Boys Before Flowers: Episode 5
by javabeans
Our trend continues: A couple surprisingly good scenes, and then some really bad ones.
Overall, I thought Episode 5 was a pleasant one — not too challenging but had its fun moments — with lots of gorgeous scenery.
Also, folks, since commenting has been prolific with regards to this drama: Keep it clean and keep it to the point, please! Comments are welcome, positive or negative, but when they veer into flaming or trolling territory, they get deleted. I don’t usually mod comments much but I think I’m going to have to start.
Thanks!
SONG OF THE DAY
Boys Before Flowers OST – “Paradise” by T-MAX, which is the group Kim Joon (Woo-bin) is a member of. [ Download ]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
EPISODE 5 RECAP
Jan-di’s bike is set on fire, while she is assaulted with water balloons and blasted with a fire extinguisher. Seriously, are these Shinhwa kids all sociopaths? Regular bullying and taunting is bad enough, but they seem to be particularly malicious — like in Episode 1, when everyone watched the guy about to commit suicide and found it entertaining.
After being spurned by Jun-pyo and abused by her classmates, Jan-di tries to maintain a fierce exterior but is near her breaking point. She thinks to herself, “Please stop. Help me.” That plea is directed at Ji-hoo, since he’d come to her rescue several times in the past. She knows he can’t save her now, but pleads internally, “Nobody’s coming. But still… please…”
But she is not alone, because she has Jun-pyo! He bursts in on the scene, furiously shoving her tormenters away and beating them up (rather violently, I might add).
Jun-pyo kneels and takes Jan-di into his arms, saying, “I’m sorry.” Picking her up, he walks away from the now-subdued crowd.
Jan-di, thinking of the hotel pictures, tells him, “I didn’t do it, really.” He tells her, “It doesn’t matter. So keep your mouth shut.” She mumbles, “You still don’t believe me, do you?” Jun-pyo, looking upset with himself, says, “I do, I believe you!”
(I’m a little annoyed at how they took this potentially great scene and totally ruined it with ridiculous cheesy music. It’s so tragic and heartbroken, you’d think they both found out they had cancer or something. With 90 days left to live. And are also siblings.)
Back at his mansion, Jun-pyo insists on tending to her wounds himself. When she tries to take over, he asks, “Wanna sit still, or wanna be tied up?” (Why Jun-pyo, you say that like it’s a bad thing.)
Now that she’s safe, they can get back to their mating dance bickering: he reproaches her for not learning from the past and letting herself be bullied, saying she must have the learning ability of an orangutan. They argue some more until he takes a towel to wipe Jan-di’s face, and his heart starts pounding.
Rattled, Jun-pyo shoves the towel in her face and tells her to do it, then walks outside, where he clutches his heart and takes a deep breath. (So. Sweet.)
After tracing the guy in the photos to Oh Min-ji (who masterminded the plan), Yi-jung and Woo-bin now deliver Min-ji to Jun-pyo, along with her kindergarten yearbook. Inside, Min-ji’s picture has been scratched out, which takes them to a kindergarten flashback to explain why Min-ji would have done such a thing:
Cute Little Ji-hoo — wearing all white, of course! — is playing the violin, and faking it just as badly as Grown-up Ji-hoo. Little Yi-jung is playing with clay, and Little Woo-bin is counting his fake money with the board game Life. HA.
But they don’t have anything on Little Jun-pyo, who is OMG so adorable. And also afraid of bugs. Attacked by a buzzing insect, he tries to shoo it away, when Min-ji joins in and swats at the bug with her sketchbook. She assures Jun-pyo that the bug is gone now and looks at him hopefully. He catches a glimpse of the page she’d been drawing, which shows a couple labeled with their names. (She’s supposed to be ugly, which they’ve enhanced with makeup and freckles.)
Offended, Little Jun-pyo throws the sketchbook down and stomps on it. He demands, “How dare an ugly thing like you consider me for a husband?” It’s kind of weird hearing such harsh words come out of the mouth of babes, but I suppose that’s the point; he tells her to get lost, that he will never like her.
Min-ji recounts how that after that day, she was ashamed to be seen. She ended up going to Germany and underwent multiple surgeries and intense pain: “Do you know how I put up with it? That look on your face. The look when you ran away from me like I was some bug or a monster. I haven’t forgotten a moment.”
Jun-pyo has been eyeing Min-ji with cold contempt, but at this, he says, “I don’t remember, but I’m sorry for it.” Min-ji protests, “No! That’s not it. The words I want to hear from you aren’t that you’re sorry!”
Crying now, she approaches Jun-pyo: “Look at me. Aren’t I pretty? I’ve become so pretty. Don’t you want me? I came back for you. This is the moment I’ve been dreaming of. Tell me you want me!”
Coolly, Jun-pyo responds, “I feel sorry for you. Do you know why? You’re still a monster, like you were then. No — you’re worse now. The kid back then still had a good heart.”
(GREAT SCENE. Lee Shi-young as Min-ji is very good, showing how she’s been twisted as a result of the trauma without being over-the-top eeeevil, and the whole exchange is well-played. For those of us who’ve started thinking Jun-pyo is all warm and fuzzy, this is a great reminder that even if he’s not wrong, he can still be so cold as to be cruel. I suppose this means that it’s not as though Jun-pyo is exceptionally cruel to Min-ji when he’s normally so warm; it’s the reverse — he’s exceptionally warm with Jan-di when he’s normally so cold-hearted.)
