Last Updated : 08/16/2007

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MARS : About the Story

On a racing circuit, the unique smell of gas wafted in the air as engines were started. The loud noises generated by passing bikes always uncovered and stoked some desire hidden deep inside people's hearts. Fast, so fast to the extent that you can't even think, you can only concentrate on the high speed up ahead. It's human beings' challenge on the limitation of high speed.

The story began at a racing circuit.

Ling, the main character of the story, originally had a twin brother and they depended on each other. Their personalities were polar opposite but complementary. They were each other's only support in spirit and in life. Ling couldn't sit still and spent his days riding at racing circuits. Racing was his lifetime professional goal. Sheng was quiet and always stayed at Ling's side, capturing Ling's flying spirits in drawings. All should have been nice and balanced....

However, because of heavy family issues and love conflicts, Ling lost his alter ego, the only one who understood and tolerated him. The racing dream was no longer important to him. Being incomplete, he did not deserve to race on holy racing circuits.

Until one day he met Qi Luo. Qi Luo's understanding help soothing and smoothing over Ling's loss. Love replaced family and became Ling's biggest support. Once again, pursuit of his dream was propelled, riding into the boundless future. At the end, Ling was again at a racing circuit. The start flag was waved, wild blood of Mars increasingly gushing forward.

Mars (Zhan Shen) was adapted from Japanese manga by Fuyumi Souryo. It was an epic romance that spans 15 volumes, and is one of Japan's most popular comics ever.

For Mars Comic intro, go to : http://www.oocities.org/daisykippyrain/marsintro.html

Praise from Fuyumi Souryo (Author of MARS)

This was featured in the YES! magazine. Although several people have already expressed admiration for Zai Zai's performance in Mars, this - coming from the author himself - is the bbest one so far. Who better to give affirmation of Zai Zai's profound and sensitive portrayal of Ling than the person who knows the character best? The one who 'created' Ling in the first place - Fuyumi Souryo.

"After watching it once, I think that it is a so much better than I previously expected. I believe that fans of the Mars (the manga) will also be extremely pleased and satisfied with it. Playing the lead character of Ling is actor Zhou Yu Min of Taiwan’s most popular band F4, and he portrayed it exceptionally well. Other actors are also very outstanding. Each character were drawn very faithfully by the actors. I’m very impressed, and I have also received this feelings."

He then proceeded to strongly recommend it to Japanese TV stations, and then requested them to broadcast Mars.

This extract from the magazine was taken from Mr. Souryo's website here (dated 2004/10/27) : http://www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kotama/WorksInfo.html

Positively Reviewed!

Monday Feb. 7, 2005 - Min Sheng Bao of Taiwan:

In the midst of Korean and Japanese dramas trend, Mars is a Taiwan-produced drama worth watching.

After you watch it, you have to admire the director's directing skills. He was able to present the complicated drama in a tight-pace and orderly manner. It's full of dramas and the shots are beautiful but not sensational. The right casting makes the series even more watchable.

Zai Zai Vic Zhou of F4 has brought the leading character, Mars, to life! The director has changed the personality of the leading character to make him more human like - a little wild, very lively, and very cute. He has made it. Compared to Meteor Garden, his acting skills have practically improved by leaps and bounds! Da S has good acting skills and is very articulate. She interprets the personality of the leading lady, weak but strong, shy but stubborn, very well. The actors and actresses of supporting cast are also capable, each respectively acting their parts.

What the leading man and lady experienced in the drama is depressing. After they meet each other, they face their issues bravely and hand in hand; and conquer their tragedies with strong love. This is the main theme the TV series wants to get across. The other parts such as always supportive friendship and the relationship between father and son, starting from being remote and then progressing to being understanding, are all very moving. In summary, this is a TV series with quality and standards.


Mars Characters

CHEN LING - REI KASHINO

(portrayed by Vic 'Zai Zai' Zhou Yu Min)

21 years old, 2nd year in college.

Known as the "bad boy" of the school, very popular, easy-going and friendly although can be very violent when angry, absolutely loves to race motorcycles. Ling wasn't lonely in the beginning. He had a younger twin brother Sheng. After incident ended, he wanted to break away from his family, entered college with equal curriculum vitae, unfolding a new life.

   
QI LUO - KIRA ASO

(portrayed by Barbie Xu / Da S)

20 years old, 2nd year in college.

