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Queen In-hyun's Man (2012)
Terrific couple, fun yet intricate story of romance that crosses time...
Queen In-hyun's Man is one of the best kdramas I've seen. This 2012 16 episode Korean drama had it all - a winning couple, a writer that wove the story throughout the entire series, a time-travel element with rules that made sense, a multi-genre spectra of fantasy-romance-action-historical, and a production that was photographed well, directed with purpose, and edited to be crisp.
The story was straight forward - love and those willing to fight for love can overcome any obstacle and navigate even time itself.
Our leading man, Boong-do, time-travels 300 years into the future and meets our leading lady, Hee-jin, who helps him navigate the present while he works to return to the past and make things right. Hee-jin plays Queen In-hyun in a present day historical drama. Boong-do happens to be Queen In-hyun's Man from the past. What ensues is well written, acted and produced, a truly standout drama.
What I loved about Queen In-hyun's Man:
1. A couple you root for through and the ups and downs. Boong-do was handsome, smart, humorous with a dry wit and believed he could navigate the time-travel maze to fix the past and be with Hee-jin in the future. Hee-jin was pretty, not book smart but had excellent instincts and willing to follow her heart. He was like the typical second lead (nice, smart, kind) in the first lead role. She thought of herself as dumb but learned otherwise when she had to rely on her instincts and smarts to guide him in the modern world. A lovely romance develops, both of them contribute with kindness, humor, caring, and commitment. This couple had chemistry, cuteness, and were compelling.
2. The writing delivered a story with surprises and tie backs to past episodes throughout the series. The writing avoided typical clichés. There was deft balance between modern and Joseon times. You learned something each episode, the writer slowly laid down the cards and only in the final episode do you know everything. Unlike some dramas, the final episode is not a drawn out victory lap with little meaning. The final episode time jump made sense to me. Cause: his willingness to give everything up. Effect: her understanding and reaching out to him with the mechanism she provided him. Result: Time jump that can never be undone because it was rooted in their shared memories and love not a talisman.
3. Most of the supporting cast were engaging and top notch. The Joseon era historical cast were excellent from the king, to the queen, to Boong-do's supporters. The present cast were excellent, especially Dong- min, Hee-jin's ex-boyfriend.
4. The original soundtrack has a couple of beautiful songs "Same Sky, Different Time" and "I'm Going to Meet You".
What I didn't like:
1. I wasn't wild with how the actress choose to portray Soo-kyung, Hee- jin's friend and manager. She seemed to overact her part a bit, but she was consistent in her portrayal and this a minor quibble.
Flower Boy Next Door (2013)
Darling couple, good ensemble, storyline drags towards the end...
Flower Boy Next Door is an enjoyable and engaging 16 episode Korean drama from 2013 and is the third installment in cable network TVN's excellent Flower Boys series - Flower Boy Ramen Shop (loved), Shut Up Flower Boy Band (loved) and finally Flower Boy Next Door (loved).
Video game designer Enrique is the human Energizer Bunny, fast talking, positive, and engaging.
Work from home editor Dok-Mi avoids human contact because of a scarring incident from her high school days.
Enrique catches Dok-Mi peeping out at her neighbor (and his cousin). Amazed the peeper is a quiet, shy, woman; Enrique is intrigued. He finds he intrinsically understands Dok-Mi, which is unsettling to her.
Next door a handsome web comic illustrator and writer live. The writer, Jin-Rok, has secretly crushed on Dok-Mi for years.
What I loved about Flower Boy Next Door:
1. One True Pair (OTP) was darling and engaging. I loved Enrique's enthusiasm and dogged determination to draw out shy-flower Dok-Mi. Dok-Mi dealt with her demons then in a turnabout, becomes the positive force while Enrique deals with his demons.
2. Next door neighbors were handsome and fun. Jin-Rok was the perfect second lead, kind, caring, but misses his chance by hanging back too long. Roommate Dong-Hoon was funny, handsome, and had his own cute love interest in raccoon eyed web comic manager, Seul-gi. She steals every scene with her intense reactions.
What I did not love about Flower Boy Next Door:
1. Dok-Mi's high school demon Do-Whee was a stock mean-girl and was not appealing but irritating.
2. The storyline faded a bit in the latter third of the series. The story was strong while Dok-Mi's re-entered the world. The story faded when Enrique had his troubles, relying on clichés and insufficient obstacles for a couple of episodes. The show ends on an upswing.
3. Third flower boy, Watanabe, had a tiny storyline and could easily have been dropped from the show. Enrique's friend and first love, Yoon-hye, who loves his cousin, was more annoying than endearing.
Yeouya Mwohani (2006)
Follow your heart and enjoy What's Up Fox...
What's Up Fox is a 2006 16 episode Korean romance drama about a younger man (24) and older woman (33). A theme throughout the show is to follow your heart not your head for happiness. The writer wrote the better known My Name is Kim Sam-Soon (2005).
The drama centers around a middle class mother and her 2 daughters. Byung Hee, the older daughter, is 33 and a reporter for a men's magazine. Joon Hee, the younger daughter, is 24 and a model. Byung Hee's best friend has a younger brother, Chul Su, who returns after a 2 year around the world trek. Byung Hee gets drunk one night and Chul Su is sent to bring her home safely. They end up sleeping together. Chul Su pursues Byung Hee but she's afraid of the age difference and rebuffs him in favor of a more age appropriate doctor. Chul Su won't give up and Byung Hee eventually realizes she loves him. Family opposition and the army provide the obstacles for our couple after that.
What I liked about What's Up Fox:
1. Likable couple. The actor playing our male lead, Chul Su, was cute and appealing. The actress playing our female lead, Byung Hee, had good chemistry with the male lead and excelled portraying the character's struggle to take the risk to date a younger man.
2. Equally likable secondary couple. The younger sister had a interesting hate to love relationship with a much older man (she was 24 and he was 42). You never found out what the secret of his bum was though.
3. Realistic ending. Neither couple walked into the sunset holding hands but you felt each couple was going to make a solid go of their relationship. Our main couple has to deal with tough questions and does not provide the easy out. Their relationship evolves and has merit because of the obstacles they overcome together.
What I was less fond of:
1. Chul Su's sister was a bit over the top in her negative reaction to her brother and best friend finding love. When she submitted him for the 2 year army stint, that was a low blow.
2. I found the other suitor Dr. Bae boring which was intentional for our heroine to pick the safe Dr. Bae or the passionate Chul Su.
A Gentleman's Dignity (2012)
Bromance of 40+ guys and the women they love...
A Gentleman's Dignity is a 24 episode Korean drama that is fun and breezy without much angst. This cotton candy show features an amusing foursome that have been friends since high school.