Jan-di’s been put in a spare room and wears his pajamas. Jun-pyo has taken the liberty of calling her parents (if she went home in her condition, they’d freak out) and throwing away her clothes. She shouts at him for getting rid of perfectly mendable clothing, at which he claps a hand over her mouth and says, “It sounds like you ate the heart of a train.” She corrects his misspoken adage: “It’s a train smokestack!” (He laughs that she’s wrong — you can’t eat a smokestack!)
There’s a moment when he leans over Jan-di, freaking her out, but it turns out he’s not making a pass but grabbing the first aid kit. Again, he tends to her injuries.
By the time he’s done patching her up, Jan-di has fallen asleep. He tucks her in, then leans down and presses a kiss to her forehead.
After he leaves, Jan-di opens her eyes.
In the morning, Jan-di awakens to find the staff at her disposal. Jun-pyo has ordered his butler to find exact replicas of everything that had been thrown away, with the exception of one thing: her bicycle.
Unable to find the exact same model, the butler parades a whole roomful of bicycles out for her appraisal. She tries them out with excitement, but then sees the price tag: 18 million won ($13,000). Her bike was much, much cheaper and very ordinary.
To encourage her to accept the expensive gift, the butler diplomatically asks her to be tolerant of the difference (like it’s doing HIM a favor) because they couldn’t find the exact match.
While Jan-di eats (a lavish, gourmet) breakfast, Jun-pyo pays a visit to Jan-di’s place.
The family is thrilled (and flustered) to receive him, and serve him a very plain breakfast. The foods are common, everyday dishes, but the Almighty Jun-pyo has never eaten anything like it, and he tries them cautiously after inspecting each one quizzically.
At school, the fickle crowd embraces Jan-di again, since (1) Jun-pyo came to her rescue and (2) there’s a new target to gang up on: Min-ji. The Catty Trio (Hateful Threesome? Evil Troika? Wicked Wenches? Vicious Bishes?) crowd Jan-di, faking concern over how much Min-ji hurt her. They rip on Min-ji for her surgeries, saying, “If I looked like her, I would’ve killed myself already.”
Not amused, Jan-di turns to them and points out, “You guys buy whatever you want, but beauty doesn’t count? You’ve all done plastic surgery too, but you mock Min-ji for it? It’s okay for pretty girls to use it to be prettier, but not for an ugly person?”
Jan-di turns to leave as Min-ji steps up quietly, eyes lowered: “I won’t ask you to forgive me.” Jan-di slaps her.
Min-ji adds, “I can’t say I’m sorry either.” Jan-di slaps her again and says she shouldn’t expect to be forgiven.
But when Jan-di comes to her desk, she finds the stuffed sheep there bearing a new message: “Jan-di, thanks. Let’s meet again.” Min-ji sings the song Jan-di once sang to make her feel better, which brings a smile to Jan-di’s face.
Jun-pyo has an announcement to make: Jan-di is now officially his girlfriend. The Gin-Sun-Mi trio collapses in disbelief and Jan-di protests, but she’s ignored while the rest of the students clap and hoot.
Jun-pyo adds, “From now on, I’ll take anything you say or do to Jan-di as an act against me, so don’t mess around.”
And then, Ji-hoo makes his reappearance.
Though everyone’s glad to have him back, this puts Jan-di into a gloomy mood. Ga-eul wonders if she’s over Ji-hoo now that Jun-pyo’s in the picture, which Jan-di denies is the reason for her distress. She worries that something feels different about Ji-hoo.
At home, the entire apartment has been crammed full of new appliances and furniture — courtesy of Jun-pyo. The whole family is ecstatic — they even had to turn some of it away because it wouldn’t fit through their doors — but Jan-di finds this wildly inappropriate.
Too enamored of the extravagance, her parents try to justify it through excuses (i.e., returning it looks bad for Jun-pyo, it would be rude), but she’s not having it.
Jan-di storms into the F4 recreation room, which has a few extra female guests today. She yells at Jun-pyo for ordering new things for her family without even telling her, and he completely misses the point by asking, “Was there something you didn’t like? Tell me and I’ll switch it.” After all, he’s her boyfriend.
She retorts, “Are you like that with all your girlfriends? Did you buy them clothes and cars and swap out all their furniture? In a little while you’ll be getting me a new house too, I bet.”
He says thoughtfully, “Actually, I was going to start with the new house, but Mr. Jung stopped me and told me to do it later since it’s attached to the dry cleaner’s.”
Jan-di reminds him, “I told you that you can’t buy friends, that you bond through your feelings. I don’t know how you were with all your previous girlfriends, but stuff like this pisses me off!”
He answers, “I don’t have any previous girlfriends.” At that, Jan-di’s ire deflates, and she says she can let it go this time — but he’d better watch it!
Looking around, Jan-di seems perturbed to see Ji-hoo flirting with a group of girls, although Yi-jung and Jun-pyo think it’s good to see him acting like a person instead of just sleeping all the time.
Sensing that things with Seo-hyun may have not gone well in Paris, Jan-di asks him when he’s going back. He has no plans to.
Asking whether she’s really dating Jun-pyo, Ji-hoo muses, “Was I too late? I was going to ask you to date me.” Jan-di’s shocked, but he smiles and tells her it was a joke. He suggests, “Then what about dating behind Jun-pyo’s back?” which she again takes for real. He laughs that she’s the same as ever, then says, “I missed you” as he leaves.
Jun-pyo sneaks up on Jan-di on her way to her job, laughing to see how excited she is to find a coin on the ground (which he dropped).
