Mandy Wong
Upcoming Series: Tiger Cubs, The Hippocratic Crush, Policewomen's Battlefield of Love
After losing out on Most Improved Actress at 2011's Anniversary Awards, 2012 looks like it could be a career changing year for the young actress. Arguably the most talented of the new generation, it seems Mandy is getting more diverse and difficult roles to show it.
She will be the second female lead in both "The Hippocratic Crush" and "Policewomen's Battlefield of Love". In "The Hippocratic Crush", she will play a hot-headed intern who always wants to be better than her older sister, Tavia. Even more interestingly enough, in "Policewomen's Battlefield", she plays a rough female inspector with the nickname "Madam Kill". Just the nickname catches my attention!
Although I'm not looking forward to the two series themselves much, I can't wait to see her in these roles. I've always been able to imagine her playing such ambitious and tough characters, and I'm glad she's finally getting the chance to shine!
Oscar Leung
Upcoming Series: Queens of Diamonds and Hearts, Flying Tigers, The Dazzling Dance of Chang'an, The Great Eunuch, Policewomen's Battlefield of Love (Guest star)
Even though he is one of the most solid young supporting actors, Oscar has always been underrated. He received a much larger role in "The Season of Fate" back in 2010 and was even pegged to win Most Improved Actor, but ended up not even being nominated. Since then, he's returned to minor supporting roles.
After getting a moderate amount of attention from "L'Escargot", it's starting to seem likely this will finally be his breakout year. He has a whooping five other series slated to air this year. In "The Great Eunuch", he will be portraying the emperor. While I think he doesn't look the role, his acting chops and talent lets me know it will be interesting.
You are truly not a good actor unless each of your performances leaves a good impression, no matter what the character. Oscar always manages to turn in a great and memorable performance. He can provide wonderful comic relief as well as do emotional scenes. I hope that 2012 will be the breakthrough he and fans have been waiting for!
Nancy Wu
Upcoming Series: Boxing Champion, Daddy Good Deeds, The Great Eunuch
Nancy is another talented and young supporting actress who always leaves a good impression. She always manages to shine in her roles, no matter how small. While she has portrayed many interesting and memorable characters ("Ah Sze" in Gun Metal Grey and "Eva" in "Forensic Heroes 3" are recent examples), 2012 looks like it will bring yet another breakthrough for her as an actress.
Portraying a mute and deaf professional boxer in "Boxing Champion", the role has "potential breakthrough" written all over it. She is the second female lead in the series as well. If "Boxing Champion" is successful and her performance gets positive reception, perhaps she will finally be promoted to leading actress? My only reservation about this is that she may lose her appeal if this happens.
Tavia Yeung gave countless memorable performances as a supporting actress, but became dull and received very boring roles after being promoted to lead. As one of my favorite actresses, I'd hate Nancy to go down that road and prefer to see her in these supporting roles that allow her to shine.
Eric Li
Upcoming Series: Dangerous Protection, The Great Eunuch
I'm not sure what Eric's role in "Dangerous Protection" and "The Great Eunuch" is, as he's once again only has a small supporting role. However, he reached a breakthrough as the funny and loyal "Lo Yat" in "Bottled Passion" as the character and performance garnered him praise and recognition.
Like Oscar, Eric leaves a good impression with each of his performances. From the creepy bald rapist in "A Fistful of Stances" to the driver and robber in "Catch Me Now" to the hilariously mean hotel manager in "7 Days in Life", whether it's playing good or bad, he is always memorable.
While it is too early in the year and "Lo Yat" was too small of a role for him to win Best Supporting Actor, Eric's future looks a little brighter. I think now, he will be cast in more series. Perhaps if Producer Lee Tim Sing wasn't retiring, he could promote Eric the way he promoted Raymond Wong. Considering they play buddies in his production "Bottled Passion", wouldn't that just be amazing?
Edwin Siu
Upcoming Series: Boxing Champion, Daddy Good Deeds, Steps to Heaven, The Great Eunuch
Edwin has improved greatly since his "Aqua Heroes" days, while retaining his cuteness. He is lively and enjoyable to watch onscreen, and it seems he is slowly being more promoted. One day, I think he will be first supporting actor. Overtime, he could even be a lead.
Unfortunately, his only more major role from his four upcoming series is "Daddy Good Deeds", which looks cheesy and ridiculous. Perhaps his pairing with Linda will be fun and make some noise? I'm hoping he gets a decent amount of screen time in the other three series. Saying he will get a breakthrough this year is a bit of a stretch, but I'm too fond of him to put him on this list and hope for the best anyway.
Him Law
Upcoming Series: Tiger Cubs, The Hippocratic Crush
Following "Your Class or Mine", I started really liking Him and thought he had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the story of him hitting girlfriend Theresa Fu was exposed permanently damaged my impression of him. His personal life aside, I'm not too fond of his recent "muscle man" image and much prefer him when he exerts more cute and boyish charm. I guess that contradicts his real life personality too much?
While his real life personality seems a little worrying, his acting career seems to be improving. He is second male lead in "The Hippocratic Crush", and his character actually seems interesting. Seeing him in a professional role will be new. The press has also been blowing Him and Tavia's real life friendship out of proportion, so it will be interesting to see how they will play out onscreen. I still like him as solely an actor and still believe he has potential. However, Him is the only actor here who I don't also like in real life.
These six are the ones I think are most likely to reach a breakthrough in their career this year. Overall, I think Mandy is most likely to reach new career heights, and I couldn't be happier. I will be keeping a close eye on these six! Let's hope for the best for this talented bunch!
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