Sere Visions

Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 9:23 PM

Overview: A Step Into the Past

Year Released: 2001
No. Episodes: 40 Episodes
Cast:
Louis Koo
Kong Wah
Raymond Lam
Jessica Hsuan
Sonija Kwok
Joyce Tang
Wong Wai
Kwok Fung
Michelle Saram

A Step Into the Past is TVB’s adaption of Huang Yi’s novel, “Xun Qin Ji.” The story speaks of Xiang Shaolong (Louis Koo) who loses his lover of 7 years (Sonija Kwok) to another man because of his lack of commitment. He was promised to be able to win his girlfriend back by proposing to her before she left him if he agreed to a scientific experiment. His mission was to witness the ascension of Emperor Ying Zheng by way of a time machine. Emperor Ying Zheng is credited for the Great Wall of China. Unfortunately the machine malfunctions and he is transferred three years earlier to the ancient times of the Warring States Era. There, Xiang Shaolong ventures on a journey and finds himself embroiled in critical historical events, falling out and in of love and playing a huge factor in China’s earlier history.

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Xiang Shaolong was forewarned before his journey that everything that he will do in the past will affect the present. If he did anything to change history, his existence will cease, and the future will disappear. Xiang Shaolong killed many people and he assisted Zhao Pan (Raymond Lam) who had no royalty blood in him to rise as Emperor Ying Zheng. One would think that Xiang Shaolong was changing history but somehow everything fell into place despite everything that he did. Past was trying to tell the viewers that, no matter what one does, history will always prevail and go onto its unaltered and predestined path.

Past is also trying to convey the message that the future and the past are linked together. At the start of the series, a high tech communicator was found at the site of the tomb of Emperor Ying Zheng. This communicator was given to Xiang Shaolong to help him transfer back to modern world once his mission was complete. Scientists were pondering why a high advanced technology was found at this site. The answer is since Xiang Shaolong decided to stay in the past; his piece of technology remained there until 2000 years later when it was found in the modern world. The past and the future are welded together.

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Xiang Shaolong played a significant figure who contributed to the rise of Emperor Ying Zheng. However, there was no mention of his name in history books. Xiang Shaolong wanted to leave Emperor Ying Zheng after he painfully realized that history will always continue onto its predestined fate. Therefore, Zhao Pan who is now Emperor Ying Zheng has become ruthless and cold. Xiang Shaolong created a monster who he no longer knew. Xiang Shaolong wanted nothing more than to leave the palace in peace. Ying Zheng who thought “if you’re not with me, you’re against me,” commands all his troops to kill Xiang Shaolong and anyone who knew of his true identity of Zhao Pan. Once he successfully conquered most of China, he burned all the books that told of Xiang Shaolong and buried everyone alive who mentioned his name. Therefore the name Xiang Shaolong was long forgotten. This is one of the many brilliancy in Step. Is its ability to weave history into the story!

One the many touching sub stories of Past is the story of Zhao Ya (Shirley Yim) and her son Zhao Pan. Zhao Ya is known as the whore of Qian. Her son was spoiled and would create trouble in the community. He often disrespected his mother and was ashamed of her reputation. When really, she was forced to do things against her will because a more powerful figure played by Waise Lee who taunted and threatened her. However, Xiang Shaolong came along and brought hope to her as she discovered her inner identity and worth of a woman. Xiang Shaolong became Zhao Pan’s sifu and by then, Xiang Shaolong taught Zhao Pan basic morals and changed him for the better. In her final moments, Zhao Pan finally realized his mother’s dignity as he witnesses her ultimate sacrifice.

After much turbulence, Zhao Pan transforms into the relentless Emperor Ying Zheng by fate. He becomes a total different person. He is confronted by his mother’s tomb painting while hunting Xiang Shaolong and his men. This scene was harsh as Emperor Ying Zheng is confronted with his mother that sacrifice for him for his existence today. This painful reality reminded him of his past, as his innocent Zhao Pan. The ultimate punch of this scene is how he realizes that the Zhao Pan that exists within him is still there and that he had to force himself to wipe away this segment of his history forever.

