After 4 sleepless nights, I finally finished watching 꽃보다 남자  @ Kgotboda Namja @ BOYS OVER FLOWERS @ HANA YORI DANGO KOREAN VERSION. Just wanna write down some of my thoughts before the feeling goes away…

I’ve to admit that I was pretty surprised and a little frustrated when I heard that Korea was going to film their own version of (my beloved) HYD.

Having

1. Read the original manga
2. Watched the HYD anime (1996)
3. Watched the HYD animated movie (1997)
4. Watched Meteor Garden 1 (2001)
5. Watched Meteor Garden 2 (2002)
6. Watched Hana Yori Dango (2005)
7. Watched Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007)
8. Watched Hana Yori Dango Final Movie (2008)
9. Watched Boys Over Flowers – Kgotboda Namja (2009)

I held my breathe as BOF premiered on Korea TV. After following the 1st 2 episodes, I gave up and decided to wait till the show ends before watching the drama in 1 shot – i.e. since there were 25 episodes in total, I managed to finish 23 episodes + 1 special episode in 4 nights.

I’m amazed the the large budget BOF had, having lavish sets, flying overseas twice (to New Caledonia & Macau) for filming, this was sometime that MG1 didn’t have. Although the scriptwriter changed some parts of the storyline (and some parts seem to me illogical), I like the fast pace the the drama, and that they managed to pack everything into 25 episodes, it wasn’t so draggy as the usually Korean dramas.

Character wise, I was disappointed by the many of the adaptions of the actors/actress. Koo Hye Sun’s Guem Jan Di lacked the smuky and never-say-die attitude which Makino Tsukushi has in the manga. She’s always relying on others (e.g. Yi Hoon & Jae Kyung) to solve her problems. Sometimes, I really can’t feel the love she has for Goo Joon Pyo. Lee Min Ho’s Goo Joon Pyo was less domineering and perfectionist than the original Domyoji Tsukasa, and half of the time he doesn’t seem to have a mind of his own. For example he was helpless as to how to cancel the wedding with Jae Kyung, Joon Hee and F3 came to his hotel room (as they were preparing for the wedding) to ask him what he intends to do, and he had no clue. The whole wedding thing was only resolved when Jae Kyung backed out. The Domoyoji I knew would have stormed out right away, and would not have even let Kaede bring him to the wedding venue. Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo, I think he looks the role of Hanazawa Rui. I’m not fond of Rui, but Kim Hyun Joon reminds me alot of Yul in Goong. I had trouble differentiating Kim Bum as So Yi Jung and Kim Joon as Song Woo Bin to who acts as  Nishikado Sojirou and Mimasaka Akira respectively, until about episode 4 or 5, when it was clear which one was going to have a relationship with Kim So Eun as Chu Ga Eul (Matsuoka Yuuki). I was pleasantly surprised but the large focus on Yi Jung & Ga Eul in the drama, it was more that what the previous TW & JP editions, the chemistry between the 2 was very good, and look forward to see them together in my series. Woo Bin was a mere supporting cast (I bet he even has less scenes than Jun Pyo’s mum’s assistant. Woo Bin didn’t have any life-altering scenes that could change the course of the other characters if not present. Sadly I would rather there only be F3 in the first place if the scriptwriter were to write him in such a way. Besides the 5 main leads, I like to mention the surprise addition of Jun Pyo’s father in the drama. In the original manga, it was only mentioned that Tsukasa’s father had fallen ill and Tsukasa had to go to New York to take of the company. I had also wanted to see Papa Domouji, to see how Tsukasa’s family and his upbringing, but was repeated disappointed at the no-show in MG or HYD (live-action), although there were rumors that he may actually make a physical appearance. But he finally made an appearance in  BOF! Weird but true, although it was highly anticipated by me, I  seriously was utterly disappointed at his appearance. He didn’t have CURLY HAIR, the trademark of the Domyouji family…

Plot wise, my favourite episode would have to episode 7, when Jun Pyo tries to force Jan Di & Ji Hoon out of ShinHwa High School. Instead of the boring basketball competition (as in the original manga), it evolved into a 3-round competition of horse racing, motor racing and swimming. And I shed my 1st tear for the drama seeing Jun Pyo’s horse lay dying as he had force it up the icy track for the sake of winning. Also extremely touching was the scene when Jun Pyo was reminiscing his relationship with his father, as little Jun Pyo promised that he would look after his mother, sister and ShinHwa group when his father was not arround. Sadly, BOF didn’t include the classic raining scene (a definite tearjerker) where Domouji and Makino breakup and she leaves for the fishing village. I thought it would have been more emotional than having Jun Pyo run after the bus Jan Di was in. Also omitted were the scene where Rui and Makino was locked up in a room together, and the  chapter with Amon (Domouji look-alike).

