Reviews

I just came on MDL and was looking lovingly at my own drama list, when I noticed HYD on my completed list. I had thought, oh what the heck I should check out the drama profile for good old times....when I suddenly notice, there are no reviews for this drama!!
Either it's been too long for anyone to remember what happened in this drama to write a review or people think this drama is way too good to need a review (which isn't a bad argument).
Anyway, here I am to write a review with all I can remember!
First point to make: Personally, I suggest you watch this drama no matter what I have to say.
This is the ultimate drama in my opinion. Why?
Well, this was my very first asian drama, ever. I was introduced to the asian drama world by friends. Back when I watched it in 2005, I was enchanted. This drama has a special place in my heart. This drama, in my opinion, is a classic. You will fall in love with it.
Now some deeper explanation for my scoring:
Story: This drama is based on the manga. I watched the drama and tried to read the manga, but it didn't work out. I couldn't get past the artwork and the fact that I already knew everything >__>; However, great story and wonderful script writing. There are moments you will get mad, want to cry, and blush and say "awww".
Acting/Cast: Wonderful. People argue that the cast from the Korean version Boys Before Flowers are more beautiful, and I slightly agree so I deducted .5. However, this cast will always and forever be the "original" cast for me. I am also looking back and thinking that the acting wasn't super, so I deducted .5.
However, there is so much to why acting/cast gets a 9 rather than a 1. This cast KNOWS how to reel you in. You WILL feel for them! Inoue Mao gives a wonderful intro in the beginning about her life at Eitoku. You'll know exactly what's going on. Everyone's situation will be well shown, and a big round of applause goes to the cast for that. I must also say that I fell for the guys who play the F4 because they're very good looking ;] Matsuda Shota!
Music: This drama got me into J-Pop. At that point I had only been into anime music because I used to only watch anime. With Arashi's WISH opening and Otsuka Ai's Planetarium song, I fell in love with J-Pop. Wonderful songs.
Rewatch value: Although I haven't rewatched HYD, I must say that it wouldn't be a bad idea to. I honestly believe this drama isn't easy to become bored of.
Overall: Like I said, this is the ultimate, classic asian Japanese drama. There is no other score than a 10/10.
If you still haven't been convinced to watch this drama, please talk to the many other dramawatchers out there who I am sure will claim that HYD is one of the best out there and even if not the best, will always and forever be a classic to all of us.

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Ok, the story is good, and the show is good, up until they put their shirts on, weather it is because there is less flesh to distract from the horrible story or the story truly goes down hill, who knows. What I do know is that the show proves a few things for me: Bros before hoes, romance makes you weak, bromance not only makes you strong, it makes you freaking psycic. On the whole? Worth the watch, but I was watching ep 23 and vomited, no, really. My car now has the badge. Take it as you will. My comment will have my spoilery dissertation that goes along with the bromance.

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I only started watching this because a friend of mine was watching. I initially thought the whole thing would be too silly for me, but I was hooked after the first episode. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Jung Il Woo, and Lee Chung Ah, and I felt ashamed for rooting for them. I can't say enough good things about Jung Il Woo in this. He took a cliché character, and brought some depth & charm to the role. Lee Ki Woo was also incredibly sweet in his role, and I developed a little crush on him while watching.

The story is pretty standard, but the cast took a predictable scenario and made it fun to watch. There are many KDramas with similar love triangles, but the over the top characters, and humor, kept the episodes fresh. There are quite a few "poop" jokes that remind you not to take this drama too seriously. There are also quite a few rewatchable romantic moments. I found all the episodes so entertaining, that the time always seemed to fly by. The final episode was a bit weird, but I loved that all the great supporting characters got to have a real finale scene.

This really was a great, lighthearted, romantic comedy that I would definitely watch again.

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I am speechless. I can't even express how I feel. This whole movie was a mind game, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So many events, so many lives, but one purpose. I wish to write something as dark and meaningful like this someday.

I doubted that I would like this movie at first. The dialogue in the first scene was long. But I came to understand it was important. I don't regret the stubbornness I had to sit through that particular scene. Then came the confessions. Just...wow! What a brilliant scheme! This was a really clever one.

The music was very good and it achieved the desired effect. Even added an artistic tinge.

The characters were very well portrayed. I even sympathized with the worst of them (psycho kid). Had a conflicting sense of hating the things he did and feeling sorry for his situation.

I hold great admiration to the writer of this movie. Thank you, this actually had everything I ever wanted to see in a movie. It leaves a deep impression that I won't be able to shake off anytime soon.

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No doubt the story is already well known, practically a must watch storyline for Japanese drama lovers. But, the story although goes by the same way like the original Hana Kimi, it is far stronger and more detailed. Events are better and it involves more about other characters. Hana Kimi remake isn't just contending with the predecessor on the comedy level, its trying to add complexity to relationships especially between Sano and Ashiya. There's definitely better romantic tension here. The relationship between Nanba and Senri(the guy that always tags along). I think bromance is accentuated here, not the sexual kind, the brother, man love. Like how girls can pour their hearts together, guys can too and this drama shows no restraint in that. It doesn't make it feel gay.
The cast will never be like the first for sure. I loved the first cast but I think the second cast has lots of expectation. I think the main cast had better opportunities to show their potential due to the script and how events were laid. So it make up for how they cannot be compared to the first. Maeda as Ashiya cannot win Horikita but she can barely pull it off. Its the feminine charm on her that just doesn't make her feel like a guy hence unreal. Shohei as Nakatsu was good. He pulled off the feelings he had, being comical and desperate, I think he had better chance than Ikuta to show stuff. Sano was okay, more human, less robot and cold.
Flying Get song gets addictive, I warn you! You'll find similar soundtracks from the first.
Overall, Hana Kimi Remake did not disappoint. For me, it managed to be different than the first. Watch it without comparing and you'll find that it's a gem too. I think for a Japanese drama, the emotional value for a comedy, teenage drama here is good so if you rock Nakatsu x Ashiya or Sano x Ashiya, it won't disappoint. Enjoy :) (I'm sorry for such a loong review,haha)

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At first, I watched this because... I was really in love with CITY HUNTER. Yeah, I liked action and stuff. But then, when I've watched the first episode of Poseidon, I totally fell for it. I really love it. It's action, good plot, filming, music, cast and I love the excitment while watching it! I don't really get why people say this is one of the worst drama this year. Well, for me, this was one of the best!