A shy and quiet girl who cares much about her art. Very talented, doesn't interact with other students - seems to have her own little world. She was abused by her stepfather. In the beginning, Qi Luo fears Ling, but as she was getting to know him better, she could not help but like this cool but passionate man. Qi Luo changes her perspective of Ling after a sexual harassment incident.

   

CHEN SHENG - SEI KASHINO

(portrayed by Vic 'Zai Zai' Zhou Yu Min)

Ling's young twin brother who committed suicide. After losing his mother, Ling was his only reliance. In his life besides drawing, it was only Ling. Although his personality is diametrically opposite from Ling's, but Sheng is clearly aware that Ling belongs to him entirely. He doesn't know why, but whenever he sees Ling's violent and bloody side, Sheng would feel secure and satisfied. Perhaps it's because this complete darkness, complete force, was what Sheng wanted to be able to do all along.

   
TONG DAO - MAKIO KIRISHIMA

(portrayed by An Jun Can)

19 years old, 1st year in college, admires Ling.

Only Ling deserves to be his friend because both love the dark. He believes that only he and Ling are the "cleanest people in the world" - thus, treating Ling in an extra special way. He has more-than-friendly feelings towards Ling which causes him to think and do some of the most unbelievable things during the series.

   
DA YE - TATSUYA KIDA

(portrayed by Xiu Jie Kai)

21 years old, Qi Luo’s high school and college classmate.

A gentle, open and bashful towards love guy that always guards Qi Luo silently. Ling's bestfriend, has had a crush on Qi Luo for some time already but decided not to 'pursue' her when he realized that he cannot compete with Ling. Instead he becomes close friends with Qi Luo and tells her all about Ling.

   
QING MEI - HARUMI SIGUHARA

(portrayed by Lai Ya Yan)

21 years old, Ling’s college classmate.

Ling's friend who likes him very much. She gets very jealous of Qi Luo and decides to torture her - slapping, bullying, beating her up and even threatening to break off her fingers so she can't paint anymore - if she doesn't "give up" Ling. After some time, she changes her attitude because of a "warning" from someone and becomes friends with Qi Luo.

   
SHA ZHI - SHIORI

(portrayed by Xiao Xiao)

Ling’s first love, 21 years old.

Sha Zhi loves to control, capture and own. From the beginning Ling was unruly and uncontrollable. Sheng is calm and tender and was captured by Sha Zhi’s glittering smile quickly. Sha Zhi however wasn’t satisfied because even though Sheng and Ling look exactly the same, Sheng couldn’t replace Ling’s challenging desire. That’s how entangled Sha Zhi is between Sheng and Ling.

   

MING GAO - AKITAKA KATAYAMA

(portrayed by Dai Li Ren)

Ling's mentor

Injured from GP racing which caused him to lose his leg. Since he cannot race anymore due to his condition, his motorbike was given to Chen Ling. He becomes sort of the "father figure" in Ling's life.

   

XIANG ZI - KYOKO KATAYAMA

(portrayed by Ben Duo RURU)

Professional female racer, Ming Gao’s dream and love companion

Xiang Zi and Ming Gao met and fell in love each other on the racetrack. From the start Xiang Zi rejoiced for herself in high spirits. But repeatedly passes by chillers and tragedies on the racetrack. Xiang Zi doesn’t get nervous because of the fear of losing devotion.

   

Promotional Activities

Mars Pictorial Book Stamping Session, Taiwan - September 04, 2004

Picture 01 Picture 02 Picture 03 Picture 04 Picture 05 Picture 06

Zai Zai has been very unlucky lately. He broke the bone of his right hand and a cast has to be placed around it. He fell off his bed and sprained his left hand. His Mars Pictorial Book Autographing session held yesterday had to be turned into a session of rubber-stamping autographs. Da S teased him and said that fans could kiss him. He was so embarrassed and blushed on the spot.

With its high rating, yesterday CTS idol drama Mars held a book signing session at Taipei 101. Over thousand fans from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and even Australia packed the venue to the brim. Zai Zai whose both hands were injured said, "I rather hope that the cast around my right hand can be broken up by shaking hands with fans. It could save me from the torture of cutting it open using an electric saw in the future."

When talking about his injuries in both hands, poor Zai Zai kept saying he was so misfortunate lately. The bone of his right hand has already been broken from moving a chest of drawers because of Typhoon Aere. A cast has to be placed around his right hand to immobilize it. He never thought when he turned in bed, he would fell off the bed and hurt his left hand and the injury seemed more serious than the right-hand's. Zai Zai hadn't gone to see a doctor because of yesterday's function. He said laughingly," If both of my hands have to be in casts, I don't know how I'm going to rubber-stamp today."

