Playing Ep 01

Total:
Status:
Completed
Genres:
Ratings:
7.7/10
Country:
Hong Kong

Summary:

Nearly two decades ago, during an unremarkable evening, a group of teenage friends, including individuals like the earnest Long Sang, the ambitious King Yat, and the resourceful Ka Foo, found themselves entangled in conflict with Kai Sze from a neighboring area. The skirmish that night ended in tragedy when Kai Sze was discovered lifeless. In a panic, the friends decided to conceal their deed, hoping the truth would forever remain buried with the body. As years passed, they each carved out their path in life, never forgetting the shadow of that night.

Despite their attempts to move on, the past resurfaced when Kai Sze's remains were uncovered, exposing the long-hidden secret. Tasked with the investigation is Inspector Yuen Lai Ken, a relentless detective from the serious crimes division, who methodically peeled back the layers of the mystery.

Complicating matters is the truth that Lai Ken's own father, Yurn Chuen, was Kai Sze’s biological father. Harboring grief and a thirst for justice, he pressured the perpetrator to come forward and accept their guilt. Now adults, Long Sang, King Yat, and Ka Foo faced an agonizing decision: confess to their past misdeeds and accept the consequences, or persist in their silence, risking a descent into moral ruin.

Amidst this turmoil, Long Sang, whose affection for Lai Ken had blossomed into love, found himself trapped in a complex web of relationships, struggling to extricate himself from the ensuing maze of emotional and ethical conflicts. Meanwhile, the true culprit remained shrouded in secrecy, menacingly eliminating anyone daring to inch closer to the truth.

Episode Name Date Added
Episode 01 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 02 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 03 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 04 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 05 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 06 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 07 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 08 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 09 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 10 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 11 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 12 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 13 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 14 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 15 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 16 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 17 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 18 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 19 Nov 23, 2022
Episode 20End Nov 23, 2022

What people are saying

  • ShiningRatatouille41

    Overall 5.5

    Story 5Acting 8Music 8Rewatch Value 1

    The series in question offered a captivating journey throughout its tenure, deftly keeping viewers engaged as it delicately unwound its narrative thread. Yet, it stumbled into a sudden apex of events that seemed to derail its previously smooth trajectory. This turn of events considerably dampened my enthusiasm for the series. The concluding segments, in particular, provoked a sense of discomfort, and it's likely that audiences will be polarized in their reactions. From my perspective, it was akin to observing the metamorphosis of the series into...

    something unrecognizable – it was as if I were watching two distinct series past a certain juncture. Nonetheless, I acknowledge the possibility that some viewers may adopt a different lens, one that views the series as a chronicle of one man's inexorable decline.

    When it comes to making the decision to delve into this series, it's essential to approach it with a clear understanding of the experience you're signing up for.

  • crazybladerunner

    Overall 7

    Story 7.5Acting 8.5Music 4Rewatch Value 5

    This review may contain spoilers
    In what might be considered a sleeper hit within its network's offerings, this under-the-radar series managed to capture my attention, especially in its initial chapters. The early episodes boasted a blend of suspense and humor that was expertly paced, leaving the audience guessing with developments that were both unexpected and riveting. The unfolding mystery and the dynamic narrative had an undeniable hook. However, the early reveal of the perpetrator led to a subsequent loss of momentum, with subsequent episodes feeling...

    needlessly prolonged.

    While the series sought to illustrate the lengths to which a man named Sam would go to shield himself from consequences, certain choices made for his character felt forced and regrettably turned a complex situation into a convoluted one. This included a pivotal action taken against Lai Guo Meng and the tragic collateral damage impacting Gan's family.

    In terms of character progression, the focus was less on nuanced growth and more on the plot mechanics, despite the story revolving around Sam's survival instincts spiraling out of control. Shaun Tam's portrayal of Sam was a major highlight—in his nuanced performance, he gave life to a character who walked the line between hero and antihero. Despite this, the character's moral descent didn’t seem as persuasive as might have been intended. Yet, probable accolades are deserved for what is arguably Shaun's most compelling and authentic portrayal to date.

    Regarding the romantic subplot involving Sam and Gan, it struggled due to a palpable lack of on-screen chemistry between Shaun and Mandy Wong. Sam's ultimate plea for redemption seemed unearned, as the audience was never privy to the depths of his supposed affection. Their dynamic, while essential to the stakes of the narrative, certainly required greater depth and credibility.

    Conversely, the secondary romance involving characters Yat and Sin was a pleasantly unexpected highlight. Despite my previous reservations about one of the actors and my skepticism surrounding their trope-laden relationship, their on-screen connection proved engaging. Vivian's portrayal of Sin was particularly commendable, demonstrating her commitment to authentically representing a deaf character.

    Finally, the thematic resonance with another acclaimed series depicting the heavy toll of living with guilt, the transformation of friendships, and the psychological landscape of a hardened city was evident. The nod to one of my personal favorites in the final sequence, which paralleled a memorable imagery from that series, was a satisfying touch. It simultaneously acknowledged its influence and brought the journey full circle, prompting a gratifying smile of recognition from those familiar with the reference.