Time Before Time (1997)

This is a romantic ghost story that ticked all the boxes: charm, humor, good acting, rounded characters, tight plot, and a love that transcended both time and clichés. This series held top ratings the year it was aired. To this day, it remains the best example of the subgenre.

Gordon Lam played two different characters here, the tragic Wan Kwong and the goofy Da Kwong. Technically, he played three characters, the third being a merging of these two men as Da Kwong recalled his past incarnation and his lost love, Siu Fu Yung. Sadly, the love of his life was now a ghost and out of his reach. Kwong’s attempts to hold onto her led to many touching and comical moments. While a good actor, Gordon does tend to overact in comedies. Here, he held it back just enough for a pitch perfect performance.

Kathy Chow was a vision of grace. She rocked a qipao like no other. Her best features were her expressive eyes that she used to great effect with Gordon. Her Siu Fu Yung was demure and gentle, but never boring. She was also quite funny in an understated sort of way. Much like Casper the Friendly Ghost, people were terrified of Siu Fu Yung at first then grew to care for her over time.

Florence Kwok was a little annoying as “the other woman”, although it’s not hard to sympathize with her. Wouldn’t it annoy you, too, if your boyfriend started to remember his past life and love for another woman? Kenneth Chan played “the other man,” a true gentleman who gave unselfishly without making the woman he loved feel guilty about it. The rest of the supporting cast were likeable in general. There was a villain, but he was a cardboard cutout type that was dispatched in a very rushed way. Other than that, the writing was spot on. The writers tied up all the loose ends and resolved the love triangle/rectangle in a meaningful, satisfying way.

Massive credits to the director and production team for creating an afterlife that was vivid and rich in details. You’ll see how the ghosts live (kind of), eat, and communicate with their loved ones in the world of the living. This was a showcase of Chinese traditions and beliefs – something TVB series excelled at in the 90’s.

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