The Building Blocks of Life
Encyclopedia
The Building Blocks of Life (Traditional Chinese: 建築有情天) is a TVB modern drama series broadcast in December 2007. The shown is currently rerun on Friday December 19, 2008 to January 22, 2009 from Monday to Friday at 12:15am on TVB Jade
in Hong Kong
.
The plot revolves around an architecture
theme.
), a rising architect in a construction company, is about to engage with his lover Winnie (Christine Ng
). Right before they marry Isaac unknowingly falls in love with a fellow architect employee named Freeda (Tavia Yeung
); spending time with her loads despite remaining loyal to Winnie. Consequently, Winnie becomes angry at Freeda for interrupting their marriage and relationship. She becomes paranoid; suspecting Isaac of all types of cheating and wrong-doings. Soon Isaac's architectural job would be disturbed by all the unnecessary trauma and chaos caused by her anxiety-stricken future wife. Another rising architect named Brian (Power Chan
) would try to move up in the company. Isaac, however, remains one of the topmen and the company-favorite.
As a new tactic, Brian resorts to bribing SY (Chung King Fai
), the CEO of the construction company. SY's daughter, On-Kiu (Natalie Tong
) is a beautiful but extremely naive girl. Her father had initially set high expectations for her to graduate in dozen possible major universities in the United Kingdom; though On-Kiu was never good enough as a student. She faked her college diploma, and kept it as a secret. Brian would later discover this secret and blackmail SY to gain prominence, threatening to publicize the damaging diploma info and ruin SY's business and credibility. SY is one of the most well-respected member in the construction business; his company having a long-established solid reputation.
Meanwhile, Winnie continues to mistrust Isaac and is convinced he is really in some relationship with Freeda. One day, Isaac and Freeda gets drunk together while away on a Mainland-China construction assignment. Isaac; intoxicated; ends up having an affair with Freeda. Winnie is finally able to prove Isaac's disloyalty to be not imaginary. She becomes even more heated and harasses Freeda daily. Eventually Winnie would unintentionally hit Freeda while driving and fleeing the scene after hesitations, causing Freeda to sustain a short coma and be hospitalised. After waking up, she decides to leave Hong Kong due to the love-triangle fiasco. Isaac decides to discontinue his marriage plans with Winnie.
The story continues with Brian now in full control of the company with his bribes and blackmails. He makes it all very public, and forces SY to fire Isaac, the top architect. Brian now oversees all corporate decisions, including payroll, bonuses, and all human resource issues. He also tricks On-Kiu, the CEO's daughter, into marriage. SY becomes highly displeased, but there is little he can do, as On-Kiu is actually content to be in a relationship with Brian. On-Kiu would later bear a child for Brian.
By this time the company is already in an alarming financial crisis, with Brian forcing too many poor unwitting decisions which undermines the company's integrity. In a major new construction deal, Brian is supposed to win a 10-year contract and be financially saved, supposedly with no competition and hassle. Isaac, who was previously fired, now returns with his own start-up company to compete for this 10-year contract. As retributon, Brian physically strikes Isaac's hand with a wooden bat so he can no longer draw. Freeda, the former architect who had an affair with Isaac before, coincidentally returns to Hong Kong. She would help him complete the construction plans and drawings.
While Isaac has a solid design proposal, his chance remains slim. He has to compete with SY, who has had an excellent reputation in the industry. Though he is still reduced as Brian's blackmail-puppet. One day, On-Kiu discovers that her father has been protecting the company and family reputation by putting-up with endless manipulation and financial abuses due to her fake diploma. She gives in, and SY finally becomes free to rid the manipulation. In a surprising move, SY assists the opposing company owned by Isaac instead of backing Brian up, causing his own company to lose the 10-year contract. Brian becomes furious of his puppet-CEO's sell-out. Before Brian publicized the fake diploma info to the media, SY has already figured out ways to tie all the blackmailing to Brian as the main person responsible. Brian eventually loses control of everything, including his health; having developed intestinal cancer with a 50-50 chance survival rate. He later on agreed to take surgery with the support of On-Kiu by his side and they eventually get a newborn in the end.