Autographing had turned into rubber-stamping autographs. But fans weren't disappointed because Da S who was often played for fool on the set immediately fought for fans' welfare. She teased, "If you're not satisfied, you can kiss Zai Zai!" Zai Zai was so shy that his face turned red on the spot.

Zai Zai felt both his hands were rather sore, Zai Zai even endured pain to rubber stamp almost thousands times. After the autographing session, he could no longer stand the pain and went to the emergency room at the Cathay General Hospital, accompanied by his agent. He bent his head low without saying a word at the hospital. The doctor said Zai Zai's left thumb was sprained but did not need to be in a cast. But it needed to be bandaged up to stabilize the injury.

Mars Promo in Jakarta, Indonesia - September 28-29, 2004

Tuesday, September 28:

I boarded a plane from Medan and landed at Jakarta on 12:15 ;-) while Zai Zai and friends arrived about 13:30. Some of our friends who waited for the Taiwanese stars succeeded to see them at the airport and even have 'close contact' with them.

Vic Zhou (Zai Zai), Barbie Xu (Da S), Lai Ya Yan (Megan Lai) and An Jun Can (Shone) attending "Kencan Ena'O" show (21:00 Jakarta Time) on IndoSiar to promote their new MARS drama.

Wednesday, September 29:

Meet & Greet (scheduled to start 19:00 Jakarta Time), at Mutiara Ballroom (level 2), J.W. Marriott Hotel. About 17:30 I've arrived at the hotel and surprised to see so many people already there and queueing. I think there were more than 500 people gathered. The situation become chaotic because the organizer was lack of experience, did not open the door to the ballroom and arquing with fans who already queued to the lower level of the hotel stairs. The event started after 20:00 and only lasted for about 1 hour, beginning with viewing of MARS video clips, then Lai Ya Yan appeared and sang 'The Hardest Note'. I stand on the back and only managed to get 2 blurred pictures of Lai Ya Yan before my camera being seized :-( After that the other three came out and get applause from fans. As I predicted, Zai Zai got the biggest attention from audience and when they shouted "Zai Zai, Wo Ai Ni", it's the loudest ;-P The session continued with several quiz, games and lucky draw with the grand prize of Yamaha motorcycles.

Miracle MARS at Bangkok, Thailand - October 22, 2004

During the event of "Miracle MARS" which fanclubs could be close to Zai Zai, there were almost a thousand of fans gathering in clubs. Moreover, the fans made a surprise for Zai Zai and 3 other casts. It seemed they were so impressed in Thai fans who offered them with the surprise and such a warm welcome.

Although the event was started at 5 PM, there were many fans waited to get in from 10 AM, it was crowded at the hotel. Before 4 casts of Mars appeared, there were games about the drama. At 7 PM, Lai Ya Yan started the event with her song. She was in a pretty pink dress then 3 casts of Mars stepped up on the stage and that was enough to make the fans crazy! Zai Zai was in a chubby look made the fans crazy and it was chaotic as the fans were not at their seat and tried to stay as close as possible to the stage. Some fans even stood on the chair to take photos.

Then the organizer threatened that if it was still chaotic, 4 casts would leave (many fans told the reporter, "so cruel") When everything was alright, the event could be started. When Zai Zai kept his eyes on fans, the fans screamed like crazy. Sometimes he bent down his face as he was too shy. Then, there were games on the stage which the fans were also in the same team of the celebrities. Finally, 5 luckiest fans took the photos with them. As the activities on the stage took quite a long time, the final interview was cancelled. The actors and actress of Mars were so tired and needed the rest.

This event, Zai Zai and other 3 casts of Mars made the impressive period to the fans. The last quotation he said before leaving was "Although our languages are different, there was no obstacle between us." That was enough to make the fans cried.

(Source : Bangkok Today 24/10)

MARS Promo at Tokyo, Japan - March 10-11, 2005

Da S with Zai Zai, Megan Lai and Shone An, together flew to Tokyo (03/09), for several days promotion of MARS. As F4/Meteor Garden is highly popular in Japan, Zai Zai and Da S, as the lead have attracted a huge group of fans waiting at the Narita airport.

