Meteor Garden

I have read the manga and watched all the versions, including the anime. And this version is by far the best live action representation of the original story. Albeit they don't always get all the little good stuff in, like most movies and tv shows compared to the original book. But with the capture of the characters' personalities, they did a fantastic with the cast! The Caina and Meizuo story of course was a total waste of time, but I guess they wanted a opportunity for all F4 members to have their side stories. Anyways definitely give this one a shot!

Ok..so this was an accidental find for me. I wanted to watch Crazy Rich Asians and netflix kept popping up this movie recommendation. After the 5th time I gave in and figured while I wait for my movie to arrive I will kill time with this movie....Boy, was I in for a surprise!! I was hooked but proper after the first episode. (I am in my 40s, professional, white woman...so not quite the target audience..?) By the time my original intended dvd arrived it could not have possibly lived up to Meteor Garden. Now I tell all my close friends, siblings, and of course hubby that they must watch the show" as Romeo and Juliet won't hold a candle to this story. (Btw, fantastic cast and talent/ chemistry.) As for the last 2 episodes and the critics who don't get it. It's a dream/ brain chaos as Shancai is passing out. So do not take it literally! The question is how far back is reality and what part is her mind playing tricks on her. Keep in mind she is under considetable body stress (hunger, cold etc) and sleep deprivation. So I can't wait for season 2 to see if evil mom really gave in or not and what else the future holds for them. I tried to watch boys over flowers or whatever that show is called but found that one grotesque. (parodical mixed with sadistic in a very unnatural overacted way....) Kuddos to NETFLIX for their interpretation!!! I absolutely love Meteor Garden. I am addicted, looking up "learn chinese" videos on youtube, looking up chinese number meanings (and names) on google etc. I NEED SEASON 2!!!!

Having watched the 2001 original taiwanese version and being a HUGE fan of Boys over flowers I went into watching this series thinking it wouldn't be able to live up to it's successors. Despite being almost carbon copies of the previous two versions, this version stood up very well against them. Firstly, the actors are so attractive. Daoming Si and Huaze Lei are my favourites and the fact that I can't pick who I prefer between the two establishes the fact that the casting was done EXTREMELY well. Even the main character Shancai was sweet and innocent but still likeable. She definitely has that "naive" look I think the main character needs. The plot moved well and there were plenty of cute and romantic moments but a decent amount of tearjerking scenes to make this series not overly sugary and unrealistic. Lastly. THE SOUNDTRACK IS SO DAMN GOOD, I'm listening to it right now hehe. If you guys haven't started watching it yet I highly recommend to start! You won't regret it! :)

While the show is often funny, and I really like the main character, there are multiple unnecessary plot lines and characters. However, it is worth it to at least try the show. The casting is good, and the influence of the original manga is nice.

To be honest, I was never into chinese tv show before. Well, it was before Meteor Garden. This chinese drama is sweet, full of twist and turns and fun to watch. In fact, you get attached to all these characters. They are sweet, fun and cool. And believe me, i am so hook on it :)