Happy Ever After (1999)

This production is a celebration of Chinese culture and food. The recipe for success (pun intended) is in its creative writing, strong cast, and catchy tunes. You get to feast your eyes on mouthwatering dishes the likes of which have never been seen on TV before. Yes, before Disney does Ratatouille, TVB already has Tai Tung Gun making mapo tofu, crystal dumplings, Peking duck, and even fondue.

You might wonder why Bobby Au Yeung enjoys such a long and successful career. After all, the man is chubby and balding, not exactly leading man material. But he’s smart enough to understand what makes a convincing performance: knowing what makes his character tick. His portrayal of Tai Tung Gun is of a man passionate about food. To him cooking is an art, a craft, and a love he wants to share with the world. His creativity is boundless and his enthusiasm contagious. Tai Tung Gun’s approach to food translates into he how lives life. You’ll cheer him on every step of the way.

Marianne Chan is spot on as Siu Siu. She’s one of those rare actresses who can be catty and charming at the same time. She and Bobby have this zany, off-beat chemistry that works well in a comedy. Her jealous fits are more tiresome than funny, but I still like Siu Siu because she’s sharp, clever, and rarely helpless. She is also very supportive of her man, except when he plans to get a second wife.

Normally a good actor, Kong Wah is just weird here with his robotic head bobbing and exaggerated arm swings. It’s distracting and not right for the role of emperor Qian Long. Adia Chan is passable as Qian Long’s love interests (yes, plurals.) She plays “twins,” although you really can’t tell much of a difference between the two characters. Adia doesn’t quite have the poise of a noble lady. Esther Kwan would’ve been a better choice.

Roger Kwok and Fiona Leung are secondary leads, but they get the same treatment as the main couples. Their love story is the sweetest of all. It makes me want to go out and eat a giant bowl of Bridge Crossing noodles.

Many cheers to the director, because it’s his vision that makes this show. There is humor that never degrade to the level of farce. There are many subtle details that make it worth rewatching. Every actor stays in characters, even when the camera isn’t focused on them.

Fun fact: Tai Tung Gun is based on a real person, Cheung Tung Gun, who really was a famous Imperial Chef under the reign of Qian Long. He was briefly mentioned in a later scene of “Story of Yanxi Palace.” I do love it when my favorite series cross paths.

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