I enjoyed the four friends and their bromance and when the show focused on their insecurities and concerns. Each guy was different and grew on you throughout the series. When the show focused on their friendship, it delivered with upfront and sometimes amusing slices of issues of the modern man. The show had charm, and the actors were willing to look silly when the script called for it. Each episode began with a shared experience from their past as friends. It was amusing watching these 40 something actors pretend to be in high school in some of these flashbacks.
Our four friends:
a. Do-jin was a confidence character that was surprised by love and love that he had to work to earn as his lady of choice initially cared about another of the foursome. There was a great romantic moment when he gave the woman he loved a fabulous pair of shoes and told her to wear them when she was ready to accept him and his love.
b. Tae-san was the chauvinist, dominating guy who bossed around his sister and lady love but had a sweet side too. His willingness to accept his feisty lady love's priority of her career over marriage showed he did want her happiness.
c. Choi Yoon played by Kim Min-jong was the widower that was hotly pursued by Tae-san's sister 20 years his junior. His unwillingness to engage in romance with her is understandable though he eventually decides he is ready for love.
d. Jung-rok was the fluff character of the bunch. Spoiled, womanizing, but with charm and love for his wife. Getting her to believe that he loved her and would stop his womanizing ways was a tough sell.
I was less enamored of the women in their lives:
1. Yi-soo was a high school teacher that loved her students and was honest and forthright. She took her time falling for Do-jin. I felt the actress over acted sometimes but it was consistent throughout the series, perhaps she was directed to deliver that performance. The character's acceptance of his surprise son from a youthful relationship was good, though this was not horrible in my mind but it was portrayed as a negative and shameful.
2. Se-ra was prickly, viewed other women as rivals not friends, and focused on her golfing career. Initially this character was off putting but grew on me throughout the series.
3. Min-sook was the brittle, tough wife of Jung-rok who was mistrustful of her husband due to his past dalliances. This character was tough but caring. I was a fan of this character at the end of the series.
4. Meari was difficult to watch. Over emoting, tons of ugly crying, and no character growth at all. Her goal in life was getting Choi Yoon to love her and her brother to accept the possibility of this relationship. That's all you got out of this character for 24 episodes.
Dal Ja's Spring (2007)
Thirty something women expands her life through love and friendship...
Dal-ja is a 33 year old director at a home shopping network. Society, her family, and she wants to find the right man and marry. After a failed romance at work Dal-ja counters with a paid boyfriend (6 years younger than herself) to save face and finds herself drawn to him. She meets a rich man, separated from his wife, and is drawn to him too.
Dal-ja's Spring had fun while dealing with women over 30 (who are considered old), women dating younger men, women dating men with the "right" career path, women balancing work and family, jealous spouses, former loves becoming friends, etc. This show was enjoyable, touching, intelligent and understated. Dal-ja's Spring wasn't overly dramatic and felt realistic. I was satisfied with where all the characters ended up at the end of the 22 episode series.
What I liked about Dal-ja's Spring:
1. Dal-ja was played with pluck and good cheer by actress Chae Rim. Dal- ja's permed hair, her laugh, her toughness, her tenderness, her love for her friends and family, made her interesting and likable. I enjoyed the 22 episode evolution Dal-ja made.
2. Tae-bong the paid boyfriend was sensitive yet guarded and intriguing as portrayed by actor Lee Min-ki. His story was an interesting onion that was peeled during the series.
3. Dal-ja's co-workers were fun and supportive, the kinds of folks you'd want to work with. Even the terror boss turns out to respect and admire Dal-ja.
4. Dal-ja's mother and grandmother loved her and wanted her happiness. To them that equaled marriage to a man with the "right" career which wasn't necessarily the option for Dal-ja.
5. Secondary couple was interesting too. Seon-joo an independent 33 year old home shopping hostess and Se-do a 33 year old home shopping producer (Dal-ja's failed work romance) had their own obstacles to overcome in their relationship. They evolved into good friends with Dal-ja and important supporters.
What I didn't like about Dal-ja's Spring:
1. Tae-bong's mother was quite irritating initially. Fly off the handle anger, not accepting of Dal-ja's relationship with Tae-bong, she was tough to swallow in the early episodes. Eventually she comes to value Dal-ja.
2. Soo-jin Tae-bong's ex-girlfriend was so sure she'd get him back. I felt this character was cliché and expendable.
Yep-peu-nnamja (2013)
Good looking guy learns what is important in life...
In Pretty Boy (aka Pretty Man) a good looking guy goes from almost gigolo to responsible business man and human being that sees the worth in others.
Based on a Japanese comic book series "Yebbeun Namja" by Chon Kye-Young this series is more layered than advertised.
Ma-Te is good looking and he uses his looks to leech off wealthy ladies for a life of leisure. When Yoo-Ra blackmails him to follow her plan (she's got a hidden agenda) that includes learning the special powers of select women. Ma-Te is steadfastly supported by his neighborhood friend Bo-Tong who has loved him for many years. Through his journey Ma-Te makes mistakes, and learns not to use people for personal gain but rather each person has value. He finds his parentage is NOT what he thinks with the wicked witch of the west as his birth mother.
What I liked about this series:
1. Our couple was cute and adorable. Our hero, Ma-Te, played by Jang Keun-Suk (You are Beautiful, Mary Stayed Out All Night), starts out selfish but evolves into a person who realizes that others matters. I've enjoyed the actor Keun-Suk in other series, and thought he did a good job finding nuances in the character. Our heroine, Bo-Tong, played by IU (Dream High), is so darling and draws others to her with positive energy and goodness. I loved her in Dream High. Their relationship gradually evolved from friendship to more. There is limited physical contact between these two, the romance takes a back seat during the birth mother from hell story but revives in the final 3 episodes. So if you are looking for a traditional kdrama romantic comedy, this show won't hit the mark for you.
2. Layered story. Originally I thought this was a story about 10 women that would be seduced by Ma-Te per the promos. That was not the story at all. Ma-Te evolves to realize that a friendship with a woman is possible and valuable. Ma-Te's own birth mother from hell is astonishing self-centered, power hungry who will destroy family and friends to maintain her status. She seems to live by the mantra "I'm top dog and if I'm not happy no one else can be too".
What I didn't like:
1. Birth mother from hell and Yoo-Ra who initially blackmails Ma-Te to go along with her plan were more alike than you'd think and were bigger users of people than Ma-Te. They got repetitious, with little redeeming value.
2. The ten different women sometimes seemed forced into the story with a here today gone tomorrow impact on the series.
Sangsogjadeul (2013)
Heirs romance just OK...
I expected a wonderful story from the writer Kim Eun-Sook that gave us Secret Garden and compelling acting from our main romantic leads, Lee Min-Ho (Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter) and Park Shin-Hye (Flower Boy Next Door, You are Beautiful). What I got was an OK story and two leads that had better chemistry with the other supporting actors on the show rather than with each other.
