally ended up together.

Man then proposed to Cheng Cheng who agreed to marry him, and in the period leading to their wedding, Man was assigned to work out a business deal with Japanese on behalf of Fung.
Hoi, who did not die, came back to Shanghai to run the casino and learns of the Japanese conspiracy in Shanghai.
Hoi found out about the identity of the Japanese and warned Man that he could be betraying his own country if he were to proceed with the deal.
Man then changed his mind at the last minute, and foiled the business deal, creating havoc when the Japanese spy was killed and he had to run into refuge.

Man then escaped to Hong Kong, where he met up with Chi Kuan whom he sought refuge with. They fell in love, and Man married her.

Man faked his death to prevent Fung Keng Yew from searching for him.
Lik pursued Cheng Cheng, who rejected him and Lik, frustrated, revealed to Cheng Cheng about Man's death, but Cheng Cheng did not believe him.


Cheng Cheng and Hon Nam then travelled to Hong Kong to search for Man and Cheng Cheng was devastated to learn of Man and Chi Kuan's marriage.
Cheng Cheng then returned to Hong Kong, and Lik continued to woo her.

When Fung learns of Man's existence and his fake death, he decided to make use of Yau's hatred for Man (Yau blamed Man for the death of his lover, who was the Japanese spy) to kill Man.

However, Yau killed the pregnant Chi Kuan along with her brother and grandfather while waiting for Man to return from work.
When Man arrived at the scene, he chased after one of the assassins who told him with his dying breath that it was Fung Keng Yew's doing.

Man swore revenge for his family, and returned to Hong Kong to join forces with Yu Chan Hoi.
Hoi was bitter towards Fung after the death of his beloved woman, Khoo Ching Wah, who was murdered by Fung after she tried to escape to rid Hoi of a murder charge (she was the murderer).
Man and Hoi then joined forces to fight against Fung Keng Yew and to plot his downfall in Shanghai.


Character Analysis:
Sunny Chan Kam Hung as Hui Man Keung

He is the main character and probably one of the protagonists in the story.
He started off as a poor but strong-willed student, and his capabilities led him to become one of the most notable figures in the Shanghai triad society.
I feel this character can confusing sometimes, as he could be righteous and being practical at one point, and then he could be so cold-blooded as to kill people for business and even acting cold towards the girl he loved.
I feel he himself is confused as well, as he is not sure what he wants sometimes.
He wanted to do things right, but yet he ended up working for the triad society and yet he battled with his conscience all the time. (I mean, is he okay?)
Then he fell in love with Cheng Cheng, and he pushed her away, blaming her status as Fung Keng Yew's daughter and as he despised Fung, he did not want to associate himself with him at all. Well, did he ever ask Cheng Cheng what she wanted?
He could be so cold-blooded towards a soft-hearted and sweet girl like her, it's despicable to me too!
When he finally accepted her, he vowed not to worry about anything else except the love of his life, and yet he broke her heart again when he betrayed her father and ran away. He did not even contact her; well, he tried but he chickened out at the last minute for fear of being found by Fung. What I could not get was, how could a righteous man like him who was supposed to be a true gentleman could say that he loved Cheng Cheng and yet could marry Chi Kuan during that short period when he was in refuge in Hong Kong? Like hello, is he clear whether he truly loved Chi Kuan or was he just indebted to her? Does he even understand love?
I find his character truly disappointing, and I don't think he deserved a great girl like Cheng Cheng at all. He even had the cheek to object to Cheng Cheng and Lik's wedding, c'mon, he hurt her again and again, and he had already backed on his own promise by marrying someone else, and he still wanted to keep her to himself?
Rather selfish, I must say, and all in all, a very confusing character.
Did he deserve to die? Well, nobody deserves to die, and it's funny how he was killed when he finally has made a decision to leave the triad world; a firm decision at last which was never realized.
Sunny Chan was rather stiff in his character, but he does resemble the big brother Chow Yun Fatt and he acted rather cool most of the time which was rather charming in the drama to play Hui Man Keung to reality.

