Why HANA YORI DANGO will always be THE SUPERIOR/BEST VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD!

HANA YORI DANGO is the ONE AND ONLY VERSION that GOT TO PLUCKED MY HEARTSTRINGS, FREAKIN' PLAYED WITH MY EMOTIONS & MADE ME FEEL ALL SORT OF THINGS!!! The way HanaDan was made was SO COMPELLING, FULL OF ANGST & HEARTWARMING, that's why, it will ALWAYS BE THE SUPERIOR VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD!!!!!!! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Just watch HANA YORI DANGO is you want to see:

• A properly tailored flow of the scenes/plot. QUALITY MORE THAN QUANTITY!

• The version that stood the test of time a.k.a. REWATCH VALUE.

• Well-written characters that's why you can understand why they're acting the way they were.

• Polished arcs of the characters, most especially to Domyouji’s redemption, with his arc in S2!
(It was the heaviest compared to his other counterparts.)

• The STRONGER THAN THE WHOLE PERIODIC TABLE CHEMISTRY of Inoue Mao (Makino Tsukushi) and Jun Matsumoto (Domyouji Tsukasa), and how their chemistry really worked like magic which also launched thousands of shippers until this day on! Their chemistry was so believable that you could actually feel their scenes whether it be love, confusion, pain and longing!

• The solid & genuine friendship of F4 and how it extended up to Makino.

• The version that gave justice & “more than meets the eye” element to Makino and Domyouji’s character sketches and against all odds love story; whereas, Inoue Mao and Jun Matsumoto perfectly etched a convincing, endearing, full of angst, in-depth and emotional rawness to their portrayals which really stood out above the rest. They have this amazing control over the audience that makes you super-emotionally invested and attached to their characters and how they affect each other!

• The ICONIC OSTs (Wish, Love So Sweet, One Love, Planetarium, Flavor of Life & Kiss Hug) and the very beautiful music scoring (composed by Kousuke Yamashita) used that made the emotional scenes of HanaDan even more poignant & heart wrenching!

• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE ITEMS THAT SYMBOLIZES MAKINO & DOMYOUJI’S ROMANCE as they're constantly there and really plays “plot” in the show too! They were able to deeply showcase the important roles of those intricate items, not just some random pretty decorations.

1.) SATURN NECKLACE - According to the horoscope, Makino & Domyouji are “people of saturn” meant to share and experience all the fun and difficult times together. You can also see that Makino in this version really treasured the necklace compared to her other counterparts!

2.) THE FLAVOR OF LOVE – As Domyouji said, the flavor of love (bittersweetness) tastes like the lousy cookies Makino made for him. The only Domyouji counterpart that made an impactful statement about Makino’s cookies!

3.) EBISU GARDEN PLACE – a.k.a. their sacred place (I just loved the fact that this is where Makino & Domyouji held their marriage as a nod to their first date!)


• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE NARRATIVE PARALLELS

1.) MAKINO’S EYES – From S1, S2 and Final movie, you will notice that the exposition scenes always start with the close up shot of Makino’s eyes and her multiple “why’s” as it meant that this is her story and journey with F4! She is the main lead character after all and I loved how they highlighted it!

2.) DOMYOUJI'S GALAXY PUZZLES (In Season 1) - You can notice that when Domyouji was starting to show his inner self (behind his tiger mask) and applying what his older sister suggested ("Patience is a Virtue / "You have to love in order to be loved!") to Makino, he also began to happily arrange his galaxy puzzles one at a time. And at the near end of S1, he was able to finally put the last piece of the puzzle before leaving for New York! As a deep viewer who understood this important symbolism, I do believe that Domyouji finally completing the picture of the galaxy puzzle means that his relationship-building with Makino (from "Hate to Love") has already been completely and strongly established! For Domyouji, arranging his galaxy puzzles is like whenever he sees Makino's presence or when he's with Makino━he truly feels happy and genuinely at peace.

3.) “GIRL I APPROVE OF” & “PARTNERSHIP OF DESTINY/ MEANT TO BE/ CHOSEN BY DESTINY” – It’s really endearing when Domyouji was so consistent in saying and initiatively stressing these words to Makino!