Unfortunately man-handling and dictating orders to our leading lady is what passed for romance in Heirs. I like both lead actors but they did not click as a couple. Witness the awkward passionless final kiss of the last episode. How many scenes did the director insert of our leads passing each other while not acknowledging the other due to some misunderstanding between them?
What I liked about Heirs:
a) most of the men supporting characters were handsome, assured, and engaging even though there were plenty of character flaws. The character Choi Young-Do, the second male lead, was damaged goods but the actor, Kim Woo-Bin, made him compelling and interesting when he could have just been the classic bully without any redeeming qualities.
b) the hidden mistress mom of our male lead and mute maid mother of our female lead had wonderful chemistry and were fun to watch.
c) original soundtrack is good and the music was woven in the series nicely.
What I didn't like about Heirs:
a) could you find worse actors to play the American roles? I don't think so. So glad when the characters returned to Korea.
b) the writing made the characters passionless and flat. Most of the women were bitchy or doormats. Most of the men were domineering or stuck under the thumb of their domineering parents. Limited fun was had in this show. Some cute lines each show did not save this series. Episodes 1-12 were a lot of setup/repetition and episodes 13-20 were the payoff. I loved the writing of Secret Garden so my expectations were high for Heirs and I was disappointed.
Gae-in-eui chwi-hyang (2010)
Cute couple dragged down by story line...
Personal Taste is a 16 episode 2010 kdrama where the two leads strive to make this drama work but the story line eventually stymies' their efforts leaving a B-grade drama.
Our male lead, Jin-ho, lies to our female lead, Kae-I that he is gay so she'll rent a room to him in her father's house which he wants to study for an architecture design that will make or break his company. They fall for each other but the lie stops their romance. He eventually confesses, she is a doormat and accepts this huge deceit with ease. Their romance is the best part the show. They have chemistry and work hard to be likable. The middle episodes are their best. Unfortunately the story line is littered with annoying characters and plot decisions that pull entire series down.
What I liked about Personal Taste:
1. Lee Min-ho as Jin-ho. He has loads of appeal and the camera loves him. His character starts out as a cold fish in the initial episodes, warms up nicely in the middle, then is an idiot in the home stretch until the final episode epilogue where he sparks up again.
2. Son Ye-jin as Kae-i. She has excellent chemistry with Lee Min-ho and they clicked as a couple. Her doormat character was annoying in the initial episodes, cute and charming in the middle, then a bit sad in the final episode where she offers him blind trust in the form of herself. The emotional payoff is in their epilogue scenes.
3. Jung Sung-Hwa as Sang-Jun. He is Jin-ho's friend. He is funny impersonating Jin-ho's gay lover. I was horrified that the writers pair him with the despicable In-hee in the final episode, lazy storytelling.
4. Ryu Seung-ryong as Do-bin. As the quiet, lonely director, this actor embodies this character with human kindness and is an emotional touchstone.
What I did not like about Personal Taste:
1. Wang Ji-Hye as In-Hee. Supposedly Kae-I's friend but she is selfish, willing to use and abuse to get her way. This annoying character had no growth during the series.
2. Ahn Seok-Hwan as Yun-Seop (Chang-Ryeol's Dad). I loved this actor in Delightful Girl Chun-hyang but here he portrays a one dimensional annoying character that sneers, bribes, and bullies his way through life.
3. Choi Eun-Seo as Hye-Mi. Another annoying character that believes she has a chance with Jin-ho. Worthless and whining, the script this character was given was a waste.
Pool ha-woo-seu (2004)
Bickering couple is appealing even through slow third of the series...
Full House (2004, 16 episode) kdrama has ridiculous premise of two friends selling Ji-eun's house while she is on vacation in China. Out of cash in China, she turns to the obnoxious actor Young-jae, whom she annoyed on the airplane trip to China and he begrudgingly helps her. When Ji-eun returns home to an empty house, she finds the Young-jae is the new owner. They enter a contract marriage in which she'll earn the house and he'll make the love of his life jealous. Along the way they develop feelings for each other as fake becomes real but the couple has a hard time connecting until the very end.
Without the compelling main couple, the show never would have worked. But they clicked and the show benefited. The story slowed down and was repetitive in the latter half of the series. Episodes 15 and 16 finally provided the emotional payoff.
What I liked about Full House:
1. Male lead, Rain, as Young-jae is either yelling/bickering at Ji-eun or bestowing an adorable grin. I had no idea Rain was a kpop star until after completing this series. His character was suited to his acting ability. When she taught him to ice skate or he became the housekeeper, he was very cute. He should done a song for the OST.
2. Female lead, Song Hye-kyo, as Han Ji-eun was sparkling, adorable, gave Young-jae attitude and sassed him back. She didn't care if he yelled at her. You believed that she was falling in love with him. When they played in the park together, they were darling. Her relationship with his family was warm and she earned a place in their hearts singing the "three bears" song during their first meeting.
What I did not like about Full House:
1. Young-jae's friends, Hee-jin and Dong-woo, annoyed me. Fast forward material these two!
2. The reasons why our lead couple could not be together were not solid in the last third of the series. The story dragged and became repetitive. You could probably skip 4 episodes in the latter half of the show and restart with episode 15 and you wouldn't miss much. This is typical of kdrama rom-coms, get the couple in love in first half of the series, slow to a crawl with obstacles in second half of the series, emotional payoff in the final episode.
Kwaegeol Chun-hyang (2005)
Delightful couple but the second leads impede them too much...
The 2005 kdrama, Delightful Girl Chun-hyang, was written by the Hong Sisters, prolific rom-com writers (2008 Hong Gil Dong, 2009 You're Beautiful, 2010 My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, 2012 Big, etc.). Delightful Girl Chun-hyang was their first series.
Chun-hyang is a high school student that parents her Mother, has part- time jobs, while maintaining her status as the smartest student in the high school. Mong-ryong is rich, spoiled, and the new kid in high school. This young couple ends up in sticky situation and get married. Their friendship grows into love but they never admit it at to each other when the other is ready to hear it. I found the couple fun to watch but the second leads impede them too much, a standard plot device for these writers which has downgraded my opinion of their several of their series.
What I like about Delightful Girl Chun-hyang:
1. Mong-ryong our male lead played by Jae Hee evolves over this series from a fight-loving self-centered boy to a responsible man. He shows his love for Chun-hyang in many ways but she always doubts him.
2. Mong-ryong's father played by Suk-hwan was the best father-in-law. He understood his son's shortcomings and supported Chun-hyang rightly believing that she could change his son from being a slacker into an responsible man.
3.Mong-ryong's best friend played by Moon Ji-yoon. He was steadfast and true in his friendship of Mong-ryong and Chun-hyang.
What I didn't like about Delightful Girl Chun-hyang:
1. Female second lead Hong Chae-rin played by Park Si-eun got on my nerves. She is Mong-ryong's first love. In the first half of the drama She persistently interferes with the relationship to make them break up.