Armed with a mysterious mission, Jun-pyo grabs Jan-di and drags her along on an errand, which doesn’t turn out to be an errand so much as it’s a shopping spree. (To ensure that they have the run of the department store, Jun-pyo sets off a fire alarm, which sends everyone running to evacuate and leaves them alone.) He entrusts the next part of his plan to Yi-jung.
I love how seriously Yi-jung bursts in on the restaurant to get Ga-eul. He tells her to hurry; it’s an emergency. Ga-eul guesses, “Has something happened to Jan-di?” She frets over the possibility of an accident, to which Yi-jung tells her grimly, “If we’re late, you might not get to see her. Hurry!”
So when Jan-di and Ga-eul are driven onto the tarmac of a private runway and deposited at a private jet — where F4 awaits — they’re completely baffled. Jun-pyo announces, “We’re going on a trip.”
Jan-di sputters, no way! But what about her parents? How can she leave so suddenly?
Jun-pyo replies, proud of himself, that he’s already gotten her parents’ permission, and to keep them from worrying, he brought along her best friend, too. (He’s even made allowances for her job, providing a staff of modelesque waitresses to replace the girls, who bring in a wave of new customers.)
Jan-di can’t believe he wouldn’t even ask her first, or find out when she can make time for a trip. Jun-pyo responds, “I wanted to go someplace nice together, all the preparations were made, and it’s not like Korea will be in trouble without you. What’s the problem?”
And then, they’re in New Caledonia. It really is gorgeous.
After arriving at the Shinhwa private resort, the group goes sight-seeing and browsing.
Outside one particular shop, Jan-di spies Ji-hoo taking a look at a potted flower. After he leaves, Jan-di takes a closer look, so the flower girl gives it to her with the instructions: “Give it to your lover.” (The scene is kind of random, but I mention it because I suspect it will come into play later…)
The girls wander by a fortune-teller who is purported to be extremely accurate, and have Jan-di’s palm read. The woman foretells, “I see a man. Your future husband.” Not only that, but he’s here with her: “A soulmate.”
Ga-eul thinks that’s great — that means Jan-di will marry her soulmate. But the woman contradicts her, saying, “Two different men” — Jan-di’s soulmate and husband are not the same man.
The woman finishes with one last bit: “You’re losing something important, as a woman.” The girls wonder what that means, then shriek, their minds jumping to (probably) sex.
And then, Jan-di wakes up. It was all a dream!
Still, it’s creepy and realistic, and with the woman’s last words on her mind, Jan-di panics when Jun-pyo takes her away, jumping to the conclusion that he’s just trying to get her alone to make some moves. Jun-pyo asks Yi-jung to watch after Ga-eul, which is how Yi-jung gets reluctantly stuck with her.
Following their initial encounter, I think Yi-jung has convinced himself he dislikes Ga-eul. He sees her posing goofily and disdains that she’s acting like a corny tourist. Undaunted, Ga-eul suggests taking a hike to the top of a hill, which does not interest Yi-jung in the least.
Ga-eul goes off anyway but shortly thereafter lets out a scream. Yi-jung runs after her, looking around worriedly, when Ga-eul appears and asks, “Aren’t you glad you came up here?”
Ga-eul tells Yi-jung that it’s his punishment for lying and tricking them into coming on the trip, to which Yi-jung says that it wasn’t a complete lie. “It seems like it’s just a matter of time before the two of them get into trouble.” (His wording can mean any kind of trouble, but hints at the, er, hormonally driven variety.)
Ga-eul is immediately concerned: “No!” He laughs at her wild imagination.
Meanwhile, Jun-pyo takes Jan-di along a stretch of deserted beach. During the walk, Jan-di imagines all sorts of wild possibilities and warns Jun-pyo not to indulge in any dark, ulterior motives. Thus she is shocked to see him bringing her to a simple, lovely table set for two.
Jun-pyo tells her she acts tough but is pretty shocked at little things. Jan-di: “This is a little thing?” She marvels that it’s like magic: “Are you a genie?” Jun-pyo’s jealousy flares: “Who the hell is he? Is he better than me?” Jan-di clarifies that she meant the genie from Aladdin, who could do almost everything save three things: He couldn’t kill, raise people from the dead, or make someone fall in love against their will.
The last part seems to get through to Jun-pyo, although he’d previously insisted that people could be bought (and his actions all episode long have been proof of that).
Jun-pyo puts in a phone call to Jan-di’s family, who urge her to have a fun time and not worry about them. Afterward, Jun-pyo sees her subdued reaction and wonders, “Did I do something wrong?” It looks like she’s about to cry.
Jan-di answers, “It’s because it’s so nice here. I wondered when my parents would have a chance to come to a place like this. My family would love to see it.” Jun-pyo: “Let’s come with them. We can come back with your family.”
And then, Jun-pyo walks toward the water, unbuttoning his shirt, and announces it’s time to get down to business.
COMMENTS
I think one (perhaps unexpected) problem that may be emerging is that Lee Min-ho is so appealing as Jun-pyo that it kind of renders the love triangle moot. It also makes you want to yell at Jan-di for being drawn toward Ji-hoo at all when he has about one-tenth the charisma of Jun-pyo — plus there’s also the added part about how it’s so obvious that Jun-pyo totally adores her. Sure, his courtship is a little clumsy, and I think she was justified hating him through the first two episodes, but now he’s shown himself to be downright sweet (at times).