Under the new start-up company and contract, Isaac would help build a new shoreline on the beaches. Freeda, the former architect who assisted him with the winning design, suddenly discontinue their renewed friendship. It turns out the hit-and-run car accident from earlier had created a brain tumor. She is constantly suffering from memory loss, and things are getting worse. Winnie eventually becomes involved with a new man and moves from her flat. Isaac will see her from a distance in the last episode. As for Freeda, she captures her life on a CD and her camera for Isaac to keep. She leaves Hong Kong for a year (to Paris) and asks Isaac to meet up with her in a year time. In the span of the year, Freeda's condition gets worse and starts to loose her memory. Isaac and Freeda meets on a beach, but she pretends to not remember Isaac. Isaac walks away thinking all is lost, but Freeda shouts out his name. The last episode ends as the two stand at a distance as the sun sets upon them.
TVB Jade
TVB Jade is a flagship TV channel in Hong Kong, established by Television Broadcasts Limited, and is one of the free-to-air Cantonese language television channels in Hong Kong, the other being its arch-rival ATV Home...
in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
The plot revolves around an architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
theme.
Synopsis
Isaac (Alex FongAlex Fong Chung-Sun
Alex Fong Chung-Sun is an actor in the Hong Kong TV and film industry. He was born on March 17, 1963 in Macau.-Films:*2011 Overheard 2*2011 The Founding of a Party*2011 The Lost Bladesman*2010 Love Is The Last Word...
), a rising architect in a construction company, is about to engage with his lover Winnie (Christine Ng
Christine Ng
Christine Ng Wing-Mei is a Hong Kong actress under contract to Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited or TVB. Christine is known for her roles in TVB's dramas including "C.I.B...
). Right before they marry Isaac unknowingly falls in love with a fellow architect employee named Freeda (Tavia Yeung
Tavia Yeung
Tavia Yeung Yi is a Hong Kong actress under Hong Kong's Television Broadcast Limited or TVB. She has starred in numerous popular Hong Kong television series such as Vigilante Force, Twin of Brothers, Dicey Business, Heart of Greed, Moonlight Resonance and Beyond the Realm of Conscience.- Career...
); spending time with her loads despite remaining loyal to Winnie. Consequently, Winnie becomes angry at Freeda for interrupting their marriage and relationship. She becomes paranoid; suspecting Isaac of all types of cheating and wrong-doings. Soon Isaac's architectural job would be disturbed by all the unnecessary trauma and chaos caused by her anxiety-stricken future wife. Another rising architect named Brian (Power Chan
Power Chan
Power Chan or Chan Kwok-Pong is an actor in Hong Kong. He has appeared in numerous TVB drama series as well as films. He dated cantopop singer and actress Mimi Lo for 7 years before marrying her on December 2, 2009.-TV series:-Film:-References:...
) would try to move up in the company. Isaac, however, remains one of the topmen and the company-favorite.
As a new tactic, Brian resorts to bribing SY (Chung King Fai
Chung King Fai
Chung King-fai , BBS, is one of the pioneers of contemporary performing art in Hong Kong. He is a senior drama actor, director, performing art educator, TV producer, actor and programme host...
), the CEO of the construction company. SY's daughter, On-Kiu (Natalie Tong
Natalie Tong
Natalie Tong Si Wing is a TVB actress. Before becoming an actress, Natalie was once a model. Natalie once studied in Methodist College.-Films:-TV series:-Awards and nominations:Awards...
) is a beautiful but extremely naive girl. Her father had initially set high expectations for her to graduate in dozen possible major universities in the United Kingdom; though On-Kiu was never good enough as a student. She faked her college diploma, and kept it as a secret. Brian would later discover this secret and blackmail SY to gain prominence, threatening to publicize the damaging diploma info and ruin SY's business and credibility. SY is one of the most well-respected member in the construction business; his company having a long-established solid reputation.
