Possibly my favorite HYD adaptation that I've seen
As someone who hates the poor girl/rich boy trope, the toxic male lead trope, the amnesia trope, the kidnapping trope, the disapproving parent trope, and more, I went into this adaptation of HYD with a lot of doubt and trepidation — especially since I'd watched several other versions before (BOF, 2018 MG, F4 Thailand in that order) and not really enjoyed them for a multitude of reasons, from cringy writing to weak acting.To my surprise, this was actually really fun to watch, and dare I say it, this might be my favorite version of HYD that I've seen.
The main reason is really the two main leads, who not only had insane chemistry but also managed to balance serious dramatics with humor really well. Domyoji was really lovable despite his toxic flaws, and Makino was a particularly impressive, being a strong female lead who stood up for herself and her friends without ever coming across as being naive/stupid, brainlessly impulsive, judgmental, or wishy-washy (which had been my criticisms of other HYD FLs).
I think the pacing was also a benefit. The fact that there were so few episodes meant that annoying misunderstandings weren't dragged out; arcs flew by fast, making this a better adaptation for people who already have some knowledge of the original story. I do think, however, that if a viewer is going into this story blind, it might feel too fast, as there are a lot of subplots with new side characters that aren't really given time to marinate.
Basically I loved the main leads the most in this version, but the side characters better in the others. Nevertheless, I actually would recommend this! It's short, it's quick, and it's fun.
Link to my review of part 2: https://mydramalist.com/profile/7498003/reviews/280275
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Well, I see why this is a classic
This drama is almost 15 years ago, I enjoyed is SO SO MUCH! I only watched the 2018 chinese version of this and I have to say, I can totally understand why many rank this version the first. Even though this is so old, it doesn't actually feel old? Expect for the styling and technology, it doesn't feel out of place like older dramas often do. The leads were amazing, I mean they are way better actors than the chinese ones (I have to add that they were rookies tho).And I have to say, this story has some pretty questionable storylines, but for some reason if you can overlook that, you can feel that the love between the leads and the friendships feel so sincere and heartwarming. This is definitely a classic. Also I loved that it only has nine episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
MAKINOOOOOO
I loved it sm when I watched it a couple years ago and I still do. I think I hold it on a high pedestal because it’s one of the first dramas I ever watched, but I love the story and the characters and the way they’re portrayed in this adaptation! i’ll admit some of the story drags on, but i think that is also what keeps you watching. the new york parts in s2 were definitely interesting tho ? anyways i’ve seen both seasons & the movie and honestly you could watch the beginning of the movie and then skip to end lol … but all of it is very cute!!!! best adaptation idcWas this review helpful to you?
There are many adaptions based on this the manga "Hana Yori Dango" but the japanese version in MY opinion are the best one. It stays true to its story and the characters. Makino and Domyjoji are characters i love with all my heart and their blossoming love-story stays beautiful the whole time. They have an incredible chemistry, and the brotherhood of F4 always leave me to tears, they are such good friends, and by stealing the leaders heart, Makino also become a great friend to the all other guys. I have lost count on how many times i have watched this drama. I L.O.V.E and A.D.O.R.E this series with all my heart..!
Was this review helpful to you?
I watch other adaption
I watch the other adaption of this, this is so bad I would never watch it again, the Chinese and the Thai did it the best. but it the the og / manga is Japanese. just respectfully I would never recommend this or re watch this. I just wish they put more effort in this I just feels like me and my family just want to make a drama and this is it.Was this review helpful to you?
Where it All Began
Usually I don't like watching school drama's but since this series was popular enough for two other remakes, I needed to find out why it was so appealing. I suppose if you are a young, 15 year old girl, this would have some kind of appeal. However, I have always thought that any girl who picks a bad boy over the one that treats her like a queen deserves whatever she gets. Luckily this is done in an entertaining, albeit, cliched way.The entire premise is completely implausible, the characters one-dimensional, and the storylines contrived. The cast is cute but it isn't enough to save the stinky plot and the acting is atrocious. Makino is a really sweet girl, but she is a doormat when girls bully her, yet tough when boys are the bullies. Perhaps she has figured out just how demented mean girls can be, and far more evil. I think the worst message this show can have is to make young ladies believe that they can change a bad boy with just a little TLC. People like Domyogi don't change.