On the other hand, the “money can’t buy love” issue is something I’m looking forward to seeing unfold, because it usually gets glossed over in the Cinderella dramas. And as much as Jun-pyo’s actions are well-intentioned (and aww-inducing for us viewers), he really is just throwing money at Jan-di, proud of showing her what his name and wealth can give her. Naturally, she’s impressed at the resort (and the plane, and the clothes), but I don’t think she even sees Jun-pyo for his money; she just sees him as a guy.
RELATED POSTS
- Kim So-eun earns praise for double duty
- Behind the scenes with Kim Bum in New Caledonia
- Flower boy power
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 4
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 3
- Overnight star Lee Min-ho awash in CF offers
- Cast members featured on Boys Before Flowers OST
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 2
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 1
Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho
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51 Anonymous
January 19, 2009 at 9:58 PM
I believe the term soulmate can be used to refer to a bosom friend as well. In that sense, it is definitely possible for there to be a soulmate and a husband. The husband can also be a soulmate and a best friend. The term husband is a relationship title.
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52 Stace
January 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM
The fact that Lee Min Ho is playing Jun-pyo too charismatically is not really problematic for me, because in all of the versions of Hana Yori Dango, I was always rooting for Domyoji rather than Rui. I think you're on point with the whole "money doesn't buy love" theme that is being worked out ( I think pretty nicely) in this "cinderella" plot, because although we gawk at Jun-pyo's wealth- buying Jandi's family new furniture, taking her to New Caledonia, etc.- what really makes Jun-pyo such an endearing character is these little moments, little glimpses of Jandi's hesitation and confusion about her feelings towards Jun-Pyo (i.e. the fact that he confesses he's never had a gf, he phones Jandi's parents for her while they're at New Caledonia). The fact is that Jandi sees Jun-Pyo as a guy and not for his money and I think these awkward moments between them where Jun-Pyo doesn't know how quite to respond is what makes him fall for her even more.
Also @ aceyyy - a pair of Christian Louboutins hahhahah ohmy, but it would've been a nice touch lol
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53 music due
January 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Can someone please shoot whoever is picking the music for this series??!?!
What is up with the elevator music towards the end with Ga Eul & Yi Jung?
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54 popcorn
January 19, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I totally undersatnd what you mean about the love triangle. In the manga and Japanese HYD I loved Rui from the start and felt pain when Makino didn't choose him. I do like Domouji but I thought his character is an ass. LOL
In this Korean version, -_- I couldn't feel the charm from the guy playing Rui at all. Instead, I felt that Gun Pyo is so meant for her. -_- That's the difference between the acting for each version...maybe?
Anyway, I hope things might change.
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55 cholitaa
January 19, 2009 at 10:06 PM
bahahaha i can always look forward to your recaps (: they always make me laugh out loud
best line of all:
"It’s so tragic and heartbroken, you’d think they both found out they had cancer or something. With 90 days left to live. And are also siblings"
i and the jihoo line
ahahaha
your recaps are totally worth reading even if i dont watch some of these dramas (hence, instead of doing school work, i come here and procrastinate by reading all of your old entries)
keep up the good workk <33
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56 vern529
January 19, 2009 at 10:06 PM
@45
Without getting too deep, I believe in this instance the dream JD had is the conflict she is beginning to feel over which guy, JH or JP, is the right one for her. JP has been cruel to her and even though it is obvious he is taken with her and treating her better, the cruelty is not something easily forgotten. JH, on the other hand, has been her rescuer and she is responding to that; perhaps thinking that this one is her soulmate because he has always treated her better.
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57 Jennifer
January 19, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I hate to bring up HYD and the comparisons but I have to say I never liked the lead in that drama. My support of the secondary male character never changed over to the lead. Doumyouji's change didn't feel gradual or believable. I felt like I was being manipulated. Like this guy...oh but now like the other guy because I tell you to. And look at all the nice things he's suddenly out of the blue doing! Blah.
And why would we want to see another carbon copy of that character?
They shouldn't have to bring Jun Pyo down to make Ji Hoo look better. The issue is that Ji Hoo has zero personality and barely gets any real interesting dialogue. So basically the only reason I can conjure up for JD liking him is that he was nice to her a couple of times. That's all it takes?
Not an outstanding episode but it was really fun. I'm completely hooked and can't wait for tomorrow's episode.
Ah, and the music really is terrible. I still can't believe they ruined the scene where she's running to meet Jun Pyo 4 hours later by playing that really fast, upbeat pop song.
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58 C
January 19, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I'm guessing Ji-hoo is "the soulmate" and Jun-Pyo is "the husband". But wait a minute, shouldn't JP be both? And funny how the fortune teller doesn't really look like a fortune teller :) Always enjoy reading ur recaps. This episode was fun.
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59 bluelime
January 19, 2009 at 10:10 PM
thanks for the recap!! : )
i really enjoy your recaps!! thanks again!! : )
i hope kim bum gets more screen time. as an actor i think he has a lot of potential. not to mention that he has the good looks to boot. : )
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60 tam
January 19, 2009 at 10:15 PM
"Lets get down to business" lol hahaha so hilarious I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow! I'm really liking this show. the Yi-jung & Ga-eul!!! relationship I can't wait to see what happens I think I'm more excited about what will happen between them than the main characters. kkkkkk dramabeans your recaps are awesome!!! thanks!
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61 gia
January 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
wow, it,s so good............
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62 Rizzosan
January 19, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Ok, yeah the saxophone music is awful!!!! Totally takes me out of the moment every time. As for the matter of the whole soul mate vs. husband. I think JH is supposed to be the soul mate but JP will end up her husband. When I saw that scene I kept thinking about the end of series 2 of the Japanese version when Makino summed up each of the F4 and said that Rui was her first love and that he understood her the best but that she was destined to be with Tsukasa.
