Meteor Garden (2018) poster
7.9
Your Rating: 0/10
Ratings: 7.9/10 from 46,402 users
# of Watchers: 94,004
Reviews: 222 users
Ranked #2920
Popularity #78
Watchers 46,402

An ordinary girl is admitted to the most prestigious school in the country, where she encounters F4, an exclusive group comprised of the four wealthiest and most handsome boys in the school - Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo. Shan Cai is an 18-year-old girl from a family that's barely able to make ends meet. Due to a turn of events, she gets accepted into a school that only accepts upper-class elites. She immediately clashes with her classmates, especially Dao Ming Si, who is spoiled, arrogant, and a bully. She remains defiant even after becoming a target of a series of pranks intended to torment her, and just when she's about to give up, Hua Ze Lei always seems to show up to lend her a helping hand. Eventually, the four boys begin to acknowledge Shan Cai's unyielding personality, which is like her namesake, which is that of a weed that can never be brought down. She also begins to see the good in the boys, which paves the way for friendship and an eventual romance. ~~ Adapted from the manga “Hana Yori Dango” (花より男子) by Kamio Yoko (神尾葉子). ~~ Two versions available: 50 episodes (TV) || 49 episodes (Online; DVD) Edit Translation

  • English
  • 中文(简体)
  • Arabic
  • Русский
  • Country: China
  • Type: Drama
  • Episodes: 50
  • Aired: Jul 9, 2018 - Aug 29, 2018
  • Aired On: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Original Network: Hunan TV
  • Duration: 45 min.
  • Score: 7.9 (scored by 46,402 users)
  • Ranked: #2920
  • Popularity: #78
  • Content Rating: 13+ - Teens 13 or older

Where to Watch Meteor Garden

Netflix
Subscription (sub)

Reviews

Completed
yoonbread
150 people found this review helpful
Sep 2, 2018
50 of 50 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers
Before I begin this review...

1. I have watched all licensed live versions of this story (Taiwan, Japan, Korea and now this China remake).
2. I grew up watching the original Meteor Garden.
3. Japanese Hana Yori Dango became my ultimate favorite adaptation.

Here’s my review.

It was clear from the very first episode that there were going to be many changes made to the origin story in this new remake. One being the iconic F4 banner in the locker symbolizing F4's desire to challenge you to a poker match. Two being the noticeable absence of bullying and flaunting of wealth (due to China censorship)... which left me asking, whether this was truly Hana Dango. Why does it look so different? Third being DMS is actually quite the gentleman in this version. He is still arrogant and hot tempered but not really a bully per say. His rocky start with Shan Cai is very "Pride and Prejudice-ques" in that, it stemmed from misunderstanding and poor communication on both sides rather than bullying. Despite all of the noticeable changes, I was addicted by the first episode. The acting wasn’t very good. The story line was familiar but not at the same time. Yet, curiosity and awe at how this version looks and feels kept me going.

I compare the feeling of watching this version to falling in love when you are in your early teens. It is clear that this version of Meteor Garden is marketed towards that age group. The actors are all new people. Their youthful looks and clear inexperience with acting actually helps with the portrayal of these seemingly innocent and naive characters. These characters are not deep nor well developed at all. You can say they are one dimensional and kinda cartoony. So if you are expecting some well fleshed out story with deep characters and development... this show is definitely not for you. But, if you take this version for what it is meant to be, which is a highly entertaining, childish story of two characters falling in love despite ridiculous obstacles... then you will love this version. Hana Yori Dango is the king of all that is good and bad about cliche Asian Rom Coms and this version delivered the cheesiness in unapologetic style. Ultimately, it is silly to expect anything more from the king of all idol dramas.

Personally, I watched this version for Dylan Wang and Shen Yue. I grew to be very fond of the two actors and loved seeing their natural chemistry on screen. Despite being newbies, these two delivered strong performances in difficult scenes that really moved me. I didn’t care much for the other characters but didn’t mind them that much when they were on screen. I also grew to love the blatant product placement. It was so in your face that you couldn’t help but laugh. I also enjoyed the new scenes and the faithful adaptation to the original manga. This was the most faithful adaptation to the manga which is probably why the original author, Yoko Kamio, is also a fan. She drew Dylan as Tsukasa... so if that’s not a sign off, I don’t know what is...

As much as I loved this version, there were many moments in this drama that were so ridiculous that I wasn’t sure what the hell I was watching... it almost felt like the screen writers flat out gave up.

So, the jury is pretty split on the reception of this version. I think it’s best to watch and decide for yourself whether you enjoy it or not. I liked it and I had a good time watching.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Helena
81 people found this review helpful
May 3, 2019
50 of 50 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

A plot as thick as Dao Ming Si's eyebrows

Only real trash connoisseurs will understand the true value of this masterpiece. The most irritating finale i've ever seen but would this show really be as entertaining with an average vanilla finale that doesn't feel like you're tripping on LSD ? Think again... Like a river, the plot flows and flows. Not a single dull moment except for the whole episode exploring the unnecessary drama between Mei Zuo and Caina. You can skip it without feeling guilty.

Last but not least: Thomas powerful, gripping and iconic performance at the London restaurant will never be forgotten.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?

Recommendations

F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers
Boys over Flowers
Meteor Garden
A Love So Beautiful
The Heirs
Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me

Recent Discussions

Be the first to create a discussion for Meteor Garden

Details

  • Drama: Meteor Garden
  • Country: China
  • Episodes: 50
  • Aired: Jul 9, 2018 - Aug 29, 2018
  • Aired On: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Original Network: Hunan TV
  • Duration: 45 min.
  • Content Rating: 13+ - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

  • Score: 7.9 (scored by 46,402 users)
  • Ranked: #2920
  • Popularity: #78
  • Watchers: 94,004

Top Contributors

172 edits
64 edits
60 edits
56 edits

News & Articles

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
All Time Favorite Dramas
715 titles 1807 loves 35
Chinese Modern Drama
350 titles 540 loves 1
Live Action Shoujo Manga
242 titles 372 loves 6

Recently Watched By