Boys over flowers was my very first interaction with an Asian drama in the summer of 2015 when I was 16 years old. I loved the story and for that reason watched ALL of the versions. Unrealistic Shoujo romance is not for everyone but it is for me (hahaha) which is why I believe this series has such polarizing perspectives. The girls that get it, get it. The girls that don't, don't. I need everyone to understand that just because they don't like it does not mean that it is not good. Every adaptation has its charm though I cannot say every version is for me. It is so interesting how our perspectives differ so much. What is important for me and what makes a story a good one is way different than the person next to me.
BOF: Since this was my very first drama it will always have a special place in my heart. I was intrigued from the first second diving into a world that was completely foreign to me. This may sound weird but seeing Jandi wear Doc Martens gave me an instant connection to the show even though it was so different from the life of a Mexican American living in Arkansas. I loved it. However, even though I thought it was good at the time, for me it has no rewatch value and I think it is because I am a very character-centered viewer. I need to like the characters to like their story no matter what it is. I also need chemistry to feel the feels (You have stolen my heart, oh yeah ~Twice) For one the main leads irritate me. In my opinion, they have 0 chemistry, I was not invested in their story. Jandi wines so much I just cannot like her. GuJunPyo he's ehhh for me. What I do love about this version and I know I will passionately hold to the end of my existence is Gauel and Yijung. Oh my lanta I love them and their chemistry chefs kiss. They are perfect. Even after F4, I think these 2 cannot be beat.
HanaDan: HanaDan has been at the top of my list since I watched it back in the fall of 2015. I loved it from the very first scene because the soundtrack gave me huge Harry Potter vibes lol. In my opinion, this version has the best...
-Acting -Ost (I literally know the lyrics word for word even though I know no Japanese hehe) -ML/FL chemistry
This story just suits Japanese storytelling. Even though this is still likely still my favorite adaptation, I will say I only truly loved Makino, Domyouji, and Rui. Everyone else was a bit forgettable.
I think for now the HanaDan is still at the top of my list but F4 Thailand is definitely a close second.
MG 2001: I watched this version right after HanaDan which I think was a bad idea. I am a firm believer that everything in the world has to be aligned to create magic. I don't know if I was just not in the mood to watch this version or what but I can not seem to attach myself to it. It was good but not for me. I, unfortunately, ended up skipping a lot of scenes and found it extremely painful to finish. What I did not like includes:
- The length (side-eye) - Length of Amnesia trope. It dragged and dragged - Quality and Sound ( I know it's old but it ruined my experience) - Personally, ( sorry I am shallow) I did not find any of the F4 good-looking (Unfortunately attraction is important to me...)
What I like: - Main couple <3 chem - More realistic ( doesn't eliminate s*x from the world lol, not necessarily important to me, but just matches with the story and makes it more believable.
Regardless, I think I need to rewatch it to judge it fairly. Maybe I was just not in the mood at the time. (shrug). I want to love it just as much as everyone else loves it.
(I watched the anime next but I will judge that on its own category)
MG 2018: Sigh. I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited for this version. I waited for months. Looking at everything I could about this version. Every few weeks I would remember how excited I was and go google every single update about the filming. I found F4 extremely sexy lolzyz(like I said I find important), I loved the modern setting, and finally, I like how the Fl is showcased as a college freshman ( this was the year I was going to be a college freshman) I was so excited that I watched the first episode with no subtitles (I never do this ever)( I rewatched with subtitles obviously). I happily watched the first episodes but... my interest dwindled. My every thought was no longer invaded by this love story. I dropped it around episode 20 I wanna say( not completely sure). In my opinion, this is a great adaptation but did not give me what I needed. I never really felt the feels. I was not invested. I did not like how the FL was presented as dumbish in this version. I wanted to punch- Shang Cai in the face. Her bestie in the face. The ML that I once thought was hot in the face. And the happy jingle they put at the end of the show I wanted to punch that in the face too. Everyone and everything. I am sorry( but not really xD)( not to be negative) I viewed this version as way more superficial than any of the other versions. I finished this story the same way I did the 2001. By skipping. This was probably months after dropping it and after the show finished. I wanted to finish it for the sake of finishing it. It was not necessarily bad I may have been expecting too much. After this, I figured I simply grew out of the story.
But...
But... here comes the reason why this comment is relevant to this comment section haha
F4 Thailand: Before hearing about this show I had only watched 1 thai drama “Kiss Me” so I did not know what to expect. But I found myself screaming (again at 21) when I saw the trailer. At first glance, I was attracted to F4 lol. However, I was a little hesitant about the FL... ( I'm sorry, I now regret this)
Currently, my obsession has returned as you have seen in my previous comments. I need this show like I need air. This may sound sad (lmao) but this is the highlight of my week and think about it all day every day. I haven't felt this way about anything in years, to be honest. Again, I said I am a character-driven viewer which is why I believe I love this version so much. In this version, I LOVE and care about every singlecharacter and their stories. Characters I hated before I love now?
