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Completed
Hana Yori Dango Final
3 people found this review helpful
by Marse
Nov 20, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
First of all, I have to say that what I was able to watch was Hana Yori Dango Final (Director's Cut). I don't know how different that is from the theatrical cut, but, yeah, I'm reacting on what I've watched.

The story is a good one although I found some scenes boring. I guess it's most probably because it's not really edited and cut much. Still, it's good to be a wrap-up of the story. All the actors did good jobs and that is really important.

The music goes well with whatever is shown.

I don't think I would want to re-watch this much.

For me, this is a good movie. Of course, it's recommended for those who watched the series because just watching the end of the second season is not enough.

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Completed
Hana Yori Dango 2
2 people found this review helpful
by Marse
Nov 17, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
There are more happenings in this season as compared to the first. There are more problems and such so it's more interesting. Even so, the story's flow is still as smooth as the first season. It's quite a cliffhanger though, since the real closure of the series is shown in the movie, if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, there may be scenes found in the Taiwanese and Korean (not sure about the Chinese one since I haven't watched it yet) versions that are not showed here, but it's all right.

Oguri Shun's scenes here are many, so his acting skill is more shown here. Matsuda Shota and Abe Tsuyoshi got more screen time, too. For me, it's important that they have their good share of screen time because, after all, their roles are part of F4. I found Kato Natsuki's Shigeru adorable. Anyway, the two leads' chemistry is more evident in this season. They're all actually better in this one.

I loved the music in this season, too! Especially the opening song (again).

If I'd re-watch the first one, of course, I have to re-watch this, too!

This is really good drama. It's worth watching, in my opinion.
Recommended to:
- those who watched the first season, of course!

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Completed
Hana Yori Dango
2 people found this review helpful
by Marse
Nov 17, 2012
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I have to admit that I haven't read the actual manga, Hana Yori Dango, so I still don't know which of its adaptation stayed true to it. But anyway, I guess that doesn't matter to a lot of viewers. Even if this only has few episodes as compared to the Korean and Taiwanese versions, it still managed to show the solid story. The flow of happenings are smooth. There isn't a dull moment -- or at least for me. The fight scenes might not be as good as the other version, though, but it's still acceptable.

Oh! And it's nice that Nishikado and Akira have their good share of spotlight in the series. The friendship between the four is good to see.

In my opinion, Inoue Mao did a great job portraying Tsukushi Makino. She didn't need to act too cutesy since she's naturally cute. Pretty, even. Her fierce look suits her, too! The four guys did great, too! It's funny to think that the "stupid Domyouji" role fits Jun Matsumoto. Anyway, he and Inoue Mao have chemistry and that's good. I was amused by the fact that Oguri Shun's good at acting like some sleepyhead. In my opinion, the cast is well-selected. All of them did great.

The music is lovable. I especially liked the opening song.

I would definitely want to re-watch this someday.

Overall, I give this a 9 because I really do believe that it's great. I recommend this to:
- people who love rom-com
- people who want to watch a series who isn't too long but is still good
- fans of the manga and anime which go by the same title
- fans of the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean versions ('cause of the differences made)

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Completed
Skip Beat!
5 people found this review helpful
by Marse
Nov 11, 2012
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
Skip Beat! is one of my favorite anime/manga that's why I was really nervous for this one. I was afraid that it wouldn't give justice to the manga, but I was so glad that it turned out to be good.

The story was still the same with a little bit alterations here and there. One of these is the importance they gave to Mr. Du, Dun He Lian's manager. His character is a truly likable one. He supports his talent in everything and, of course, even Gong Xi. He is amusing because he is the one who always teases Lian and the one who, in a way, became a bridge for them to get closer. In this adaptation, Lian is kinder, though his professional aura is still there. In addition, they threw two characters who are for laughs, but I think they should not have added them because they're just flat characters.

The ending is left open, inviting questions, but I guess it's because the manga was (and still is) ongoing, However, I think it's wrapped up nicely that it isn't irritating that it left the viewer to his imagination of what could have happened to the characters.

There might be exaggerated scenes, but remember that this is adapted from a manga. The scenes aren't even that exaggerated compared to its original source. Anyway, I just wished that they animated the "animated" parts better, like the Gong Xi demons, because they may make some cringe.

With regards to the acting, in my opinion, Siwon and Donghae did a good job portraying Dun He Lian and Bu Po Shang, respectively. I wasn't really expecting much from them since I only saw them as singers and dancers of Super Junior (I love them, BTW), so I was surprised of the act they did. Though Siwon didn't show a menacing or scary enough Lian, at least he managed to deliver the emotions well. Donghae, with all his adorableness, showed a truly likable Shang because of his portrayal, though I thought he didn't have that much air of pride as he should have had. Anyway, it's such a shame that it is obvious that their voices are dubbed.

Ivy Chen, on the other hand, portrayed Gong Xi well, but I feel like it being a live action made it difficult to show fully how and who her character is. Also, she had some expressions which looked unnatural... or quite not right. Another notable character is Qin, who was portrayed very well by Bai Bianca. Her interactions with Gong Xi was pleasant to see because their friendship was clearly seen.

Of course, there is Mr. Du as well. Part of why his character became likable is, of course, because of the actor. The child who acted as Marie was good, as well! The other casts did acceptable to good jobs.

I love all the songs in this drama. The opening is catchy and is giving a good vibe, exactly like a good beginning. The ending song gives me a nostalgic feeling, just the right emotion I feel whenever something is coming to a close. The other insert songs and some instrumentals are placed just at the right moments to enhance the feels of the scenes.

In all honesty, I couldn't remember how many times I've re-watched this series already. I guess I've really became attached to it. Anyway, perhaps this is good to re-watch whenever one just want to feel good or stare at the handsomeness of Siwon and Donghae.

This is fun to watch, especially if you are able to disregard the exaggerations and some poor animation.

I recommend this to:
- those who want some lighthearted/rom-com shows
- fans of Skip Beat! ('cause you may want to give this a try)
- fans of Super Junior (particularly of Siwon and Donghae)

Written: 11/10/12
Edited: 01/01/15

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