THE GRAND CANAL (1987)
CAST
BACKGROUND "The Grand Canal", was produced in 1987 and covers the peasants uprising that led to the collapse of the Siu Dynasty in the early 600's. "The Grand Canal", was also the anniversary series for TVB that year so the cast included many well known stars. "The Grand Canal", is a story based on some historical figures in China during the Siu Dynasty. The fall of the Siu Dynasty and the rise of the Tong Dynasty attracts much interest in Ancient Chinese Literature because of the politics that were involved and the nature in which the throne was won. The cast was led by Leung Chiu Wai as the bearded hero Cheung Sam Long who's nickname is Kau Yim Hak. Chan Yuk Lin get's the lead female role was the Siu princess Yeung Lan Ling, who is also the head of the royal investigator branch. Lau Ching Wan played Lee Sai Mun, the 2nd son of general Lee Ying who is a cousin of the Siu King. Tsang Wah Sin played Lee Sai Mun's cousin, Cheung Sin Mo Kau. Wong Yat Wah played the tricky, cunning, devious, and power obsessed Lee Mun. This was one of the very few evil roles that Wong Yat Wah did get during the 1980's. Felix's wife, Leung Kit Wah, plays the wife of Yee Mun Fai Kap, Fai Sau Cum. Cheng Yim Foong played Lee Seung Yee a lonely girl searching for her brother. Ng Kai Wah, plays the evil 2nd prince of the Siu Emperor, Yeung Guo, who gets the throne by killing the Emperor, Queen and elder brother, Yeung Yung. Liu Kai Chi, plays the heir to the throne, Yeung Yung. Au Shiu Wah was Lee Jing, and Wong Yee Gum was Cheung Chut Chun. Also in the cast Chan Sau Chu played Chun Wai Leung, the princess of the vanquished Chun Empire. To Tai Yu played Lee Sai Mun's cousin, Cheung Sin Mo Kei. Au Yeung Chun Wai played Sak Kau the leader of a band of mountain robbers. Finally Ng Die Yung rounds out the cast as Lee Sai Mun's eldest brother, Lee King Sing. HISTORY Before the Siu Dynasty, China was divided into two parts North and South. The Siu Dynasty restored peace to China by reuniting the country into one. However their existed many rebellious factions during this period. In the early part of the 600's peasants began an uprising which eventually led to the collapse of the Siu Dynasty. There were many warring factions, however general Lee Ying emerged as the victor of the battles. He then became King in 618 and changed the title of his rule to Tong Kwok Kong. In English we call this period the Tang Dynasty which was one of China's golden periods. The period of the Tong Dynasty was from 618-907. However shortly after becoming King, Lee Ying, abducted his throne to his 2nd son Lee Sai Mun. Four months before Lee Ying abducted his throne, Lee Sai Mun ambushed and killed his older brother, Lee King Sing, who was the rightful heir to the throne and his third brother, Lee Wai Gut. Despite this Lee Sai Mun goes down in history as one of China's greatest Kings. Lee Sai Mun ascended the throne in 627 as Tong Tia Jong and was known as a wise and intelligent ruler. His rule ended in 649AD. The famous threesome of "Fung Chun Sai Hup", Cheung Sam Long, Lee Jing and his wife Cheung Chut Chun take on a more novelistic type of hero status. However some scholars confirm that Cheung Sam Long was said to have existed and was a ruler of a nation south of China. However whether his abilities where that great is debatable. Lee Jing was named the Prime Minister of China under Lee Sai Mun's rule. Ching Ngow Gum, lived a long life of prosperity and was said to have outlived Lee Sai Mun and was made latter a Lord, for his length of service in the Tong Dynasty. I suspected that many of the viewers remember Ching Ngow Gum from the classic trilogy, "Sit Yan Gwai Jing Dung", "Sit Ding San Jing Sai", and "Sit Kwong Fok Kwok". How Lee Sai Mun actually gained the throne is a topic filled with uncertainty. Based on the fact that China flourished under Lee Sai Mun's rule, most novelists and historians give him the benefit of doubt and state that his brothers harbored ambitions to eliminate him and thus were killed themselves. That is the view that "The Grand Canal", takes. However three points are certain. One Lee Sai Mun was the one who convinced his farther Lee Ying to rebel. Two Lee Sai Mun was not the heir to the throne thus his brothers need not kill him to gain the throne. Three in the clash between the three brothers, Lee Sai Mun lived, Lee King Sing and Lee Wai Gut died. That is fact. But what triggered those events remains unknown. INSIDE STORY ON THE MAKING OF THE GRAND CANAL Provided by Priscilla Ivanna This Series was made in 1987 and revised in 1992. This series was a colossal series because it took, 10, 000 artists, crew, and supernumerary actors and actress to produce the series. The series was shot mainly in Xi'an, the former capital of China. The war scene was shot in the Hau Mountain, Xi'an, province of Shaanxi, North China. And how did they get to the mountain? All the actors where required to walk and climb the Hua Mountain, through 1, 900 meters of unfriendly weather. Temperatures ranged from 0 to -8 C. Even worst the crew had to carry cameras, costumes, and equipment up the mountain. All those involved said it was an unforgettable experience. Who was the strongest person to climb up the mountain? It wasn't Leung Chiu Wai, not Wong Yat Wah, or Lau Ching Wan. It was Wong Yee Gum, who played Cheung Chut Chun in the series. They called her as the kung fu warrior of the century. Not only did they have to face a hard field, but before they went to China, they were informed that there will be no electricity or water facilities at the site. Fortunately for the actors the facilities, weren't that bad. But the weather in China was much colder than the warmer weather the crew where used to in Hong Kong. This despite the fact that they brought thick cloaks. The actress felt very cold when there was rain or wind because the costumes they wore where very thin. This was not only the problem though. The hotel the crew was staying only served vegetarian meals. Fortunately Qin Haung, was part of the crew and he could cook. Because of it he became an idol. All of them praise him to cook for them. Even under these circumstances they were still able to celebrate a TVB Birthday, at a restaurant with the manager and employee of a local TV Station. Wong Yat Wah, Leung Chiu Wai, and Liao Chi Che (mandarin name), sing at the party. Wong Yat Wah's clumsiness makes them smile. When the shooting began, many people come to the location to see their favorite actors and actresses. The enthusiasm shown by the people makes the actors and actresses feel very proud. The local senior official also came along to the hotel to have an informal, and friendly meeting with them.
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CREDITS KangKang's
Felix Wong Yat Wah Homepage
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