It has entertainment value to some degree, but everything is on the surface. The characters were just not believable enough. All I know is that everyone is shallow and crazy with the exception of Makino. The bullying is way over the top here and just not realistic. There is a lack of authority, but perhaps this is the way the manga is written. It is definitely better than Meteor Garden, so thank God for small wonders.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Before watching this drama I already seen Korean one then chinese one ,in all three drama story is the same but as it was so old and Korean drama made after three years of this drama taking the season 2 story in their drama ,so I enjoyed that one more than this one because of three years gap made the lots of changes like view ,then little bright colour of the background ,new technologies used and most important I am too much connected with the second lead also that character had all my sympathy but I am not connected with the second lead character of this drama as well all other two F4 characters .As a whole in all way Korean drama is the best one ,all F4's characters story and then lead actress and her friend ,each and every character connected me very well with the story. Then I like the chinese drama too it's first lead and 2nd lead both are cute and lovely and other F4 character again do not connected me with the character but compare to this it is better.About this drama story is good ,but it is at fast track. In the whole drama I like the lead actress acting only .As I had seen 1st season only so I can't come at the conclusion ,may 2nd season change my view .
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: 10/10 because who doesn't really know this story? It's been adapted many times. I just love this plot.
Acting: 9/10 because I thought that the acting was great. The leads have great chemistry. I like the friend chemistry too. I thought the Rui & Tsukushi had good chemistry too.
Music: 8/10 because the soundtrack was good especially the song that plays through out the drama like Flavor of Love(I think it's called that?). It was good, but not as memorable.
Rewatch value: 9/10 because this was a cute story, and I would watch it again if I become upset and no other drama comes to mind to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Definitely Recommend this!!!
OMG I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCHHHH!!! Matsujun portrayed Domyoji Tsukasa very well, like i can feel his anger everytime he screams, and Inoue Mao also portrayed Makino Tsukushi very well too, she's not overly acting like the other ones i've watched. she seems the Most Makino to me, and also Hanazawa Rui is the most gentle one in all adaptations, and akira and sojiro are like the best peacemakers, anyways, i really love this series so much, and i recommend that you watch this. and (also, i hope you are all physically and mentally ready to watch this, because for me, the first i've watched this, there were times i want to throw my phone everytime Domyoji will do something stupid HAHAHAHA.)Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
best bof adaptation!
I started this initially cause I heard it was the best adaptation and cause I had watched meteor garden (Chinese) before this and wanted to compare how bad meteor garden really is. This adaptation did NOT disappoint!! It was such a satisfying watch I loved it so much. The cast was amazing and the friendships between characters (especially f4) were great! I really enjoyed that in this version they really showed how close knit f4 is specifically the male lead and the second male lead. Unlike other adaptations where they fell apart because of the love triangle, this version showed how main guy truly saw rui as a friend in how they communicated, the friendship was so cute and I adored it. The main girl in this adaptation was also the best in my opinion she was never annoying and really portrayed the character well. The main guy’s character was the healthiest in this adaptation they skipped the harrassment stage that other adaptations included and instead had him pursue her in a healthy way without force which was a breath of fresh air after what other seasons did. He also had the best communication skills here as he actually talked out to f4 problems (particularly to rui) and was ready to apologize when wrong. The chemistry between the main leads was really good and enjoyable. Rui was amazing and probably my favourite character, in other adaptations I didn’t really care for the second male leads but in this one they really aced his character and I loved how he was showcased. All of f4 were adorable and I loved how they progressed throughout the drama. The ost was beautiful and so fun! I’ll definitely be listening to it often! Overall, this was a great drama and the best adaptation of bof that I’ve seen I highly recommend!!!Was this review helpful to you?