I write review for each version
This drama came out when I was 1 so this is not the fist version that I watch, the fist want is the korean one and then I found out about his drama around my senior grade and I just rewatched it again because I saw F4 performing last year in an award program and that made me shocked how Jerry Yan has old but still amazing 😍😍The
I don’t watch the manga version and the japanese 1995 adaptation
Korean version - I bet a lot of people start in korean drama because of this, I really enjoy it, everything is perfect, but somehow I enjoy Gaeul and Yijung couple more, in term of visual, the korean version got the best !
China version (2009) - It has been so long since I watched this, I just remembered the main character zheng shuang and zhang han, I kinda forgot most of it so I think that this version is not that good, this is just my opinion.
Taiwan version (2001) - THIS IS THE BEST ! I watched it 15 years after it came out and daomingsi lead by jerry yan just so amaazingggggg ( note that everyone has different taste ) the chemistry between him and barbie hsu is the best, he is the funniest out of all leader of F4, the way he angry, he even laugh at himself when he saw the short clip 😂😂😂, I really hope that Jerry Yan meet his soulmate.. all the f4 member has already married, just left with him.
Japanese version - I saw a lot of people love this version, but there is some part that is not logic.. I’m watching the season 2 now, I don’t hate it.. but I don’t really like it too
China (2018) - the best cinematography!! The budget for this drama paid off for all of the quality, but because of the young actors, some part is just lacking, Shen Yue present the character a little bit different for me, Dylan Wang have kind of similar vibe with Jerry Yan, good job 👍
It came out a long time ago so the photography and fashion is just not that comfortable too watched it, but Jerry Yan pull it out so well, even though it has been so long but I’m sure if I was the teenager at that time he will be my top idol, he really look so cool duhh... I rarely enjoy old cinematography, but I love the 2001 version the most, I think what catch me the most is the chemistry between the main character, No one can beat the chemistry between Jerry Yan and Barbie Hsu ❤️❤️❤️
No doubt with 10 points for the music !!! For that era this must be the best, and the OST that they have.. most of my friend around my age know it even though they never watched it before.. YASS it is that popular !!
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Brilliant Acting, Strong Girl, Manly Men, and Amazing Storyline
I've always loved 2001 Meteor Garden since I was 5 years old till now that I'm 22. The F4 and Shancai were all newbies at that time, this is their drama debut, but I'm so amazed because they are all playing their each characters so very perfectly. They are not even playing their characters, but they ARE THE CHARACTERS, so you can feel that Shancai, Dao Ming Si, Hua Zhe Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo are forever only Barbie Hsu, Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu. NO ONE CAN EVER REPLACE THEM, just like no one can replace Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man.Also the storyline is really enjoyable. There are so many comedic lines and scenes that make me laugh so hard and make me wanna watch 2001 Meteor Garden over and over again and never get bored. The romantic scenes also makes my heart fluttered all the time. I just hope the five of them can do some small reunion or something ❤
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My favorite Taiwanese Drama
I feel nostalgic every time I re-watch this drama... I remember the days when I was still a university student. This was very popular in our country. I love the story and the main characters.I think I have to watch it again because I want to reminisce the old days. Barbie Hsu and the main actors or F4 were really suitable for their roles.
This drama was pretty great and brings back happy memories. I feel so old now. Oh, well, I really am old since this was aired way back.... more than a decade.
Anyway, it was difficult to submit this review since I had to compose 500 characters before it could be posted. Funny, isn't it?
What else should I add?
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Early 2000s nostalgia and Jerry Yan's Dimple
It's been a while since I've watched this, but out out of all the versions that I've seen so far, this one is my favorite. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable and hot like fire. I've read the manga and watched many adaptations of Boys Over Flowers, but Meteor Garden is the only one, in my opinion, with re-watch value.P.s. Skip season two, unless you enjoy being angry.
