Hana Yori Dango
I happened to start watching Hana Yori Dango recently, and totally got hooked. I’m not an avid watcher of j-doramas, though I’ve seen a few in the past, but I watched all of the first season at once (I kind of like how j-doramas are short and sweet at around 10 episodes, although I do like the k-drama standard of 16-20 episodes — but only if the series is good!). Then, happy to hear a second season was in the middle of its run, I tuned into that as well.
(Theme) SONG(s) OF THE DAY
Arashi – “Wish,” Season 1 theme song [ zShare download ]
Arashi – “Love So Sweet,” Season 2 theme song [ zShare download ]
For Season 2, I had to get used to the pace of one episode per week, and the wait for fansubs too, which was new for me. I’m used to watching k-dramas as they air in Korea, but I don’t need subs for those, so I’d forgotten what it feels like to be dependent upon the goodwill of others. Let me tell you, it reminded me of my immense appreciation for fansubbers. You’d think that as a fansubber myself, I’d be the last one to forget that, but no, being a leecher brought me new insights.
Thankfully (and quite remarkably), the subbers are lightning-fast for HYD2. I’ve been watching the later episodes raw, actually surprised that I can understand most of the story, and I’ve gone back to my old drama-watching routine of standing by with a pad of paper and a dictionary. But the subs are still quite crucial for getting the full enjoyment.
(That’s why it pisses me off to no end when I go to sites and see some leechers complaining about the speed — or lag — of fansub releases. What’s up with that, huh? Complaining how the wait is killllling them, how they’re dyyyyying to watch the next episode, when’s the sub coming out already?? I’d like to see them complaining after they’ve spent hours downloading, an hour watching the show, five to ten hours translating, getting back perhaps one thank-you for every hundred or thousand people who take it, and THEN reading a bunch of ungrateful people complaining how it wasn’t done faster. Most fans are great, but those few bad ones really sour the experience. To them, I say: Hmph.)
Anyway, back to Hana Yori Dango.
When I was watching Season 1, I thoroughly enjoyed it but felt it was a little over-the-top and melodramatic, mixing light and dark elements to create a strange overall tone. But then I read up on it and realized it was based on a (shoujo) manga, and the artistic choices of the dorama suddenly made so much sense. It made it so much better.
Hana Yori Dango, as a dorama in and of itself, is really well-done. It’s charming, funny, gorgeous to look at, well-written, well-paced. But Hana Yori Dango, as a dorama adaptation of a manga, is amazing. Fantastic. Superlative.
It also explains a few things I found perplexing, like Matsumoto Jun’s funky curly hairstyle. (I’d thought: “This guy’s a major pop idol in Japan, and this is the best style they could give him??”) Made a lot more sense to know the original manga character is known, and mocked, for his peculiar hairstyle.
(I think I prefer the Season 1 curls, which looks like a perm, to the big roller curls in Season 2, but either way, I’m surprised at how fast I got used to his funky hair. Haha.)
I also rather love the title “Hana Yori Dango,” which is a pun playing on the Japanese adage, “Food more than flowers” or “Food before flowers” (as in, essentials are more important than the aesthetically pleasing but ultimately superficial). The characters for “dango,” which is a type of food, are switched to mean “boys,” suggesting that boys are just as essential as food…
But there’s one more meaning, which is what really won me over:
The group led by Doumyouji calls themselves F4, for “Flower Four,” which is kind of girly if you ask me. I know Japanese society places a high premium on artistic beauty, including the art of arranging flowers, but the name isn’t really befitting a powerful group of bullies, is it? But if you bring in the title phrase, it could mean that the F4 members, and the violent and crude Doumyouji in particular, are at the core “boys more than they are Flower 4.” It hints that we’ll see these guys as singular, real people beyond the acts they play as members of F4. In meeting and falling for Tsukushi, Doumyouji will transform from the dictatorial leader of F4 to just a guy, who wants affection and respect and doesn’t care to hide behind the safety of his family’s zaibatsu (corporation) name.
(And then, of course, Tsukushi also works in a dango shop!)
CASTING and CHARACTER
First off, really great acting by the two leads. Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi is cute without being annoying, which is often not the case, and Matsumoto Jun does a really amazing job; he really sells Doumyouji as both a horribly mean and vicious person who is still relatable and sympathetic. And he inhabits the role so completely, he seems like he IS his character.
On top of that, they really got the flavor of Hanazawa Rui across with casting Oguri Shun, who looks and acts the part perfectly. I love that he actually looks like the manga character, which is sometimes really hard to pull off. Oguri Shun acts with that mannered politeness and quietness that totally characterizes shoujo heroes (he actually reminds me quite a lot of Matsuura Yuu in Marmalade Boy, although Yuu is much more outgoing than Rui).
(Perfect anime hero hair!)
I’m also much more accepting about character flaws when I realize it’s a manga adaptation. For instance, Doumyouji’s horridly callous mother, Kaede, is rather too villainous to be real for a normal dorama. But in a manga? Totally acceptable. Same goes for Tsukushi’s well-meaning but, face it, rather ineffectual parents. Honestly, they’re lovable but kinda incompetent. I’ve noticed it’s a trait of shoujo manga and anime to have silly parents acting even more childish than their teenaged children.
ADAPTATION
I have to give them kudos for knowing what to adapt and what not to. It adapts the best elements of the manga, but doesn’t get too bogged down in adapting it literally, frame by frame or plot by plot. (My argument for why the Harry Potter books have produced mediocre adaptations — such a strong desire to preserve the source material inevitably hampers the adaptation.)
Some well-executed parallels:
“F4″
Red flag
Fighting Doumyouji
Dango shop
Doumyouji asking out Tsukushi
Doumyouji out in the cold:
Rui kiss:
ARTISTIC EXECUTION
And last but not least, the series is just gorgeous. The shots, the locations, the sets, the lighting, everything. Even the simplest shots are exceuted elegantly.
Credits to hanayoridango.org for manga scanlations.
Tags: Hana Yori Dango, j-doramas
yeah this show is really good, too bad season 2 will end next week, this season has been filled with a lot of angst!!