• The one and only version that highlighted the importance of Eternal/Everlasting Love on Makino and Domyouji where love is more than just a feeling but a commitment, and the essence of including the person you love in your dreams and priorities in life.

• HanaDan out of all the versions has the BEST PROPOSAL, BEST WEDDING SCENE & BEST SATISFYINGLY PERFECT HAPPY ENDING!

In retrospect, Hana Yori Dango Japanese drama is a classic rom-com done right & its execution was definitely more than just a formulaic statement. it delivered flawed characters that actually had a chance to redeem themselves and perfectly balanced the humor, angst, heart wrenching and romantic moments between the characters! Thus, it will always have a REWATCH VALUE even after so many years have passed or will still pass! ♥♥♥


So if you haven't watched this yet, I BET YOU SHOULD! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Read More

HONEST THOUGHTS / OBSERVATIONS ON METEOR GARDEN 2018

• TOO LONG & MESSY FLOW OF THE STORY
(They added so many scenes that felt so "unnecessary" and "draggy.” To be honest, they also tend to add scenes parallel from the other versions but the way they included them felt like as if those scenes were randomly placed/patched along the way just so they can say "hey, we all have these scenes!”, which in hindsight, basically loses its specialty.)

• DEPTH OF THE EMOTIONAL SCENES WERE LACKING AND NOT CONSISTENT AT ALL (The way they executed the “bittersweetness" and "two worlds apart" feels of the main leads’ star-crossed relationship/love story in this version were definitely lacking of angst & substance, and were kinda forced at some parts that I wasn't completely impressed and did not felt the impact of those scenes either!)

• It lost some important elements of the manga like if F4 were already responsible/role model students in this version then where will their "character growth & redemption arcs" take place??? Also, if they introduce them like ~that~ then, the next thing they're assholes...isn't it like back to square one???? It's confusing...

• The character sketch of Dao Ming Si 100% failed to give me the “more than meets the eye” element I’m searching for! What’s more to him? And how will the portrayer convince me to make his character provoking, interesting and endearing at the same time?

• I honestly did not see nor feel the "weed power" of the female lead here. The realistic but not over-the-top toughness in her personality is lacking.

• Acting is SO-SO. It wasn’t convincing enough.

• The friendship between Shancai and F4 in this version also felt like a two divide rather than as a whole.

• The wedding scene execution looks weird, confusing and above all, RUSHED!
(I really don’t understand the sense of Dao Ming Si’s sister suddenly popping out of nowhere to dance and then saying that it’s only F3 that she got to summon with her powers??? I was like “What is this very corny situation happening here?” Still can’t forget the second-hand embarrassment I got while watching that part! // I mean, where is the romantic, magical and sacred feeling of their marriage execution? The aisle walking happened so fast, there’s no exchanging of rings and no wedding vows!)

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Why HANA YORI DANGO will always be THE SUPERIOR/BEST VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD!

HANA YORI DANGO is the ONE AND ONLY VERSION that GOT TO PLUCKED MY HEARTSTRINGS, FREAKIN' PLAYED WITH MY EMOTIONS & MADE ME FEEL ALL SORT OF THINGS!!! The way HanaDan was made was SO COMPELLING, FULL OF ANGST & HEARTWARMING, that's why, it will ALWAYS BE THE SUPERIOR VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD!!!!!!! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Just watch HANA YORI DANGO is you want to see:

• A properly tailored flow of the scenes/plot. QUALITY MORE THAN QUANTITY!

• The version that stood the test of time a.k.a. REWATCH VALUE.

• Well-written characters that's why you can understand why they're acting the way they were.

• Polished arcs of the characters, most especially to Domyouji’s redemption, with his arc in S2!
(It was the heaviest compared to his other counterparts.)

• The STRONGER THAN THE WHOLE PERIODIC TABLE CHEMISTRY of Inoue Mao (Makino Tsukushi) and Jun Matsumoto (Domyouji Tsukasa), and how their chemistry really worked like magic which also launched thousands of shippers until this day on! Their chemistry was so believable that you could actually feel their scenes whether it be love, confusion, pain and longing!

• The solid & genuine friendship of F4 and how it extended up to Makino.