2. Male second lead Hak-do played by Uhm Tae-woong got on my nerves in the second half of the drama. Initially, he helps Chun-hyang but becomes obsessed with her. He succeeds in separating the couple for an extended period.
The King 2 Hearts (2012)
King 2 Hearts started strong but lost momentum...
Kings 2 Hearts (2012), a 20 episode kdrama hooked me in the first 8-10 episodes with the romance between the North Korean Special Forces Officer Kim Hang Ah and the South Korean Prince Lee Jae Ha. The royal family were decent caring people who had to cope with tragedy after tragedy. In second half of the series the villain became the driver of the story line. Bottom line for me, I want good to triumph over evil. At the end of King 2 Hearts, I felt that evil had the upper hand the entire series. There were never had any significant consequences for horrible actions. In addition, the second couple of the series, the plucky Princess and reserved Royal Guard were pointlessly destroyed, without a valid story line payoff.
What I liked about King 2 Hearts:
1. Our Heroine, Kim Hang Ah, was tough and tender. She loved her man, she literally saved her man (multiple times), and she demanded his growth into a better person. One of the strongest kdrama female characters I've ever seen.
2. Our Prince (then King), Lee Jae Ha, grew into a fine man after initially being lazy, petty, and at times mean. This jerk to hero evolution seems to be a specialty for the actor Lee Seung Ki. I loved his portrayal of similar evolving characters in Shining Inheritance and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.
3. Our stalwart Royal Guard protector, Eun Shi Kyung, was deftly played by Jo Jung Suk. This character could have been wooden and boring, but instead was a rock for our Prince/King (terrific bromanace between these two). His romance with the princess was slow but lovely to watch. The death of this character was unnecessary. When a character dies by a villain as the villain is being caught, I find it senseless and an emotional gut-punch that has no story line validity. I felt the same when the writers of City Hunter killed the prosecutor in the next to last episode. This was unnecessary and harsh and left other characters and the viewers shell shocked in the final episode.
4. Our plucky princess, Lee Jae Shin, played by Lee Yoon Ji started bold but was traumatized and paralyzed by the evil villain. The unlocking of her memory had an emotional payoff when you found what the villain forced her do. The actress Lee Yoon Ji created a character that you rooted for. The same actress was great in Dream High.
5. Our initial King, Lee Jae Kang, was loving, wise, fun, the best brother and king. The actor Lee Sung Min made a big impact in the initial third of this series.
6. Our Queen mother, Bang Yang Sun, was tolerate and stronger than you initially thought. She loved her family, and showed true pluck when face-to-face with the villain.
What I didn't like:
1. The villain John Mayer was initially weird, creepy, and strangely compelling in the initial episodes. But when the writers let this evil character drive the last two-thirds of the series, our good characters only played catch-up and never really triumphed. I so wanted our heroine to use her sniper rifle on the villain instead of his evil side-kick. His penalty was to be thrown in prison where I imagined he could still run his evil empire remotely. I was not satisfied this character paid for his crimes.
2. The royal adviser Bang Yang Sun so easily betrayed the royal family after taking a bribe and then lied, manipulated and became the inside man for the villain. This was difficult to watch and swallow.
3. The foreign actors could not act. In an attempt to make the story line conflict global, many foreign actors were employed. Unfortunately, they were all bad actors with weird accents. The foreign actors were outmatched by the core actors and were distracting to the story.
King 2 Hearts had many pluses: good actors, solid romances, characters you liked or hated, twists and turns, but the writing in the latter part of the series bothered me and downgraded my feelings of the series to "missed it by that much" (good but not great).
Puropôzu dai sakusen (2007)
cute but wimpy male lead can't utter "I like you"...
Ken has spent his life trying to express his true feelings for best friend Rei but due to his inability to utter "I like you", Rei is getting married to their former professor. During the wedding reception a slide show flashes displays photos from Rei's life. Ken wishes he could go back and and change things. A sassy church fairly grants him the ability to time travel to one photo per the 11 episodes.
What I liked:
1. Sassy church fairy (Mikami Hiroshi) nudges Ken along trying with charm, humor, and wisdom.
2. Each episode ended with the lovely song, "Ashita Hareru Kana," by Kuwata Keisuke that perfectly fits the overall tone of the jdrama.
3. Believable friendships among Ken, Rei, and their 3 other friends. There were fun and charming moments throughout the series among these friends and their journey to adulthood.
4. The series key points: a) Life is too short to waste on missed opportunities and regret. b) nothing will ever be as big as your First Love. The series catch phrase: Hallelujah, chance!
What I didn't like:
1. Ken, played by Yamashita Tomohisa, can not tell Rei (Nagasawa Masami) he likes her, and he's had 14 years to do so. When he goes back in time for the sole purpose of rectifying this, he still can not tell her. While Ken was a sympathetic character his constant inability to express his feelings becomes annoying, veering on ridiculous. Granted Rei, has also liked Ken for 14 years, and has not told him. Ken and Rei are a well match couple in denial. I got irritated with both of them. Believe me they have charm as a couple, but good grief, all the missed opportunities!
2. Proposal Daisakusen is well made but you must watch the entire series before you get the emotional pay-off. The 2008 special spent more time on the friends that our primary couple Ken and Rei.
Naege Geotjitmaleul Haebwa (2011)
Lie to Me had a flimsy story...
Lie to Me had a flimsy story premise. A woman irritated that her friend has stolen her first love, lies that she is married. What happens after that is not good storytelling.
What I liked:
a) Physical chemistry between the lead actors Yoon Eun-hye and Kang Ji- hwan is good. Three passionate kisses (by kdrama standards) - Karoke in Episode 6, Coke Kiss Episode 8, Final Kiss Episode 16.
b) Likable Male Lead, Kang Ji-hwan is good looking and adorable when his character was able to cut loose a bit. Unfortunately the story was so uneven: he hates her, he loves her, he has to honor his former relationship, he doesn't believe her, marriage or bust, it was like watching multiple personalities.
c) couple of good songs on the soundtrack.
What I didn't like:
a) Annoying Female Lead, Yoon Eun-hye was so good in Coffee Prince, I was shocked how the character bugged me the first 6 episodes, was OK the next 5 episodes, then annoying again. Much of this was bad writing, but the actress chose over-the-top physical acting in the first 6 episodes which I had a negative reaction to. I did not find this character charming. The character seemed to cry loudly in EVERY episode.
b) The story line was flimsy without providing characters to care about. No matter how hard the actors tried, there's no way they could save this empty plot. Lie to Me is like being served a rice cake when you were hoping for a delicious dessert.
Kekkon dekinai otoko (2006)
Top notch jdrama - Can if a loner architect find love?
Kekkon Dekinai Otoko (aka The Man Who Can't Get Married / He Who Can't Marry) draws you into the world of a 40 year old a successful architect that has limited emotional intelligence and people skills. In 12 episodes this 2006 Japanese drama answers the question can this loner find love?