The Ending.

The ending of Lao Ai (Kong Wah) and Lady Zhu Ji (Eileen Yeow) was a powerful scene. I always questioned if Lao Ai ever loved Lady Zhu Ji. Even till their death, I still question his love. I only think the sole reason he came back was for his baby. A silly mistake one would think as Emperor Ying Zheng was clearly going to harm his baby if he returned or not. Karma had to do with the death his child since he did kill another’s child because of his own selfishness. Nevertheless, this scene brought Xiang Shaolong to realize that Zhao Pan has died and Emperor Ying Zheng is a monster who he created. A very tragic scene and even I was moved to tears despite how despicable Lao Ai is.

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I think this is one of the first, if not the first time TVB has made an ending where our ancient hero marries two wives. I’m glad that I did not have to watch Xiang Shaolong be forced to pick just one. That would have been too typical and boring to watch.

I love the twist in the end when Xiang Shaolong’s child wanted to change his name to Han Yo. It’s a clever twist. The Conqueror’s Story tells of Han Yo and Lui Bang’s battles. Do watch it, it’s just as excellent as Past.

Performances
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Louis Koo was a true delight to watch. It was hilarious to see Xiang Shaolong trapped into the past as he adapts to the ancient ways. Then to watch as he is conflicted and torn between loves. Then see him finally come to the realization that history will always go onto its unaltered path and he finally accepts his destiny. It was hilarious watching Louis expose his modern culture to the ancient people. I laughed so hard whenever he used phrases like “thank you, toilet, shit..” I don’t know what it is about Louis, but he has chemistry with everyone he works with, men included! His chemistry with Jessica was already established before this but he also had good chemistry with Sonija and Joyce. He even has excellent chemistry with Raymond! His performance was stellar and he truly deserved his Best Actor award in 2001.

Jessica Hsuan as Wu Tingfang was excellent. It is a pity that Jessica contracted cholera and was hospitalized for a month, therefore she disappears in the middle of the series. Thankfully her disappearance did not affect the overall quality of Past or performance.

I thought Raymond Lam was fantastic minus the over glaring scenes. In my opinion, this is the peak of Raymond’s talent. Nowadays, Raymond’s acting seems to have hit the stop. Maybe his acting has come to a halt or maybe he’s been given roles that don’t challenge him. I’m tired of seeing the lovesick Raymond Lam. Anyway, Raymond delivered a delicious performance. I was very impressed.

Considering that Sonija Kwok was a newbie, I was satisfied with her performance. She appeared to be wooden but she did a good job with the purpose of her character and she did everything that needed to be done. Plus, she looked extremely beautiful.

Michelle Saram was a miscast as Princess Qian. She was supposed to be a beauty and innocent looking. But she doesn’t look Asian at all! She had no chemistry with Louis. Her death was probably one of the happiest moments in the series.

Kong Wah looked bored throughout the entire series. I don’t think Lao Ai challenged him. His character was a hypocrite and there are endless reasons to hate him. I couldn’t hate Lao Ai because Kong Wah made him pitiful. Even now, I don’t understand Lao Ai. Lao Ai is one of the most complex characters in TVB. He has so many layers, he is so unpredictable and he surprised me many, many times with his decisions. I come to not hate Lao Ai because of his powerful and tragic ending. I admit, it was heart wrenching to see the end of him, his love, and his child.

Verdict

A Step Into the Past is an excellent series. It is brilliant, exciting, clever and highly exciting. The cast was top notch and delivered wonderful performances. The script of Past is master piece of work of extreme brilliance. The script captivated me from the very first episode to the very end. Everything that happened in Past contributed to the series. There were no draggy scenes or unnecessary drama. Past explored every theme possible. Comedy and drama was successfully incorporated into the series. It is amazing that with such a grand cast, the producer successfully played and weaved every actor into the plot and did not put any of the actors’ talent to waste. Everyone suited their role perfectly. This classic is definitely not to be missed!

Labels: A Step Into the Past