Si Young is doing a great job as one of the main cast! Siwon too. Actually, I think everyone in this drama did a GREAT job. I loved Unit 9. They were friendly, taking care of each other, like a family. You got the warm feeling inside!
Anyways, this drama is REALLY worth watching. And about re-watching, it's a MUST.

-Hanna-

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First off, don't go into this drama taking anything too seriously. If you do you'll waste your time analyzing the outrageousness of everything instead of enoying what is meant to be light fun entertainment...

The story is recycled yet again but managed to put its own fresh spin on things. Things stay interesting and hilarious throughout so you will never get bored. I will say the last episode is kind of weak compared to the rest of the series but I when you think about it most romantic comedies end the same way but the ending was cute.

To me the best part of the show was the cast. To be honest I didnt like Lee Chung Ah's character in the beginning and I wasnt sure Id like the show because of her. However, her character grew on me and I really think she is a great actress. For the guys, you might think that all they provided for the show was thier hotness but seriously all the guys were able to show off thier acting skills. Even the newbies such as the guy that plays Bawool(my new fav actor) and I really enjoyed the supporting characters such as Eun Bi's high school friends (they were so funny/cute). I really really liked the entire cast because they meshed well together.

The OST was different and I think i'm going to put most of the songs on my ipod=)

I don't tend to rewatch romantic comedies just because the plot gets old but I will rewatch this for the cast and to laugh.

Overall this is hands down the best romantic comedy of 2011!

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What a delightful drama! Flower Boy Ramyun Shop became a weekly addiction and pulled me out of my drama funk. It was hilarious and touching, warm and fuzzy. There were analogies and metaphors galore to explain the relationships between rich and poor, how people fit together and whether or not they should. There were analogies about ramyun and the pots they are cooked in, analogies about pillars, analogies about grass and lions, analogies about poop! Every one of them was funny and sweet. They all made perfect sense to me!

The thing that makes this drama so special besides the amazing writing, which seemed fully formed and not a slapdash patch job every week, was acting done by the cast of quirky characters we got to know during the last 16 episodes. Each had their own distinct personality and each character had a steady growth and relevance to the main story line. The interactions of friends and family whether tied by blood or tied by choice were so lovely and funny. Eun Bi and all her Flower Boys made this drama so fun. I've read some people don't like Eun Bi...But I loved her. She was silly, serious, not always sure of herself but...she always stuck up for herself and I could definitely relate to her for those qualities. ♥

Another thing that made this drama great was the tongue in cheek handling of the typical drama tropes you see in every Kdrama ever. There was makjang! But FBRS dared to ask the viewer, “Is this really makjang? Or is it purity?” There was a typical chaebol falling for a plucky average heroine but this drama dared to ask the question, “Who really needs saving here?” and “Is it really better to only eat caviar and steak instead of experiencing all the wonderful flavors of ramyun you could be missing?”

Every episode was delightful and didn’t drag the show down. The technical aspects of lighting, cinematography and most especially the directing were excellently done. The editing was particularly creative, with almost every episode having a scene that would partially play out but then we would go back and revisit to see full conversations or replaying a scene to explain someone’s actions. Stellar!

Jung Il Woo as Cha Chi Soo…or was it Dog Chi Soo? Or rather, Dong chi Soo? Anyway, Jung Il Woo stole every scene. I have to admit, for me , he rivals Hyun Bin’s Joo Won for messed up crazy chaebol with his performance of Chi Soo. I think because Chi Soo was so delightfully pampered and sheltered he had no filter and absolutely no self awareness other than his outward appearance. Watching him fall for Eun Bi was by turns completely hilarious and also very heart tugging.

This drama has so many little moments, little details that make it exceptional. If you are looking for a good drama to marathon, to savor, to make you want to eat some yummy Ramyun while you laugh and cry and sigh…Flower Boy Ramyun Shop is the drama for you! Don’t miss it!

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just a quick rage review... (this is for those who have watched the two former versions of GOTFF)

i will make a more believable review soon..

1. from my ultra POV, this is an uber lame attempt to capture or remake the intensity of the story that showed by the ghibli movie.

2. very pathetic movie... the actors doesnt make an effort in doing their best and they looks like they are just reciting the script.

3. the tv special of GOTFF is more movie like than this film

4. Im sorry for those who gave this version a 10/10...

5. feel free to object and i think i will get "not helpful"

ps: my favorite scene in the original were borifying epicfailness on this.

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I DEMAND A SECOND SEASON NOW!!!!
I just love this drama! I can't believe it's finished and I'm really sad. It's such a cute romantic comedy. The story and theme is a regular classic Korean drama but I think that this drama was more of parodies of other dramas put together. You know how rom coms work. They're funny and and they romance put together in one drama but I think that this drama was heading more towards on the comedy part but not failing to show romance at all. It's so funny. Even when there was a touching and emotional moment in the drama, you can't really cry for long because they just add something funny that ruins the moment. It's such an enjoyable drama to watch. You'll never be bored with it.

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