Kuwano, the eccentric loner architect, has three primary female friendships: his next door neighbor, Michiru, a young woman with the cutest dog who finds him off-putting; Dr. Natsumi, his doctor who treats him and is intrigued by his eccentric ways; and Maya, his under appreciated business partner. The three women befriend each other and find they all enjoy talking about the strange and eccentric Kuwano.
What I liked:
a) Kuwano, the main character is played to perfection by Abe Hiroshi. He is spot-on in the part and draws you into the character's world. You grow to like the loner Kuwano character, you root for his evolution over the 12 episodes, and you want him to find love.
b) Dr. Natsumi, the lead female character, is breathed to life by Natsukawa Yui. You understand why she is intrigued by Kuwano but also why she hesitates to fully engage him.
c) the writer Ozaki Masaya crafted 12 episodes that are compelling. You grow to care about these characters and there isn't a rotten character in the bunch. The characters become friends and help each other deal with this quirky architect.
d) the cutest dog ever, Ken, a pug you will fall in love with. This darling dog has his own storyline, has center stage in episode 8, and is crucial to Kuwano's growth as a person.
This fine drama won Best Drama, Best Director, Best Scriptwriter, Best Actor - Abe Hiroshi, Best Supporting Actress - Natsukawa Yui, and a Special Award for the pug Ken (the dog) at the 50th Television Drama Academy Awardsin Japan.
If you've never tried a Japanese drama and want to watch one with an adult storyline, this one may click with you too.
Rabu shaffuru (2009)
Love Shuffle is cleverly written with surprises all along the way
Love Shuffle is a 10 episode 2009 jdrama that is a mix of romance, comedy and melodrama when four top-floor apartment dwellers decide to shuffle their love relationships (with their partners agreeing to participate in the shuffle). The writing of this drama was very good, every episode had surprises. The production of the drama was also good with clever, consistent use of two songs - Earth Wind and Fire's Fantasy and Eternal Flame by the Bangles. The acting was the weakest aspect of the drama. The twisting story trumped some flat performances. At the end of the drama I found that the main couple didn't interest me as much as the seconding pairings.
What I liked about the show a) standout character was Usami Kei played by Tamaki Hiroshi. Kei starts out dull but ends up refocused and on an interesting future path. He was the energizing character of the show. b) second favorite character was Sera Ojiro played by Matsuda Shota. I remembered Shota from Hana Yori Dango. Ojiro's insights when taking pictures were riveting, forcing the subjects to speak their own personal truths. This character had most emotional variations in the series. c) writer Nojima Shinji crafted 10 episodes of intrigue, interwoven characters with plenty of surprises along the way. I plan to check out other jdramas from this writer. d) the friendship between the 4 same- floor apartment dwellers is developed nicely and seems genuine. I enjoyed their after-work drinks and snack banter.
What I did not like about the show a) limited emotional range from lead female character Aizawa Airu played by Karina. Airu was a likable, tough, independent character but the actresses' flat portrayal did not draw me in so I did not care who Airu ended up with. b) lack of passion from most of the characters. Most of the cast came across flat. So while I was intrigued and wanted to know what happened next, the flat acting kept me at and arm's length and I did not emotionally invest in this jdrama.
Liu xing hua yuan (2001)
Taiwanese Meteor Garden is the 1st TV adaptation of Boys over Flowers
The Taiwanese Meteor Garden is the 1st TV adaptation of Boys over Flowers based on the Japanese comic series Hana Yori Dango written by Yoko Kamio. The storyline follows the love story between poor girl Shan Cai and rich boy Dao Ming Si who meet at an exclusive university. Rich boy Si is the leader of the clique F4 (Flower Four) and routinely bullies students who irritate him. The F4 members Si, Hua Ze Lei, Mei Zuo and Xi Men are rich heirs to Taiwanese businesses. Poor girl Shan Cai stands up for a friend and receives the dreaded red card (signal for the student body to bully a person). To everyone's surprise she does not break down at the repeated bullying incidents and instead declares war on the F4 earning their respect and rich boy Si's affection. Their ensuing relationship ebbs and flows.
What I liked a) Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si clicked a couple. Their kisses were refreshingly unchaste. The moments of happiness were charming. His joy at her first voluntary kiss. Her pleasure at his Meteor light display at her apartment. The narration of Shan Cai's thoughts allowing the viewer to know she loved Si. b) Hua Ze Lei was a true rival for the Si. Shan Cai chooses him over Si at one point. I liked how this series addressed that Hua Ze Lei was formerly autistic and how this directly contributed to his low-key character. d) F4 loyalty and friendship and chemistry grew throughout the series. Mei Zuo and Xi Men seemed interchangeable while the Korean and Japanese characters were more distinct.
What I did not like a) Shan Cai's refusal to admit her any part of her feelings bugged me. Si's love was portrayed as overwhelming. b) Violence against women was off-putting (Shan Cai was slapped in the face multiple times and beaten when bullied). c) Shan Cai's friend Chen Qing had a big mouth. The Japanese and Korean versions deleted this irritating character. d) The actors had limited acting skills (this also marred the Korean version) but grow into their roles. e) production values were low quality. f) Shan Cai's parents were irritating.
Comparisons between season 1 - Taiwanese Meteor Garden (2001), Japanese Hana Yori Dango (2005), and the Korean Boys over Flowers (2009). Characters and my order of preference.
Female lead: 1. Japanese Makino had spunk loved the 2 hop then punch and admitted her feelings at the airport. 2. Korean Jan-di had a spark in 2 favorite scenes, when she smacks down the boyfriend who cheated on her best friend Ga-eul and then tried to avoid admitting her error to Jun Pyo offering the apple versus apology. 3. Taiwanese Shan Cai was easily swayed away from pursuing her true love and only admits part of her feelings. When she stops the bus and runs back to him, their bickering to relief was portrayed beautifully.
Male lead: 1. Korean Jun-pyo was perfect combination of spoiled, headstrong, and first time in love. The character was manipulated and willing to marry a woman he didn't love, which the Japanese and Taiwanese characters refused. 2. Japanese Domyouji had a fire and an evolved from spoiled man-child to worthy love. The first date elevator scene showed chemistry from the get-go. 3.Taiwanese Si had a cruel streak that was tempered but remained. He portrayed the desperate intensity of love very well. His admission of love in front of the fake cousin was palpable.
F4 members:
Love rival: 1. Taiwanese Hua Ze Lei was a true rival and friend to both leads. He provided wisdom. The beach scene where he makes his move on Shan Cai was excellent. 2. Japanese Hanazawa Ru was a calm and wise friend to both leads, he portrayed the regret at missing the opportunity for love well. 3. Korean Ji-hoo was the most wooden and never much of a rival and more of a friend. The hockey game where he forces Jun-pyo to admit his feelings was a highlight.
