I was very pleasantly surprised! Not only did it feel like I was watching a new story, it was very up to date. With that I mean it felt realistic and fun to watch. (Even though Sulli is obviously a beautiful girl and not a boy). The characters really grow on you and I really liked how the side-stories were told.
Sometimes it did feel like a Samsung commercial but whatevs, it didn't distract me too much from the story.
I really recommend watching this if you are a fan of romantic dramas like Heartstrings, Boys Over Flowers and You're Beautiful.
And it has Minho in it. ASDFGHJKL *u*
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There are a few problems I noticed while I rewatched, and a few of them were things I noticed when I watched it the first time.
I hadn't read Hana Kimi before (after I watched the show I went and read the manga... I recommend it), so I can't say that I was biased before hand. But I'll admit, the story was good if a bit slow at first. You can't help but feel bad for our honorary second lead Eun Gyeol, but Lee Hyun Woo managed to pull off that awkward bowl-cut-looking hair.
Speaking of bowl cuts... as beautiful as Sulli is, I didn't understand the casting. I honestly thought Eun Hye made a better boy in Coffee Prince. Sulli can act well, but maybe it was the hair... or the lips... or maybe the poor wardrobe stylist, but I didn't understand how those boys went for as long as they did without figuring out that Jae Hee was a girl. I can't bring myself to critique the god-given glory that is Choi Minho. Jezuz... that smile.
Overall, a light fluffy drama that's good for people just getting into K-dramas. I would also recommend the original manga and Japanese live-action as well.
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Alright, the story is nothing new, considering what it is, but the writers seemed to really take away quite a few things. There wasn't much interaction between dorms, and it felt like it lacked more sports involvement.
The romance was typical, but during the drama I was somewhat annoyed with Jae Hee. She was almost TOO obsessed with Tae Joon, to the point that not only it was painful for me to watch Eun Gyeol, but where it almost seemed a little too odd that nobody caught on to how weird it was.
I tend to end up loving the supporting characters more than the mains, and this was no exception. I was supporting Eun Gyeol a lot, and watching as she flat out ignored him was pretty terrible. I had hoped there would be more tension with him, and he got more of a chance, but she seemed far too focused on Tae Joon.
The characters were fun (though I'm disappointed to find that Kayashima doesn't exist), and most of the actors did a good job. At some points the two leads seemed stiff, but I just kinda brushed it off. Yong Min made me laugh; I loved Seong Ri; and somehow Han Na was more likable near the end, but really really annoying in the entire first half.
Something I didn't like was that I could not keep the characters straight. Some of their names were mentioned, and their faces would be there, but it would be a while before they reappeared, or their names would later be brought up again and I would be lost. Or maybe I just should pay more attention. I was kind of disappointed that the doctor--Min Woo, was it?--didn't get as big of a role as in the manga, but eh.
The music was good, and I liked it. It was pretty fitting as well.
I personally would rewatch it, because it was just fun (aside from the painful Eun Gyeol parts when he's ignored). Then again, I'll be watching the the versions as well, so...
My suggestion: read the manga.
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The Japanese version will always be my favorite due to the humor and Nakatsu but it wasn't without flaws. I loved the Zuo Yi Quan/Sano character in the Taiwanese version but the Rui Xi/Ashiya and Xiu Yi/Nakatsu characters could be very annonying at times. Compared to the Japanese and Taiwanese dramas, TTBY shared some elements with both while still maintaining it's own identity.
I enjoyed this drama for what it was. TTBY wasn't amazing or unique but it was fun and easy to get through.
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The drama itself wasn't bad, but as an adaptation of the manga it just didn't deliver. The only thing that is similar to the manga is the cross-dressing, high jumping, all boys school, and i think that's about it. There were many things missing that is what makes Hana-kimi what it is, (gay doctor, dorm leaders, Kayashima(ability to see ghost), Nakao(kid following Namba)....ugh just too many things.