Yeah, I don’t know how they’re going to wrap everything up in one more episode… and I agree, S2 has been so much more angst-ridden, it’s borderline frustrating because after a while it starts feeling repetitive. I just want everyone to be happy together! lol. But the show is pretty great so I’m trusting that the finale is totally satisfying.
love this series! and great review! you made me appreciate hana yori dango more.
by the way, i’ve been reading your blog for quite some time when i found the link to the goong summaries. thanks for those. it really helped a lot since the subs haven’t been out yet. thanks for doing a great job subbing that series =) i really appreciate it. you don’t know how much watching goong has gotten me through my life =) seriously ^^
thanks again!
I was kinda hoping that u’dd come up with HYD in ur blog..n thanks for this. I love reading ur post. N it seems that they’re palnning to do HYD 3 to wrap everything..I’m not sure but that’s what I’ve heard.
You know, as much as I love the show, I wish it would end with season 2… Not if they leave us hanging, but I don’t know how much more they can do to Makino-Doumyouji before it gets really old. Already all of Doumyouji’s women (the TOJ girl, Shigeru, Umi) have been somewhat repetitive.
But of course, if they make a HYD3 I’ll be watching…
hehehe..u r right. All girls are somewhat similar. All can be selfish in their own way..
I was hoping it’d end up with season one coz most sequels are major flop (Compare with meteor garden for example)..but if they really produce the 3rd one, I’ll be looking forward to it. I love the second installation better than the 1st one. Hopefully the third will be better. But yeah, it’ll be tiring to see Makino n Domyouji fight for each other again. I just want to see the developpement of other characters. Especially for Akira n Soujirou+Yuuki. As much as I knwo Jirou+yuuki wont end up together, I still have some hope that they will
Yeah, I only started watching HYD since last Dec and I’m quite captivated by the show’s plot and execution. But then again, it seems the japanese always have a flair for artistry. Quite stunning, indeed!
Btw, I absolutely luvvv your site!
Yes, this series is absolutely LOVE.
I finished watching this last Sunday and still I can’t move on… the pain, heartache and the wait are all worth it.
I was brought to your site because of QSS. hehe,
and I saw you also watch HYD. hehe.
Love this series including season 2. Don’t hope to see a 3rd installation cos season 2 sums it up pretty neat. The japanese has a way with this drama and i just love the 2 songs in HYD2 :Love So Sweet and Flavours of Life.
PS ;would you be summarising season 2 too? I love to read your summaries for the dramas. You have a way with words…
I just finished Hana Yori Dango today!
HYD = LOVE.
It was a pretty good story with an adorable cast!
Oguri Shun was extremely kawaii!
I watched all the first and the second installments of “Hana Yori Dango.” I love the story. And I laughed so hard every time Domyouji made mistakes with Japanese. I personally liked Hanazawa Rui much more than Domyouji, but I have to admit that Domyouji and Tsukushi makes a more cheerful pair.
For J-drama, I highly recommend “Nodame Cantabile” if you haven’t watched it. I’ve just finished watching the drama the third time and it became one of my favorite J-drama and K-drama of all times. It’s also based on a manga series, the story’s very refreshing and funny. It also has such a universal theme that I think everyone can find it so appealing.
HYD is a pretty cool series. personally, i think it had a better (and more tightly knit) storyline versus the taiwanese version (metor garden) of years back. but i love metoer garden still (if anything, dao ming sz played by jerry hao made it much more, well, yummy!). it took me a while to get used to the cast, in my book, they were less on the hot meter versus the meteor graden cast (i think nishikado was the one with the most potential among them f4 boys of HD).
and i must agree, i think they should end it season 2, quit while you’re ahead. aside from the possibility of tiring with the same plot, refreshing it with an alternate storyline might kill the momentum. but then, i’d still watch the thrd run if it does ever come on. hehe.
I have seen both season 1 and 2 of HYD and I truly enjoyed watching it. The casting is really awesome and each actor/actress seems perfect for the parts they are playing. The other thing that I liked about this series too is the locations they used for the series. Its a very visual drama and the luxurious settings just highlight the story even more. I really appreciate them sticking to story details.
I’ve watched the 1st and the 2nd series in one week.. it was really addicting!!!!
I love Tsukasa and Tsukushi’s story.. Even if in the second part was a bit sad..
But finally we had an happy ending.. and what an end!!! *_*
I really really really love it!!!!!
Jun was so cute!!!!!!!!!!!
i haven’t watch this series yet.. but i’ve been meaning to watch it for weeks now.. i think this series is great even if i haven’t watched it yet.. hahaha… besides jun matsumoto is the lead character hahaha..
i found out about your blog through my obsession for information about witch yoo hee.. thanks by the way for the summaries..
i love witch yoo hee, its funny.. but, yes i agree its kind of confusing hahahha.. with the couples, i mean.. hehehe…
anyway.. i got hooked when i found out that jae hee would be there, and then there’s kim jeong hun.. and dennis oh (i’ve seen him in sweet spy..)
i can’t comment on his accent because i can’t speak korean (harhar) and besides he’s been speaking a lot of english in sweet spy,, and i like him hahaha.. he’s cute..
anyway.. thankyou again for the summaries..
I love how Domyouji fails his own language!
)
And the Hemming-yay! LMAO!!
Do you know Meteor Garden? It’s a Taiwanese drama adaptaion of the manga Hana Yori Dango!!! It’s GREAT!!! It was developed even befor the Hana Yori Dango Jdorama ^^;
I have heard of Meteor Garden… After hearing there was another drama adaptation of the HYD manga, I tried watching the first episode. I have to admit I didn’t think much of it. But I can see how it was popular, especially for its time. It’s hard to judge on its own terms if you’re just watching for the first time now, though, given the high quality productions and budgets of dramas these days.
where can i watch this.. ? i juz want to see and watch it!! pleeaase!!!
I ReaLLy LoVe ThIs mOviE…….
i Was So aDDicted……. yEah iTs True…..
Tnx foR maKing ThiS mOvie!!!!
God Speed!!!
Can I Have a CopY of Theme Songs Of HanA Yori Dango?! PleAse????? I’m BeGGinG…….
PLeAsE TeLL mE How Could i havE a CoPy of It….. PlZZZZZ????? TnX!!!!
lovelyzel, they’re already downloadable. you should be able to click the links and save.
I KnoW ThaT It Is DoWnLoAdaBle,
BuT HoW CouLd i Have A CoPy oF It iN FriEndStEr?!
There’s nO CoDe?!
Lovelyzel, I’m not sure what you’re asking…? What code are you asking for? If you mean to play it in friendster, you’ll have to upload the song on your own program/server and play it that way. These audio players only work here in wordpress.