Number two: 1. Korean So Yi-jung sculptor, playboy, saxophone player had terrific chemistry with the actress that played Jan Di's best friend Ga-eul. Their love story was compelling. Some overacting (on the rooftop with Ga-eul), but his smile helped to overcome this. 2. Japanese Soujiroh had a terrific mix of fire, humor and wisdom and was the best actor. I could have used more romance. 3. Taiwanese Xi Men was less distinct, and initially threw me off with the glasses and preppy look. In episodes 25/26 his acting peaked as he explored a potential relationship with Xiao You. He was frank about his intentions but tender at her forthright declaration.
Number three: 1. Japanese Akira, was likable and crucial to the F4 balance. Top notch F4 chemistry. 2. Taiwanese Mei Zu, cared about the continuation of F4 throughout the series. 3. Korean Woo- bin, lost the storyline lottery and had little to do. Excellent chemistry with his F4 cohorts.
Bottom line: I found each country's adaptation watchable and enjoyable.
1. Korean Boys Over Flowers was my first Asian drama and has a special spot in my heart. The production values, the clothes, the locations, the music, were the best in this series. The acting was second best but the actor's intangibles appealed to me more making this adaptation my favorite.
2. Japanese Hana Yori Dango zipped along in a compact 9 episodes and was the best acted and written series. The airport declaration of love between our leads (final scene of season 1 was my favorite scene of all three adaptations.
3.Taiwanese Meteor Garden, hooked me as the series progressed. The desperate love and denial between the leads was the most palpable in this adaptation. The acting of this cast improved over the series. The pacing was the slowest but worked.
Keopi peurinseu 1-hojeom (2007)
In Coffee Prince, love crosses boundaries (gender, economic status)
The Coffee Prince shows love can cross boundaries (gender, economic status) and triumph. The love story is beautifully portrayed and makes Coffee Prince worth watching.
The two leads embody the main characters perfectly. Gong Yoo plays Choi Han-gyul, a rich aimless man and Yoon Eun-hye plays Go Eun-chan, a hard- working breadwinner for her family. Eun-chan does not look or dress in a feminine fashion and Han-gyul mistakes her for a boy.
Their initial relationship is based on Han-gyul paying Eun-chan to act as his boyfriend to repulse the blind dates his Grandmother and Mother set him up with, as they want him to settle down and marry. Han-gyul then is challenged to make a decrepit coffee shop profitable in 3 months (as co-owner) and Eun-chan gets a job in the coffee shop. It is wonderful to watch their ensuing friendship and love blossom. Han-gyul struggles with his love for Eun-chan as it challenges his concepts that love should only between a man- and a woman.
The lead actor, Gong Yoo, goes all-in on his character, Han-gyul, playing crucial moments with intensity and elevating the entire drama. The lead actress, Yoon Eun-hye, manages to be sympathetic as her character Eun-chan continues her gender lie longer than necessary.
The supporting characters of the drama did not grab me so their on- screen stories were not of much interest, lowering the overall of the effect of Coffee Prince as a whole.
*SPOILER* When Han-gyul finally allows himself to love Eun-chan regardless of gender (episode 10) it is the best moment of the drama and truly touching.
*SPOILER* The finale episode is the weakest as we wait too long for the couple to be reunited, but all ends well.
Hana yori dango (1995)
1995 movie, not associated with TV adaptations....
This 1995 movie, is not associated with the TV adaptations of Boys Over Flowers (aka Hana Yori Dango based on the comics written by Yoko Kamio), that you may be familiar with. This is the first live action version of the comics.
Run-time is a brief 78 minutes. In this sliver of a movie, the storyline focuses on Makino Tsukushi's choice between Doumyouji Tsukasa and Hanazawa Rui as they attend University together.
The movie's fashions are in the 90's time warp. Doumyouji is often without a shirt (wears a vest or jacket, no shirt, go figure why on your own).
The acting didn't draw me into the story.
I checked out the movie because I'd seen and enjoyed both the Japanese Boys Over Flowers trilogy (Hana Yori Dango (2005) Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007), Hana Yori Dango Final (2008)) and the Korean Boys Over Flowers (2009). These adaptations are much better, having the luxury of time to tell the story that more closely follows the comic.
Watch for curiosity, don't expect much, and you'll be OK.
Remember, this is the live action rendition that opened the door for the other, better versions.
Siti hyunteo (2011)
City Hunter wrapped with a whimper not a bang and that's a shame...
City Hunter had focused, intricate episodes with many surprises in the series. This series was billed as a prequel to the Japanese City Hunter manga series written and illustrated by Tsukasa Hojo.
City Hunter was a tale of revenge with key bromances as the linchpins for the series: Dad (Lee Jin-pyo) and City Hunter (Lee Min-ho), City Hunter and Prosecutor (Kim Young-joo), City Hunter and the sidekick (Bae Shik-joong). City Hunter stalked, trapped, and turned over men that had done Dad wrong many years ago. The revenge was satisfying for targets 1- 3, but the death of target 4 was too long in coming and didn't seem enough after brutal death of the prosecutor, the impeachment of the President seemed like a slap on the wrist, his term was almost up.
The romance between City Hunter and Kim Na Na built steadily then was iced by the City Hunter so he could focus on the final targets and revenge. This left the City Hunter alone and the story weaker by him not relying on Kim Na Na and Bae Shik-joong his sidekick (both characters were effectively neutered for the remainder of the series).
City Hunter had well written episodes that completely hooked me but the pacing, the writing and wrap-up decisions of last 2 episodes bothered me and downgraded my overall feelings of the series to "missed it by that much" (very good but not great). The series wrapped with a whimper not a bang. The epilogue scenes were ambiguous and left me saying - that's it? Problems with the final two episodes:
1. The final target, the President, was weak and anti-climactic. All the other targets had done dastardly things for greed and power. The Presidents' misdeeds did not have any impact. The President was neither villain nor hero, but rather blah and non-descript. If a villain isn't compelling it drags the story down. The story the President told of stealing lunch money and not being able to admit the wrong doing when confronted, seemed to repeat itself.
2. The reveal that the President was City Hunter's biological father was a non-event. This should have strongly rippled and impacted the characters – but no, it didn't.
3. Having target #4 (Chun Jae-man) escape (who was the inside man that did that?) after City Hunter delivered him to the Prosecutor Kim Young- joo was annoying. Revenge on target #4 took too long and consumed too much of the series energy.
4. Killing the prosecutor Kim Young-joo was unnecessary and harsh. It seemed to leave a shell-shocked pall on all the characters in the finale episode. The out-side-the-law City Hunter needs his sworn-to- uphold- the-law counterpart Prosecutor (e.g. Batman and Commissioner Gordon).
