After “The Intangible Truth” in 1994, “When A Man Loves A Woman” in 1995, and “Crepe Queen” (ATV series) in 2002, Roger Kwok and Esther Kwan collaborate for the 4th time in “The Season of Fate” (currently airing).
Though Roger and Esther filmed their first series together 16 years ago and their last series together was 8 years ago; now when they get together, even after 8 years, the chemistry is even better than before.
Roger – “Our collaboration is actually kind of interesting, as we haven’t been filming together continuously…after 5 years, then 10 years, we see each other again. Coincidentally, our life experiences are very similar right now at this point in our lives….Esther married in 2003, then 3 years later, I married as well…the process (of life) was very similar. Therefore, this time, when we met up again, there was so much to talk about – for instance, we would talk a lot about our children and share some parenting tips with each other. Of course, during filming, we’re 100% devoted to our work; during breaks and lunch/dinner, that’s when we would chit-chat about our families. Seeing each other after so many years, both of us have matured and when we exchange filming ideas, our communication has become deeper and more effective.”
Upon seeing Roger again, Esther uses the word “old-timer” to describe him.
Esther – “Hahaha! He is much more mature compared to before because he is a father now…compared to back then when he was dating or pursuing his career, it’s very different – now his sense of responsibility is stronger. For Esther, the most memorable part of the series is the relationship between Ma Yuen Zhan and Lin Sheung Chun: “from the beginning when Ma Yuen Zhan would always tease Lin Sheung Chun and upset her, causing her not to trust him, but then afterwards she understands that he is actually not a bad person…..seeing how he has so much ‘inner baggage’ and things he’s trying to find answers to…throughout the course, she helps him find out about his past…then finally the two of them have mutual feelings for each other due to the experiences they have together – that part is the sweetest. But in the end, having to choose between love and righteousness, they can only keep their feelings within themselves…a little bit helpless.”
Roger Kwok shares his “Five Flavors of Life”
>> SWEET: I’ll immediately think of home and family; they will forever be my source of peace and happiness
>> SALTY: First thing that comes to mind is health! Earlier, when my son had to go to the emergency room, the physical and emotional toll, reminds of “salty” flavor…you just want it to end quickly and move on. At the time, I would ask myself why he would get so sick (illness with his throat)? When sleeping, he would let out a “wheezing” noise – it scared us so much that we quickly took him to emergency…we were so worried.
>> SOUR: When I'm with family, sometimes there will be instances where “sourness” (jealousy) comes into play. Seeing our son “stick” to his mom so much or seeing my wife spend more time taking care of our son than me…I sometimes wonder why? So that’s why I always do some self-reflection and sometimes will remind my wife that maybe it’s time to take a vacation again so we can both re-energize and find balance.
>> SPICY: the pressures of work, performing on stage, singing, or perhaps when I come across a scene in a series I’m filming that is especially challenging for me….that feeling is like “spiciness”…of course whatever the situation is, it needs to be overcome.
>> BITTER: There is so much hunger and war in this world -- therefore I always make it a habit to donate money and do charity work…..for instance, Worldvision – just need to donate $10HKD a day and you can give a poor child clean water to drink. Prior to donating money, I would show my son the picture of the child I’m sponsoring and explain to him how the child doesn’t have water to drink – then I would ask him why don’t we donate some money? Of course, he is too young to understand right now; when he sees the picture, he will only say “BB, BB”….however instilling in him the mindset of helping others starting when he is so little, we find joy in it…within “bitterness” we can still deliver a positive message.
Esther Kwan shares her “Five Flavors of Life”
>> SWEET: Of course, I immediately think of my daughter Brittany, and my family. There are a lot of desires in life, however only family can give you warmth and sweetness.
>> BITTER: Depends on how you look at it! I’ve never experienced extreme extreme bitterness – only a slight bitterness. Like when I first started out working, it was difficult and I sometimes suffered…after all, learning how to deal with different people and the politics that go on requires endurance and tolerance – sometimes it’s a little “bitter” but the mild kind. Plus in the “bitterness” you learn to comprehend things better and grow from it.
>> SOUR: I experience this the least because to me, this comes from jealousy and envy. When I was young, I did not know how to handle my emotions that well – always trying to compare with others, it will definitely cause “sourness.” However after growing older and maturing, I understand better how to handle my emotions and so there won’t be “sourness” anymore.
>> SALTY: Same as bitter – not salty to the point where I can’t put it in my mouth (figuratively)…actually, sometimes “salty” things taste better, a little more flavorful (again, figuratively). For me, it usually relates to work. Sweetness and happiness are always closer and can be constantly by your side and you feel it more…but at the same time it is necessary to have other “flavors” to balance it out, to make life more eventful…plus, too much “sweetness” could cause diabetes….so should have all 5 flavors to balance it.
>> SPICY: This type of “stimulation” is usually related to work…perhaps I’ll encounter some very “difficult” people at work….I feel that both “spiciness” and “bitterness” are easier to encounter at work.
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