THIS IS THE BEST SERIES I’VE SEEN SO FAR ! ! !
I’ve only just watched this show but it has utterly captivated me.
And you are right, the execution from manga to live action is,
for want of a better word, SUPERLATIVE!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts,
I’m looking forward to reading more from you.(”,)
i like the song wish and i like the boy rui!!he’s so cute!!
uhh..don’t u think that girl in the hana yori dango and utada hikaru looked like each other so much??
haiz, guyz we all love HYD! right!? why dont we demand for another seson of it?,
the comic manga of HYD if i`m not mistaken have 35 episodes, if you will sum up the two seasons all in all it only have 20 episodes, tehre’s still remaining 15 episodes huh!? so it wouldnt be too much for another season huH!?
guyz plesase help me out, i want to have the mailing address of TBS, i want to flood their site with our request^^,
i will really miss makino! and of course those 4 guyz! especially my idol!
OGURI SHUN!
please give their e-mail address,ONEGAISHIMASU!
i beg you guyz!^^
and oh! by the way, for those who have their friendster accnt.! you can add me up!
ran_092003@yahoo.com
send me a message telling that you are a HYD fanatic^^
i will be waiting for your request!
hai!! guyZZZ……..
i really really like hanayori dango…
specially my idol oguri shun or rui hanazawa…he is a very good actor right?
also tsukasa,makino,sojiri and akira…they played their roles very nice…
and also you can adD me in your Friendster…
khaty_gian1407@yahoo.com
shunji_1628@yahoo.com…
and also in yahoo messenger…
shunji_1407…
hey guyz.,
i really love HYD!! the reason i luv this j drama is because tsukasa’s 1st luv was makino.. and there 1st kiss was with each other… im really lookig forward for season 3… if there is a season 3 ofcourse.. i’ve watched HYD more than 3 times, and im not tired of watching it again..
ei guyz! add me up on your friendster, i came from the philippines,
for those who really loves HYD,
let us all demand for another season f it^^
we dont want to miss our fave artists, do you!?
and one more thing who among you knows where can i watch the live drama of detective conan?, i’ve already watched it’s 1st episode, i want to watch the other episodes^^,
thx a lot!
you gUyz rOcKz! \,,/,
LovE yAh!^^,
here again my e-mail on friendster
ran_092003@yahoo.com
and in YM,
ran_092003
ARIGATOU GOZAI-MASU^^
HAJIMEMASHITE! u oL!
I totally like the series. The manga is so good!!! Kamio Yoko sensei best work I think. I like hanazawa rui but can’t ignore domyouji character. And the live action is so great!!! The 1st and the 2nd season….both of them…..I really like the opening….I think both 1st n 2nd season opening is cool!!! seriously…..envy a lot me…..n oh what a guy they get to play hanazawa rui??? since knowing him from the series I’ve put quite an interest in him. Totally the best live-action
I’ve ever seen. If you have watched meteor garden you’ll know what I meant. The live action looks totally live!!!! We get to see domyouji is freaking rich!!!!! The japanese sure spent a lot this time I heard. Totally worthy to watch…….I missed the series a lot and I don’t know what to look for after this….I just hope that there’ll be more nice manga n more nice live action like this…..let’s keep our finger cross……
This is the first time I’ve ever stumbled across your website. I love reading your reviews. Your comparisons on HYD manga vs. live-action was particularly interesting to me. The shots you chose to exhibit bring out some of the best artistic qualities of HYD, which is one of the main things that got me hooked on the series so quickly in the first place. You have a way with words that keeps things interesting, which is a great talent. The website is nicely simplistic, so readers aren’t distracted from the text and the gorgeous images. I love it. Keep up the great work – I’ll definitely be back to visit again!
jun so cute he is my boyfriend right!!! im amo inoue in yokohama japan i hope more supurting my tv show hana yori dango………………
I need help!!!! I watch hana yori dango 1, 2 and returns, and I think I skipped the episode where Doumyouji leaves and he gives her the saturn necklace. Please help me, what episode is that!!???
you know what oguri shun/rui hanazawa, you are my crush forever!!!! i hope you can read this…
hana yori dango is so cool especially rui! you are so cute! youre my crush!!!
Hi ummm i totally agree i totally think rui hanazawa is so cute i wish tsukushi could have ended up with him!:(
i go to the library to watch the hana yori dango series!and i request the books!
i think this film is good
i just started watching this and its my first j-drama omg i love it, even though they talk a little faster in j-dramas than in k-dramas i still enjoy and absolutely love the drama. I am on the last episode of the 1st season and i can’t wait to see how it ends…… but form the synopsis of 2nd season i really want rui to have a chance with makino i mean ever since the 1st episode i was always rooting for rui but i did start to like doumyouji….. i’m seriously gonna die from the anticipation of season 2….. great analysis of the series i really do believe that the people behind it did a great job of adapting the right things and putting it in a more entertaining and lively way. i also enjoy the screen shots, there are some great scenery in a lot of the scenes in season 1 so far. ok i’m gonna stop now just wanted to say thanks and that i’m so ready for the second season….
Does anybody read manga? Hana Yori Dango is a very famous manga. I think it’s better to read it than watch the series. I’ve watched the Taiwanese version of this series. It wasn’t too bad but they change alot details of the manga.
Hi again, i just finished the 2nd season, and though i was very disappointed to see that rui didn’t really get a chance but all of makino and rui’s scenes were sooo adorable. I really loved the ending, especially when the jealous umi sent makino out in the blizzard to get yuki, even when makino was practically frozen in the snow she was able to say her famous “unbelievable”. The proposal was “unbeliable,” and when eveyone was dancing in the end and rui and makino were dancing, i became teary eyed because i had really wished that rui would have been the one to propose to makino. Throughout the whole series i domyouji was so funny because he would always try to say meaningful things at key or random moments but would totally mess up the importnace of his statement because if his inabilitiy to master his own language. Finally, i am in love with OGURI SHUN, he is soooooooo cute, at first when i saw him i thought he looked kind of weird but over the course of the series i started to like him. and so far i have watch other movies and a drama that he has done, and i now not only like him because he is cute but also because he is actually a good actor, because he totally immerses himself in every role hes done…… well i’m gonna stop and i am sure it looks like an essay but i just had to say how much i loved HYD…..
it’s summer break, and i watched HYD1 until i couldn’t keep conscious. this dorama is so addictive!
it’s soo good, but i have a feeling the second season is going to be angsty and hard to watch (although i’ll struggle through it, with a pillow and some tissues for support). javabeans! please write about the second season– i love your writing :]
hmm…don’t really watch j-dramas. guess this is gonna be my first…thanks javabeans!
