TVB new series L'Escargot is currently broadcasting and has been receiving positive response. However, there were criticisms that the series copied 2009 Mainland drama Dwelling Narrowness, that 80% of the characters in the series is the same as Dwelling Narrowness. The similarities between the two series is that they are both revolved around real estate with the story about the high housing prices and the struggles middle-class citizens face when trying to purchase a home. The plots involve extramarital affairs and homes being acquired. Actually in 2010, when L'Escargot started shooting, lead actor Michael Miu already said the series is similar to Dwelling Narrowness, so he said, "if it is similar, then it is just a coincidence" to avoid any speculations of plagiarism.
Even if we all know L'Escargot and Dwelling Narrowness are on the same ballpark, it is still hard to avoid comparison. As the plot and characters are indeed very similar, such as Michael Miu and Sonija Kwok plays a married couple worried about life and buying a home. This is very similar to the married couple Hai Ping and her husband in Dwelling Narrowness, it is just the husband turned into Michael Miu.
In the series, Linda Chung plays Michael's younger sister, who initially had a very good boyfriend (Ron Ng), but because of the debt, she started an affair with wealthy and married businessman Michael Tse. This is just like Hai Ping's younger sister 'Priated Version' in Dwelling Narrowness.
The plot in the recently broadcast episodes of L'Escargot spoke about Michael Miu's younger brother Oscar Leung, got into a car accident because he refused to let Michael Tse's real estate company acquire his home. As such, Dwelling Narrowness also has the same scene happening to an elderly woman.
Although there is criticisms of plagiarism, there are still many supporters. Viewers praise the series for being realistic to today's society and the plot moves quickly. Also, this series was initially named 'HK Version of Dwelling Narrowness', even if the theme is similar, as long as it is good to watch, then it's not a problem.
Producer Nelson Cheung responses to the plagiarism comments, he only the background is similar, it is not plagiarism. He welcomes all viewers to continue watching, pay more attention to the parts that are similar and give more support to the 'HK Version of Dwelling Narrowness'.
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum
