Love Thy Neighbour (Singaporean TV series)

Love Thy Neighbour () is a Singaporean Chinese drama which was telecasted on Singapore's free-to-air channel, MediaCorp Channel 8. It starred Ha Yu, Felicia Chin, Shaun Chen, Huang Wenyong, Lin Meijiao, Vivian Lai, Cavin Soh & Ng Hui as the cast of the series. It made its debut on 27 September 2011 and ended its run on 24 October 2011. This drama serial consists of 20 episodes, and was screened on every weekday night at 9.00 pm.

This drama is the top rated drama serial in 2011, beating C.L.I.F. as the most watched drama.

Cast

Ha Yu as Wang Dafa, a conman
Felicia Chin as Wang Tianhu
Shaun Chen as Ye Meng, a mechanic
Huang Wenyong as Dai Guozhong, a former sports coach
Lin Meijiao as Huang Lingbo
Cavin Soh as Dai Deliang
Ng Hui as Angelina
Vivian Lai as Shan Shan
Aileen Tan as Lucy
Rebecca Lim as Bai Yufang
Douglas Kung as Xian He
Brandon Wong as Crazy Knife
Sora Ma as Dai Peijun
Tan Jun Sheng as Mozart Dai Dingxin
as Xian Le
Hong Hui Fang as Ruyi

Reception

After six episodes were broadcast, there were public criticism that the drama was "government propaganda" trying to "brainwash" viewers, glorifying foreigners while putting down locals. There were also calls to ban the show.

The drama was the highest rated drama in 2011.

Vivian Lai, who hails from Taiwan, had to imitate a Chinese accent in this drama. Her performance received mixed response from viewers. Detractors criticised her accent for being extremely exaggerated, while some applauded her for the comedic style she injected into the role. She managed to achieve the "Best Supporting Actress" award in Star Awards 2012.
There is a reported sequel of this drama. However, due to Felicia Chin having to study overseas, the plan in doing the sequel was scrapped. Instead a sister production It's A Wonderful Life was produced.

On 9 October 2011, the drama's production team organised three roadshows to thank viewers for watching this drama. The three roadshows were organised at Toa Payoh, Tiong Bahru and the Chong Pang areas.

Good Neighbour Award

This drama is related to the Good Neighbour Award contest. The hunt for good neighbours in Singapore ended on 25 September 2011. It yielded 4 stories in total. The 8 households were awarded with sponsored prizes worth $100 each, and also awarded Good Neighbour awards with a sash and a trophy.

Accolades

References