|
January 13, 2005
THE BEST ON SCREEN GUY of 2004
Permanent link ▫ ▫  
INTRODUCTION
In recent memory, I have seen some pretty good series with very strong portrayal of men I wish existed and I wish they're all mine. Some are good from start to finish, some had to face some big personal crisis before becoming a much better man. I find it all so interesting and I wish to highlight some I feel deserve to be a nominee for the Best On Screen Guy title. However I shall limit myself to the series I have seen in 2004 (although that particular series may have been released before 2004 but only broadcast in ASTRO in 2004) and to the series produced by TVB, MediaCorp & MediaWorks.
The list was very hard to compile and when compiled was very hard to give a certain standing for one character over the other. But I feel each character has his own unique goodness and therefore one may not be better than the other but someone has got to be the first and then others second to ten. The list can go on and on byt I had to limit myself to 10. I believe my choice was right by looking at the character in its entirety. I must stress, the choices are entirely my own and the comments my own personal observation. If you wish to post your own Top 10 list, why not click Post a comment? I love to hear from you. Remember, if posting anonymously, please include your name somewhere in your post.
Here is the list.
TOP 10 LIST
Number 10
Paco
Series : Power of Love [MediaWorks]
Occupation : Finance/investment consultant
Actor : Shaun Chen Hongyu
I initially wanted to put Samuel Tong from Triumph In The Skies but realised this series is being broadcast at the time of entry, so he is not eligible for a mention. The guy at Number 11 was a close fight, and that guy was Lik from Seed Of Hope [TVB]. I swear Paco is not here simply because of Shaun Chen.
I didn't watch this series in entirety but I saw some. Sure, he was a womaniser but when he fell for Maggie, a single mother, she changed his way. He genuinely cared about the little daughter, Coco and became a father figure to her. He even met face to face the man who broke Maggie's heart years before and without realising he was falling for Maggie, he warned that man not to hurt her. He even volunteered to finance her company as in investing and he cared enough to repeatedly try to help his ex girlfriend, Pauline who was investing unwisely. He loves his sister, he cares for his niece and nephews and he took turns to take care of his very sick brother in law. He gets along very well with everybody and he is an honest guy who makes a decent living who prioritise his clients' investment in terms of profit and safe investment instead of investing in risky business he didn't believe in. He married the single mother and officially became that little girl's father. Where can you find such a man? Except on screen of course.
Number 9
Yeung Kwong
Series : Take My Word For It [TVB]
Occupation : PC & negotiator
Actor : Chilam Cheung
He may have been lazy at first but this guy when determined will try his best to achieve his goal. He also didn't mind sharing glory with his partner, Yip Ho Yan and even helped her in tests and assignments. In his family he may be a pariah but he never let the negativity of others affect his optimism and in the process he became more intuned with his sensitive side. He also refuses to make the move to woo Ho Yan because he knew his brother is interested in her. But sometimes he can be very wishy washy which is why he is at this spot. But a good man, indeed a very good man. Also good looking as well.
Number 8
Wilson Tong
Series : Burning Flame II [TVB]
Occupation : Fireman
Actor : Alex Fong Chung Soon
My most desirable man when I was watching this series, I think early this year and he left a deep impression. He cares for his colleagues and staff, although he disapprove of their work ethics, nevertheless he does not talk bad behind their backs and always take care of their welfare first before his own self. His only fault was perhaps marrying the most dependant wife and then falling for anorther but he never let this thing go out of hand and remains loyal to his wife. He is also good looking and looks great in uniform but that is besides the point. The main point is he is strong and yet vulnerable, he is sexy and yet not disgusting, he is macho but not chauvinistic and you can depend on this man to take very good care of you. I love this guy. Where is he?
