TVB Kung Fu Drama "Tai Chi" Episode 8 Online Playback
Watching celebrity Zhao Wenzhuo as the absolute lead
Skilled in kung fu, Zhao Wenzhuo is a peer of Jet Li and Donnie Yen, and in recent years, he has starred in multiple TV series that have sold well in overseas markets. TVB has been very cautious with this grand production tailored specifically for Zhao Wenzhuo. In the plot of Episode 8 of the TVB Kung Fu Drama "Tai Chi," it is mentioned that "Zhao Wenzhuo is considered the youngest, most proficient, and most handsome kung fu emperor from mainland China, and also the only kung fu star in mainland China who can guarantee box office success in overseas markets." It is evident that TVB aims to leverage Zhao Wenzhuo's immense popularity in mainland China to break into the highly competitive mainland market for "Tai Chi."
It is reported that since "Tai Chi" was specially designed for Zhao Wenzhuo by TVB, even the male protagonist’s name was initially set as "Wenzhuo." However, at Zhao Wenzhuo's insistence, it was later changed to the current "Wuma." Regarding this, Zhao Wenzhuo stated: actors are there to serve the role, and he didn't want to overly emphasize "Zhao Wenzhuo" himself. Giving the character a specific name would provide him with more imagination and performance space, which would be more conducive to the creation of the role.
Enjoying Real Martial Arts Fights
Zhao Wenzhuo also had his fill of excitement during the filming of "Tai Chi." Besides his main job as the actor portraying the Tai Chi master Wuma, he also took on additional roles such as martial arts consultant and martial arts cinematography advisor. Zhao Wenzhuo came up with many exciting real combat scenes, compensating for the monotony caused by the lack of computer-generated special effects. Wherever possible, they avoided using wires (wire stunts), refraining from making actors fly around, eliminating flashy martial arts moves, and returning to the original essence of kung fu films.
Although this series is not Zhao Wenzhuo's final work on television, he frankly stated in interviews that after completing "Tai Chi," he will focus his main energy on movies while trying his hand at more behind-the-scenes work. As a representative figure of kung fu stars, Zhao Wenzhuo also hopes to use "Tai Chi" as a way to summarize "kung fu."
Love Story: Hu Xinger Suffering Unrequited Love for Zhao Wenzhuo
In addition to showcasing authentic kung fu, the drama also places significant emphasis on emotional subplots. In the show, Zhao Wenzhuo plays "Wuma," an orphan with a secluded personality who was abandoned by his parents as a child. He experiences various misfortunes in life but changes his thoughts and fate through studying the philosophical Tai Chi. Wu Meiheng, who recently became a mother, makes her comeback playing the confidante who deeply loves and always stays by Zhao Wenzhuo's side. Meanwhile, Hu Xinger's character loves Zhao Wenzhuo but fails to win his heart, ultimately having to settle down with Lin Feng's character, who deeply loves her.
Additionally, TVB went to great lengths to airlift the entire crew of their annual blockbuster "Tai Chi" to Yunnan. More than 80% of the scenes were shot in locations such as Jianshui, Yuanyang, and Yulongwan in Yunnan. The total shooting time in Yunnan lasted three months, and all major and minor actors in the drama arrived in Yunnan—a rare occurrence in TVB's history of productions.