Meteor Garden

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.

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!

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 :)

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.

I'm not one to watch something like this but I was hooked by the first episode. Romance and Comedy all in one. The cast is great and the storyline is great. Ready for more episodes!