The Beauty of War () is a Hong Kong drama series produced by TVB, with Patrick Kong serving as producer, screenwriter, and director. The 20-episode series premiered on 3 October and concluded on 28 October 2022. It follows three close friends whose sister-like bond begins to unravel after graduation as they navigate life, ambition, romance, and rivalry. Starring Jeannie Chan, Moon Lau, Hera Chan, Angel Chiang, Joel Chan, and Alex Fong, the series achieved strong viewership despite mixed reviews, with praise for Angel Chiang's performance and criticism of its open ending and certain plot and character developments.
Cast
Jeannie Chan as Chung Ka-po (Michelle), one of three best friends/sisters; evolves from innocent to hardened, the "black rose." Moon Lau as Lee Ching-yee (Joey), the "cactus" sister; upright and tough, later conflicts with Ka-po. Hera Chan as Lam Siu-mei, the "sunflower" sister; pure and gentle. Angel Chiang as Chung Ka-kei (Katy), Ka-po's stepsister; the "Venus flytrap," fierce and seductive. Joel Chan as Wong Yat-yin (Kevin), manager who recruits Ka-po; skilled at shaping careers. Alex Fong as Pong Chun-yu (Alex), tycoon's son; Ka-po's husband. Aska Cheung as Au Ka-ming, Ka-po's first love Karl Ting as Ching Yu-chun, Siu-mei's boyfriend; deceives and manipulates her. Bob Lam as Tsui Foo-kwai, wealthy playboy; falls for Ching-yee. Rebecca Zhu as Tong Yan, the "other shore flower"; involved in rivalries. Rainbow Ching as Lee Ping, Ka-po's grandmother. Yen To as Chung Shing, Ka-po's father. Candy Cheung as Lau Yuk-ling, Ka-po's deceased mother. Lenna Yeung as Tsang Wai-fong, Ka-po's stepmother. David Chiang as Pong Kwok-tung (K.T.), tycoon; Chun-yu's father. Regina Ho as Pong Tsz-shan, Chun-yu's younger sister Telford Wong as Chiu Si-kit, Tsz-shan's husband Terence Tung as Lee Wing-keung, Ching-yee's brother Patrick Dunn as Lam Chung-sam, Siu-mei's father Mak Ling-ling as Cheung Mei-kuen, Siu-mei's mother Lee Shing-cheong as Lo Wai, triad boss Snow Suen as Lam Lam, Yat-yin's assistant Carlo Ng as Chow Chong-fat, Wai-fong's extramarital lover Amy Fan as Fan Siu-keun (Cat), TV producer; aids Ka-kei, sabotages Ka-po.
Plot
The Beauty of War explores the theme "Life is a battlefield; the more beautiful, the more resilient." The story follows the intertwined lives of three close friends — Chung Ka-po (Jeannie Chan), Lee Ching-yee (Moon Lau), and Lam Siu-mei (Hera Chan) — whose sister‑like bond gradually unravels after graduation. Siu-mei enters Ka-po into a beauty contest, and Ka-po eventually impresses a talent manager, Wong Yat-yin (Joel Chan), launching her into the competitive world of entertainment. Encouraged to enter the Miss Hong Kong pageant, Ka-po faces sabotage from her stepsister, Chung Ka-kei (Angel Chiang), which only fuels her determination to succeed. As Ka-po rises to fame and later marries wealthy heir Pong Chun-yu (Alex Fong), she grows increasingly distant from her friends, and their relationships are tested by jealousy, pride, and ambition amid the metaphorical "battlefields" of showbiz and high society.
Production
The series was produced, written, and directed by Patrick Kong. Principal photography took place from May to 19 August 2022, and was shot in a cinematic style.
Music
Ratings and reception
The series ranked first on Google Hong Kong's Top Searched TV Programs of the year. It maintained strong viewership in Hong Kong, despite receiving negative reviews. The show featured an open ending, which drew criticism from some netizens. Producer Patrick Kong stated that several alternative endings had been filmed, but the final cut was chosen based on audience reactions and the believability of each character's arc. Jeannie Chan received negative feedback for her acting, while Angel Chiang was generally praised. A writer from HK01 suggested a correlation between negative reviews, low scores, and high viewership in Hong Kong.
WeekEpisodesAiring datesRatings Cross-platform peak ratings Viewership11 – 53–7 October 202218.7 points1.22 million26 – 1010–14 October 202219.1 points1.24 million311 – 1517–21 October 202220.7 points1.34 million416 – 2024–28 October 202222.8 points1.48 million
Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominated work Results 2022AEG Entertainment PopularityMy Favorite TV SeriesThe Beauty of WarMy Favorite Leading Actor (TV series)Joel ChanMy Favorite Leading Actress (TV series)Jeannie ChanBest On-Screen Partnership (TV series)Bob Lam and Moon LauBest TV Themesong"Beautiful Battleground" Yahoo Asia Multiverse Buzz AwardsMost Popular TV SeriesThe Beauty of WarMost Popular Female Character (TV series)Chung Ka-kei Most Popular On-Screen Partnership (TV series)Jeannie Chan, Moon Lau, Hera ChanTV Male ArtistJoel ChanTV Female ArtistJeannie Chan55th TVB Anniversary AwardsMy Favorite Female Character In A Television SeriesLee Ching-yee Best Supporting ActorBob LamBest Supporting ActressAngel ChiangMost Popular On-Screen PartnershipBob Lam and Moon LauMy Favorite Actor in a Leading Role (Malaysia)Joel ChanMy Favorite Actress in a Leading Role (Malaysia)Moon Lau
Notes
References
External links