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Meteor Garden (2001) – The Series That Sparked the Asian Drama Wave in Asia
Meteor Garden (2001) was one of the earliest Asian dramas to truly explode in popularity in Asia, effectively opening the door for the “Asian wave” of television romance series that followed. I first watched it in 2003 during my 1st year in my 2nd college school in my Information Technology course that I transferred to. The timing made it even more memorable, as it aired locally on ABS-CBN during the rainy season in the Philippines—a period that unintentionally amplified its romantic and emotional atmosphere while viewers were staying indoors. That combination of weather and storytelling made the series feel even more immersive and nostalgic.The series carries a very specific ambiance and tone that feels nostalgic now. It captured youthful romance, class tension, and emotional intensity in a way that felt fresh at the time. Part of its uniqueness also came from its production context: the original manga was still ongoing when the adaptation was made, so the series eventually had to create its own ending interpretation. Interestingly, the manga later ended up following a similar direction, which makes the adaptation’s choices more notable in hindsight.
The first season stands out as the strongest. It had a clear emotional arc, strong character dynamics, and a compelling balance between romance and conflict. The rainy season viewing experience at the time also heightened the emotional pull of the story, making the romance feel more intimate and the dramatic scenes more memorable. However, the short sequel bridge leading into the second season- 'Meteor Rain' felt weak and unnecessary, almost like filler that disrupted the momentum.
The second season, on the other hand, feels noticeably unfocused. Instead of building on the strengths of the original arc, it comes across as uncertain of its direction, with pacing and storytelling that feel inconsistent. What made the first season engaging—its emotional clarity and narrative drive—feels diluted in the continuation.
Another noticeable flaw is the styling of the F4 themselves. Despite being portrayed as ultra-wealthy elites, their wardrobe often looks surprisingly plain or even low-budget, which weakens the credibility of their “rich boys” image. Instead of reinforcing their status through refined fashion, the styling sometimes feels inconsistent with their supposed social class.
Another interesting aspect of Meteor Garden is the controversy surrounding its depiction of school bullying. The series was actually banned in mainland China in 2002 after authorities and some parents complained that it negatively influenced young people. Critics particularly objected to the show's portrayal of wealthy students abusing their power, bullying classmates, and promoting unrealistic social values. Dao Ming Si's treatment of Shan Cai and Qing He and the F4's "red card" system, which encouraged the harassment of targeted students, were among the elements that drew criticism.
Ironically, despite the original Taiwanese series being banned in China, the 2018 Chinese remake still retained the bullying theme as a major part of the story because it is central to the original Boys Over Flowers narrative. While the 2018 version toned down some of the harsher elements and modernized the characters, the conflict still begins with the F4's dominance over the school and the mistreatment of the heroine by Dao Ming Si and his group.
At the same time, the series unintentionally influenced pop culture trends, particularly the long hairstyle popularized by the F4. During that era, many fans, young viewers and even celebrities like Richard Gomez and Jackie Chan adopted similar hairstyles especially Jerry Yan's long hair hairstyle, turning it into a recognizable fashion trend across Asia, including the Philippines.
With the passing news of Barbie Hsu last year, it felt like a quiet but deep heartbreak - almost like I'm being stabbed in the chest. Her portrayal of Shan Cai gave Meteor Garden its emotional core, and her presence is a big part of why the series remains so memorable and impactful for many viewers.
Overall, Meteor Garden remains culturally significant, especially in the Philippines, but its quality is clearly uneven across seasons, with its strongest impact rooted in its early episodes and the nostalgic rainy-season viewing experience that intensified its romantic appeal.
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Bisaya Review
seeing the full version this year 2020, what I like about this drama is that dili kayo sya restricted. There were scenes that’s applauding especially Jerry Yan acting as Dao Ming Si. I like it also na clear ang reason why Shancai fall out of love for Huaze Lei. The subconscious also sa mga characters kay gina istorya throughout the drama, which is an okay for me kay para masabtan pajud ang drama. The drama itself kay daghan confusing moments and out of place jud pud kau ang storyline pero I find it charming as well. I like that the characters are portrayed as mature people rather than school type na characters, though sa school manjud ang intrada sa drama at first.Was this review helpful to you?