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63 popcorn
January 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
I really want to comment about how closely the Taiwanese, Japanese, or Korean version relates with the manga but sadly I have read the manga too long ago (3 or 4 years ago?) to actually remember in great detail.
I do remember though that Taiwanese version (Season 1) actually closely matches up to the manga as a whole. I think all the scenes are there. The only thing wrong with this version is SEASON 2 where it got totally ridiculous because it changes from the manga. I totally hated it, season 2 that is.
As for the Japanese version, it was unfortunate since I never completely watch it because I just finished the earlier version of the manga and felt like i know the WHOLE storyline a bit too much. Plus, at first look of the character I thought they were a bit...not-attractive-enough to be F4. I only grown to like Matsumoto Jun after Kimi wa Petto and then decided to watch HYD Japanese version. As for Oguri Shun, I thought he did a great job portraying Rui. I found myself rooting for Rui more than Tsukasa in this version. Oh....how sad I felt when she didn't like him because she had come to love Tsukasa. As for the plot, since it was so condense into 9 episodes it wasn't precisely following the manga. It was moving a bit too fast but the acting was great. I love Matsumoto Jun's portrayal even though he was really stupid. LOL
Now it's this K version. Let's just say the setting is different to set it out from the previous two - which I don't mind. As for the acting, so far the guy I think that does the least is that guy who says "yo yo yo What's up bro!" Yeah, I don't remember his name. -_- LMH sure does the charisma well. I think I can say I'm drawn because of him. As for Kim Bum, since his impact on the series is not so great and the love relationship is so know already I don't really feel that "OMG" with Gaeul. I adore Kim Bum's smile though. I just got my cousin to be a kim bum's fan.
There, my take on all these.
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64 YAY
January 19, 2009 at 10:31 PM
I watched the episode back to back TWICE--that's how much I liked it. I think Ji-hoo as a character redeemed himself a bit in this episode. the conversation at the stairs is great. He is sly, flirtatious, bold, and naughty. I thought he was subtle and great. He is a complete contrast to Jun-Pyo, and while JP is loud, JH is quiet and caring in his subtle ways. I mean, JP can send all the big screen TVs Jandi's way, but it is the act of a simple handkerchief from JH that speaks volumes to her.
I loved this episode because it had such great scenes of JanDi yearning for JH, JH seeming to notice and like that, and JP aware of what's going on, and watching JanDi. Such awesome texture of triangle.
I like that the triangle is not psycho.
JP is really gorgeous. He is so tall, it is impossible not to immediately be drawn to him. He is also such a good actor--he uses his eyes to convey so much. In the last scene when he watched JanDi as she talks about wishing her family was there, he really seems sad. He doesn't have a family to bring to the island, and I wish Jandi would be more sensitive to him. But she doesn't know him yet, so I guess she doesn't realize how lonely he is.
Ah, I love this show.
Them Koreans sure know how to put on a show. Both the Japanese and the taiwanese version pale next to this one.
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65 Tired and Hungry
January 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I was jumping like a little girl and laughing during the whole episode! Lee Min ho is amazing as Jun Pyo! I love the first scene when he holds Jandi and tells her he's sorry (for not believing her). But as one of the earlier post said if we look at Jun Pyo from Jandi point of view, he does keep on throwing money in her face. He is starting to fall for her, but I do understand why she's fallen for the orange hair guy; he's more humble, he has tons of money, but he acts like a regular person ect.. If I was Jandi despite the fact that Lee Min Ho is the hottest Asian guy I've ever seen in my life, personality-wise he does not fit the criteria of Jandi or me (If I was Jandi) ! I have a feeling that Jun Pyo character will change a lot during the drama (still 21 episodes left!!) so by the time the series end he will be a different person! I love what the model told Jandi at the second episode about how Jun Pyo is a lonely person and that is why he acts that way! (mean and sometimes cold). I love this drama not only because of the story, but because of the characters (especially Jandi and Jun Pyo)
See you guys on the next post of Episode 6
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66 JeweL
January 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Am I the only one who was puzzled why the writer(s) decided to omit the "confession" scene at Jun Pyo's house? In the manga, it was the first time Domyoji acknowledged his affection straightforwardly and gave Makino a reason to be (slightly) guilty over her feelings for Rui. When Jun Pyo announced that Jan Di as his girlfriend at the cafeteria, I was like "Since when did they agree to go out?"
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67 ab
January 19, 2009 at 10:41 PM
thank for caps. it' s very fun. i like Lee Min Ho and Goo Hye Sun, they look cute.
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68 RSzeto
January 19, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I'm like so many of your readers who has been checking and checking your website for the latest recap.. .... so many of us (global fans) are so anxious to watch and understand!! Gracias for the recap yet again. Due to the BBF craze right now, while waiting for the Mon-Tues to arrive, I've had a watch of the Taiwanese Meteor Garden and the Japanese Hana Yori Dango. Not sure if I'm bias or not but I'm never one for the Taiwanase made dramas, I can't stand the mandarin twang and emotions. The Jap HYD unfortunately does not bring forth the same overall 'feel' that BBF does. LMH and GHS's chemistry is undoubtedly stronger and the 'feel' is so much more! There's also what I call the k-Drama magic that draws me in line and sinker!! Lurve it!
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69 Alimac
January 19, 2009 at 10:45 PM
What a wonderful recap.