Number 7
Marcus Liang Chengtzi
Series : Changing Lanes [MediaWorks]
Occupation : Not sure, businessman
Actor : Shaun Chen Hongyu
He was the worst in the beginning, someone who would steal, rape and even plot the death of his own brother. But when he was given a new heart, his transformation wasn't overnight. He was still going on his own bad ways until one day he came face to face with a letter written by the girl he raped and who everybody thought committed suicide because of him and he overcame with remorse and guilt. From thereon he tried to right all the wrongs he did even when nobody believed him. When his own wife, the sister of the dead woman plotted to kill him, he didn't give up on his love for her. When he was stabbed, he still attended his own wedding. When he lost everything, he found a new career and lived a humble life. He took all insults in strided and his transformation was such an emotional one because from being the most hated, he became the most loved by his sheer genuine sincerity in helping others. And an indication of what a great guy he became was when he was about to die he requested that his heart to be transplanted to his wife who was dying also. Of course these were all so melodramatic but it proved a point; one striking question was asked at the beginning of this man... what good deeds have he done? In the end he died a man without guilty conscience and for that I want to nominate his as my Best On Screen Guy. It also helps he is very handsome with great hair, great suit and is Shaun Chen of course.
Number 6
Pang Kwok Tung
Series : Take My Word For It [TVB]
Occupation : Negotiator, I think Chief Inspector also
Actor : Bobby Au Yeung
This character left a very deep impression in my mind because he was such a bastard and a bully at the beginning, went through hell and emerged a more sensitive soul. I disliked him and yet can't help but be attracted to his grasp of being a power to be reckoned with. He oozes authority, he never gets bullied, don't even ever raise your voice at him because he will bite back. He is nasty, he is a bully, he is selfish, he is arrogant and he thinks everybody else is stupid, he is the smartest. He treats his family like he treats everybody else; as bad and he thinks very little of his wife and his family. But he became a better person in the process and in the end, even in wheelchair, he still exudes authority, I am still scared of him and yet I am in awe of him and respected him for his caring attitude for his friend and partner, Kit. Their love blossomed in the most unlikeliest way and yet it was all so romantic. By the way, this I feel is Bobby's best performance todate.
Number 5
Nardo
Series : Not Just A Pretty Face [TVB]
Occupation : PR manager (I think)
Actor : Roger Kwok
Ok, he may not have been great in the first half of the series, he was in fact the worse. But when he discovered he had a good heart, and that he actually genuinely cared about other people, his transformation into a good guy was truly amazing. He looked ugly because he lost his hair, he had a big belly and he was at his all time low and yet his goodness shines through and I actually thought he was far more handsome than he was at the beginning. The way he helped his boss who became his good friend, the way he treated Pat, the way he went all out for many other things. But he had a weakness that is his inner conscience wanted Pat to be pretty forever but he soon realised his weakness and also realised he loved Pat for who she really was. That make this man a great man and it took one woman, Pat to make this former disgusting man into a humble being that he became in the end.
Number 4
Fong Nga Chai
Series : Vigilante Force [TVB]
Occupation : Police
Actor : Bowie Lam
Another character that left a very deep impression in perhaps one of the best series of 2004. No doubt his fault lies in his own chauvinistic and dinosaur opinion of women but when he was given a task to do, he will make sure that he did it well. A man you can definitely trust and give your whole life to, he is also a good clean cop and he can be a very great friend. Totally trustworthy, loyal, honest, hard working and manliest man there is, could fight Wilson Tong for the most macho man without even lifting his gun. Very strong as well and emotionally a pillar of strength,. Doesn't let emotions affect him and in the end he even visited a friend who turned to the dark side and was at last caught. His manliest and most attractive moment was when he agreed to visit this friend who realised his own error of ways every year like a brother would. And he even took care of a baby that was not his and married the mother as well. Where can you find such a dependable man? And Bowie was excellent. In fact Fong Nga Chai was to me Bowie Lam.
Number 3
Richard Yu Hongtzi aka Xiao Xin
Series : Holland V [MediaCorp]
Occupation : Successful businessman
Actor : Shaun Chen Hongyu
The reason why I love Shaun Chen in the first place is because of his convincing portrayal of a man so successful and so attractive that all women would dream to have this guy. He has the looks, the youth, the intelligence and the wealth to choose any woman but he fell for Mo Jingjing, the stupidest girl in Holland V because he lost his memory and she saved him and took care of him. Maybe if he didn't lose his memory he may not be as great as he was but who knows? Who knows indeed?