My first J-Dorama was Hana Yori Dango .. But I watched after I finished Delightful Girl Chun-Hyang and My Girl.. So to me the series seemed over the top with acting and story wise .. Felt like It’s only suitable for a 13 year old if they hadn’t used so much profanity (that’s before I found out about the Manga).. I really didn’t like Doumyouji (and Jun’s Ugly hair and make up and sometimes wardrobes .. What kind of guy has such shapely eyebrows.. Makes me jealous) .. But I continue to watch the show because of Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi (she’s too cute and lovable to pass over) .. I agree Oguri Shun was perfect as Hanazawa Rui .. I was rooting for Rui and Tsukushi till the very end (as usual I fell for the 2nd lead male character .. Little did I know about the Manga).. However I liked season 2 better than season 1 ..
But I think I’m liking Japanese Hana Kimi more than Hana Yori Dango.. The story seemed to be more interesting (at some point insane) than HYD.. Also Oguri Shun is playing a relatively darker character (no longer that polite, smiley kid) .. Lead actress Maki is adorable and the comical reaction of Nakatsu Shuichi (Ikuta Toma) is just hilarious. To me it’s more well written (the drama didn’t exactly follow the Manga storyline) and funny (but not over the top funny) than HYD..
Wow, that’s all I have to say, WOW.
This was my FIRST Jdrama and I have gotta say.
It was so different from the Korean Dramas !!
Each episode is 45 minutes long, which I thought was impossible, judging from the Korean Dramas, which are pretty long, I think. An hour?! I’m just clicking my thumbs and laying down when watching my korean dramas (;
But HYD&HYD2 totally opened my eyes to all the OTHER Jdramas, Tdramas, to Cdramas.
Anyways, I thought this dramas was brilliant and wonderful for all the colorful characters and the creativity of it. I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE AND SHOT BY ONE OF CUPID’S ARROW FOR HANAZAWARUI/OGURISHUN. Needless to say, I disliked Domyouji in the beginning for his cold character, but I got used to him, oddly enough. HIM AND HIS CURLY HAIR. X] I have cried and used about 10 tissues for this drama, weirdly enough. o_o;
For now though, I’m watching Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (HanaKimi), both Taiwanese&Japanese. &I’m happy to say that OGURI SHUN IS COMING OUT OF HANA KIMI ; JAPANESE VER. : D KAAAWWAAIII
TOMO, MAKI, SHUUN !
JAVABEANS !;
YOU HAVE PUT ME IN A NEW POV !
quote:
(That�s why it pisses me off to no end when I go to sites and see some leechers complaining about the speed � or lag � of fansub releases. What�s up with that, huh? Complaining how the wait is killllling them, how they�re dyyyyying to watch the next episode, when�s the sub coming out already?? I�d like to see them complaining after they�ve spent hours downloading, an hour watching the show, five hours translating, getting back perhaps one thank-you for every fifty people who take it, and THEN reading a bunch of ungrateful people complaining how it wasn�t done faster. Most fans are great, but those few bad ones really sour the experience. To them, I say: Hmph.)
endquote. : D
I never thought of that&acted that way, but I finally realize what trouble translators have gone through(: I’ll be SURE to thank them next time ^^
?????,
–??.
Hana Yori Dango : that brings up memories… I really loved the series as well, and, strangely enough, without this particular japanese show, I would never have found out about korean dramas – “fate” works with very strange convoluted ways ; but I guess I have to thank SARS fansubs for opening me to this world of… wonders (?) (then again, “because of them” I’ve been spending way too much time watching K-dramas for the last year, so that I’ve almost become a no-life and/or no-sleep person).
In general, I am not much of a j-drama person : apart from HYD, very few of them have met my taste (like “LIAR GAME”, for instance, or “Tokyo Wankei” – but that’s “almost” a k-drama)… But I just love k-dramas, to the extent that my friends and family find I’m kind of weird, lately (because I’m just the average French girl).
Anyway, I never forget to be thankful to fansubbers for their work and for opening the doors of dramas to people like me : I know what I owe them ! So again, thanks to you and to the rest of the WITHS2 team for the wonderful work you all do !
^Haha, same here!
After I started to watch HYD&HYD2 I became TOTALLY, AND UTTERLY obsessed with every OTHER J-Dorama. -_-;
I’ve been doing to much computer as well, getting myself into a little trouble with my parents ._.;
&I recently found out about UTorrent&Torrents on d-addicts, making my life feel like a total waste out of all my wasted time waiting for the full load of the episodes on Youtube, Veoh, and Crunchyroll.
Hm, I should stop watching
Any good suggestions how to stop my obsession on DRAMAS? >0
안녕하삼.
나는 사람이다.
ㅋ.
크앤 할까용? ㅋㅋ
i personally like jdorama’s over other dramas because of their deeper analization of characters and really above the usual unique plot lines…also I tend to like actors because of their acting skills over the usual cutesy faces that most dramas pose.
I would love to read more of your reviews and thoughts with other jdoramas such as nobuta wo produce which is personally one of my faves as well as kimi wa petto.
i fall in love with matsumoto jun in this dorama…he could play tsukasa very well. kind a weird for the first time..but hey..he can act..so, i’ve watched another dorama like gokusen and bambino played by matsumoto jun! surprisingly, he played the characters so well as shin sawada and ban Gosho there….so that, i must wait another dorama from him.
and mao inoue so cuteeeeee i love her more than shan chai..coz she’s so adorable but tough also.
i love HYD and the soundtracks too..:D could be the dorama that i wat to watch over and over again. two thumbs up!
i really love HYD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i prefer HYD than meteor garden although i watched both of them…..dont know why, but in my opinion, i prefer the J-style which is not so dragging and i love the casts in HYD than in meteor garden, especially the role of makino, doumoji, and rui……i ve watched HYD many times and also saved them in my laptop ^.^ it makes my day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
javabeans, do think you’ll be watching hana kimi with oguri shun once the series is over? i think there was main hype because people are expecting it to be as good as hana yori dango. i dunno, i guess we’ll see!
guess what javabeans..
given if there was a chance that we could meet somewhere we might end up talking about HYD and kdramas we have watched. I am really thankful for the insight about how fansubbers are usually unappreciated, those people who complain about when the subs are going to come out are totally out of line. How I wish I have your flair for words having to describe what I actually felt about HYD as I have read the manga (translated in english of course, the anime (all of it),the taiwanese version and the jdorama like you has impressed me so much so while waiting for the rest of the coffee prince to finish, I’d probably be watching HYD again.
