All That Is Bitter Is Sweet (Traditional Chinese: 大藥坊; literally "The Great Apothecary") is a 2014 Hong Kong period, medical, romance drama produced by TVB, starring Linda Chung, Ruco Chan and Raymond Wong Ho-yin as the main leads, with Natalie Tong, Pierre Ngo, Sammy Sum and Elliot Ngok as the major supporting roles. Filming took place from November 2013 to February 2014. The drama began broadcasting on September 8, 2014 on TVB Jade channel during its 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. timeslot, and finished airing on October 17, 2014 with 30 episodes total.[1]
Synopsis
The show is set during the Republic of China, when each region of China was ruled by local warlords. The Dou family of Foshan is an affluent family that owns and runs Sheung Chun Tong (尚春堂), the largest traditional Chinese apothecary in town. Bad times, however, came during an epidemic. When the apothecary's product caused the death of the Mayor's eldest son (and owner Dou Sam's soon-to-be son in law), Dou Sam is imprisoned, and the apothecary was ordered closed. Sam's only daughter, Dou Gaai Kei, then took on the task of investigating her fiancé's death, in hopes of releasing her father. Together with Ding Yat Yuen, a businessman with a dubious reputation, they stumble upon a big conspiracy that could rock Chinese politics.[2]
The Sale Presentation clip was filmed in October 2013.[3] The 1 minute 2 second clip previewed in November 2013 features all of the main actors that are confirmed to have a role in the drama.[4]
On November 1, 2013 the drama costume fitting ceremony was held at Tseung Kwan O TVB City Studio One.[5]
The blessing ceremony took place on November 20, 2014 at Tseung Kwan O TVB City.
On March 25, 2014, a trailer of the drama was previewed at FILMART 2014.[6]