 Recently I am watching The Herbalist Manual and I am amazed at how underrated this series is. Surely that a lot of us don’t care if a leaf can cure a leg or if some insect can cure your face. We just go to the doctor’s office and get a prescription for the pharmacy office, right? Haha. But you must credit tvb for its research in these old medicines (if they really did) and produce a series based on a true historical story. (with somewhat madeup plots, I assumed) I know a lot of peoples think this series is boring and stopped halfway through. I won’t deny it and will admit that there are parts in here that bored me to death. However, I think if you give this series more time and patience, it will grow on you and you will learn to appreciate it. To me, this series is pretty addicting and convincing. It is doubtful that this is one of the best series this year; however, it is definitely one of the decent ones.  I want to comment some of the main actors in here. First of all, I have no doubt with Frankie’s acting ability because he is somewhat a veteran. However, his role in here really requires no acting whatsoever, so I find it hard to pinpoint out Frankie’s acting talent. His character is a likeable one, but also – a dull, insignificant one. All Frankie fans should cross fingers and wait for his next series – Ten Brothers with wife Kenix Kwok.
The character that really shines in this series is Michelle’s character. I am glad that she picked this role because it is a very sophisticated and versatile role. I am in no way a fan of Michelle or her acting, but this series really changed my mind about her. I think her acting had improved drastically and she seems very natural in this series, unlike what I seen from her in the past. I hope that her future outside of tvb will give me an even more respected feeling toward her as an actress.  Selina Li’s acting is really weak and stiff in this series, but it is an improvement from her past performance in Just Love. I hope she can improve later on because she has some potential. I am fine with her as a supporting actress, but in my opinion it will take a long time to convince me that she is leading actress material.
Kenneth Ma’s acting and role had always been the same, so no comment – because all he did in here was…talk. I am a fan of Kenneth by the way, so don’t get me wrong. In general, I think this series is worth your time – that is, if you give it more time. Most of your parents will like this series, but me, a 17 years old teenager, like it too. And if you know me, I usually dislike ballads and slow-paced dramas. One more thing I must comment on is the instrumental music. They fit the scene very well. Also, the theme song by Frankie Lam isn’t too bad.
Note: the pics on this entry are from Asian-fanatics.
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OMG, You are so right, I actually like Michelle a lot in here! But guess what? I gave up on this series. Is too boring for me.