MIRROR's Stanley and Drama Teacher Zhang Jincheng Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories from ViuTV's Rainbow Estate Drama
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
ViuTV drama "Rainbow at Sunset" captures the final moments of Choi Hung Estate through the lens of three generations of actors, telling heartfelt stories of public housing families. MIRROR member Stanley (Yau Sai-man) and drama teacher Zhang Jincheng portray a father-son pair whose relationship evolves from estrangement to reconciliation, moving audiences to tears. The 60-year-old Zhang, who plays an elderly character with dementia, became so immersed in his role that estate security guards mistook him for a confused resident. Stanley, who grew up in public housing himself, revisited his childhood memories while filming, including his nervous first experience holding hands with a girlfriend.
Key Points
- Stanley and Zhang conducted extensive field research in Choi Hung Estate, visiting tea shops, parks, and chatting with residents to understand the unique community atmosphere .
- Zhang was mistaken for a real dementia patient by estate security twice: once when he was wandering in costume waiting for filming, and another time when he stood still thinking about his lines .
- Stanley recalled his first relationship in the estate, describing how he circled a park with his girlfriend for nearly an hour trying to pluck up courage to hold her hand, describing it as "a tingling feeling that fades as you grow older" .
- Zhang shared a memorable sex education quote from his primary six days: "My parents didn't create me because of me; happiness came before me," which he still considers a "classic life quote" .
- Stanley's character Lee Chi-pak ultimately breaks up with his first love, waiting all night outside her building in the cold until his mother found him .
Why It Matters
The drama's authentic portrayal of public housing life and intergenerational relationships resonates with Hong Kong viewers who share similar backgrounds. By filming in the actual Choi Hung Estate before its redevelopment, the production team has created a valuable cultural record of a vanishing way of life in Hong Kong. The collaboration between an idol and a veteran drama teacher also highlights the importance of genuine acting craft in local television productions.
The drama's authentic portrayal of public housing life and intergenerational relationships resonates with Hong Kong viewers who share similar backgrounds. By filming in the actual Choi Hung Estate before its redevelopment, the production team has created a valuable cultural record of a vanishing way of life in Hong Kong. The collaboration between an idol and a veteran drama teacher also highlights the importance of genuine acting craft in local television productions.