Rab
in between what ifs and maybes
A worthy remake
I am one of those who have watched (and obsessed over) Meteor Garden Taiwan 20 years ago. It might have something to do with it being a phenomenon in our country because everyone and their mamas knew who Dao Ming Si and San Chai was. I was so young back then I didn't know all the red flags the series have. I also watched Hana Yori Dango but it was aired right after the F4 fever so it wasn't that memorable for me. The last version I watched was Boys Over Flowers Korea and I hated that show. So my last memory of this remake is so long ago I can't recall clearly if some scenes were better or not from the other versions.
I am familiar with Bright and Win . The other actors are all fairly new so I won't be that critical of their acting. This is about F4 but we all know this series is focused and hard carried by the two main leads. Bright and Tu have chemistry. Before I started watching the series, I saw some promotional videos of them endorsing couple stuff and I saw that potential in them. I think they missed a lot of opportunity to show that chemistry. Bright has definitely mastered that infatuated and in love gaze. As for Tu, she looked uncomfortable in those long staring. I was convinced of Thyme's feelings but I wasn't really convinced of Gorya. Bright also improved on his acting. He nailed the comedic parts just right although he still needs improvement on some melodramatic scenes. Tu did her best as a newbie and she actually embodied the strong-willed Gorya really well. The other F4 members have delivered what they have to. It wasn't much work but they did their parts okay.
This franchise has been remade gazillion times so there is really nothing much we didn't see from the other versions. The times have changed though and there are a lot of parts that are already frowned upon. I liked this modernized version and I think the show really delivered. I know they cannot go all out and fancy like the other versions (e.g. travelling to abroad) because of the pandemic. It's a pity how the show could've had a grander production but it did its best with all the restrictions. Thyme and Gorya needed more moments together. The only thing I liked in the K-version was Yi Jung and Ga Eul's story so I had high hopes for Kavin and Kaning. However, they felt so forced to me because the writers decided to wrap up their love story all in one episode. I'm not familiar with Prim but out of all the female characters that the show introduced, her portrayal of Kaning feels the weakest.
Another thing I loved in this show are the women. F4 is the star but I think the female casts were scene stealers. Cindy is impeccable in her role as Thyme's mom. She screams power not in the crazy mom obsessed way. She just reeks of sophistication and intimidation. I think the casting team did amazing because Cindy, Bright and Maria all looks ridiculously gorgeous as one family. Maria did a softer interpretation of the big sis role and it was refreshing. Fah caught my eye and I think I found a new girl crush. She appeared only for a very few scenes but she made her impression. Milk also has a really strong screen presence and her chemistry with Bright is also palpable. I wish we could she them reunite in another drama too.
Overall, I think it's a great remake. Definitely worth watching if you are a fan of the franchise.
I am familiar with Bright and Win . The other actors are all fairly new so I won't be that critical of their acting. This is about F4 but we all know this series is focused and hard carried by the two main leads. Bright and Tu have chemistry. Before I started watching the series, I saw some promotional videos of them endorsing couple stuff and I saw that potential in them. I think they missed a lot of opportunity to show that chemistry. Bright has definitely mastered that infatuated and in love gaze. As for Tu, she looked uncomfortable in those long staring. I was convinced of Thyme's feelings but I wasn't really convinced of Gorya. Bright also improved on his acting. He nailed the comedic parts just right although he still needs improvement on some melodramatic scenes. Tu did her best as a newbie and she actually embodied the strong-willed Gorya really well. The other F4 members have delivered what they have to. It wasn't much work but they did their parts okay.
This franchise has been remade gazillion times so there is really nothing much we didn't see from the other versions. The times have changed though and there are a lot of parts that are already frowned upon. I liked this modernized version and I think the show really delivered. I know they cannot go all out and fancy like the other versions (e.g. travelling to abroad) because of the pandemic. It's a pity how the show could've had a grander production but it did its best with all the restrictions. Thyme and Gorya needed more moments together. The only thing I liked in the K-version was Yi Jung and Ga Eul's story so I had high hopes for Kavin and Kaning. However, they felt so forced to me because the writers decided to wrap up their love story all in one episode. I'm not familiar with Prim but out of all the female characters that the show introduced, her portrayal of Kaning feels the weakest.
Another thing I loved in this show are the women. F4 is the star but I think the female casts were scene stealers. Cindy is impeccable in her role as Thyme's mom. She screams power not in the crazy mom obsessed way. She just reeks of sophistication and intimidation. I think the casting team did amazing because Cindy, Bright and Maria all looks ridiculously gorgeous as one family. Maria did a softer interpretation of the big sis role and it was refreshing. Fah caught my eye and I think I found a new girl crush. She appeared only for a very few scenes but she made her impression. Milk also has a really strong screen presence and her chemistry with Bright is also palpable. I wish we could she them reunite in another drama too.
Overall, I think it's a great remake. Definitely worth watching if you are a fan of the franchise.
Was this review helpful to you?