Even before Zai Zai real person arrived, his posters have already marched into the city, poured over the streets, supermarkets and malls. He was being invited to be the spokesperson for a shopping mall, Parco, for the White Day Valentines. Following was his MARS drama. Zai Zai's Japan version of pictorial book was released in Japan on the 3rd of March, sales was very good.

Other than press conference (03/10) and meeting the fans (03/11), Zai Zai would be doing 10 interviews from TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, and magazines. He also will be attending the F4 World Exhibition.

Left: Zai Zai, Da S, Megan and Shone being interviewed. Right: Four of them gave their best pose for photographers. Japanese media was extremely curious to MARS. Each actor put on the official clothing, took turns in the hotel to accept magazines interview as well as NHK TV station. They were asked about their feeling in Japan and they said it's very good.
Left: ZZ & Da S at Tokyo FM greeted people. Center: ZZ & Da S during press conference. Right: Da S, Yoko Kamio (author of Hana Yori Dango), ZZ, and mother of F4 - Angie Chai.

Several cute expressions from Zai Zai during MARS Meet & Greet session

Millions of Taiwanese dollars were spent on this "MARS" promotional trip plus the F4 World Exhibition, trying to push F4 into the Japanese market by means of "MARS" having the chance to broadcast on 15 different channels in Japan. It's very hard for the flag of the Republic of China to hang in Japan. It's also not easy for posters of "Zai Zai" Vic Zhou to be hanging in the streets of Tokyo but ZZ did it.

MARS Promo at Beijing & Guang Zhou, China - May 26-27, 2005

Zai Zai, Da S and Megan Lai went to China to promote Mars. The local fans all went wild and nearly caused a riot in the Beijing airport, just like the golden days of F4. It is apparent that Zai Zai is the most popular. There had been press conferences and Meet-n-Greet for Mars both in Beijing and Guang Zhou. With his birthday on 6/9, fans prepared a cake and celebrated his birthday in advance.

Mars Meet-n-Greet with the fans in Beijing (May 26, 2005) attracted nearly a thousand fans who were there to give support, and they were wild. When Da S and Zai Zai appeared on stage one after the other, screaming from the fans who were there reverberated throughout the place, entirely drowning out the host's voice. Whenever Zai Zai appears on the big screen, the fans would scream loudly. Zai Zai would then surreptitiously wave at the fans with a smile.

Zai Zai wore a light brown suit, while Da S and Megan Lai wore light gauzy dresses, looking fresh and elegant.

 

On the night of May 27, 2005 when Zhou Yu Min, Da S and Megan Lai appeared at the broadcast hall on the 3rd floor of the Guang Dong Radio Station, all the repressed fervour culminated in that one moment. Including fans from Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, and Hong Kong, shouts of "Zai Zai" all merged as one. From the moment Zhou Yu Min arrived up to the time he left, the screaming never stopped. When they showed some scenes from Mars, particularly intense scenes with Zhou Yu Min and Da S, the volume of the screaming can be likened to the Yellow River bursting through the dam, proof of Zhou Yu Min's immense popularity. It was a good thing that the Meet-n-Greet wasn't very long, or else many of the fans will lose their voice because of all the screaming.

MARS Original Soundtrack

01 - Ke You Lun - Ling Lyrics
02 - Zhou Yu Min & Xu Xi Yuan - Rang Wo Ai Ni Lyrics
03 - RaRa - Bai Se Lian Qu
04 - Lai Ya Yan - The Hardest Note Lyrics
05 - Liang Yi Zhen - Shuo Ai Wo     Lyrics
06 - Da Di Le Tuan - Ming Tian
07 - You Hong Ming - Wo Ke Yi
08 - Instrumental - Ling
09 - Instrumental - Wo Ke Yi
10 - Instrumental - Rang Wo Ai Ni
11 - Instrumental - Shuo Ai Wo
12 - Instrumental - Bai Se Lian Qu

Download...

Download MARS Wallpaper

MARS Wallpaper Package 1 (3 wallpapers) - Preview:

MARS Wallpaper Package 2 (3 wallpapers) - Preview:

MARS Wallpaper Package 3 (6 wallpapers) - Preview:


Favorite Scenes

Chapter 01 - Flirting

Ling looked at Qi Luo when the teacher was calling student names one by
one. "Wei. It's me. I asked you directions. It turns out we are from the
same school. What's your name?" Ling recognized who Qi Luo was. But Qi Luo fear him and didn't answer. Ling began acting naughtily. At the end, teacher Shi threw an eraser but Ling managed to duck and the eraser accidentally hit Da Ye.

