HONG KONG – A star-studded cast gathered Monday evening for a celebration banquet marking the success of ViuTV’s latest drama “Sunset Rainbow,” with lead actors Poon Chun-leung and Tong Siu-wing sharing how the show’s deeply emotional performances exceeded their own expectations.
The banquet, held in Hong Kong on April 15, brought together principal cast members including Ha Yu, Kwok Fung, Ng Woon-yee, Cheung Kam-ching, Yau Sze-yan, and Chow Ka-yee. The series has drawn widespread praise for its nuanced storytelling and powerful acting.
Actors Surprised by Audience Connection
Poon Chun-leung, whose performance has been lauded as so compelling that “even his back tells a story,” said he was taken aback by the depth of audience engagement.
“I never expected such a strong reaction. There’s only so much acting you can do,” Poon said. “The audience is so invested that they seem to receive even more from the show than we put into it. Some friends living abroad told me they binge-watched the series, and it helped ease their homesickness. That’s truly rewarding.”
The veteran actor joked that he grew up watching Tong Siu-wing’s performances, calling their collaboration a rare stroke of luck. “Having such a strong partner made this a very happy experience. That kind of chemistry is a gift for any actor,” he added.
Tong Siu-wing Finds Confidence After Leaving TVB
For Tong Siu-wing, “Sunset Rainbow” marks her first television project after departing from longtime broadcaster TVB. The actress said the overwhelming positive feedback has strengthened her resolve to continue acting.
“Every day I go online to read audience analyses and comments,” Tong said. “My close friend Chan Man-chi told me she cried while watching. I cry too every time I rewatch the scenes. The background music makes it even more emotional.”
Tong revealed that her working relationship with Poon stood in stark contrast to previous experiences. “I’ve mentioned before that I find it terrifying to work with Louis Koo. But with Poon, I felt completely at ease throughout,” she said. “In the past, I struggled to get into character easily. This time, I finally found that flow.”
Letting Go of Criticism and Baggage
The actress also addressed a painful professional memory—being publicly called “rubbish” by a French theatre master. She said she now views the harsh criticism as constructive.
“He was right to call me that. He wanted me to drop my inhibitions,” Tong explained. “Now he can’t say that anymore, because I’ve completely let go of my baggage.”
The candid remarks highlight a growing trend among Hong Kong actors embracing vulnerability and authenticity on screen, moves that resonate powerfully with modern audiences.
Broader Implications for Hong Kong Television
“Sunset Rainbow” represents a continued shift in Hong Kong’s television landscape. ViuTV, launched in 2016, has steadily built a reputation for edgier, more character-driven dramas that challenge traditional TVB formulas. The show’s success suggests growing appetite for emotionally honest storytelling—and for actors willing to break free from established networks.
Industry observers note that Tong’s departure from TVB has not diminished her career prospects; instead, it appears to have opened new creative opportunities. Her remarks about feeling comfortable and able to act freely may encourage other actors to explore non-traditional paths.
As the celebration wrapped, cast members hinted at future collaborations. For now, fans can expect continued buzz around “Sunset Rainbow” as word-of-mouth and streaming numbers grow.
“Sunset Rainbow” is currently available on ViuTV’s streaming platform.