Just like HYD that started as a manga turned anime to live action,
I’d like to recommend nodame cantabile if you have a chance, tell me what you think..SARS fansubs are subbing it and the dvd’s are available. Its also based on a manga by tomoko ninamiya, watch the live action or the anime.. the music is superb as it made me appreciate classical music more and how the main characters develop as the story progress as well. Hopefully, maybe one of these days you might want to blog it here in your website. Its merely a suggestion, as I know you have probably better things to do.. but still I love your website and continue as I absolutely adore reading your insights and up to date in depth summaries and fair comments to the dramas that you have watched.
Personally, I like HYD Season I better than II…
HYD is reallly good. i personally am not a huge fan of japanese dramas compared to korean ones but they have the craziest and cutest stuff. I realllly recommend Hana Kimi. maybe you’ve already started to watch it. a hilarous drama. and one of the main characters in the drama is from the first episode of HYD2.
You know, they are finishing off the HYD series (finally) with an HYD movie set to release next summer.
Personally, I’m really happy they are ending it cause I felt season 2 was a little unnecessary.. but at the same time, I’m really excited for the movie! ^^
quick question…do you like hana yori dango more than meteor garden? meteor garden is the taiwanese adaptation of it. it became widely popular especially the F4 guys who went out to form a band. they now are doing there solo careers but i still follow all of them.
Jeanette, I couldn’t watch much of Meteor Garden… I’d heard of MG after finishing Hana Yori Dango, and tried catching the first episode. While HYD is, on its own, beautifully shot and well-acted, Meteor Garden just didn’t hold up for me — it was dated and obviously had less money and less experienced talent than HYD. I know it’s got a huge following and devoted fans, but it’s not like I have a particular devotion to the HYD manga or anime that automatically disposes me to liking all adaptations. I liked HYD for what it was on its own — a fun, well-produced drama series.
thanks for the soundtrack
ty!!!!~ ^_____^
I watched MG first.. but HYD is way much better!! ^_^
I’ve been planning to watch HYD for a long time. I started watching ep 1 and 2 a few months ago and till now i still can’t get myself to carry on to the 3rd ep. Something about the dorama seems a bit dull, boring and ridiculous to me. But i only watched 2 ep, maybe something interesting awaits in the following eps? I guess i’ll give it a try since javabean seems to enjoy it. ^^
I was wondering, will u be posting any posts on other jdoramas in the future? Or do you specialize more on kdramas? and what other jdoramas hv u watched and enjoyed? just curious;P
I think Meteor Garden and HYD are both great!
i just spent two days watching hyd 1 and 2. no sleep for me and i hve school too. this is my first fav j-drama, i hve hyd 1 and 2 they were the only two jdramas that i actually finished. i only liked tvb and kdrama at first but now im also adding jdrama to my addiction. how do i stop? uhh it’s a good addiction and a bad one too. i just finished reading all of these comments (hhaha, they’re were long but interesting). i lve ur site and thanks so much for all the fans that sub for addicts like me. im gonna go to bed now. man, this is bad, watching and watching. o ya i like ur new polls! i visit ur site everyday. it’s 322 am already. oops. o ya, i lve hui too and i saw him in haha kimi first (i finished that drama too). im starting to like jdramas and music!!
o ya, i think both meteor garden and hyd r so successful b/c mainly of the story/plot. i hven’t watch meteor garden yet though but i think i saw a part of it long ago.
i noticed you posted this in your blog. would definitely like to thank you for putting up a VERY GOOD review for it. its one of my personal favorites and i love sars for subbing it. they did a very good job. all the characters were really strong and it did not sway too much from from the manga unlike the taiwan version. i loved both HYD 1 and 2, and will still keep re-watching.
i absolutely love hyd.. i saw the first season subbed it just finished airing here in LA local channel18 and after i saw the first eppie i went online and found both seasons and i watched them both .. then i re watched season one as it went on on tv it’s truly great.. i’m more into k dramas but this one is definetly a winner ! woot woot ^_^ love it!
Hello, I don’t remember if I posted a Thank You for finding the extra songs for Coffee Prince, but “Thank You!” As for HYD. I dearly love this show. I watched first few episodes but the site I got it from got shut down. I’m Korean and I’ve been watching a fansubbed (English)version of HYD until the sources were lost to me. Do you have any idea as to where I may find them? I’d really
I agree with you regarding the quality of production for HYD… the japanese version did live up to the manga essentials… there were some part of the manga that was not included – like when Doumyouji eloped w/tsukushi makino and got married, then took off in a boat… (i thought that’s how it ended). Though i think Jun Matsumoto is funny and effective in his acting I still prefer how Jerry Yan who portrayed the role as Dao Ming Xi in the taiwanese adaptation of the manga – Metero Garden. And to be honest, although the JDo produced quite an effective bunch of actors and had more budget to produce the live action version, I took MG1 to be more endearing rather than fun… well there were exageration on taiwanese adaptation like the focus on o the mother- and daughter -in-law to be relationship between San Cai and Dao Ming Feng, but i like it…. besides, fact is, that series produce four unknown stars into a well received pack of matinee idols which by the way have captured the hearts of many accross the globe (F4 now known as JVKV)… I am witness to a lot of women (young and old) and male kids that admired them to the core … I myself got hooked to the drama because my 5year old niece were crying her heart out fighting over tv monopoly when the then MG1 was first launched in Manila…my nephew was watching Slamdunk – the anime which i myself enjoy – then was being aired simultaneously with MG1. My niece won of coures. Kids do work a better deal when they cry on you being youngest and all. MG1 was to be the first tagalog dubbed asian (Chinese at that ) series to be aired in the city ( I think?) so my nephew took it to be a little off his taste nevertheless got hook to it as well.
