大内群英 葉振棠 Eng Sub. Imperial Heroes. OST. Yip Chun-Tong. [Chiki's QUALITY English Subtitles]

Dear Friends,

"大內群英 Dynasty: Imperial Heroes". Hong Kong RTV Cantonese Chinese TV Series. 1980. Who can think of a more compelling, gripping and riveting classic Cantonese Chinese TV series showcasing the sordidness of human nature in the form of brutal power struggles for the throne between blood brothers or half-brothers that were so rampant throughout human history within the vulgarly grandiose, unrelentingly megalomaniacal and absolutely ruthless settings of royal palaces the world over? In this instance, it is the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The story takes place in the mid 17th century, if I am correct. As is customary throughout all such abhorrent soul-destroying compounds, the most venomous of wiliness, heinous stratagems, shameless hubris, monstrous mercilessness and the most disgusting of depravity reigned supreme. As a television series, it was obliged to dilute or omit the infinitely harsher realities and unspeakable cruelties that occurred.

This Golden Classic with its distinctive aura of poignant solemnity and irresistible intrigue did (and still does) hold everyone's attention breath by breath throughout each episode. The entire cast delivered a most engaging and fitting performance, especially all of the senior actors. They were not acting; they were simply BEING. The four protagonists were also portrayed with consummate artistry by 萬梓良 Alex Man Chi-Leung, 米雪 Michelle Yim May Shuet, 伍衛國 Ng Wai-Kwok and of course, the great 姜大衛 John Chiang Dai-Wai. Such performances stemmed from their innermost hearts and souls, transcending all clumsy acting methods and techniques. They too, went beyond acting: they inhabited the characters; they BECAME the characters as if possessed, exuding a kind of spiritual energy that drew the audience into living through the story. No other TV series of this particular genre or theme has produced a comparable impact, then and now. They just lacked the same degree of raw authenticity and soulful magnetism. No wonder this series stands high and mighty to this very day! A true Golden Classic in every sense!

The only other TV series which had earned the same status is the 1983 TVB trilogy "射鵰英雄傳 The Legend of the Condor Heroes", but it is of a different theme and focus, punctuated by some very light-hearted and comical elements. Hence, comparisons would be out-of-context and inappropriate. The other outstanding ones revolving around the same theme of suffocating internal palatial power-struggles worthy of an appropriate comparison are namely "武則天 Empress Wu" starring 馮寶寶 Petrina Fung Bo Bo and "少女慈禧 The Young Dowager" starring 劉雪華 Leanne Lau Shuet Wah, both of which are also Hong Kong RTV turned ATV productions in 1984. Both were surely outstanding, but somehow lacked that indescribable spellbinding magnetism which has immortalised "大內群英 Dynasty: Imperial Heroes".

I don't know how they did it: the original theme song herein is perfection itself! Perfection in every sense of the word! The heights of deceptive simplicity! Give it your fullest attention as to how it all fits. It further enhanced and amplified the inherent greatness of the TV series. This song is in perfect consonance with the contents and essence of the story. The entire "feel" is of an absolute perfect fit! Truly awesome and excellent!

Please note that it took many weeks to produce a satisfactory translation of these lyrics, and many more weeks thereafter to complete the "fine-tuning" of both the lyrics and artwork before I proceeded onto proudly uploading it for your critical attention and sensitive appreciation. I struggled and struggled to capture its complex emotional and spiritual nuances. In order to convey easy readability and wholesome clarity, proper grammatical structure is indispensable. It was all in all a very difficult task, especially when I am English educated without an adequate command of either Cantonese Chinese or Mandarin Chinese. Yet, I do NOT allow such handicaps to discourage my passion for languages and clear communication. So here it is! Once again, bear witness to my blood, sweat and tears. Please do share your sincere comments and constructive criticisms.

Peace, Love & Liberty,
Yours Sincerely,
Chiki Chan
Australia
Thursday, 13 September 2018