Barbara Yung's letters part 4: UWS & FD 1984

The United We Stand ceremony (Mrs Lee Hung-kam was standing next to Barbara,
and Michael was slightly behind Barbara), from Rob's website

Apologies for the slow update. I just returned from a holiday last weekend and had to readjust to the hot weather here so I've been a bit sluggish. Happy Valentine's Day for you all, belatedly for those in Australasia and Europe, but still within the day for friends in the American continent. I've actually been writing a post for V-day, but I haven't finished it. Hence this post in lieu:  a letter from Barbara to her UK family, containing Fearless Duo 1984 and United We Stand 1984. 

In her only letter containing UWS and FD, Barbara also mentioned a 10 days tour with Michael on 15 May, a day after UWS was aired (and a year before her death...). Not sure where the tour was, was it in Malaysia or Singapore? I need to look into this later. Also we learn that Shela (Barbara's aunt now, now that Shela has married Barbara's uncle) had given birth to a baby (Andrew Chan). In June 1984, Barbara and Kent Tong went to UK to visit her family. Afterwards, directly she filmed Chor Lau Heung with Michael as described in her June 1984 letter (seems to be dated 22 June 1984). 

"Love Is Not Easy" - a Michael Miu/Barbara Yung wuxia MV

"Love Is Not Easy" - a Michael Miu/Barbara Yung wuxia MV from Icha74 on Vimeo.


Featuring Jinny Ng's song with the same title from Line Walkers 2014, this MV combines love stories of Li Sai Man & Chun Sik Sik (The Foundation 1984), Chor Lau Heung & Song Siu Ching (The New Adventures of Chor Lau Heung 1984), and Szeto Man Mo & Lam Chor Yin (Fearless Duo 1984). This song is for my dear friend Sandy Le at the MB Network.

The artist of the first artwork is anon (I use it for my banner). Cynthia (MB Network) made the gorgeous artworks/wallpapers for The Foundation 1984 and Chor Lau Heung 1984. The Fearless Duo artwork was taken from Tomoyo262's Fearless Duo YouTube MV.  I modified the English translation from here; the Yale romanisation was from here; they are below the break.

The historical accuracy of the 1980s ancient costumes

The pre-Tang Dynasty women fashion from Hujiang.com

After watching Langya Bang, I realised that some Mainland productions are improving, namely in the beautiful cinematography and historical accuracy in costume design. Of course I can complain all day long about the dubbing and the excessive use of CGI and cables during fighting scenes, but let’s stay positive this time. Particularly in the costume design part, I recall that the last few Mainland wuxia series that I watched had been quite accurate, though some has been a hit and miss as well. Granted, I don’t watch a lot of Mainland wuxia series, but I certainly can comment on those that I watched. To me, Bu Bu Jing Xin and Li Hou Zhu definitely joined LangyaBang/Nirvana in Fire in their costume design accuracy (although there might be some discrepancies that my non-expert eyes missed). In the previous decade, it seems the Treasure Venture 2001 (Nicky Wu and Vicky Zhao) was also accurate in their design. I can’t say that about Xiao Shi Yi Lang 2002 (Nicky Wu, Athena Chu) though, for Nicky’s hair and his earlier costumes were definitely not done in a traditional sense.

Having said that, how accurate was the 1980s Hong Kong productions in costume design? Since I have only recently watched the Michael/Barbara series, I can only comment on that, but that’s a good place to start. I’ll divide it into the early Tang Dynasty (the Foundation 1984), the Song Dynasty (LOCH 1983), the Ming Dynasty (CLH 1984) and the Qing Dynasty (FD 1984). I will compare it with the costumes of Nicky Wu and Liu Tao, my other favourite actors (I love Liu Shi Shi too, but I don't watch many of her ancient dramas). I’m still confused with the fashion terminology of Hanfu (Han clothing), so I will just simply refer to the parts as “trousers”, “jacket”, “skirt” etc. Do forgive me for that. Check this video for the fashion up to the Tang Dynasty and this video for the Song, Ming and Qing fashion styles.

"Love is Beautiful" - an MV for Barbara Yung

A few minutes over midnight, but hey, better late than never! The third present for Barbara Yung and us her fans: an MV for Barbara's 57th birthday (7 May 1959-7 May 2016, if she was still with us). Song is "Love is Beautiful" by Tanya Chua, lyrics (pinyin and Chinese characters) are below the break. Will translate the song in due course.