In MG the character of tsukushi makino a.k.a. San Cai were given a a twist when challenged to sample her talent at piano in MG1 – versus the embarassment of tsukushi in the JDo2 – it was feel good moment for me. Talking about the other characters… I like the taiwanese version because I find the four guys to be really captivatingly handsome on tv and in person. Vic Zhou was effective for me in portraying the role of Hua Zhe Lei (Rui in the manga). Ken Zhu was effectively cool in his role … So did Matsuda in the JDo. Vaness Wu is quite over acting most of the times but he was pretty handsome so still, he live up to his role … I like the chemistry between him and Pace Wu on MG2… But am not sure if I like the JDo equivalent as his role – Akira, who focused more on his relationship with his sister and weird mother (I guess yes to put life to the manga). Still, having watched MG1 & 2 first, I was hoping for a more bishonen type of actor to play the role. I think because the JDo manga was reenacting each scene as it was given life in the manga – fashion statement and all!
The actressess who played Domyouji’s sister were both effective… in different ways they’ve their own characters to support our protagonist… I like it in both adaptations so did both matriarch. Yet yes to compare how well done it is. I like the ending on HYD1. I thought its pretty sweet unlike in MG1 where the confirmation of San Cai’s (makino) affection still felt half hearted. HYD2 is far better than what I expected… I like the way it was edited and although a bit cheesy for me… i like that it ended the way it did… I didn’t like MG2 (in the taiwanese version I was already set that San Cai will be better off being Hua Zhe Lei’s – Rui’s girl than Dao Ming Xi) well it’s just wishful of me to think so.
Since we’re all talking about JDo maybe you can include NODAME CANTABILE… that is one collectible item for me… the whole live action series were fun … I consider it even better than the manga… thanks to my friend who lent me the manga.. seriously, I read because I happened to have watched the live action first… and I thought the actors were really effective in the role… the whole series were done in good taste as far as i am concerned… it was as if you were reading on the manga with all the characters personified (? please pardon me if I don’t make sense)… I totally love it!
malingkat tuud ini!!!the highest level!!uvier!
thanks for the comment… but to be honest i didn’t get what you said – MALINGKAT?- i get – tuud ini – though…
I’m really very much in love with HYD. The manga was AMAZING, and the drama as well. It executed some of my favorite scenes beautifully. ^^ I knew about the pun, but never thought to applying it to the name F4. Interesting…..It makes perfect sense! And I love the characters. Inoue Mao’s character is a fave of mine. Such a normal, not pretty girl, and yet rich guys falling in love with her! And her casting was perfect. She has that normal boyishness of Tsukushi but also has the charisma I think Tsukushi must’ve had.
Also, If you would like to know, Domyouji’s mom, Kaede isn’t EXACTLY all evil. She does have some very “motherly” tendencies which you see at the end of the manga (but which the dorama ignored to fit with its interpretations a lil better.) Not that I’m mad, just a point.
And, if you wish to watch HYD a third time, a movie is scheduled to be released in about the summer of 2008, starring the original cast. It’ll be called HYD the final, and I’m pretty sure they won’t milk HYD anymore than that. Plotline will be grand (I hope) considering the fact that the manga-ka, Kamio, worked with producers for the plotline. I’m expecting the same quality.
omygash I lurve the last picture.
Finally, the second season will be aired here in the Philippines! I can’t wait. 
I ALSO strongly recommend NODAME CANTABILE. It was really a “LOVELY” Jdrama. The last time I was CRAZY with Jdrama was LONG VACATION (yeah, long long long 100x time ago….). PLEASE be kind to give yourself a chance to watch it… (^_^)
By the way, this is also a Wonderful & Lovely Website. CHEERS!!!
hana yori dango is really beautiful….. lalo n c rui ang cute cute nya …..
RHUI is very handsome that cannot compared to others he is so yummy………
this show gives me problem every time makino and domyouchi had a problem. rhui is very handsome makes me kilig to the bones and he is so yummy……………..
thanks for the sharing!
Why, I didn’t find the jap version fantastic at all cos i was really disappointed with the casting of Doumyouji. I admit to being rather shallow to judge him so quickly :p but Matsumoto Jun’s neither tall nor handsome and I feel that he does not fit the profile of Doumyouji at all. It’s just hard to appreciate his performance when he completely ruins my impression of my fave character :/ I found Jerry Yan much much more appealing! Inoue Mao’s alright though
i want to meet hanazawa rui…hehehe..i like him sooo much!!!
i want to meet hanazawa rui..hehehe..i like him soooo much!!!
u’re webpage was so interesting!!!^_^
please keep it up!!!..good job…
i liked the theme songs…
can u please add the part 2 theme song…
in romantic part??….please!!>..i’m hoping 4 that…
I’m so happy that there will be a movie coming this June 28, 2008. But, you were spot on with your analysis. The shots were really gorgeous!
Ok, just got back from a trip to Japan (my first time, loved loved loved the country btw but that’s another story) and casually flipping channels one day in the hotel I came across HYD. I couldn’t get a single word off what was going on but had an instand “love at first sight” moment with the show. Back in Paris (where I currently live) I spent an entire day at work doing nothing but research on the internet until I found the name of the show and how I could watch it with subtitles.
Ever since, I am a hard-core fan. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this show. I love the relationship between Makino and Doumyouji (TOTAL instant crush on MatJun — kicked Brad Pitt off my 1’s hotties list). I love the way the city of Tokyo plays such a big part in the drama (kindda like NYC in SATC), I love the music (can play “Flavor of Love” and “Planetarium” over and over again on my ipod and not get tired), I love the characters AND the way the characters were played by the actors, you get it: I – LOVE – THE – ENTIRE – THING.
I’ve read up on the manga and the anime as well… I’m trying to get a hand on the manga at the local japanese library we got here in Paris and as for the anime, not sure I want to watch it yet. I’m still too happy watching Season’s 1 & 2 of the drama over and over. PLUS, I’m waiting for the movie to come out in June (subded off course).
I’ve also read up on other dramas (meteor garden) based on HYD or dramas in which MatJun is in (I could totally see myself becoming his stalker). Nothing I’ve read seems to spark in me as much interest as HYD… but any suggestions you may send my way will be highly appreciated.
BTW, I really liked your post on this show.
Fned.
I must say that Hana Yori Dango is amazing xD In the past i never really thought about it that much, I kinda just thought “oh this is a really good drama”, and I would say that Coffee Prince was my favorite drama. But, now that I think about it, HYD is the only drama that I never get bored of in the middle of an episode! Even Coffee Prince, which I love, sometimes seems a bit laggy (though it still holds a special place in my heart xD). It’s funny in all the right places and though jdoramas have a short amount of episodes compared to korean or taiwanese dramas (I’m not complaining xD I like how I can finish it all in a day!), I still connected with the characters so that the traditional cry-laugh-sigh happened while watching the two seasons.