• The version that gave justice & “more than meets the eye” element to Makino and Domyouji’s character sketches and against all odds love story; whereas, Inoue Mao and Jun Matsumoto perfectly etched a convincing, endearing, full of angst, in-depth and emotional rawness to their portrayals which really stood out above the rest. They have this amazing control over the audience that makes you super-emotionally invested and attached to their characters and how they affect each other!

• The ICONIC OSTs (Wish, Love So Sweet, One Love, Planetarium, Flavor of Life & Kiss Hug) and the very beautiful music scoring (composed by Kousuke Yamashita) used that made the emotional scenes of HanaDan even more poignant & heart wrenching!

• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE ITEMS THAT SYMBOLIZES MAKINO & DOMYOUJI’S ROMANCE as they're constantly there and really plays “plot” in the show too! They were able to deeply showcase the important roles of those intricate items, not just some random pretty decorations.

1.) SATURN NECKLACE - According to the horoscope, Makino & Domyouji are “people of saturn” meant to share and experience all the fun and difficult times together. You can also see that Makino in this version really treasured the necklace compared to her other counterparts!

2.) THE FLAVOR OF LOVE – As Domyouji said, the flavor of love (bittersweetness) tastes like the lousy cookies Makino made for him. The only Domyouji counterpart that made an impactful statement about Makino’s cookies!

3.) EBISU GARDEN PLACE – a.k.a. their sacred place (I just loved the fact that this is where Makino & Domyouji held their marriage as a nod to their first date!)


• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE NARRATIVE PARALLELS

1.) MAKINO’S EYES – From S1, S2 and Final movie, you will notice that the exposition scenes always start with the close up shot of Makino’s eyes and her multiple “why’s” as it meant that this is her story and journey with F4! She is the main lead character after all and I loved how they highlighted it!

2.) DOMYOUJI'S GALAXY PUZZLES (In Season 1) - You can notice that when Domyouji was starting to show his inner self (behind his tiger mask) and applying what his older sister suggested ("Patience is a Virtue / "You have to love in order to be loved!") to Makino, he also began to happily arrange his galaxy puzzles one at a time. And at the near end of S1, he was able to finally put the last piece of the puzzle before leaving for New York! As a deep viewer who understood this important symbolism, I do believe that Domyouji finally completing the picture of the galaxy puzzle means that his relationship-building with Makino (from "Hate to Love") has already been completely and strongly established! For Domyouji, arranging his galaxy puzzles is like whenever he sees Makino's presence or when he's with Makino━he truly feels happy and genuinely at peace.

3.) “GIRL I APPROVE OF” & “PARTNERSHIP OF DESTINY/ MEANT TO BE/ CHOSEN BY DESTINY” – It’s really endearing when Domyouji was so consistent in saying and initiatively stressing these words to Makino!


• The one and only version that highlighted the importance of Eternal/Everlasting Love on Makino and Domyouji where love is more than just a feeling but a commitment, and the essence of including the person you love in your dreams and priorities in life.

• HanaDan out of all the versions has the BEST PROPOSAL, BEST WEDDING SCENE & BEST SATISFYINGLY PERFECT HAPPY ENDING!

In retrospect, Hana Yori Dango Japanese drama is a classic rom-com done right & its execution was definitely more than just a formulaic statement. it delivered flawed characters that actually had a chance to redeem themselves and perfectly balanced the humor, angst, heart wrenching and romantic moments between the characters! Thus, it will always have a REWATCH VALUE even after so many years have passed or will still pass! ♥♥♥


So if you haven't watched this yet, I BET YOU SHOULD! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Read More

Why HANA YORI DANGO is THE SUPERIOR VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD

HANA YORI DANGO is the ONE AND ONLY VERSION that GOT TO PLUCKED MY HEARTSTRINGS, FREAKIN' PLAYED WITH MY EMOTIONS & MADE ME FEEL ALL SORT OF THINGS!!! The way HanaDan was made was SO COMPELLING, FULL OF ANGST & HEARTWARMING, that's why, it will ALWAYS BE THE SUPERIOR VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD!!!!!!! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Just watch HANA YORI DANGO is you want to see:

• A properly tailored flow of the scenes/plot. QUALITY MORE THAN QUANTITY!

• The version that stood the test of time a.k.a. REWATCH VALUE.