Chapter 02 - Almost Collide With Truck

Chen Ling's motorbike was sabotaged by his teacher. Teacher Fang felt humiliated by Ling who exposed his sexual harassment behavior towards female students. This scene was taken after Ling successfully avoid collision with a heavy truck, by maneuvering under the truck, between big and running tires!

Chapter 04 - Chen Ling Fighting

Abin's people took Ling to a dark place and hit him to the ground as he entered the room. But Ling fight back and eventually he roped in Abin with a loop around Abin's neck.

A very cool fighting scenes...

Chapter 07 - MARS Painting Exhibition

Chen Ling have agreed to become Qi Luo's model. At the exhibition, the MARS painting catched attention from visitors. Ling go to the exhibition to confront himself, to see his face once again without being tortured. When he admired the painting, someone yelled at him not to touch it. Ling looked back and everybody surprised to see the model standing in front of his own picture.

Chapter 09 - MRT Kiss

At MRT station, when Qi Luo about to leave Ling, she asked him to give her a kiss. Without hesitation, Ling kiss her in the middle of crowded station. With background song "SHUO AI WO", this is a very romantic and unforgettable moment.

Chapter 10 - Desire

Qi Luo said she like Ling's benzine smelly body and started to touch his hair and face. Then two of them captured in desire, but suddenly Qi Luo remembered her trauma and pulled back. Offered for food by Qi Luo, Ling murmured "Actually what I want to eat is you..."

Chapter 13 - Passion

Again in Ling's living place, Qi Luo said Ling was different with Tong Dao. Ling was full of spirit and colorful life, that's why she, Qing Mei and Da Ye like him. In her world, Ling is not a patient. In the middle of passion, once again Qi Luo remembered her dark past and suddenly back-off, leaving Ling in awkward.

Chapter 13 - Qi Luo Frightened

Having discovered the truth about Qi Luo, Ling managed to invite her to his home and locked the door. He forced Qi Luo for having sex but Qi Luo resisted. She frightened, scream and weep loudly. This made Ling felt guilty and stopped. Then Qi Luo told the truth about she being raped by her stepfather and cannot escape from this trauma.

Chapter 14 - Building Sand Castle

After revealed the truth, Qi Luo lost confidence in relationship with Chen Ling. Ling brought her to sand beach and have a serious talk there. Realized both have dark history and bound together to help each other. They saw 2 kids bothered by others and decided to help the kids building a huge sand castle.

Chapter 16 - Intimate Scene

This is a very dramatic episode. Qi Luo ran away from home after her stepfather tried to abuse her again. Seeking refuge in Ling's home, this 'once bad-boy' didn't want to be like her stepfather and want to sleep outside. But Qi Luo hold his hand, told him not to leave, to help her out of her bad dream. This time Qi Luo succeeded. True love towards Ling defeat her fear.

Chapter 21 - Chen Ling Stabbed

Tong Dao cannot accept the fact that Chen Ling getting married with Qi Luo and change his bad attitude under influence of Qi Luo. Tong Dao crying and pretending to get comfort from Ling. Both went to a dark alley where Tong Dao cruelly stabbed Ling 3 times and caused heavy injury. Ling fainted before Da Ye came and rushed him to hospital.

Chapter 21 - Sheng Apparition

While waited in hospital and grieving, Qi Luo saw Chen Sheng spirit came and passed her body. Eventually she realized Sheng came to take Ling away. Qi Luo shouted with panic, "No...No...please.. Don't take away Ling from me..."

Chapter 21 - Ling Defeat Death

While in coma, Chen Ling have a dream. He was standing on top of a tall building, as if wanted to commit suicide. Suddenly Sheng grabbed his foot, and asked Ling to join him to death. Fortunately Qi Luo appeared and asked Ling to come back because she need him. Ling said sorry to Sheng because he still cannot go there. At the time Ling touch Qi Luo's hand, he slowly getting conscious.

P.S. : Chapter number refer to Indonesian VCD Version. We have compiled favorite scenes described above and more hot, special moments of MARS into a single VCD. If you have interest to obtain it, you may contact the WebMaster.


Page Created : August 08, 2004
WebMaster : Wu Tjin Sen
Email : tjinsen@yahoo.com

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Special thanks to members of ZZ & Mars thread at Forum IndoSiar and everybody who translated stories, characters information or scripts, provided pictures, wallpapers, songs or even videos for download. And of course to YOU who visited this website. Jia You!