Gordon Lam Ka Dong as Ting Lik

He is the best friend and partner in crime of Hui Man Keung, and is the second leading character in the story. However, compared to Hui Man Keung, I must say that Lik is a more believable and realistic character.
Lik could do things with more certainty and not worrying about this and that. When he kills, he kills cold-heartedly and not without hesitation. It is the same way with the way he works and loving others.
When he fell in love with the first girl who was the mistress of another triad boss, he truly protected her. Then he fell for Cheng Cheng, and he pursued her relentlessly when he learnt that Man had died in Hong Kong. Actually, I think he had already fallen for Cheng Cheng long ago, but he was afraid to make his move as Man was his best friend. With Man out of the way, Lik made his feelings clear and dared to profess his love to Cheng Cheng and did not even give up.
I liked his character which was rather manly as he did everything without regrets.
Despite his ruthless ways, he was a commendable character but I did despise the way he treated Cheng Cheng after he married her which was rather despicable too!
Gordon may not bear resemblance to Ray Lui in the character of Ting Lik, but Gordon truly was meant for this character, a guy who can be ruthless and yet can be loving and silly when he was in love with the girl he admired.

Adam Cheng as Yu Chan Hoi

He is the God of Gambler in Shanghai, and he owed it to his mentor and saviour who taught him all the skills of victorious gambling. When his mentor died as a result of murder conspired by Fung Keng Yew, he vowed revenge upon Fung and stayed back in Shanghai to take care of his mentor's casino and his mentor's son, Lok Tin Yau. He handled the casino very well, establishing it as the leading casino in Shanghai, and posing a threat to Fung Keng Yew. He is a righteous man and he did a lot of things to help Yau, even though he knew that Yau was pretty much a scumbag. However, this character is also another confusing one as he could be really determined and righteous at work but when it comes to love, he failed miserably.
He loved his boss's daughter, Khoo Ching Wah, but he was misunderstood by her for years for failing to turn up at the train station to elope back then and yet he never succeeded in explaining the truth to her. He was rather weak when it came to dealing with Wah, maybe out of his own guilt towards her and he was hurt by her words and actions again and again that you felt pity for him but then you wonder again, isn't this guy supposed to be the most influential man in Shanghai?
Like Hui Man Keung, he was less determined when it comes to making important decisions compared to his accomplices and friends.
I find Adam rather inconsistent in his acting as Yu Chan Hoi, as he could appear rather stiff or wearing the same expression most of the time.

Law Kar Ying as Henry


Without a doubt, this is the best friend and trusted assistant of Yu Chan Hoi mentioned above and the one who could make decisions firmly. Despite coming from a wealthy background and being a young master at home, Henry decided to follow Hoi as his follower and remained loyal to him at all times. He was a rather comical character who could be silly at times, but yet you respect him for his noble deeds when he did everything for Hoi.

Poon Chi Mun as Fung Keng Yew

He is the rival of Yu Chan Hoi, striving to be the most influential (or the only) in Shanghai. He got rid of everyone who posed a threat to him in the city, and he was involved in all sorts of activities, even illegal ones without regards to his own conscience in order to stay on the top in the turbulent city. He was despicable throughout the drama, and never hesitate to take any action when needed. He killed and murdered people heartlessly, and the only one he truly cared about besides himself, was his only daughter, Fung Cheng Cheng.
This main antagonist may be hated by everyone but he was there for a reason; for creating all the drama and turmoil in the story.

Lee Kar Seng as Lok Tin Yau

This is a character which is more despicable than Fung Keng Yew, in my opinion. Fung Keng Yew at least had a reason to be the villain, as he wanted to maintain or strengthen his position by getting rid of threats but this guy, he was protected and well taken care of and had nothing to worry about, but he created havoc here and there. He prided himself as being the only son and the sole owner of the largest casino in Shanghai and took things for granted. He is just a plain arrogant and good-for-nothing rat, and it is just annoying to see him appear each time.