What I like:
- Best FL (I can not believe I ever doubted her. She is an amazing character. So strong, smart, and most of all not winey. There is a depth to her that just makes her seem real. She is everything I want to be as a person. -Best ML (visually and personality) I have never been this attracted to this character) (Ive always like him in other versions and wanted him with the FL but now I want him for me... bahahaha. He is the ML closest to my ideal type. ( Sidenote: I have currently added Bright to my list of 'foreign boyfriends' along with Exo's Kai, BTS V, NCTs Mark, Song Kang, Kento, and YangYang. He just has that it factor for me. - 2nd best Lead couple chemistry. I swoon they are soooo cute. - Best fashion: this may be controversial but I am a Gen Z and this is the fashion of my generation. The coordination may be disliked by many but it serves a purpose in storytelling. - Amazing secondary characters - Best looking f4 -Modern Setting - Symbolism
Dislikes: - Acting: There are lots of fresh faces so it’s to be expected. It’s not that it’s bad but… it’s inconsistent. Like I said I love Thyme. However, the actor's portrayal in emotional scenes is just off. He always makes that face.. You know what I’m talking about. I will say though most who are bad just show a stoic face which Bright does not do, he shows something the wrong thing but something. Though I definitely see him improving in the future. -Inconsistencies: Sometimes I feel like Gorya comes off as a bad friend. Hear me out. She left Kaning at the party. Left her while shopping. Did not pay attention while she was talking to her. I know the director did not mean for this but it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. -Gorya did not react to Hana’s insta post. makes 0 sense.
I am a true fan of this story and will keep rooting for it. I was a bit harsh in this review but I felt like I needed to let some things out. Regardless of my opinion, all versions of this story are works of art.
Good thing I’m finally going back to school tomorrow because I have been slightly obsessed with this drama over my Christmas break. I’ve rewatched all the episodes lots of times, watched reactions, and watched 1.5 hr deep dives. It’s all I think about and comeback to read the comments on here at least 3 times a day. It’s an addiction at this point.
Sorry but I’m just not feeling this version. I love the F4 cast but it just feelslike a hasty remake. The flis…
Personally I can’t trust anyone whose fave is BOF, the main couple was dry asf. (Japanese version superior) . Tho it was my 1st kdrama I am now more cultured and find it has no rewatch value ( I only rewatch gauel and yiyung scenes from time to time < superior couple in this version) . This version seems the most natural especially compared to BOF. I also like how closely it follows the superior version Jap> Thai > Korean > Chinese
I’m sorry… I like the cast, especially Win and Dew as people, but this version of BOF is just too cringey……
Personally the Chinese and Korean versions are more overacted to me🤷🏻♀️ I liked BOF cause it was my first kdrama. However did not like the Chinese version. To me this is a close 2nd even if only 3 episodes have been released it’s right behind Hana yori dango
>30
22✌🏻
Boys over flowers was my very first interaction with an Asian drama in the summer of 2015 when I was 16 years old. I loved the story and for that reason watched ALL of the versions. Unrealistic Shoujo romance is not for everyone but it is for me (hahaha) which is why I believe this series has such polarizing perspectives. The girls that get it, get it. The girls that don't, don't. I need everyone to understand that just because they don't like it does not mean that it is not good. Every adaptation has its charm though I cannot say every version is for me. It is so interesting how our perspectives differ so much. What is important for me and what makes a story a good one is way different than the person next to me.
BOF: Since this was my very first drama it will always have a special place in my heart. I was intrigued from the first second diving into a world that was completely foreign to me. This may sound weird but seeing Jandi wear Doc Martens gave me an instant connection to the show even though it was so different from the life of a Mexican American living in Arkansas. I loved it. However, even though I thought it was good at the time, for me it has no rewatch value and I think it is because I am a very character-centered viewer. I need to like the characters to like their story no matter what it is. I also need chemistry to feel the feels (You have stolen my heart, oh yeah ~Twice) For one the main leads irritate me. In my opinion, they have 0 chemistry, I was not invested in their story. Jandi wines so much I just cannot like her. GuJunPyo he's ehhh for me. What I do love about this version and I know I will passionately hold to the end of my existence is Gauel and Yijung. Oh my lanta I love them and their chemistry chefs kiss. They are perfect. Even after F4, I think these 2 cannot be beat.
HanaDan: HanaDan has been at the top of my list since I watched it back in the fall of 2015. I loved it from the very first scene because the soundtrack gave me huge Harry Potter vibes lol. In my opinion, this version has the best...
-Acting
-Ost (I literally know the lyrics word for word even though I know no Japanese hehe)
-ML/FL chemistry
This story just suits Japanese storytelling. Even though this is still likely still my favorite adaptation, I will say I only truly loved Makino, Domyouji, and Rui. Everyone else was a bit forgettable.