5. The epilogue was short and ambiguous, leaving a negative last impression of the series. Why did the mother and Bae Shik-joong move to America? Did City Hunter and Kim Na Na get together? Throughout the series City Hunter stated he wanted to be able to achieve a normal life after the revenge was complete – did he? The City Hunter said that he'd come back to Kim Na Na and Kim Na Na said she'd wait for him. Did City Hunter continue as a vigilante with Kim Na Na waiting at home with dinner for him? If so, was his father's sacrifice,declaring himself City Hunter, wasted?
Kkotboda namja (2009)
Boys Over Flowers intangibles makes my preference the Korean version to the better acted/made Japanese version
Boys Over Flowers (2009, Korean Version) centers around a rich boy, Jun Pyo, who falls for poor girl, Jan Di, with plenty of obstacles in their path to love. Jun Pyo is the leader of the F4 (Flower Four), 4 rich close friends that are widely popular in the richest high school in Korea.
What I liked about the Boys Over Flowers:
a) this was first kdrama I ever watched and it will always have a special place in my heart. I was dismayed after the 1st episode with the overacting of Jan Di's family but was hooked by episode 2.
b) F4 friendship worked and I loved how they became protective and caring of Jan Di. I watched the Japanese version after I watched the Korean version. Comparisons between the two versions are inevitable.
The F4 Japanese actors are better than the F4 Korean actors with the exception of the lead male actor where I preferred Lee Min-ho. However, the Korean F4 members have intangibles that captivated me.
F4 lead Jun Pyo was charming, caring, and loyal under the sneering veneer. Lee Min- ho, in his first male lead part, carried the show and has only improved in subsequent roles (Personal Taste, City Hunter).
Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) was only initially a viable rival for Jan Di's love until she decides Jun Pyo is the one for her. His acting skills were limited but to his credit he stayed in that range and portrayed a sincere friend to both Jun Pyo and Jan Di.
Yi Jung (Kim Bum), pottery master, was adorable and had good chemistry Ga Eul (Jan Di's best friend played by Kim So Eun). His acting skills were immature but his smile took that character far. In comparison, the Japanese character Soujiro was more mature, a truth teller, but completely shied away from romance.
Finally Woo Bin (Kim Joon) completely lost the storyline lottery but had charm and chemistry with the others. In comparison, the Japanese character Akira had heart and was the glue of F4.
c) female lead Koo Hye Sun as Jan Di had undeniable chemistry with Lee Min-ho and thankfully toned down the physical acting and amped up the emotional acting as the series progressed. Her character was reticent to commit to love but once she did, her continuous sacrifices for love mattered. In comparison the Japanese character Makino was spunkier and more open about her feelings. When Jan Di believed so strongly that Jun Pyo would remember their love that she almost drowned, it was compelling.
d) the storyline is expansive (16 episodes, season 1) versus the Japanese version (9 episodes, season 1) but it works where they deviate. I preferred season 1 ending airport scene in the Japanese version (episode 9 Hana Yori Dango) and the season 2 ending beach scene in the Korean version (episode 25). The Japanese movie, an extended epilogue, Hana Yori Dango Returns, ties everything into a nice bow, where I wanted more of an epilogue in the Korean final episode 25.
e) evil mom was formidable (aka President Kang played by Lee Hye-young) and could make any character shrink back with a single raised eyebrow.
What I did not like about the show
a) Jan Di's family made me cringe, the over acting was palpable.
b) how many times did they play the theme song Almost Paradise? When they played that song during a fight scene, it was laughable.
While the Japanese version, Hana Yori Dango, was better made, better acted, and more concise than the Korean version, Boys Over Flowers has intangibles which makes me prefer it.
Hana yori dango: Fainaru (2008)
epilogue to the TV series that hits it's stride once on the island
Hana Yori Dango Final, the movie (2008, Boys Over Flowers, the third chapter of the Boys Over Flowers Japanese trilogy) centers around testing our engaged rich boy Domyouji, and poor girl, Makino, to see if they have everlasting love. Our couple doesn't know they are being tested as they travel to Las Vegas, Hong Kong, and an Island, until the end. The F4 (Flower Four), 4 close friends that are sons of Japan's wealthiest, help the couple during their tests. This movie is a fitting epilogue to the TV series (Hana Yori Dango season 1 and Hana Yori Dango Returns season 2). Endure the first half of the movie and you'll get the payoff in the second half.
What I liked about Hana Yori Dango Final a) Domyouji (Jun Matsumoto) and Makino (Mao Inoue) get quality screen time as a couple. Sometimes in the TV series it seemed like the actual moments as a couple were limited. The last stop of their test, the island, was where they shone as a couple and their on-screen chemistry was excellent. b) Domyouji's character was mature and strong in this movie. I appreciated how his love for Makino was unwavering. d) Unconditional loyalty for each other is what F4 gives each other. Rui, Soujiroh, and Akira were supporting characters in this movie, but their friendship is the backbone of the entire series. e) I loved how Domyouji's evil mother turns out to be like the Grinch whose heart grew 2 sizes. She finally smiles and shows love, it was a pleasant surprise to see her be a positive force. f) Makino's parents also were supportive and I appreciated their willingness to make the hard choice to test the couple too. g) Wedding was perfect and showcased the couple's love and the F4 friendship. It was beautiful and touching ending to the series. h) the closing credits have a long-shot camera take of the season 1 ending airport scene, Makino finally declares her love Domyouj, one of my favorite moments of the series. I found it satisfying to end the movie with that pinnacle scene.
What I did not like a) Makino's hesitation that she and Domyouji could make it as a couple forever bugged me. Domyouji's love is unwavering. Makino's wavering belief was annoying. b) The first stop in Las Vegas was a bit ridiculous and I was glad to see them leave this location. c) the second stop, Hong Kong, was better than Las Vegas, but not riveting stuff.
Hana yori dango 2 (2007)
Boys Over Flowers Season 2 Japanese Version...
Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007, Boys Over Flowers Season 2, Japanese Version) centers around a rich boy, Domyouji, who falls for poor girl, Makino, with plenty of obstacles in their path to love. Domyouji is the leader of the F4 (Flower Four), 4 close friends that are sons of Japan's wealthiest. Hana Yori Dango Returns begins with the yearlong separation of Domyouji and Makino, when Domyouji moves to New York to study business because he lost the bet with his mother at the end of Hana Yori Dango season 1.
I watched the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers (2009, made after Hana Yori Dango Returns) before I watched the Japanese version. Comparisons between the two versions are inevitable.
What I liked about the Hana Yori Dango Returns (season 2) a) F4 synergy and friendship was excellent. The F4 Japanese actors are better than the F4 Korean actors with the exception of the lead male actor where I preferred Lee Min-ho. No real knocks against Japanese male lead Jun Matsumoto, who was compelling and had excellent chemistry with the female lead. Each F4 character had a storyline and mattered. b) female lead Mao Inoue as Makino Tsukushi is spunky and more open about her feelings than the Korean version of this character. I liked the Domyouji and Makino pairing. They spend more time apart than together but the moments they are together work. c) I preferred how Domyouji character was strong though trapped into an engagement he was willing to risk everything to end it. In the Korean version the male lead was willing to marry for the company leaving behind his love, which weakened the character. d) episode 5 where Domyouji and F4 helps Makino's little bro declare his love for the girl that loaned him an eraser was adorable and sweet.