So anyways, the casting is amazing (I thought Matsumoto Jun was very unattractive in the first epidose of the series! His hair looked funny and didn’t he look just a little greasy? But now I think he’s cutee! And talented! He can sing and act! Oh, and Oguri Shun was easy on the eyes with his dyed and styled hair that looked super good on him!) and the acting was really good. It really does follow the manga, more so than Meteor Garden did, and surprisingly the 2nd season didn’t stink like most 2nd seasons do! I actually ended up liking the 2nd season better than the 1st =D
Can’t wait for the HYD movie to be subbed! All of Arashi’s songs for the show are so good! And I cannot believe I missed them in Vegas, and Jun was apparently in LA T_T So close yet so far.
Oh and your post on this show was what inspired me to first watch this drama xD So thank you!
My god…I really liked HYD than that awful Meteor Garden (no offense to MG fans, but I really hate it as much as Dragon Ball)…
And I still haven’t watched the Movie finale!!!!
first time i read your review about this… and here i thought you only watch korean dramas… ^_^v i love reading your thoughts on certain dramas, sometimes i check your reviews first before diving into a new Kdrama to know if it would be worth my time… usually, your review would save me the time of previewing it and watching it from first episode to last.
back to hanadan, the final installment which is a movie has been out for quite some time now… it saddens me a bit to know that they’ve actually put an end to the whole story, but im really glad that they have done this into a dorama… it makes the manga more alive. this would be always a classic drama for me.
Hana Yori Dango is too good that i can’t say anything to share my feelings. I am excited to watch it. really nice. I like the songs too. its awesome …
Mimasaka Akira is the best. i wish i could be the madam killer like him.
Though.. Jdrama was amazing…. I am stuck man..
Shihab M Shihab
Your Hero Forever
well, i missed watching a few episodes of hana yori dango season 2…
but then, Hana yori Dango are still the BEST!!!!
I started reading the manga Hana Yori Dango and watching the jdrama after all the fuss about the Kdrama adaptation coming out. BOTH ARE SOO GOOD. I’m officially a Domyouji/Tsukushi fan (i think they’re definitely the ones that belong together)… and I’ll save Hanazawa Rui for myself. lol
I have wasted at least 24 hours of my life with this story but its soo amazing.
Just finished watching HYD2 about half an hour ago. I absolutely fell in love with this series, the casting (how can you NOT love Matsumoto Jun? He was just brilliant!), the sets and nearly everything else you wrote in your review, Javabeans.
I’m on a HYD high now, gonna check out the movie tomorrow XD
I’m hoping the Korean version can live up to it just as well.
what do people think of the hana yori dango final movie? i’m wondering if its worth my time since i’ve just finished the second season and i feel pretty satisfied. also the plot of the movie looks a little silly/repetitive: domyouji and makino go chasing after a missing tiara (??), which hanazawa rui (the kindest soul on earth) may have stolen in order to prevent the wedding…
still… seeing the grand wedding sounds exciting
here’s the link:
http://www.mysoju.com/hana-yori-dango-final/
thanks for this!!! i’m a really big fan of HYD (never seen Meteor Garden because it’s too long and I’m more fond of K-dramas & J-dramas)! you have expressed the same sentiments i have for HYD so thank you! but most importantly, i have never fully understood and appreciated the title (”Boys Before Flowers”) in relation to F4. it was perfect and made me like this manga/dorama/series, this “franchise” as a whole, even more!
duomo arigatou!
I watched hanadan based on high recomendations from friends…and really, it is a drama that shows us popular and hyped can also live up to but also lift the roof on our expectations. The whole series was just really well executed. It didn’t use the famous faces of MatsuJun or OguShun to carry the story- the plot spoke for itself and that’s what made this different to other dramas.
I mean, this story: rich boy-poor girl, is something we’ve seen so many times, but I don’t know, maybe it was the choice of music, the cinematography or the great chemistry between the two leads that made the hanadan story famous…
I love love the silhouette kissing scene soooooooo beautifully done!!!
The best version of HYD
Your reviews are always amazing Javabeans (:
By the way.. Anyone know the name of the piece Makino is trying to play in Season One Episode Eight in preparation of the TOJ Competition? Rui’s teaching her and Domyouji eventually shows off his skill.. (:
I would like to know too the name of this piece.
Hana Yori Dango is the first japanese drama i’ve seen. And though admittedly I was really crazy with taiwanese F4 back then…it was a phenomenon here in the philippines that I don’t know whether to laugh really hard or just smile…imagine the whole top ten list of popular songs are from the taiwanese F4 and the thing is very few as in it’s not even common for Filipinos to speak more so to understand chinese language. It was really weird I could even see myself singing chinese songs w/c i don’t have a clue about…well so much for that. So I do understand when some filipinos didn’t really came to appreciate HYD…it’s hard to replace one’s first love hehe.
Anyway, Hana Yori Dango is done really great that just on episode 1 all my doubts disappeared, I know MatsuJun looked gay and all at first but by the time he acts you’ll start liking his character. I know some who can’t watch the series anymore since accdg to them japanese Domyoji is ugly, I really can’t blame them since Jerry Yan and the other taiwanese F4 are handsome in their own right and still for me they are the best looking F4. And I always say this whenever HYD is being talked about and I’m going to say it again…I absolutely commend MatsuJun for a very good performance as the evil Domyoji (all of the school cafeteria scene are a must watch!)…if it weren’t for his convincing acting, I wouldn’t have pushed through with the series anymore even if Rui is there (main guy does play a big part) and even if Makino is my heroine. From watching Hanadan it made Meteor Garden’s F4 look like middle class infront of Domyoji-sama and the other japanese F4. But then more than the fashion, cars that made the series more exciting I’m satisifed with the way the jap actors portrayed themselves as F4…that even if they’re not striking good looking at first, their presence and their attitude would tell you who they are exactly. So there up until now HanaDan is still the best version even if the korean one is already airing.
love your reviews!
btw, i’m looking for places to download the subbed version of HYD season 1, 2 and the movie.. well practically everything.. any idea where i can get them?