Indication of who he was before he met Jing Jing was supplied by his former fiancee, Angel who said he changed a lot. He was after all a very successful business who didn't have the time for small talks but he gave all his time to Jing Jing, encouraged her to go for her ambition, in fact made her go for her ambition, has the patience of a saint when talking to this nitwit and fell for her sincerity, her niceness, perhaps her naiveness and also her genuine care and love for him. When he left after he recovered his memory, my heart fell as did Jing Jing.
But he came back when she needed him, dropping important projects to spend time with her. Even considered leaving his company and settling down with her in a life less ordinary although a man of his calibre must never be wasted as such. The greatest thing about this guy is when he was declared a bankrupt, he was upset for a while and then he decided to take a world tour to find himself again. To him failure is just anorther step to success and indeed, a man of his capabilities will never be poor in every way.
But half way through he left Jing Jing and she married anorther. He didn't leave her, he didn't give up on her but she gave up on their relationship thinking she was not good enough for him although he never once said or thought so. The great thing about this guy is unlike other portrayals of a man dumped by his girl, he never ran after her. He reasoned since this was her decision, and so he respected that and left quietly, but with a heavy heart.
But why isn't my favourite guy the best on screen guy of 2004? This is because sometimes he has temper, he scolded Jing Jing once or twice (she totally deserved it) and he did dump his fiancee for Jing Jing. But this handsome rich cunning man deserves a top place in my top 10 list. Believe me, when you watch Holland V you too will fall in love with this Xiao Xin. I wish he was real, definitely the kinda guy every girl dreams of. Why he sisn't number 2? Because after much consideration, I still feel Dr Fang has an edge over this man.
Number 2
Fang Nuowen
Series : Holland V [MediaCorp]
Occupation : Doctor
Actor : Edmund Tay
It was a close fight with nombor 1 and 3 in this list. Very close.
I named his as my most favourite and best guy in my review of this series. The great thing about watching a long series (120 + episodes) is that at the end of the day you will get to know a character very very well. Dr Fang is an honest looking humble professional who rarely mixed around because he has a stuttering problem. But that problem only exists when interacting with his colleagues and strangers. When it comes to his patients, the problem disappears. He is intelligent, sensitive, caring, loyal, trustworthy and best of all, he fell for Mo Wanwan at the time she was at her ugliest. To him beauty lies in the heart of that person, not the face. He is also gentle and soft spoken, although easily bullied, he will nevertheless say what is right and is never scared to face adversities. I love this man. I find his face appealing although his zero social skills an annoyance. But what I love most about this man is he is probably the nicest person there is although he owns nothing, he has everything. Truly a great guy from start to finish.
Number 1
THE BEST ON SCREEN GUY of 2004 GOES TO ...
Ben Lok
Series : Suvivors' Law [TVB]
Occupation : Lawyer
Actor : Raymond Lam
Probably the best man there is, but there are many others equally as good though some may not be better. This is one guy who has no temper, he gets along well with everybody, he treats his friends like his own brothers and sisters, he loves his family, he is smart, he works hard, he cares for the welfare of his clients and he generally treats people with respect, even when the same may not be accorded to him. He is in love with his colleague Ling and yet he refuses to make the move because he values his friendship with Vincent more. He genuinely feels hurt when Vincent rejected his friendship and he believes in his good friend when even ex-girlfriend Ling did not. He is good looking, witty, has a great sense of humour, a great sense of loyalty, can totally trust him with your deepest darkest secret and he cares. Not an ounce of badness in this guy and definitely no bad vibes either. That is why he is my choice of The Best On Screen Guy of 2004.
CONCLUSION
There it is, my Top 10 list. I am sure there are many more I didn't name, forgot to make or simply refuse to name. But I am sure opinions differ. I realise I have quiet a few specific requirement for my future boyfriend/husband; he must be intelligent, successful (or has the potential to be successful and goes for his ambition), good looking in his own unique way, authoritative and decisive without being over bearing, cares a lot for not just me alone but treats everybody with equal respect and patience and most important of all, a trust worthy loyal man.
In short I want Ben who looks like Marcus Liang who has the confidence of Pang Sir, the decisiveness of Nga Chai, the bubbly personality of Yeung Kwong, the gentleness of Dr Fang and the open mindedness of Paco.