Meanwhile, Winnie continues to mistrust Isaac and is convinced he is really in some relationship with Freeda. One day, Isaac and Freeda gets drunk together while away on a Mainland-China construction assignment. Isaac; intoxicated; ends up having an affair with Freeda. Winnie is finally able to prove Isaac's disloyalty to be not imaginary. She becomes even more heated and harasses Freeda daily. Eventually Winnie would unintentionally hit Freeda while driving and fleeing the scene after hesitations, causing Freeda to sustain a short coma and be hospitalised. After waking up, she decides to leave Hong Kong due to the love-triangle fiasco. Isaac decides to discontinue his marriage plans with Winnie.
The story continues with Brian now in full control of the company with his bribes and blackmails. He makes it all very public, and forces SY to fire Isaac, the top architect. Brian now oversees all corporate decisions, including payroll, bonuses, and all human resource issues. He also tricks On-Kiu, the CEO's daughter, into marriage. SY becomes highly displeased, but there is little he can do, as On-Kiu is actually content to be in a relationship with Brian. On-Kiu would later bear a child for Brian.
By this time the company is already in an alarming financial crisis, with Brian forcing too many poor unwitting decisions which undermines the company's integrity. In a major new construction deal, Brian is supposed to win a 10-year contract and be financially saved, supposedly with no competition and hassle. Isaac, who was previously fired, now returns with his own start-up company to compete for this 10-year contract. As retributon, Brian physically strikes Isaac's hand with a wooden bat so he can no longer draw. Freeda, the former architect who had an affair with Isaac before, coincidentally returns to Hong Kong. She would help him complete the construction plans and drawings.
While Isaac has a solid design proposal, his chance remains slim. He has to compete with SY, who has had an excellent reputation in the industry. Though he is still reduced as Brian's blackmail-puppet. One day, On-Kiu discovers that her father has been protecting the company and family reputation by putting-up with endless manipulation and financial abuses due to her fake diploma. She gives in, and SY finally becomes free to rid the manipulation. In a surprising move, SY assists the opposing company owned by Isaac instead of backing Brian up, causing his own company to lose the 10-year contract. Brian becomes furious of his puppet-CEO's sell-out. Before Brian publicized the fake diploma info to the media, SY has already figured out ways to tie all the blackmailing to Brian as the main person responsible. Brian eventually loses control of everything, including his health; having developed intestinal cancer with a 50-50 chance survival rate. He later on agreed to take surgery with the support of On-Kiu by his side and they eventually get a newborn in the end.
Under the new start-up company and contract, Isaac would help build a new shoreline on the beaches. Freeda, the former architect who assisted him with the winning design, suddenly discontinue their renewed friendship. It turns out the hit-and-run car accident from earlier had created a brain tumor. She is constantly suffering from memory loss, and things are getting worse. Winnie eventually becomes involved with a new man and moves from her flat. Isaac will see her from a distance in the last episode. As for Freeda, she captures her life on a CD and her camera for Isaac to keep. She leaves Hong Kong for a year (to Paris) and asks Isaac to meet up with her in a year time. In the span of the year, Freeda's condition gets worse and starts to loose her memory. Isaac and Freeda meets on a beach, but she pretends to not remember Isaac. Isaac walks away thinking all is lost, but Freeda shouts out his name. The last episode ends as the two stand at a distance as the sun sets upon them.