Happy birthday, Barbara... thank you for your Wong Yung (Huang Rong), Song Siu Ching, Chun Sik Sik, Lam Chor Yin, and other characters you've brought to life because you were you. We miss you...

Barbara Yung's hair styles in her series

Today is Barbara Yung's 57th birthday. I almost missed it; I thought it would be tomorrow (8 May). Good thing I checked, otherwise I'd beat myself for missing it. 

I have three posts for Barbara and us her fans: her hairstyle (this post), an MV for her and a bit of LOCH 1983 Behind the Scenes with some Michael as Yeung Hong there. Let's see if I can post all before midnight, for it's less than 1.5 hours before midnight here in Australia. 

For the first post, I have some shots of her various hair styles, including the unused hair style from LOCH 1983. Which one do you like the best? 

"At Least I Have You" - Fearless Duo version

Apparently, I love Zhi Shao Hai You Ni (At Least I Have You) so much that one MV with this song is not enough. Turned out, Alam Tam also sang this song with the amazing Teresa Carpio. Since Alan Tam sang the Fearless Duo memorable theme song as well, I find it befitting to have Alan's and Teresa's version of At Least I Have You for the Fearless Duo MV. Lyrics and Pinyin are below the break. I uploaded the MVs to Dailymotion and Vimeo. "Fearless Duo" 1984 is the property of TVB Hong Kong, no copyright infringement intended. 

Hope you enjoy this version too with Szeto Man Mo and Lam Chor Yin! Click this one for the Chor Lau Heung 1984 version. 


"At Least I Have You" - a Fearless Duo 1984 MV from Icha74 on Vimeo.

"A Love Before Time" - a Michael Miu/Barbara Yung wuxia MV

Happy New Year again, guys! Was hoping to catch some sleep today, but MB bugged me to produce a new MV. Hence, here's the three MB wuxia series of The Foundation, Chor Lau Heung and Fearless Duo. Music is from my favourite Coco Lee, A Love Before Time (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), composed by Tan Dun, music by Yoyo Ma. I was originally accustomed to the English version, but upon understanding the meaning of the Mandarin version, I love the latter more. I post here the two versions, Mandarin and English. Have uploaded them to Vimeo, and will do that with Dailymotion either soon or tomorrow. Gotta catch some New Year sleep...

The premise is similar to my Karmic Connection fanfiction, which apparently has drawn some good readerships. I have no LOCH footage, and I don't think I can do justice here, hence I only present The Foundation, Chor Lau Heung and Fearless Duo.  The Pinyin and English lyrics are below, in addition to being embedded in the MVs.

Mandarin version (updated from 02/1/16):

 
"A Love Before Time" Michael Miu/Barbara Yung wuxia MV (Mandarin ver) from Icha74 on Vimeo.

"Accidentally in Love" - a Fearless Duo 1984 MV

The first bickering between Lam Chor Yin (Barbara Yung) and Szeto Man Mo (Michael Miu), FD ep 1

Okay folks, the last Michael/Barbara MV before the New Year. "Accidentally in Love" for Fearless Duo this time. Music is "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows. As per usual, TVB owns Fearless Duo and I intend for no copyright infringement with this MV. I only upload it in Vimeo for I use a Western music, hence Dailymotion might delete it. Hence, check the MV below the bar. 

For now, have a Happy New Year, and may 2016 be more prosperous, healthy, loving and peaceful for us all... Thanks again for the visits and support!

Karmic Connections: a Michael/Barbara wuxia fanfiction

My attempt to bridge the four main MB wuxia stories together.  It started at the end of Ep 20 of Fearless Duo when Lam Chor Yin accidentally broke the jar that contained Szeto Man Mo’s soul. The Foundation 1984, the Legend of Condor Heroes 1983, Chor Lau Heung 1984 and Fearless Duo 1984 and their characters are the properties of TVB Hong Kong. This fanfiction is dedicated to Michael Miu and Barbara Yung. Contains plentiful reincarnation viewpoints. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it works for me to mend my broken heart for what Li Sai Man did to Chun Sik Sik. Check this for the accompanying MV.

The four Michael Miu/Barbara Yung wuxia that I string here

Karmic Connections 

 On an autumn night, their reunion darkens all love scenes

Moments of their reunion surpass joy on earth

So sad to part each other

Eternal love shall withstand the time apart

~'Tale of the Magpie Bridge'

The ceramic jar broke and the white butterfly escaped. Lam Chor Yin made a small, disappointed gasp as she saw the butterfly flying away out of sight. In panic, she scanned the room to find the butterfly's whereabouts to no avail. The Supreme Master, the person who opened the door and hence bumped into her and caused her to drop the jar, entered the hall to find the Young Madam Szeto looking around the room like a mad woman before finally slumping down on the floor and wallowing in sorrow. Despite his own heartbreak to learn that the butterfly that contained Szeto Man Mo's soul had escaped, Supreme Master did his best to console Chor Yin. They had to find the butterfly again soon if they want to successfully install Man Mo's soul back into his body, and he needed Chor Yin to pull herself together to speed up the search process. 