What I did not like a) Makino leaving Domyouji to return to her family when the company was tanking made no sense. Domyouji's evil mother didn't guarantee that anything would improve if she left, but off she went. b) The final episode where Makino misses her graduation and prom but gets an arena of folks watching Domyouji propose to her was silly. I wanted to see her in that red dress too! c) This season drags a bit, the two females, Shigeru during Domyouji's engagement and Umi during Domyouji's amnesia, that vie and manipulate to oust Makino got irritating. Makino flip flops on declaring herself for Domyouji more than I liked.
While Hana Yori Dango Returns was better made and acted than the Korean version, the Korean version has intangibles which makes me prefer it. I plan to check out first version, the Taiwan Meteor Garden (2001) Meteor Rain (2001) and Meteor Garden II (2002).
Hana yori dango (2005)
2005 Japanese Version of Boys Over Flowers better acted than Korean version...
Hana Yori Dango (2005, Boys Over Flowers, Japanese Version) centers around a rich boy, Domyouji, who falls for poor girl, Makino, with plenty of obstacles in their path to love. Domyouji is the leader of the F4 (Flower Four), 4 close friends that are sons of Japan's wealthiest who are wildly popular in the richest high school in Japan.
I watched the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers (2009, made after Hana Yori Dango) before I watched the Japanese version. Comparisons between the two versions are inevitable.
What I liked about the Hana Yori Dango (season 1) a) F4 synergy and friendship was excellent. The F4 Japanese actors are better than the F4 Korean actors with the exception of the lead male actor where I preferred Lee Min-ho. In Hana Yori Dango the male lead Domyouji is more violent and a bit dumber than the Korean version. b) Each F4 character had a storyline and mattered. Rui is really a viable rival for Makino's love until she decides Domyouji is the one for her. Soujiro, tea master, calls it like he sees it and Akira, gangster son, is the glue of F4. c) female lead Mao Inoue as Makino Tsukushi was spunky and seemed more open about her feelings than the Korean version of this character. I liked the Domyouji and Makino pairing. Their first date which ends in getting stuck in the elevator is adorable. d) Makino's family is more palatable, the Korean version made you cringe. e) storyline is more compact (9 episodes) versus the Korean version (16 episodes) but it works well. The series ending is satisfying and if the second season (Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007)) had not been made, the season could have stood alone.
What I did not like about the show a) the evil mother is so cold and willing to manipulate her son and others. There is no humanity or glimmer of love for her children, everything is about the success of the company, this was off-putting. b) The sweet shop boss's many former love stories just bugged me. c) Makino should have won the Top of Japan contest, she totally ruled in playing with the kids. The other contestant would have had no chance if Makino hadn't invited her to play with the kids too. I realize if she'd won, then there would be no season 2 but still she was the clear winner of that final round.
While Hana Yori Dango was better made, better acted, and more concise than the Korean version, the Korean version has intangibles which makes me prefer it. I plan to check out first version, the Taiwan Meteor Garden (2001) Meteor Rain (2001) and Meteor Garden II (2002).
Chanranhan yusan (2009)
Shining Inheritance is well written and acted...
Shining Inheritance was a riches to rags to find-yourself drama that was well written and acted. Our heroine is plucky, the stepmother / stepdaughter are quite the evil pair and our male leads, the rich heir (starts spoiled and evolves) and selfless friend, are both worthy of love. The Grandmother, who has the inheritance, shakes up her sheltered spoiled family when she strips them of money to teach them about life.
What I liked about the show a) writer So Hyun-kyung crafted 28 episodes of interwoven characters with surprises along the way. His evil characters had nuances. He also wrote the top-notch intriguing 49 Days (2011 kdrama) that I rate as better than Shining Inheritance. b) male lead Lee Seung-gi as heir Hwan, in his first male lead role, whose evolution from spoiled heir to caring person was a joy to watch. I also loved him as the male lead in 2010's My Girlfriend is Gumiho. c) Yeon Joon-seok as autistic brother Go Eun-woo was perfect and you rooted for him to be reunited with big sister. d) loved store Manager Lee who was terse but fair and put up with Hwan's initially hostile reluctance to do his job with patient dignity.
What I did not like about the show a) this drama was extended by 4 episodes and you can feel the storyline stretch. I bet is difficult for a writer to revamp during production when a drama is extended because it is garnering great ratings. b) the evil stepmother, while nuanced, grated on me and I tended to skip her scenes to alleviate the irritation. c) multiple hairstyle-challenged characters; female lead Go Eun-sung mushroom cap pageboy hair bugged me. She looked so much better with the bangs off the face. The Grandmother character had a terrible helmet-head gray wig and don't get me started on the factory worker with the gray pageboy wig.
49 Il (2011)
49 Days' premise intrigued me...
49 Days' premise of a soul from a comatose / brain-dead person having 49 days to find 3 tears of pure love from friends (family excluded) to allow the return from the afterlife intrigued me from the start. The writing of this drama was excellent, every episode had surprises. The production of the drama was also top notch. The acting was the weakest aspect of the drama. The great story trumped some flat performances.
What I liked about the show a) standout character was the Scheduler played to emotional perfection by Jung Il-woo. He guides the soul through the process and has an intriguing story. The actor Jung Il-woo also was riveting as male lead in Flower Boy Ramen Shop (worth watching). b) male lead Han Kang played by Jo Hyun-jae was quietly loving and worked to support the soul's journey. For you Jane Austen fans, he was Mr. Darcy in this drama. c) writer So Hyun-kyung crafted 20 episodes of intrigue, interwoven characters with plenty of surprises along the way. He also wrote Shining Inheritance (2009 kdrama). I preferred 49 days to Shining Inheritance (good kdrama) which I watched strictly for this writer.
What I did not like about the show a) depressed heroine Song Yi Kyung played by Lee Yo-won was hard to gravitate to and like. Her story unfolds during the drama and you root for her in the end, but when the lead character is despondent, it sets a tone. When the soul inhabits her, interest picks up. b) lack of passion from most of the characters. Most of the cast seemed like they were acting in a fog and came across flat. Many of the actors were also in Shining Inheritance and not flat there, so I don't know what happened. Especially villain Kang Min Ho played as tightly wound by Bae Soo-bin. Bae Soo-bin was adorable as Park Jun-se in Shining Inheritance. Must be his hair was so cute in Shining Inheritance and so drab in 49 days. c) twist in the final episode seemed unnecessary but it didn't change my opinion of this fine drama. I'm OK with how the drama ended.