Did anyone notice that Soujiroh's hair is longer at New Celedonia compared to when they were still in Korea? Haha. They should have taken more care to make things appear more fluid.
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70 yellowrose
January 19, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Hey! thanks soo much for the quick and enjoyable recaps (i had just finished reading your previus ones and...whoah behold, a new one ready to read!). I just wanted to respond to a comment #13 from "Debbie" and reiterated by those following her.
When they talk about the soulmateand future husband being two separate people I actually DO think they're the same person. At first I assumed they were the two legs of our love triangle, but from previous knowledge we know that the relationship between JanDi and JunPyo will becmoe love and they'll both develop. No matter how charismatic LMH's character is coming off there are still several resolutions that need to be dealt with--therefore keeping this "soulmate" from being recognized and fully ready to become a "husband"~*~*
AND cheers to Yi-jung & Ga-eul!!! :)
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71 Vieny
January 19, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Jandi must have had learning ability like orang utan bwa haha what a nice suggestion jun pyo:-D
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72 missmanderley
January 19, 2009 at 11:01 PM
I think one (perhaps unexpected) problem that may be emerging is that Lee Min-ho is so appealing as Jun-pyo that it kind of renders the love triangle moot. It also makes you want to yell at Jan-di for being drawn toward Ji-hoo at all when he has about one-tenth the charisma of Jun-pyo — plus there’s also the added part about how it’s so obvious that Jun-pyo totally adores her.
I agree... but isn't this only the same case for many kdramas... that the heroine is usually oblivious (and on worse cases, horridly fickle)? I'm not bothered just because I like that sense that kdramas have in their productions... but it leaves me still wishing that Hyunjoong improves more on his portrayal of Jihoo... I mean, c'mon... Jihoo should at least show some chemistry with Jandi, but so far there is zilch. Its probably my one and only gripe about Kkotboda Namja... just because its really disappointing that the third leg of the love triangle isn't really bringing the goods.
Maybe Episode 6 will be better at this, perhaps?
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73 nini
January 19, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Hanadan has completely won me over, but it is mainly due to the Japanese Hana Yori Dango. As much as I dislike unoriginal work, this drama is an exception. They can make this into any kinds of versions (english, thai,malay, etc) and i dont mind watching as long as the storyline runs the same.
The point is, the storyline has the right formulation to be a great drama, but the problem happens when the director/producer could not even turn Hanadan into something as good as its japanese version, due to basic/hygienic things such as the bad background music. It's really sad. I felt that the behind-the-scene people did not make good enough planning/preparations for Hanadan thus the awfull background music and not-so-impressive props. In the first 2 episodes, i even felt that the supporting casts were really useless. Thank god there were slight improvements in the following episodes.
i know i shouldnt be comparing but I love korean dramas and have high expectation on Hanadan. Plus, I am totally hooked on it, so I can only hope that it gets better and better from now onwards.
ps: thanks for your ranting - truly appreciate your write-ups.
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74 lovelovelove
January 19, 2009 at 11:07 PM
im way more excited about ji sung and ga eul. actually, i reckon they should do a spin off drama with just them XD
LOVVVVVEEE kim bumm didnt see enough of him. i was just scaning each inch of the screen when im supposed to be watching and searching for him LOL
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75 Tippy
January 19, 2009 at 11:09 PM
I can't decide if I hate this soundtrack because it's lame all on it's own accord or if it's because the soundtrack to Hana Yori Dango was so amazingly heart-wrenching. The pop songs seem so out of place...ugh! And adding a 'sax-a-ma-phone' to any music automatically ups the cheese factor.
Music aside, I'm digging this drama for the mindless, predictable entertainment that it is...ahhhh, sweet, sweet mind (and eye...Hellooooo Jun-Pyo) candy!
Thanks for the recaps...it fills in the blanks for all the missed subs....yaaaaay!!
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76 shu
January 19, 2009 at 11:20 PM
oh no oh no. ji-hoo-hate-alert!!!!
i cant believe i actually hate this character in this series.
sigh. lee min ho is soooo sweet. like the manga one.
den now its waiting for jan di to realise she likes him as well.
once they start that, its just honey.
but den again. i am waiting to see how they resolve the family and etc crisis.
each series is different. they better do it. if not....
and why so little gaeul and yijung scenes???
i am starting to prefer watching more of gaeul and yijung cause i like both of them. for jun pyo and jan di, is just because i like the jun pyo character. watching it only for jun pyo.
my fav characters: junpyo, gaeul, yijung...!!!! yatta!
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77 Guest
January 19, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Call me strange, but I'm watching Boys Before Flowers to see how Ga Eul and Yi-Jung end up. :3 They're my favorite couple.
Is it just me, or is the Jan Di/Jun Pyo relationship moving extraordinary fast (one-sidedly)? Well... At least Jan Di isn't requiting all of his love, yet.
I like Ga Eul better than Yuki... Ga Eul is sassier.
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78 shu
January 19, 2009 at 11:25 PM
to 74: i totally agree. i want a gaeul and yijung spin off as well. haha. that would be so much nicer. and they have the gaeul yijung upcoming banana boat together. tomorrow? looking forward!!!! =]
to 75: i guess after the super amazing ost of hyd, everything seems undermined. and also after watching soulmate. have you watched soulmate? the ost fitted in perfectly. =]]
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79 ichiru
January 19, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Thanks for the recap!