Fearless Duo 1984 summary of eps 15-20

The followings are the summary of Fearless Duo episodes. Special thanks to Dramacool and Dramanice for uploading this series. With all my love for Michael Miu and Barbara Yung for giving me this series. Click this for all episode guides of Fearless Duo. 

Szeto Man Mo finally married Lam Chor Yin properly, ep 19

Ep 15: MMCY tracked down the black magic guy and found his hideout. MM managed to cancel out the black magic thus SM was cured. However, they didn't found anyone in the hideout. Unbeknown to them, the black magic master was killed already by his teacher. Not the Evil Master, but Sky Heart, the 1st disciple (played by the actor who played as Wai Tin Ho in CLH actually). Cured, SM then concocted a plan to make 2nd uncle n cousin Tsung admitted their rotten plan in front of the village elders, such that the two pigs were exiled (despite Madam Yip's mercy). Madam Yip then invited SM to stay at the Yip Mansion. Big Mole arrived and joined MMCY acting as a go-between for SM and Madam. MM himself, he returned his jade to CY, asking her to keep it cos it is a very important item for both of them.

Fearless Duo 1984 summary of eps 8-14

The followings are the summary of Fearless Duo episodes. Special thanks to Dramacool and Dramanice for uploading this series. With all my love for Michael Miu and Barbara Yung for giving me this series. Click this for all episode guides of Fearless Duo. 

CY found the poisoned MM, ep 11

Ep 8:back to the Cantonese version!! OMG, I can't believe how significant this is for the enjoyment of my viewing! Michael's voice, OMG! Dubbing his voice in Mandarin doesn't do justice at all, unless he's the one who speaks Mandarin himself! (I’ve listened to Michael’s talk shows in Mandarin, his voice is still lovely...) Anyway. Since Chor Yin was angry with Man Mo, Tse Cheung Leung was able to accompany her here and there. She didn't fall for him, but she did like him because he was nice and always tried to protect her. Tse finally found criminal Ng Pak Tin and, after some hostage situation involving himself and Yin, Tse got Ng (who was killed by an officer during the hostage overtake). Tse then made some comical scenes about his injured legs so that Yin could take care of him longer (Tse was such a baby around Yin; it's funny that they later had a role reversal where he practically babysit and chaperoned Song Siu Ching in Chor Lau Heung). Meanwhile, Man Mo regretted being nasty to Yin, but he still found it hard to let go of Miss Fa. MM and Master then met Tung Yi, an orphaned girl whose veranda was obliterated when MM wanted to get away (again) from Master. The dumb and dumber then stayed with Tung Yi for a while to fix her house and accompany her. When they finally wanted to leave, Tung Yi went to town to buy some dinner ingredients as a farewell. There she overheard Tse asking the doctor not to heal him too soon so that he could be with Yin longer. Tung Yi borrowed that idea and twisted her ankle so that MM and teacher still stayed with her.

Fearless Duo 1984 summary of eps 1-7

The followings are the summary of Fearless Duo episodes. Special thanks to Dramacool and Dramanice for uploading this series. With all my love for Michael Miu and Barbara Yung for giving me this series. Click this for all episode guides of Fearless Duo. 

Szeto Man Mo developed a habit of bickering with Lam Chor Yin, ep 1

Ep 1: Supreme Master Cheung was drinking in town. Lam Chor Yin (Barbara Yung), daughter of the governor, strolled the town in her lovely yellow dress, used her magic to reveal Wu Yat Chu Big Mole cheating and found a cute rabbit. She then saw Master Cheung fighting. She went home and asked Auntie Wu to teach her more magic, but the old lady refused. Governor knew about his daughter sneaking out, hence she was grounded. Chor Yin still managed to sneak out the day (dressed as a boy) after and met Szeto Man Mo in town. Rather, bickered with him over his jade pendant stolen by a pair of thief (so refreshing this bickering couple! As Chor Lau Heung, Michael Miu was smart but calm. As Szeto Man Mo, he was a big mouth!). Szeto and Lam were apparently business rivals; both their fathers were involved with some corruption cases. The next day the two families went to Master Cheung for support. Man Mo went along and met A Yin who was disguised as a boy (that was how Man Mo recognised her from the jade incident). They had a mouth brawl again before A Yin left for fear that her father found out. They then met Master Cheung separately. Man Mo didn’t realise the meat-eating Taoist monk was the Master, while A Yin begged the Master to accept her as a student (and was rejected). Later, the Master taught Mr Szeto and Mr Lam to be more considerate with their positions and donate some money to the temple.

