"UPS & DOWNS" -- THE BEST MEDICINE FOR A SAD DAY

I remember reading an interview with Damian in which he said he did not know how to act in comedies, that he never felt he could be a comic. He was too humble. In my opinion, he greatly under-estimated his ability to make people laugh. I think he does comedy so well, very often without even saying one word.

We often associate him with serious roles, e.g. Ging Or, Fong Chun Sun, Leung Pak Yin and Chow Ming Heen, but there is also a lighthearted and funny side of him that we get a glimpse of now and then in his dramas. This ability to interpret comedy and express it to the fullest is perhaps most apparent in the TVB series called "UPS & DOWNS" released in 2000.

At the beginning of the series, he plays a successful Human Resources Manager Hung Dai Lung. He prides himself that he is high ranking in his company and enjoys his power over his staff. His staff "polishes his shoes" every day and kow tow to his wishes. He plays the real estate market, likes to show off that he has money, power, social status and considers himself very successful in everything he chooses to do.

Then his boss decides to downsize and he is let go. He and his son move into this luxury apartment which he owns but cannot sell because of the real estate slump. To earn money, he has to rent out the various rooms in the apartment, which he considers to be a big loss of face. As the story goes on, he learns to appreciate the real meaning of friendship and human relationships as he gets to know his tenants better, and as a result becomes a more caring and better human being himself.

On many occasions when I was troubled or felt sad, I would play certain episodes of "UPS & DOWNS" and be able to have a good hearty laugh and feel better. Because of Damian and his excellent performances, sad times have become less sad, a heavy heart has become lighter and troubled thoughts somehow seem easier to handle. To me, Damian is like the sunshine you see and feel during a rainy day.

For instance, the scene in Episode 1 (all episode numbers quoted are according to VHS tape) by the swimming pool where Hung Dai Lung and his good friend Ling Hay See (played by Kwong Wa) think the lifeguard (played by Liu Kai Chee) is gay and is checking them out. It is so funny.

Another of my favourite comical scenes can be found in Episode 8. Hung Dai Lung has a big argument with one of his tenants Ah Sue (played by Ng Wing Mei) the night before. On thinking it over during the night, he feels bad about what he has said to her and wants to make up for hurting her feelings. The next morning, he makes breakfast for her and while preparing the eggs, he rehearses the apology by talking to himself as if she is standing next to him. His monologue is absolutely hilarious and his expression is priceless!

There are many more such funny moments, e.g. in Episode 9, Hung wakes up one morning and finds Ling Hay See sleeping in his bed next to him and is so shocked. Later on in the same episode, just before he brushes his teeth, he looks in the mirror and grins at himself and says "Today every one is silly!" (You have to see Damian's expression here; he is so sweet). In Episode 11, Hung goes to see a client who offers him some specially preserved wine called "Teen Shue Gai Jow" (word by word translation: field mouse chicken wine). Hung does not want to drink this at all but has to force it down his throat -- at the same time pretending to look happy -- because he does not want to offend the client. Damian is brilliant in this scene; I can describe more in detail but my words will not do justice to his superb performance.

Damian is wonderful in this series. For those who love to see his "rabbit teeth" and his dimples, this is a must. I cannot think of another drama or movie of his in which he has smiled and laughed so much. And on a down day, this comedy will definitely lift you up.