There are stanch supporters for the various versions (TW, JP & KR). But for me, I like all 3 adaptions, but first love is always the sweetest. I love the original manga best!

It’s amazing how the HYD plot started more than 15 years ago by Yoko Kamio in 1992 is still relevant today and have garner the love of many. I hope she continues to publish more Yomikiri, on the life of TxT.

A 4th version by China (called Meteor Rain) is reported in the filming stages now. I hold with bated breath on how it turns out!

I received my copy of the STARLIT MAKING BOOK, couple of days back. It’s so pretty, very worth the buy. I bought it online from a Taiwan bookstore, even with shipping included, it’s half the price if I were to purchase it from a bookstore local. Definitely a steal! Moreover, shipping from Taiwan only took 1 day to arrive. Shopping is just a click away on the internet!

Cover

One of my favourite photos in the book.

I’ve a habit for collecting making books of Jerry’s drama.

From left to right: The Hospital (2006), Hot Shot (2008), Starlit (2009)

Date: 23rd Sept 2008
Time: 2000-2045hrs
Venue: The Atrium@Orchard (next to Plaza Singapura)

I had originally decided not to go for today’s event at The Atrium@Orchard, since I had already manged to meet the stars at the airport last night. But changed my mind during dinner time, and decided to rush down.

By the time I rushed down around 2000hrs, the tent set up for the event was packed full with people: cameramen (from the newspapers, etc), hardcore fans, and curious passer-bys. And I had to squeeze my way as front as possible, trying to get a good spot. Louis, Barbie and Benny (the director) arrived to a screaming crowd about 10 minutes later.

As the leads introduced their characters and their movie, everyone clicked away to their heart’s content. Louis was extremely cheeky as he took out his gigantic SLR camera and took photos of the crowd.

Next up, they played a short game involving mobile phone… I wasn’t paying attention because my position was being blocked by cameramen (they are all so tall with their SLR cameras). Louis was very accommodating as he walked about on stage to pose of fans standing at each sides. Barbie stood behind thus I could not get good shots of her because she didn’t come to my side!

Ohya, towards the end, one of the backstage crew brought out a tiny cake, and we sang Happy Birthday for the 3 of them as their birthdays are all in October! Louis (21st Oct), Barbie (6th Oct), and Director Benny (7th Oct). hehe…

All good things must come to an end… I sadly waved goodbye to them as they left the stage. So long Black Charol. So long Barbie Doll. Hope to see you in Singapore soon!

Thanks for the memories…

Date: 22nd Sept 2008
Time: 2245-0015hrs
Venue: Changi Airport T1

I was extremely excited when I found out that Louis Koo and Barbie Hsu were coming to Singapore to promote their new film, ‘Connected’. And had really wanted to meet them at the airport. But my heart sank when I found out that their flight was a late night flight at 2345hrs. No one wanted to go along with me, and mum refused to let me go. I told her that I could go alone, but she said NO NO NO, as it was too late, and the journey from my house to the airport takes about a 40-50mins drive. However she eventually relented and agreed chaperoned me to the airport. Yup, I mean chaperon, because all she did was to sleep in the car (to and fro) and then she was sleeping again at the airport while waiting for the stars to arrive.

We reached the airport around 2245hrs, and the wait was agonizing, as their flight didn’t land until around 2335hrs. The stars came out around 0003hrs and were surrounded by their minders and some police officers. My first impression was WOW WOW WOW! Louis was much darker than I had expected, like a black charcol. And Barbie was so pin-sized, very skinny too, like the Mattel Barbie Doll . As the crowd rushed forward I struggled to get in front, to get some photos of them. But they were whisked away so quickly into the awaiting vans. I managed to click away using my lousy camera… however the stars were soon out of the airport by 0010hrs, as I sadly waved goodbye to them.

I am not intending to go to the other events…

I thought I had some photos… however when I checked again when I got home, 99% of them were either too dark or the flash was too bright… so wasted… why did they have to arrive at such ungodly hour?

Louis is the one walking in front with his hands in the pocket. Barbie is in the background, she’s wearing a pair of big sunglasses.

Louis boarding his van

Barbie in her van

Did some hot cross buns before church on Maundy Thursday.

Don’t they just look yummy? hehe!

The messy kitchen table

Waiting for the dough to rise

See those perfectly round buns? Of course those are not rolled by me! hehe… Mum helped out to roll them… those that were rolled by me are the weird shaped ones!

Yummy, ready to eat!