'Tonight I stay here' - a Fearless Duo fanfiction

The scene between Szeto Man Mo and Lam Chor Yin (MMCY) in Ep 6 of Fearless Duo after they had to share the room to fool Chor Yin’s uncle and aunt. After realising that he couldn’t escape the mansion without getting beaten to death, Man Mo resigned his fate and decided to just sleep in the room. But there was only one bed there. Fearless Duo is the property of TVB HK. This fanfiction is dedicated to Michael Miu and Barbara Yung. Click here for Fearless Duo episode summaries.

Lam Chor Yin wanted to slap Szeto Man Mo, ep 6

Tonight I stay here

"I'm not sharing a bed with you!" Chor Yin glared at Man Mo.

Szeto Man Mo glared back at his former wife. What a nonsensical girl! "Miss, even though you don't want to sleep, I do. You can sleep next to me, I don't mind!"  He then lay down on the bed, only to be dragged up again by Chor Yin. “Haiyaaa...! What do you want, Girl??”

Since Chor Yin still lodged a protest, both of them ended up sleep-sitting on the chairs. For the first two hours they could do that. But at midnight, just as the clock man passed the mansion with his clunking bamboo, Man Mo woke up with a thud cos his head hit the table. Groaning, he massaged his forehead. Then he looked around. Although the room was dark, silver lights penetrated the windows from the moon and 2-3 lanterns in the garden. He looked across the round table where he had been leaning on and found Chor Yin sleeping on her folded hands on the table. He was about to change his position when he saw the bed again. His back hurts. What would he give to sleep there...

Fearless Duo 1984: another Michael Miu/Barbara Yung charming ancient series

Szeto Man Mo (Michael Miu) & Lam Chor Yin (Barbara Yung), FD ep 19 

So, after finishing Chor Lau Heung 1984 (watched it for three rounds, actually, or perhaps more), I found the Fearless Duo MV with the OST sang by Alan Tam. Fell in love with the song, then binged watching FD the whole weekend. This post is basically the synopsis of FD 1984 and commentaries of major characters (including, of course, the stars Michael Miu and Barbara Yung). I will post the FD episode summary later. 

Fearless Duo (FD) is basically the ‘I fall in love with my neighbour’ Michael/Barbara rom-com series. I’m contrasting this with The New Adventures of Chor Lau Heung 1984 where Chor Lau Heung and Song Siu Ching were practically a super-star couple. CLH had a good reputation in the wuxia world despite his carefree lifestyle (the Emperor sought his advice on a regular basis); Siu Ching was the princess. In FD however, Michael played as Szeto Man Mo, a stroppy and cantankerous young man who was forced to marry the tomboy (and also stroppy) Lam Chor Yin (our darling Barbara Yung). The story evolved from them being bitter and bickering with each other to loving each other in a lovely, organic, down to earth way. I’m not saying CLH isn’t down to earth... but CLH is indeed a high-profile story involving high profile wuxia sects and the empire’s fate, while FD could happen in your neighbourhood. Adding to the FD story is the rivalry between Taoist Supreme Master Cheung and his evil brother, typical village superstitions and some undead and vampires, thus you have the typical “Chinese Ghost Story” with a high dosage of lovely, classical MB scenes that will surely melt your heart (well, at least mine and so many MB fans).

Who Can Change - Fearless Duo 天師執位 1984 OST

I haven't seen Michael Miu's and Barbara Yung's Fearless Duo (天師執位, TVB 1984), but after watching this YouTube and listening to the OST, I just have to see it. FD has a happy ending (unlike the Foundation, which I also want to watch but I fear I will cry buckets of tears), so I will definitely watch it. The OST is titled "Who Can Change" by Alan Tam, and after listening to the song, I can understand why it is Michael Miu's favourite song (and that the series is one of his favourites) and that Alan Tam himself is still the king of Canto pop these days. 


I obtained the lyrics and meaning from Wehaiyo (I modified slightly to streamline it) and the Cantonese Yale from Feitsui. Enjoy!