• Well-written characters that's why you can understand why they're acting the way they were.

• Polished arcs of the characters, most especially to Domyouji’s redemption, with his arc in S2!
(It was the heaviest compared to his other counterparts.)

• The STRONGER THAN THE WHOLE PERIODIC TABLE CHEMISTRY of Inoue Mao (Makino Tsukushi) and Jun Matsumoto (Domyouji Tsukasa), and how their chemistry really worked like magic which also launched thousands of shippers until this day on! Their chemistry was so believable that you could actually feel their scenes whether it be love, confusion, pain and longing!

• The solid & genuine friendship of F4 and how it extended up to Makino.

• The version that gave justice & “more than meets the eye” element to Makino and Domyouji’s character sketches and against all odds love story; whereas, Inoue Mao and Jun Matsumoto perfectly etched a convincing, endearing, full of angst, in-depth and emotional rawness to their portrayals which really stood out above the rest. They have this amazing control over the audience that makes you super-emotionally invested and attached to their characters and how they affect each other!

• The ICONIC OSTs (Wish, Love So Sweet, One Love, Planetarium, Flavor of Life & Kiss Hug) and the very beautiful music scoring (composed by Kousuke Yamashita) used that made the emotional scenes of HanaDan even more poignant & heart wrenching!

• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE ITEMS THAT SYMBOLIZES MAKINO & DOMYOUJI’S ROMANCE as they're constantly there and really plays “plot” in the show too! They were able to deeply showcase the important roles of those intricate items, not just some random pretty decorations.

1.) SATURN NECKLACE - According to the horoscope, Makino & Domyouji are “people of saturn” meant to share and experience all the fun and difficult times together. You can also see that Makino in this version really treasured the necklace compared to her other counterparts!

2.) THE FLAVOR OF LOVE – As Domyouji said, the flavor of love (bittersweetness) tastes like the lousy cookies Makino made for him. The only Domyouji counterpart that made an impactful statement about Makino’s cookies!

3.) EBISU GARDEN PLACE – a.k.a. their sacred place (I just loved the fact that this is where Makino & Domyouji held their marriage as a nod to their first date!)


• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE NARRATIVE PARALLELS

1.) MAKINO’S EYES – From S1, S2 and Final movie, you will notice that the exposition scenes always start with the close up shot of Makino’s eyes and her multiple “why’s” as it meant that this is her story and journey with F4! She is the main lead character after all and I loved how they highlighted it!

2.) DOMYOUJI'S GALAXY PUZZLES (In Season 1) - You can notice that when Domyouji was starting to show his inner self (behind his tiger mask) and applying what his older sister suggested ("Patience is a Virtue / "You have to love in order to be loved!") to Makino, he also began to happily arrange his galaxy puzzles one at a time. And at the near end of S1, he was able to finally put the last piece of the puzzle before leaving for New York! As a deep viewer who understood this important symbolism, I do believe that Domyouji finally completing the picture of the galaxy puzzle means that his relationship-building with Makino (from "Hate to Love") has already been completely and strongly established! For Domyouji, arranging his galaxy puzzles is like whenever he sees Makino's presence or when he's with Makino━he truly feels happy and genuinely at peace.

3.) “GIRL I APPROVE OF” & “PARTNERSHIP OF DESTINY/ MEANT TO BE/ CHOSEN BY DESTINY” – It’s really endearing when Domyouji was so consistent in saying and initiatively stressing these words to Makino!


• The one and only version that highlighted the importance of Eternal/Everlasting Love on Makino and Domyouji where love is more than just a feeling but a commitment, and the essence of including the person you love in your dreams and priorities in life.

• HanaDan out of all the versions has the BEST PROPOSAL, BEST WEDDING SCENE & BEST SATISFYINGLY PERFECT HAPPY ENDING!

In retrospect, Hana Yori Dango Japanese drama is a classic rom-com done right & its execution was definitely more than just a formulaic statement. it delivered flawed characters that actually had a chance to redeem themselves and perfectly balanced the humor, angst, heart wrenching and romantic moments between the characters! Thus, it will always have a REWATCH VALUE even after so many years have passed or will still pass! ♥♥♥


So if you haven't watched this yet, I BET YOU SHOULD! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Read More