"For those of use who’ve started thinking Jun-pyo is all warm and fuzzy, this is a great reminder that even if he’s not wrong, he can still be so cold as to be cruel. I suppose this means that it’s not as though Jun-pyo is exceptionally cruel to Min-ji when he’s normally so warm; it’s the reverse — he’s exceptionally warm with Jan-di when he’s normally so cold-hearted".
I agree with you, coz up until episode 3 minus the ending all we saw was JunPyo being so calm at all times though his character should be the opposite, and it proves here in this episode with the scene with MinJi that HE IS that great JunPyo/Tsukasa that we know he should be
Btw, Lee Min Ho is just plain gorgeous!
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80 cullenhale
January 19, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I really liked the first part of this episode...the second part of it is just a build-up for the next one-I think. Anyways, I really enjoyed Jun-pyo treated Jan Di when he was treating her wounds, his anger shows how much he cares for her and how he clutches his heart when he leaves the room-freaking "aw" moment.
The whole exchange between Min-Ji and Jun-pyo was super intense despite how indifferent Jun-pyo seemed. Good acting on both sides. Also, Ji-Hoo definitely approved in this episode, the dialogue between Jan Di and him was quite saucy...it showed that JJH is definitely approving in terms of acting. I don't really like how Jan Di pretends like she doesn't understand what Ji Hoo is saying, sometimes her over-acting bothers me, sometimes it fits and sometimes it doesn't.
I do like the bickering between Jan Di and Jun-pyo but at times I wish she would give in just a little bit. I love how Jun-pyo is obvious with his feelings but I wish Jan Di would just enjoy some of his efforts. I do agree the idea that Jan Di is having a problem with Jun-pyo because of the money issue. Anyways, I am loving the series and love your recaps, I also watch the episode before I read them because I love reading your take on things!
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81 Tippy
January 19, 2009 at 11:39 PM
@ 78 (Shu):
I did, I did watch Soulmate!! Freakin' loved that soundtrack (and the drama of course, that goes without saying)...made me wish some hot stranger would shove their headphone into my ear and play me a totally heart string twanging type song!! : )
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82 xiaoSxin
January 19, 2009 at 11:53 PM
after watching episode 5, I am now convinced that LEE MIN HO as GOO JUN PYO is the reason I am loving this drama!!!
JAVABEANS.. I agree with your negative feedbacks about BBF, I mean, you are right on with your posts! But so far.. LEE MIN HO portrays his character so well that he cured me from my "other guy disease"!!!!! I always loved Hanazawa Rui and Huaze Lei in the previoid versions before I fell in love with Tsukasa or Dao Ming Si.. but in BBF...
GOO JUN PYO all the way!!!!!!!!!!
I can overlook all the negative feedbacks about BBF right now (cheesy music for example) because LEE MIN HO is uber cool in this drama!
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83 balletbabe
January 19, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Hahahahaha, I love you episode recaps on this drama they always makes me laugh. [you side comment I mean]. The scene with Min Ji and F4 I felt so bad for her, and then you commented on how cruel Jun Pyo was, I instantly thougt *with goosebumps* I wonder what his mom is going to be like in the upcoming episodes.
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84 Alison
January 20, 2009 at 12:05 AM
i thought this episode was pretty good. it could do without the cheesy '90s jazz music playing in the background. seriously i hope they switch music directors in the future episodes.
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85 snoopyvkd
January 20, 2009 at 12:09 AM
The first scenes of this episode has definitevely captured me into continuing to watch. Jun Pyo the Hero coming to save (although quite violently) his Cinderella! How can you not fall in love with him?! :)
It's so cliché, obvious, and cheesy, but that works everytime...Wonder what's wrong with us girls? Why these fairytale tactics keep working in this 21st century?
I worth nothing on the pyschology field, maybe someone can give a scientific explanation?
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86 Empress
January 20, 2009 at 12:14 AM
ugh! whats really bothering me is one of the main songs they keep using on this show sounds so familiar to a song that was in witch yoo hee. i think the singer must be the same too cause the voice sounds exactly the same.
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87 EPE
January 20, 2009 at 12:23 AM
I am completely 'wowie-fied' (is that even a word...?) at the pace the subtitles are coming... It's so fast that I cannot believe it! BUT I'M NOT COMPLAINING!!!
Oh, thanks Javabeans for your recaps! I love your additional little remarks. BWA HAHA!
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88 anne
January 20, 2009 at 12:37 AM
^ yes i agree, that song is very very similar to one used in witch woo hee (which was like the cheesiest drama ever), and im pretty sure the singer's the same (Achily), because i read somwhere that they were using some of the same artists in BBF as in Witch yoo hee.
damn, screw this crappy soundtrack.
also, i think in BBF, junpyo and jandi's love seems to be developing very slowly, much slower than in the taiwanese version. in meteor garden, by now, theyve had a kiss scene and also that deep/meaningful scene after sancai gets bashed by the school kids, you know when daomingsi says "If you say you didnt, then i beleive you!" or something like that.
oh well, i guess the gaeul and yijung scenes make up for that.
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89 moi
January 20, 2009 at 12:43 AM
after reading your recaps, i actually wasn't in the mood to make a comment of any kind until i watched the episode. and it pisses me off that they seem to have exerted so much effort and paid great attention to so many details of the story, except for the music/sound score. does the director have some kind of deal with the singer/record label of the songs used here? hearing songs from my girl and witch yoo hee just bothers me a lot, it's not even amusing.
one of the major reasons MG was such a hit was because it had great music. MG had "recall" because of the music used. like when i hear broken vow, that parting on top of the mountain with the meteor shower as backdrop comes to mind. or i think about that tragic spain trip when the song yo te amo plays.even HYD was able to pull it off with Arashi's Wish.
it may just be me. but i strongly feel that music really does a lot for any drama. and it's like paying the drama the "respect" it deserves when APPROPRIATE music is scored. especially one that has precedence such as MG & HYD.
this production has to be really thankful that JP is soooo gorgeous and really is quite convincing as Doumyoji/Dao, otherwise, this would really suck.
