Raising the Bar (Chinese: 四個女仔三個BAR; Jyutping: Sei3 Go3 Neoi5 Zai2 Saam1 Go3 BAR; literally "Four Girls, Three Bars") is a 2015 Hong Kong modern legal drama series produced by TVB. It stars Ben Wong, Louis Cheung, Ram Chiang and Grace Chan as the main leads, with Elaine Yiu, Jeannie Chan, Stephanie Ho, Timothy Cheng and Moon Lau as the major supporting cast. Natalie Tong and Elena Kong guest star this series. Filming of the series took place from June till September 2014. The series began airing 26 January 2015 and ended its run on 27 February 2015. It was broadcast on weekdays, Monday to Friday, by TVB's Jade channel in the 8:30–9:30 pm timeslot.[1][2][3]
Synopsis
A group of barristers and trainee lawyers vow to pursue justice and ideals, but the process is fraught with difficulties. Regarded as the "Condor Heroes" of the legal world, barristers Marcus Fan (Ben Wong) and his wife Vivian Cheung (Elaine Yiu) have taught many students. Among them, Giselle Tong (Grace Chan), Brittany Fok (Jeannie Chan) and Quinton Chow (Louis Cheung) are Marco's favourites. Giselle's classmate, Holly Tsang (Moon Lau), is a trainee solicitor at Vivian's law firm, while Chris Yiu (Stephanie Ho) trains under barrister Duncan Yam (Timothy Cheng). Brittany's elder half-sister, Ashley Cheng (Natalie Tong), has an affair with the married Duncan and later switches over to work for Marcus. With each of them using their own methods, how do these rookies become qualified legal practitioners, in a journey that is full of struggle, doubt and tough choices about their future? Theory turns into practice as they handle tricky cases and experience success and failures, while also dealing with love, family and friendship problems every day. Their biggest test arrives when legal standards challenge their personal orientations.
An alternate ending was shown for the overseas broadcast of the drama. The scene depicts the lawyers in a silent protest in support of Hong Kong's continued judicial independence.[4] The scene is in reference to the real life event that happened in Hong Kong during the "White Paper" protest in June 2014.[5]
Development
Filming of the series took place from June till September 2014.
The costume fitting ceremony was held on 7 June 2014 12:30 p.m. at Tseung Kwan O TVB City Studio One.
The blessing ceremony was held on 26 June 2014 2:00 p.m. at Tseung Kwan O TVB City.[6]