@ Kurisaturu. You told everything
Before I was all about look. I didn’t want to watch HYD japan because of that (epecially Jun Physical appearance and I have never found Oguri shun handsome). Now I am happy I have overcome that and I watched this drama. Jun maybe short and thin but through his portraying he intimidated me (I still enjoy the moment makino punched him because he had so much powerness in Eitoku ! plus the actors nailed it!).
Look at season 2 episode 1, Domyoji PUNCHED soujiro, Soujiro APOLOGISE…. and when he said to soujiro “seems since I have been in NY your mouth has become a whole more larger…” the way he told that you feel he is a leader and Soujiro comes after him.
Plus this version had everything…
this version was awsome, the best for me anyway. short and sweet and absolutely hilarious. loved all the aspects of the characters and storyline, even though it was a little crazy and over the top, makino and domyouji always make it so cute and heartwarming. i never saw meteor garden, but it’s waay too long and i don’t have the patience. i’m currently watching the korean hyd and i like the cast, most of the time…and the way everything plays out like the japanese version, but not in order and the added events sometimes make no sense at all, and i’m so sick of the characters saying one thing and acting opposite of what they say?? despite this, i’m still hooked (it’s kim hyun joong!). wierd thing is, i like ji hoo in the korean hyd more than in the jap hyd (don’t get me wrong, oguri shun was spectacular), but maybe it’s because i don’t find jun pyo as appealing as in the jap. version. he’s not as….umm, how do i put it, charming, entertaining, insane? yeah…
this jdrama makes me cry a lot and makesfeel happy at the sme time….it’s just amazing
HYD its still the best for me..sorry BBF..jun pyo is not so domyoji and jandi is not so makino that’s why i feel the two of you weaks and lame too..dunno why..chemistry is already gone..blew by the wind..
sorry to say..
someone..couldn’t agree with you more:D
The Best adaptation of the HYD manga!!
The TW was plain horrible! It was boring. The KR version was slightly better but they made a BIG mistake casting the Korean version of Makino (she was just annoying most of the time and nothing else ) and the korean version of Rui totaly sucks (that actor isnt worth a …)
the JP version of HYD is the best.
It has great cast; location shots, comedy , drama and so more .
The JP version captured the mangas soul.
A must watch!!
Wow!!!
I liked this!!!
I mean…
Because of this article I appreciated HYD more….
I really love this drama….
I totally agree with what was written here…
The manga already had 3 versions as of the moment but for me the japanese version is the best…
Well…
What can we expect, the story was based on a manga created by a Japanese..
But really, this drama is so awesome.
I’ve watched it 2 times yet I couldn’t stop myself from watching it all over again!!!!
By the way, thanks javabeans for this article… I loved it!!!
hi…
wonderful story!!!
Hana Yori Dango: ahaha, nostalgic much? This show def. brings back memories. I’m smiling as I write this… ^_^
This dorama def. has it all. I’m not saying that it’s the perfect dorama (there’s no such thing) but I loved the way they did things in this. Yes, Domyouji’s fur coat was … really weird and Utada Hikaru’s “Flavour of Life” was … slightly overused, but I loved it nonetheless and yes, I did scream and shout at the TV when Umi tried to take it all away in the last two episodes…^^
Thank you hanadan for sharing this journey with us…
now that the Korean Version is done, I think I can honestly say that the Japanese version is a lot better, even better than Taiwanese version. Dont get me wrong I love 3 versions, but to me Japanese version is more executed right. hmm…makes me wanna bust out HanaDan and do marathon tonight..
The movie was okay too, erhm, i give 7 out of 10.
Dramabeans- I watched HYD back to back in a weekend and I LOVED IT. I thought Domyouji was ugly too until I saw the whole thing and MatsumotoJun is HOTNESS personified, guys, check him out. Anyways first thing done was to come here and check out what you thought of it and Im glad you liked it too.l do like K version but its not fair to compare- they are two totally different dramas….but I love this Makino and Domyouji – while in Boys Before Flowers I was rooting for Gaeul and Yijeung and the main couple didnt really catch my interest in Hanayoridango its ALL about Mah-kee-no (dont you love Hanazawa Rui) and Domyouji …
I thought the plot made more sense than the Kdrama! I loved:
1. The intensely strong bond between the boys were shown. The relationship between them was typically (what I think is typical) of boys- argue, fight, punch, best friends.
2. the love between Tsubaki and Tsukasa! I mean in BOF they dont seem this close!
3. Inoue Mao. and Matsumoto Jun- sadly I have become a Matsujun-inoue mao fan..
Anyway thanks for your reviews of this~!
i realy realy like B.O.F. i love it
i LooooooovvvvvvvvvvvEEEEEEEEE HYD..
HYD is the bezT than the other versi0n ( korean nd taiwan versi0n)…
suukkkiii dh ma HYD..
ALL in HYD ‘re perfect..
i Likke makino tsukusi & doumyouji tsukasa nd the other F4..
I LOVE this series! : )
I finished watching Hana Yori Dango, first season, in one day. Sleeping late watching it and waking up the next morning to resume watching it.
I love how Makino was portrayed by Inoue Mao. In Hana Yori, Makino was not characterized as a bumbling, awkward commoner. The series showed that Makino was perfectly aware of the silliness around her, and of how she seemed to be the only normal student in Eitoku Gakkuen.
And yes, the series was really well-thought of – music, shots, editing, execution. It was obvious throughout the series.
Sigh. Don’t you just love the last scene of first season- when Domyouji gave Makino a kiss in the sunset?
Still waiting for my player to recognize the “Hana Yori Dango Returns” dvd (work, dvd player, please.) ~
for me hana yori dango is the best version among the others but then again they are all different in a way but the same plot and characters. with hana yori dango i really could feel the chemistry between makino and domyoji. i finished watching seasons 1 and 2 and also the movie and i wish their story never ends cuz its soooo effin GOOD!!! i wish they make a sequel movie!!!!! love it! i think the story is very creative and brilliant regadless which version it is!!
love it
i personally believe that hana yori dango is the best version, then boys over flowers, and then, the taiwanese version, i havn’t seen it yet……i wish they would make another hana yori dango that shows their married life and when she has the baby….my friends watched it too and luved it!!!!!! kyaaaaaaaaaa! O 3 O
i’m kinda bored rite now so….
i have to say that this is probably hands down one of my favorite dramas. i agree with everything you said, the series was perfect.