odetodramas
This review may contain spoilers
The 2001 Taiwanese version of Meteor Garden is what got me hooked on Asian dramas, and I have watched the Japanese and Korean versions as well, so I have a lot of love (and nostalgia) for the story. This version has a promising fresh-faced cast with some changes to the story that I liked, but ultimately was way too repetitive and had some very questionable writing.
THE POSITIVE: This version places the characters in college, which I found much more believable (not that we're *really* going for believable in this drama). What I loved the most is the friendship between F4. In this version, I felt their friendship the most deeply, especially between Dao Ming Si and Lei. They had a bunch of really cute scenes, like that sleepover scene (hehe). I liked that each member of F4 had their own talents and interests, and each received their own storyline. (Never mind that I didn't care for Mei Zuo's storyline - he deserved better - and I hated the ending of Xi Men's storyline. Sorry, I was not on Team Xiao You in this version even though that was my favorite storyline in the Korean version. I never really felt moved by them in this version.)
THE NEGATIVE: First of all, Dao Ming Si's behavior in the beginning is pretty appalling. The delivery scene when he throws the food on her, and when he aggressively corners her are both SO extreme, and he never actually apologizes. I just can't overlook his behavior. Second, why the heck did Shan Cai forgive every single person who wronged her? Reconciling with Li Zhen I can accept, but those other two girls who almost caused her to freeze to death in a snowstorm??? The manipulative Xiao Zi??? Third, the back-and-forth with Dao Ming Si's mother was too drawn out. In this version, it just went on for too long and felt nonsensical. I wish that the London storyline was merged with the locked up in Shanghai storyline. And the tasering + Xiao Zi's fake kidnapping storyline???? Literally had no point???? And made no sense???? Basically once we got to London, the drama went truly downhill. Also, this was the most boring Shan Cai ever. Barbie Hsu was just so good.
THE RIDICULOUS: F4 are bridge champions in this version??? Excuse me? That started off the drama on a truly bizarre note. And, WTF @ Thomas reappearing and then turning out to be friends with the thieves. AND he is invited to the wedding at the end? No frickin' way. Speaking of the wedding, THAT ENTIRE WEDDING SEQUENCE WAS SO WEIRD I WAS PRAYING IT WAS A DREAM BUT IT WAS REAL??? His sister's dance????????? I literally cannot.
In conclusion, a lot of the most powerful, dramatic moments in the Taiwanese moments felt underwhelming in this version.
THE POSITIVE: This version places the characters in college, which I found much more believable (not that we're *really* going for believable in this drama). What I loved the most is the friendship between F4. In this version, I felt their friendship the most deeply, especially between Dao Ming Si and Lei. They had a bunch of really cute scenes, like that sleepover scene (hehe). I liked that each member of F4 had their own talents and interests, and each received their own storyline. (Never mind that I didn't care for Mei Zuo's storyline - he deserved better - and I hated the ending of Xi Men's storyline. Sorry, I was not on Team Xiao You in this version even though that was my favorite storyline in the Korean version. I never really felt moved by them in this version.)
THE NEGATIVE: First of all, Dao Ming Si's behavior in the beginning is pretty appalling. The delivery scene when he throws the food on her, and when he aggressively corners her are both SO extreme, and he never actually apologizes. I just can't overlook his behavior. Second, why the heck did Shan Cai forgive every single person who wronged her? Reconciling with Li Zhen I can accept, but those other two girls who almost caused her to freeze to death in a snowstorm??? The manipulative Xiao Zi??? Third, the back-and-forth with Dao Ming Si's mother was too drawn out. In this version, it just went on for too long and felt nonsensical. I wish that the London storyline was merged with the locked up in Shanghai storyline. And the tasering + Xiao Zi's fake kidnapping storyline???? Literally had no point???? And made no sense???? Basically once we got to London, the drama went truly downhill. Also, this was the most boring Shan Cai ever. Barbie Hsu was just so good.
THE RIDICULOUS: F4 are bridge champions in this version??? Excuse me? That started off the drama on a truly bizarre note. And, WTF @ Thomas reappearing and then turning out to be friends with the thieves. AND he is invited to the wedding at the end? No frickin' way. Speaking of the wedding, THAT ENTIRE WEDDING SEQUENCE WAS SO WEIRD I WAS PRAYING IT WAS A DREAM BUT IT WAS REAL??? His sister's dance????????? I literally cannot.
In conclusion, a lot of the most powerful, dramatic moments in the Taiwanese moments felt underwhelming in this version.
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