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90 faza
January 20, 2009 at 12:56 AM
I'm liking what I see so far, but what is up with the cheesy soundtrack and "sound effects" to say, blinking? ><. I like Lee MIn Ho as Tsukasa/Go Jun-Pyo, but it's too early to say if he's done a better job than Matsujun, for now. I love the scenes between Yuki/Ga Eul and Sojirou/Yi Jung too. :)
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91 amanda
January 20, 2009 at 1:20 AM
I agree the love triangle is non-existent. I love jun-pyo a little too much and ji-hoo not enough. hyungjoong needs to turn on the charisma.
I think that jun-pyo turned into a good guy to fast. We're only 5 episodes in and he's gone from cold hearted jackass to aww such a sweetheart.
And i am equally if not more excited about ga eul/ yi jung relationship! baby faces unite.
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92 Empress
January 20, 2009 at 1:22 AM
In the last scene the audience is led to believe that something will happen between Goo Jun Pyu and Jan Di but my guess is that he brought her to the deserted island to teach him how to swim.....LOL!
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93 bethany
January 20, 2009 at 1:33 AM
watched the episode earlier today and glad for your post =D thanks for the excellent work.
i couldnt quite put my finger on what feels off and you did! jihoo isn't pulling his weight as rui :( hanazawa rui *could* be so much more! i still have hope for him...? the more speaking parts he gets the more i hope he grows into his role.
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94 JOY
January 20, 2009 at 1:36 AM
I am ridiculously excited for Yi-jung and Ga-Eul.
NEXT EPISODE.
OMG.
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95 Renee
January 20, 2009 at 1:51 AM
Re: the Cinderella issue: I totally agree. I've always liked Doumyouji better than Rui (this drama is no exception), but I see why Jan Di's conflicted. As adorable as he is, Jun Pyo needs some boundaries. I'd be so uncomfortable if a guy I'm unsure about announced to everyone that we were dating, and then forced me to go on a trip with him. Not to mention, if she turns him down, she'll be fed to the wolves again.
I mean, Jun Pyo's being kind, for him, but he's not treating her like an equal--he's making decisions for her. Also, if it were me, my assumption would be nothing is free. I'd rather do without the vacation & the attending guilt and expectations from someone I'm not crazy about.
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96 Mish Hablo
January 20, 2009 at 3:03 AM
I really cant wait for your next post.
Im so excited!!
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97 Kiki
January 20, 2009 at 3:11 AM
to 91: i totally agree with the blinking sound effects, what the hell is with that? and jandi doing that innocent blink thing is starting to piss me off as well.
but yeah, yi jung and gaeul ! im really starting to liek this couple. yi jung is growing on me, he so cute ! especially when he does that flirty smile. LOL
and gaeul too. her actings pretty good and i just realised that she was in fly daddy fly. shes very pretty as well !
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98 Annie
January 20, 2009 at 3:11 AM
"Jan-di’s bike is set on fire, while she is assaulted with water balloons and blasted with a fire extinguisher. Seriously, are these Shinhwa kids all sociopaths?"
Exactly what I thought when I watched the first 5 minutes of this drama!! I understand that it's just a drama, but seriously, where are all the teachers to stop this? I thought the F4 boys were suppose to be the bullies, not the other way around.
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99 Kiongna
January 20, 2009 at 3:16 AM
Dear Hyun Joong shi - AJA AJA - many more episodes to go for the dang PD/Writer to write you in better - your few lines and scenes are made plastic posey by them many a times....I hope you get to show depth soon...
*yeah I'm biased... I adore HJ - I feel he so far is doing a decent job with what he was given to work with aisah...Show them, show all of them!! No charisma?? Wooden? Plastic? - Blast all their current views of you to smithereens! ha ha - Noona has your back - LOL gosh... *blush*
Dear Lee Min Ho shi - you are doing a splendid job.. never liked your character in the Japanese version - couldn't stand the guy who acted as you here.... he seemed such a bad hat rascal lol but not you..... you make Jun Pyo human in all his insecurities and brattyness .- you make Jun Pyo reach out to all our bimbotic souls..LOL....that Jap version guy (forgot his name)...acted in another J-drama... Bambino - a bumbling chef with talent..which I saw prior... so maybe that foreshadowed my watch - bumbling chef to Super Rich bratty kid/guy in one skip - totally no go - aigooooo LOL
Onwards BOF - AJA AJA - Thanks so much Javabeans, gosh you're so fast with the summaries!
P/S For shallow me.. There is little what not to like about BOF and the little is... the violence of it all... my young daughters love this show wish I could delete all the violence.... and this "School" we see NO Teachers where they go? Think I only saw a westerner one ONCE!..
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100 flooooo
January 20, 2009 at 3:23 AM
soompi thread is very crowded and here is submerged with so many comments...means that the drama has really gain a certain popularity...
I watched episode 5 this morning not in good quality but I feel something wrong, unfortunately I can t point a finger on it..the whole episode seemed strange for me and the view, the filming totally different..sometimes it was going fluently and sometimes it was stangely no that fluent..anyway your recaps javabeans is as usual really good ..thanx
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