I originally watched the Korean Version, Boys Over Flowers (Kkotboda Namja), and was so taken with it, I searched all the other versions and found this one. I was amazed by this version, even though Kkotboda Namja remains one of my faves (and incidentally my first K-Drama) I still have to say Hana Yori Dango and Hana Yori Dango 2 are better in almost every way.

My first thought when I watched the first episode of Hana Yori Dango was that Matsumoto Jun was so physically wrong for the part. But by the end of the first episode, he had captured the essential nature of Domyoji Tsukasa like nobody before or since; from the utter bad-boy prep school hauteur, to the barely hidden sociopathic tendencies springing from a need for love that he had never received whilst growing up. Is there anything sexier than a bad-boy that can be tamed by his one true love?

And speaking of that one true love, we now come to our lady protagonist, Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi. She IS Makino on every level, from her uncanny resemblance to the Manga character created way back in 1992 by Kamio Youko.

Special mention to Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui, a member of F4, and Domyoji's main rival for Makino's heart. His Rui is sexy and strong and he takes matters into his own hands when he begins to protect Makino.. Bravo for a job well done.

In comparison to Kkotboda Namja, the production values of Hana Yori Dango are clearly superior. Whilst the interiors of the various mansions in Boys over Flowers are clearly cheap sets, most of the interiors in Hana Yori Dango are filmed in actual palatial mansions, and the difference is obvious.

From the opening episode to the miraculous final shot of season 1, with Makino and Domyoji filmed in cameo against a setting sun as they embrace and Makino finally admits to Domyoji how she feels, this drama is special and remains to this day in my top 3 dramas of all time.

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