Cast
| Cast | Role | Description |
| Alex Fong Alex Fong Chung-Sun Alex Fong Chung-Sun is an actor in the Hong Kong TV and film industry. He was born on March 17, 1963 in Macau.-Films:*2011 Overheard 2*2011 The Founding of a Party*2011 The Lost Bladesman*2010 Love Is The Last Word... |
Chung Kwok-Keung (Isaac) 鍾國強 |
Architect Ching Wai-Yee's ex-boyfriend. Cheung Man-Jing's mentor/lover. |
| Christine Ng Christine Ng Christine Ng Wing-Mei is a Hong Kong actress under contract to Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited or TVB. Christine is known for her roles in TVB's dramas including "C.I.B... |
Ching Wai-Yee (Winnie) 程慧儀 |
Real Estate Agent Chung Kwok-Keung's ex-girlfriend. |
| Tavia Yeung Tavia Yeung Tavia Yeung Yi is a Hong Kong actress under Hong Kong's Television Broadcast Limited or TVB. She has starred in numerous popular Hong Kong television series such as Vigilante Force, Twin of Brothers, Dicey Business, Heart of Greed, Moonlight Resonance and Beyond the Realm of Conscience.- Career... |
Cheung Man-Jing (Freeda) 張文政 |
Architect Cheung Lei's younger step sister. Chung Kwok-Keung's lover. |
| Chung King Fai Chung King Fai Chung King-fai , BBS, is one of the pioneers of contemporary performing art in Hong Kong. He is a senior drama actor, director, performing art educator, TV producer, actor and programme host... |
Kong Sing-Yue (Preston SY) 江承宇 |
Architect Firm Boss Kong On-Kiu's father. |
| Power Chan Power Chan Power Chan or Chan Kwok-Pong is an actor in Hong Kong. He has appeared in numerous TVB drama series as well as films. He dated cantopop singer and actress Mimi Lo for 7 years before marrying her on December 2, 2009.-TV series:-Film:-References:... |
Yeung Chi-Hin (Brian) 楊子軒 |
Architect Kong On-Kiu's lover. Chung Kwok-Keung's rival. |
| Natalie Tong Natalie Tong Natalie Tong Si Wing is a TVB actress. Before becoming an actress, Natalie was once a model. Natalie once studied in Methodist College.-Films:-TV series:-Awards and nominations:Awards... |
Kong On-Kiu (Veronica) 江安蕎 |
Kong Sung-Yue's daughter. |
| Anne Heung Anne Heung Anne Heung Hoi Lam, born 2 October 1974, is a Hong Kong actress for TVB. In 2008, she announced her retirement from the entertainment industry.-Biography:Anne often stars in action, comedic and political TVB drama series... |
Cheung Lei (Lily) 張莉 |
Cheung Man-Jing's older step sister. |
| Lai Lok-yi | Choi Ji-Kin 蔡志賢 |
Chung Kwok-Keung's co-worker and son of client |
| Timmy Hung Timmy Hung Timmy Hung Tin Ming is a Hong Kong actor and the eldest son of martial arts superstar Sammo Hung. He is half Korean, his mother is Sammo Hung's first wife.-Film:-Television series:-External links:* at the Hong Kong Movie Database*... (洪天明) |
Chow Lap-Chun 周立春 |
Cheung Man-Jing's friend/co-worker. |
| Kingdom Yuen Kingdom Yuen -Filmography:-References:... (苑瓊丹) |
Chung Kwok-Mei 鍾國美 |
Chung Kwok-Keung's older sister. Sing Dai-Yip's mother. |
| Sam Chan Sam Chan Sam Chan Yu-sum is a Hong Kong actor working for TVB. He made his acting career debut in TVB's Hearts Of Fencing in 2003. His father, Shek Sau, also works for TVB. Over the years he was mostly shadowed by his father's fame and only known as Shek Sau's son on screen... |
Sing Dai-Yip (Don) 成大業 |
Chung Kwok-Mei's son. Chung Kwok-Keung's nephew. Kong On-Kiu's ex-boyfriend. |
| Makbau Mak (麥長青) | Ching Wai-Yee's new boyfriend |
Viewership ratings
| Week | Episode | Average Points | Peaking Points | References | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
December 3 - December 7, 2007 | 1 — 5 | |
|
|
| |
December 10 - December 14, 2007 | 6 — 10 | |
|
|
| |
December 17 - December 21, 2007 | 11 — 15 | |
|
|
| |
December 24 - December 28, 2007 | 16 — 20 | |
|
External links
- TVB.com The Building Blocks of Life - Official Website