Where to find? I regret making this list. My expectations are too high. I look forward to your Top 10 list of Best On Screen Guy.
|
5 COMMENTS
I wouldn't call myself a fan of Korean drama and watched this one because my mom was watching it and I had nothing better to do.
This character is loyal to love, caring, romantic. He knows what he wants and goes for it. and what a great body! *blush*
5. Fong Nga Chai (Vigilant Force)
agree with what you said; although he's not physically buff, he can kick anyone's ass.
4. Lik (Seed of Hope)
Although he's rich, he's not spoiled or arrogant. he's caring and dependable. great guy.
3. Yeung Kwong (TMWFI)
love chilam; he has such a lively personality. he's playful but serious when he needs to be.
2. Sam (Triumph)
Professional, caring, understanding, etc. all the qualities of a gentleman.
1. Ben (Survivor's Law)
Need I say more.
- Fireman Kei Tak Tin (Wong He) from Burning Flame II; he may come across as a lazy, irresponsible chap but as the show goes on, u realize that Kei Tak is really one guy who is loyal to his buddies, loving to his daughter, cares for his brother and is essentially a man with a big heart.
- Negotiator / PC Yeung Kwong (Cheng Chilam) from Take My Word For It; for reasons same as Funn's.
- Businessman Chou Meng Hin (Damien Lau Chung Yan) from Point of No Return; a responsible and capable man who single-handedly led the shipping company in tiding over crisis after crisis, not to mention guarding the company from unscrupulous members of the family. His authority over the family is something I admire, yet underneath that front is a man who loves his family and dotes on his son. And his determination in his love for Yuk Heng shows that deep inside this man of steel is someone yearning for a peaceful life with the one he loves. Despite suffering from terminal cancer, he perservered in keeping the company from falling.
- Jade dealer Leung Ka Ming (Kevin Cheng) from Hard Fate; an orphan who finally rises to become one successful businessman through hard work, determination and basically, well, innate PR skills. He took care of his fellow orphan friends like a big brother, unconditionally helped Leung Pak Yin's (Damien Lau) company out of trouble when Yin was incapable to out of the deep respect he had for him, and was a great friend to Tiffany (Flora Chan) by always being there for her and helping her thru her difficult moments. Faithful and loving towards his girlfriend, Ceci (Niki Chow). Although the sweet and memorable love story between them came to an abrupt and tragic end, he continued to take her as his wife years after her death.
- Businessman Marcus Liang Cheng Zhi (Shaun Chen Hongyu) from Changing Lanes; for reasons same as Funn's.
- (occupation unsure) Kang Jae-ho (Bae Yong Jun) from Have We Really Loved?; u would despise this man from the beginning, a materialistic guy who would do anything to appear rich and get hitched to a rich girl, and and who was very demanding and controlling over his family, especially his sister. Although we do find out why exactly he does all that, it really is hard to forgive him for doing those things just to get his family out of poverty, hurting deeply the one he loves (Xin Ying) in the process. However, as the story goes, Jae-Ho realises the true meaning of love, and in his last days of his life (he suffered from terminal brain cancer), he learnt to come to terms with his past and treasure the present, and became a man of true courage and strength.
Pearl
Below is the summary of how he treated Hor Yan:
"I kinda like her, maybe we can date. Oh, Ada called. I guess I still like Ada more. Better dump Hor Yan."
"Oh, Ada has reconciled her husband and Mo has dump Hor Yan. I'm liking Hor Yan more and more. I'll try to woo her"
"Oh, Mo is so sad. I don't want to loss a brother. I'll dump Hor Yan again."
"Now, my brother isn't angry with me anymore. So, I can go chase Hor Yan back."
Through all this, has he ever thought of Hor Yan's feeling. Has he ever for once realise that Hor Yan is a human being with mind and feeling and not a football? He so deserve that punch Hor Yan gave him when he try to woo her back the 3rd time. I'm surprise that they can last until marriage given his attitude toward his love relationship with Hor Yan. We have Mo to thank for here that he doesn't demand Hor Yan again later on.
Until the end, I still do not think he deserve to get Hor Yan (and I'm not a big fan of Hor Yan, so u can see how much his action irk me).
Kidd