Bowie Lam as Tse Kong

He is a very pitiful character, but I like him for his loyalty and determination. He was the loyal worker who helped Chat Hau and Ng with their family business, and he was secretly in love with Chat Hau for so many years and yet he had to see her move on from her fiance Kok Sei Wai to Yu Chan Hoi. He thought he had the chance to win her heart when Kok Sei Wai was erased from her heart after his despicable act, but he lost once again to Yu Chan Hoi. He then worked for the Japanese, to earn more money to be compatible with Chat Hau. It was really sad to see that he had to face continuous rejection from her despite his efforts.

The ladies:
Nadia Chan Chung Ling as Fung Cheng Cheng

The most beautiful and sweetest girl in the drama, and may I say, the most pitiful character as well. She was loved and admired by most guys in the drama, but yet her heart only yearns for Hui Man Keung who hurts her and pushed her away all the time. She was in a love-hate relationship with him, and her predicament was all because ofher identity as Fung Keng Yew's only daughter.

She never did ask for much from him, except his love and undivided attention and yet he could never grant her that. She finally gave up on him when she found out about his marriage to Chi Kuan during his refuge period and his cold behavior towards her when he returned to Shanghai.
She finally accepted Lik who had been persistently courting her, and even married him. However, she was treated with Lik's constant jealousy and suspicions towards her feelings for Man and their marriage did not work out. Cheng Cheng then decided to leave Shanghai after her father's death and to further her studies.
I find her really pitiful as she is just too naive and innocent, and everyone around her, is just lying to her, including her own father and her beloved man. How could one go through a life like that, even with all the riches in the world?
I loved her character, and her costumes and hairstyle, Nadia just looked so pretty and every bit like Fung Cheng Cheng should be, it was just a perfect fit of a character to play!

Carol Cheng as So Chat Hau

She is also a loyal lover, but she faced misfortunes in both life and love. She had a great family business, but was ruined by the person she had loved and waited for so long. The love of her life lied to her and betrayed her, and she was disappointed. When she finally found a new direction in life, she fell for another man, but only to be turned down and away by him. She did not ask for anything but constantly sacrificed for her man, and yet, she was disappointed.
I liked her, as she was another woman who was true and loyal to her own feelings.

Maggie Cheung as Khoo Ching Wah

She is the companion of the Shanghai tycoon and triad, and yet her heart only yearns for the man whom she swore to hate for the rest of her life. She may appear to be a confusing character, but she is truly not. She does know what she wants, it is just that she chose not to, giving way to her pride. She did not want to face disappointments in her life, and made the decision to marry Fung, thinking that she would lead a carefree and happier life from then on but that turned out to be the biggest mistake in her life as Fung changed in his attitude towards her after their marriage and in the end, she was even murdered by him. A tragic end for a strong character like her.
I loved Maggie in this series, she looked absolutely stunning and beautiful as the desirable Khoo Ching Wah and it is no wonder why two most influential men (they are even tycoons) were fighting for her.

Noel Leung as Kong Chi Kuan

She is another pitiful character, and she had to lead a very tough life at a young age. She was sold off as a young wife to a boy young enough to be her younger brother and she was blamed for his death by her mother-in-law who constantly abused her. She fell for Hui Man Keung and was deeply hurt when he rejected her and told her that he only saw her as a younger sister and she left Shanghai to reunite with her own family. When Man met her again in Hong Kong, she did not hope for much as she knew that Man only loved Cheng Cheng but she was touched when Man married her and she was enjoying her blissful moments with him. She was even pregnant with his child but unfortunately she was killed by Yau, due to Fung's doings.
Noel was just perfect for this character and her facial expressions were just excellent to play such a innocent and pitiful character; it was almost like the character was created just for her.

Florence Kwok as Fong Yim Wun

It's a pity that this is just a supporting character, and I will add her to another of the pitiful characters and also an unsung hero.
Everyone could see she loved Hui Man Keung and she did so much for him behind his back and constantly helped him whenever he was in trouble but he never did realize.
Florence was a great actress but she was rather underutilized in this drama not because she was not good, but well, you can't have everyone in the leading roles, right?