I think for now the HanaDan is still at the top of my list but F4 Thailand is definitely a close second.
MG 2001: I watched this version right after HanaDan which I think was a bad idea. I am a firm believer that everything in the world has to be aligned to create magic. I don't know if I was just not in the mood to watch this version or what but I can not seem to attach myself to it. It was good but not for me. I, unfortunately, ended up skipping a lot of scenes and found it extremely painful to finish. What I did not like includes:
- The length (side-eye)
- Length of Amnesia trope. It dragged and dragged
- Quality and Sound ( I know it's old but it ruined my experience)
- Personally, ( sorry I am shallow) I did not find any of the F4 good-looking (Unfortunately attraction is important to me...)
What I like:
- Main couple <3 chem
- More realistic ( doesn't eliminate s*x from the world lol, not necessarily important to me, but just matches with the story and makes it more believable.
Regardless, I think I need to rewatch it to judge it fairly. Maybe I was just not in the mood at the time. (shrug). I want to love it just as much as everyone else loves it.
(I watched the anime next but I will judge that on its own category)
MG 2018: Sigh. I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited for this version. I waited for months. Looking at everything I could about this version. Every few weeks I would remember how excited I was and go google every single update about the filming. I found F4 extremely sexy lolzyz(like I said I find important), I loved the modern setting, and finally, I like how the Fl is showcased as a college freshman ( this was the year I was going to be a college freshman) I was so excited that I watched the first episode with no subtitles (I never do this ever)( I rewatched with subtitles obviously). I happily watched the first episodes but... my interest dwindled. My every thought was no longer invaded by this love story. I dropped it around episode 20 I wanna say( not completely sure). In my opinion, this is a great adaptation but did not give me what I needed. I never really felt the feels. I was not invested. I did not like how the FL was presented as dumbish in this version. I wanted to punch- Shang Cai in the face. Her bestie in the face. The ML that I once thought was hot in the face. And the happy jingle they put at the end of the show I wanted to punch that in the face too. Everyone and everything. I am sorry( but not really xD)( not to be negative) I viewed this version as way more superficial than any of the other versions. I finished this story the same way I did the 2001. By skipping. This was probably months after dropping it and after the show finished. I wanted to finish it for the sake of finishing it. It was not necessarily bad I may have been expecting too much. After this, I figured I simply grew out of the story.
But...
But... here comes the reason why this comment is relevant to this comment section haha
F4 Thailand: Before hearing about this show I had only watched 1 thai drama “Kiss Me” so I did not know what to expect. But I found myself screaming (again at 21) when I saw the trailer. At first glance, I was attracted to F4 lol. However, I was a little hesitant about the FL... ( I'm sorry, I now regret this)
Currently, my obsession has returned as you have seen in my previous comments. I need this show like I need air. This may sound sad (lmao) but this is the highlight of my week and think about it all day every day. I haven't felt this way about anything in years, to be honest. Again, I said I am a character-driven viewer which is why I believe I love this version so much. In this version, I LOVE and care about every singlecharacter and their stories. Characters I hated before I love now?
What I like:
- Best FL (I can not believe I ever doubted her. She is an amazing character. So strong, smart, and most of all not winey. There is a depth to her that just makes her seem real. She is everything I want to be as a person.
-Best ML (visually and personality) I have never been this attracted to this character) (Ive always like him in other versions and wanted him with the FL but now I want him for me... bahahaha. He is the ML closest to my ideal type.
( Sidenote: I have currently added Bright to my list of 'foreign boyfriends' along with Exo's Kai, BTS V, NCTs Mark, Song Kang, Kento, and YangYang. He just has that it factor for me.
- 2nd best Lead couple chemistry. I swoon they are soooo cute.
- Best fashion: this may be controversial but I am a Gen Z and this is the fashion of my generation. The coordination may be disliked by many but it serves a purpose in storytelling.
- Amazing secondary characters
- Best looking f4
-Modern Setting
- Symbolism
Dislikes:
- Acting: There are lots of fresh faces so it’s to be expected. It’s not that it’s bad but… it’s inconsistent. Like I said I love Thyme. However, the actor's portrayal in emotional scenes is just off. He always makes that face.. You know what I’m talking about. I will say though most who are bad just show a stoic face which Bright does not do, he shows something the wrong thing but something. Though I definitely see him improving in the future.
-Inconsistencies: Sometimes I feel like Gorya comes off as a bad friend. Hear me out. She left Kaning at the party. Left her while shopping. Did not pay attention while she was talking to her. I know the director did not mean for this but it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.
-Gorya did not react to Hana’s insta post. makes 0 sense.
I am a true fan of this story and will keep rooting for it. I was a bit harsh in this review but I felt like I needed to let some things out. Regardless of my opinion, all versions of this story are works of art.
Jap> Thai > Korean > Chinese