Meteor Garden

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.

Boys Over Flowers (Korean version) is one of my most favorite drama series of all time. I watched Meteor Garden due to Netflix recommendation and got the pleasantest surprise - I fell in love with it too, though I couldn't help comparing the two adaptations of the Japanese series Hana Yori Dango. Lee Min Ho of BOF and Dylan Wang of MG are equally gorgeous, talented and swoon-worthy. The female leads are both grating at first but grow on you as the dramas progress. The OST of BOF is superior to that of MG but after falling in love with Ai Cun Zai (Love Exists), I now consider the soundtrack of MG as not too far behind that of BOF.

BOF has more violence as well as scenes I rather not re-watch like when Gu Jun-pyo lost his memories and almost fell prey to the conniving Yumi. However, while MG is less painful to watch than BOF, I cried harder with MG. I also laughed harder. The bickerings between Daoming Si and Shancai are more amusing and titillating. Mix in the teasing from F3 and you'd just howl with laughter. Shancai's parents are also hilarious.

MG is a bit draggier than BOF. MG can probably shed off at least 3 episodes by dropping some side stories, removing repetitive flashbacks and making the characters move faster; I couldn't help mentally hurrying Shancai up the driveway of the Daomings' London residence.

The more I watch MG, the more impressed I am with Dylan Wang, a newcomer who was able to effectively portray the angst and passion of a young man deeply in love but clueless about how to treat his lady-love. Daoming Si's piercing gaze whenever he looks at Shancai would make any female heart flutter before melting.

Aside from the riveting love story, friendship is another key element of the series - acceptance of each other's absurdities and flaws, encouragement of each other's endeavors and forgiveness of each other's mistakes are so heart-warming, you'd just want to be part of that world. Thus, you might not be able to help yourself from watching it over and over.

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!!!!

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!