Now What? Hana Yori Dango AGAIN!
I’m watching Hana Yori Dango but it’s neither the anime nor the Japanese drama version (stars Matsumoto Jun and Inoue Mao). Fret not, it’s also not that lame Taiwanese version (aka Meteor Garden) where I threw away the VCDs when I watched season 2. Currently, I’m catching the South Korean version of Hana Yori Dango (by KBS).
I caught the Taiwanese version, the Japanese version, read the original manga and even watched the anime version of Hana Yori Dango. Hence, if I’m to catch the KBS version, won’t it be boring since it’s the same all over again? That was my first impression but how wrong I am!
The KBS version is motivating because it does not compromise the original manga though there are plot variations to get to the same end/scene. It has retained the important concepts (F4, characters, school, etc) while successfully varying the settings in between so that it would not feel like a re-run.
Perhaps what’s most interesting is that it’s done the Korean way. Characters are given Korean names and I’m exposed to the Korean culture and practices. The cast did a good job in portraying their characters and most of them are eye candies. The actor starring as Goon Jun Pyo (aka Domyouji) bears some semblance to Takuya Kimura and Mike He from certain angels. I also personally feel that the cast for the other F3 are charismatic and fitting for their roles.
With characters given new face lifts with Korean names and new background, the most fascinating to look at for the KBS version would be the grand setting. My jaws dropped as much attention and money was spent to bring out the grandeur of Domyouji house and the wealth of the other F3.
I’m at episode 4 and its enjoyable so far. I especially like the 3 bimbo characters who like to gossip and pick on Jan Di (aka Makino) in school. Keep a special look out for the 3 bimbos as they can be so irritating and yet so comical at times. I also find the classical music background and the main theme soothing to the ears. Currently on-going, it has received good episode ratings so feel free to give it a try if you’re free.
Sounds promising…I watched the anime and I think I saw some of F4’s version (one of my roommates from college was a huge fangirl of all Hana Yori Dango stuff) but I never got into the live-action stuff. But a Korean cultural spin could make it fresh for me again.
Yup, I think the KBS version is definitely much better than the Taiwanese version in terms of grandeur, cast, and plot. I just completed episode 5 and it’s so far so good; most probably will catch the other episodes over the weekends.
lol. My Korean friend tells me that its only merit lies in the pretty cast but I guess I will be checking this one out.
The Sojourner´s last blog post..Saotome Taichi
Happy Chinese New Year to you too! Yeah, I saw the japanese version of Hana Yori Dango, and LOVED IT. I’ve watched part of episode 1 for this korean version. I must say, these korean guys are HOT. @__@ Very. Hot. I’m not used to korean dramas so I haven’t watched it much, but I might give it a go again.
Rainie´s last blog post..Happy Chinese New Year!
@The Sojourner
Yay! Even the female cast is an eye candy too. Makino’s best friend for this series bear some semble to Crystal Liu (Liu Yi Fei) from certain angles.
@Rainie
It’s at episode 10 now! Quick catch up to the latest episode!
It’s true! Members of the F4 are so good looking that they’re one of the reasons for watching.