Japanese Vs Korean Version
When it comes to watching dramas I usually watch Korean(about 98% lol). But If I compare both versions I would definitely have to say the Japanese version is better. Makes me sad because I had high hopes for the Korean version. I really wasn't expecting them to make the same drama all over again, but like I said many things were just left out.
Anyways I don't think it was a bad drama overall, but yeah for hardcore Hana-Kimi fans it just didn't make it.
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7 for the story because its to high-schoolish (my term). If I were a teenager, I may score it an 8 or 9 for the story. I think its written and meant for teenagers.
7 for acting/cast because they've given justice to the character. special mention to lee hyun woo...I like him in this drama...specially his character...he's pretty cool.
10 for music because I like the songs.
3 I'd be honest to say its not the kind of story you wanna watch again and again
Overall 7 because, in fairness, its pretty good..I had fun watching it..though some scenes are corny at times because its not really for my age..but if you want to reminisce high-school..you may want to consider watching this. **wink**
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Without comparing to the original, I thought that the actors and actresses were decent. I really liked who they picked for the girl role and thought she played her part very well. Also the main male role was also very well played. I wouldn't say that the rest of the cast was mediocre, but because they changed some of the personality traits, like the guy who is supposed to play the Korean version of Nakatsu, I got annoyed with them at times. All in all, the show was made into a good drama, but it's not something that I would deem as very great either.
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To The Beautiful You was one of the first dramas I ever watched so I have good opinion. It was really nice how I said before.
Also I apologize for my English, I don't have a good knowledge in that.
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The leads were never the most interesting members of their respective groups but they're charming enough as themselves in their idol "day jobs." However, as actors in this drama they're both pretty much dead on screen. They're not awful actors, but their limitations are painfully obvious in every scene,
Minho doesn't do much beyond stare into the middle distance and maybe take off his shirt once in a while. Sulli is pretty much playing a piece of cardboard: she just stands there looking astonished a lot, and every now and then has a really overblown crying scene. They have the combined chemistry of wet chalk. I was so embarrassed for them that I finally had to stop watching the show.
Lee Hyun-Woo is apparently the only cast member capable of evoking real humor and emotion. The girl who plays the viperous Han-na is forgettable, and is playing a badly written character besides. Kwanghee is always hilarious, no matter what.
SM has clearly thrown a lot of money into the "look" of this show. From every carefully framed HD shot of Sulli's tear-stained face to the hilariously unreal fantasy dorm rooms, this show looks great. But as with most SM efforts, throwing a lot of money or pretty at something doesn't actually make it... good.
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The visuals are amazing! Full of vivid colors and awesome 360 camera shots. LOVE IT!
Storywise: Since I am a big fan of the manga, I love that they followed the big plot lines and even got creative in mashing two characters into one. My only complaint is that:
1.They did not retain the colorful characters. It would have made the school more fun and vibrant.
2. It would have been better if they have followed how Sano from manga discovered He was a SHE. That way I am not confused and wondering why would a guy care about the main lead girl knowing its a guy while I am watching. I keep thinking in my head, ohh i think he knows, but maybe not, then why does he take notice of everything Jae Hee does. specially with the creepy dude!
But all in all I am still happy, specially with the ending! thumbs up to that!
Character:
Minho
In my opinion out of all the Sano's portrayal, Minho's portrayal is the best. He's more athletic, he's excellen in acting Sano's different sides: angsty, raging hormones, protective, competitive. He shows promise and just needs a little more progress in the fiery passion in expressing "love" emotions.
Sulli: She's too tall for my liking that sometimes when shes with the guys she really blends in. :) However her acting is really good except for the shock expressions from confessions. Maki is still good for me.
Hyun Woo: This guy is the reason why I'm watching the show. He is just amazing on his portrayal with his character. He makes me laugh when he's cute, makes me laugh even harder with his crazy antics and his crazy imaginations.
OVERALL:
This drama is still a good watch despite of its flaws. If you are looking for a high school drama and in favor of goofiness and cuteness, then try watching this drama.
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