Ive decided for the first post to start with a very popular, better known drama called Hana Yori Dango (Boys Before Flowers). Hana Yori Dango is based on the manga series by Kamio Yoko.
Slight Spoilers lie ahead, but I did my best to be vague. If you find yourself interested, you should check it out! mysoju.com is one of many places the drama can be found.
STORYLINE:
For those unfamiliar with the story, as I was, here is a brief synopsis (using the Japanese character's names):
Makino Tsukushi is a young common girl looking to graduate high school without being noticed. Unfortunately, she attends Eitoku Gakuen--high school of the richest and most privileged upper class students. The school is basically ruled by the Flower 4, or F4 as they are called. These four boys are the sons of the richest, most influencial families. They are Mimasaka Akira, Nishikado Sojiro, Hanazawa Rui, and their leader Domyoji Tsukasa. Each have their own unique personality and their families are each known for different accomplishments. Anyone who got on their (or rather, Domyoji's) bad side, they found a red notice in their locker, cueing the entire school to ruin that individual by any means.
Makino has a stong sense of justice and finds herself as the first girl on F4's bad side when she sticks up for her friend one day. Other than being the first and only girl to receive a red notice, she is the first and only person to challenge them. No matter what happens, Makino refuses to drop out of school. So what happens when the feelings of certain F4 members change toward her and what kind of barriers must they overcome because of their class differences?
THE SHOW:
The first season of the show concentrates on how the love between Domyoji and Makino starts and flourishes, as well as many of the problems and issues they face within their relationship and outside of it.
The second season follows up about two(?)years after Domyoji left for New York and the new problems that Makino and he have to face for their relationship to work out.
The movie (just came out summer 2008) was a way of ending the good run the drama has gotten--Domyoji and Makino are tested in their love once again on a search for a precious tiara that was stolen from Makino (which was givento her by Domyoji's mother).
BACKGROUND AND RELATED INFO:
There are actually several live action versions of Hana Yori Dango, and more recently I've come to learn that it was first adapted into a movie in 1995. Meteor Garden is a taiwanese version of Hana Yori Dango, spanning two seasons. However, I have not watched it and am not sure how closely it follows the Japanese version's storyline (which I described). I have also read that the taiwanese version has been all but banned from view in Taiwan for fear that it will encourage negative feelings towards the upper class (or something like that). The japanese version just completed two impressive seasons with a movie this summer, Hana Yori Dango Final. Most recently, a Korean version is ongoing.
MY FEEDBACK:
As for the Japanese version, I can attest that the actors, directing, and filmography were done VERY satisfactorially and I'm quite sure anyone who watches it will enjoy. As for the Korean version, I have been watching it and can honestly say that both the Japanese and Korean versions are unique and well done. I couldn't choose one over the other if you made me. I am slightly biased though, as Matsumoto Jun--lead singer of Arashi and AMAZING actor--plays Domyoji Tsukasa, and I love him to death. ^^
*For more information about the drama, this is an informational LINK that includes more specifics about the different versions, the names and pictures of the actors and bits about the anime.
Please comment with your own feedback about the show or about my blurb here so I can make it better in the future.