Somehow, all the female characters in the drama were more courageous and outstanding compared to the men who may seemed to be a little wimpy (some of them).

Chemistry/Relationships
Sunny and Gordon


The main characters of the whole story; Hui Man Keung and Ting Lik were definitely the most iconic characters who created the whole plot.
They were the best of buddies, and yet in love, they could be considered as rivals as well as they both fell for the same woman. However, Lik was noble enough to onlu pursue Cheng Cheng when Man was speculated to be dead. The buddies could not join forces when Man decided to go against Fung Keng Yew while Lik could not agree with him, and that was the only (or the main highlight) point in the drama when the two main characters decided to go separate ways.
I liked the chemistry of both guys, and how they would stand for each other, and not betray either even in critical times.

Sunny and Nadia


They were supposed to be the main couple, and yet I just felt frustrated each time when Hui Man Keung pushed her away. It was sweet when they get together, but somehow you could just sense that their romance was short-lived and probably never meant to be as Man was constantly doubtful over their relationship right from the start due to Cheng Cheng's identity and Cheng Cheng was constantly pushed to make a choice between her father and her lover. It was just rather tragic to see this two young people who were very much in love just kept falling apart because of others around them!

Gordon and Nadia





I kinda also yearned for this couple; as I have always liked Gordon and Nadia together, and it is rather rare to see them paired together! Their compatibility and chemistry is just amazing, and in this drama, you cannot help but root for Ting Lik as he was always the kind and charming guy who was there for Fung Cheng Cheng when she was unhappy or needed help. Cheng Cheng kept pushing him away (just like how Man pushed her away) but she eventually realized that he truly loved her and she accepted him.
He had already fallen for her right from the start; it was love at first sight for him but he was disappointed that she was interested in his best friend instead.
I loved it when they finally got together, and she married him, despite Man's objections.
However, I despised how Lik treated her after marriage, it was sad, I thought he loved her and yet he gave in to this own jealousy. It was his own fault that the marriage fell apart! Somehow, Cheng Cheng seemed to be taking after Khoo Ching Wah's path in her marriage to Lik but they were just, oh, so sweet together , before marriage, that is.

Sunny and Noel

This was also an ill-fated couple, and somehow I just didn't feel that there was much sparks of romance between them as it was just too brief of a period.
Sure, it may seemed like Hui Man Keung fell for her when he married her but somehow I just feel that it was more out of gratitude than of love.
Anyway, Chi Kuan died shortly after also, and well, it just seemed to solve Man's problems of still yearning after Cheng Cheng (not to be mean though).

Patrick and Shirley

They are a cute couple; and you could just sense that they would end up together somehow when you see them bickering all the time.

Law Kar Ying and Amanda Kwan

This is also another hilarious couple who added to lightening the mood of the drama.

Carol Cheng and Bowie Lam

I rooted for Chat Hau to be with Tse Tong as well, but she never did. He was a loyal guy, from the start and it was just so heart-wrenching how he worked for the Japanese just to be compatible with his beloved woman and yet to be turned down by her.

Carol Cheng and Adam Cheng

While Tse Tong loved her, Chat Hau loved Yu Chan Hoi as well but her love was finally reciprocated after Khoo Ching Wah's death and yet at the same time, there just don't seem to be much chemistry between them somehow, in my opinion.

Best friends Shirley Cheung and Nadia Chan


Wong Yuet Kei was a true friend, and I just loved how these two girls were comforting and helping each other in times of need. When Cheng Cheng was yearning for Hui Man Keung, Kei helped her and even reprimanded Man for treating her best friend that way. When Kei misunderstood Cheng Cheng and Hon Nam whom she had fallen for, Cheng Cheng also helped to fix them up.
I just loved to see girly friendships like these!~

Conclusion

This is one of my favourite dramas, and I would highly recommend it for the magnificent settings, not to mention the astounding cast comprising of the most established and talented bunch.
It was an enjoyable watch, albeit the violence and cold-blooded killings around but it was well-balanced with the love and relationships which was just pretty much, the basis for the chaotic Shanghai decade in the 1920s-30s period.