In April 2001, Chinese-Taiwan version ‘Meteor Garden’ used ‘meteor’ speed to sweep through the whole of Asia. To this day, this ‘pretty boys’ cyclone has not stopped. First, Japan was unhappy that someone else had stolen the limelight from their own manga. Hence in 2005 and 2007, they too released their own ‘Hana Yori Dango’ and following closely afterwards, at the end of 2008, Korean version‘Boys Before Flowers’ has once again become the hottest topic. Perhaps it is because 8 years ago, Chinese-Taiwan version ‘Meteor Garden’ left too many indelible memories on everyone, because even when the Japanese version was released many years later, it was still considered the most classic, the best. Today, after Japanese version ‘went through fire and water’, Korean version ‘Boys Before Flowers’ first group of fans have commented: “full Kimchi flavour.” Just like the netizens said, Chinese-Taiwan version is first love, Japanese version is most loved, so what is Korean version left with? The most difficult thing to forget in one’s life is their first love, even when you get your true love, you will think back to the innocent and pureness of first love. Chinese-Taiwan version: Da S In life, she is very brave; she will do whatever she wants to do. The bold and strong Da S is similar to her own personality, and immediately reveals Shan Cai’s tenacity. Majority of netizens commented that Da S gave a very natural performance. Japanese version: Inoue Mao With her girl-next-door image, Inoue Mao was mocked “only has 5 expressions.” Of course, Japanese version places great importance on detail, as beautiful Da S is constantly changing clothes, Japanese version Shan Cai basically only has one jacket and uniform to change back and forward. This is more in line with the image of a poverty-stricken girl. Korean version: Koo Hye Sun She has a petite figure, and pretty and cute image, however netizens thought that Koo Hye Sun’s image looked too old; has a strong taste of ‘mother’. The scary thing is, ‘mother’has to pretend to be ‘inexperienced’, if it’s not pouting her mouth to look innocent, then it’s widening her eyes to look surprised. PK conclusion: Being the star amongst the ‘pretty boys’, stubborn and strong, has the courage to accept challenges, love and hate, actually she doesn’t need Michelle Reis’s dignity, Ariel Lin’s cuteness or Zhang Zi Yi’s 小家碧玉*. In this sense, Da S version of Shan Cai has the most grass-root spirit out of the 3. Chinese-Taiwan version: Jerry Yan Apparently, Jerry Yan does not like to smile because he doesn’t want people to describe him as ‘cute’. However, his inadvertent smile really gives off a ‘half naïve half mature’ feeling. Plus, with his classic line: “If an apology works, then why do we need police,” netizens insist ‘he is Dao Ming Si.” Japanese version: Matsumoto Jun As soon as Dao Ming Si appeared, netizens criticised him for being much shorter than the other 3. Hence Matsumoto Jun’s Japanese F4 was heavily criticised by the audience for looking too 'passer-by.' Korean version: Lee Min Ho We can see that the film crew put in a lot of effort to find someone who looks like Jerry Yan, indeed looks very alike. But how come Dao Ming Si’s hair has become a buddha head? PK conclusion: One side of him is the cold, self-centred leader of F4, the other side is the shy little boy who has a warm smile whenever he thinks of Shan Cai; the strong contrast of Dao Ming Si really is the highlight of the whole drama. Handsome but self-centred, tall, childish, to encompass all these features, Chinese-Taiwan version Dao Ming Si obviously wins very easily. Chinese-Taiwan version: Vic Zhou Even with Vic’s rigid body and paralysis facial expression, it does not cover up his melancholy temperament, as if he’s walked straight out of a comic. Even until now, Zai Zai will forever be the Hua Ze Lei in many peoples’ hearts. Japanese version: Oguri Shun Compared to Vic Zhou, Oguri Shun gives a lot more affection and laziness to Hua Ze Lei’s character. With his golden-coloured hair, tall in height, and casual attitude, Hua Ze Lei’s features are displayed drippingly by Oguri Shun. However, it does seem similar to the character he plays in ‘Hana Kimi’. Korean version: Kim Hyun-Jeong Korean version ‘Hua Ze Lei’ is probably the most irresponsible to fans, out of the 3 versions. Besides his hollow expression from his eyes, he always looks straight ahead, and has no focus at all. Netizen’s comments are very straightforward: “If he wears glasses, he’s basically Bae Yong Joon.” PK conclusion: Pretty but expressionless face; eyes are often filled with fog; the longest sentence he says is: “I’m not interested in other people’s matters.” He likes to spend his whole day on the rooftop by himself.. towards this kind of character, that doesn’t seem to belong to this world, Vic Zhou and Oguri Shun are tied. PK summary: The Japanese version’s narrative style is significantly more in line with the original manga. *小家碧玉 = pretty girl of humble birth Source: sina Translated by: Sarah @ http://asianfanatics.net
I didn't watch the Japanese version of Meteor Garden but between the T and K, I think T is a lot better. The leading actor for T and K are somewhat similar .. funny. I am not gonna finish K cuz there storyline is predictable and everyone are UGLY ... gals and guys .. what's up with that .. all toothpick people.
I've watched all three versions, and like you say correctly, Meteor Garden is first love, and no matter what people say, first love usually leaves the most impact. The Jp version is good, but Dao Ming Si is a joke. Not only is he short, he also can't act. (He did improve in HYD2, though). As for the Kr version, the pace is too slow and boring for the first few eps. Ryu is a disappointment, a real disappointment, because he's a key player. Only the story and Dao Ming Si's cuteness saved the day.
I found Meteor Garden was a bit boring...lol..i like the jap and korean version better a bit... but i didnt like like korean version of the girl...but i love the korean verson of the main actress best friend...shes so cute... rite for the drama...
Jerry and Lee MinHo look alike..lol wonder why they didnt try to find a Jun lookalike (taller version)
i didn't watch the T version and i started with the K version and the J version simultaneously...kinda confusing I like both,i didn't want to watch the T version but seems like it's better
havent seen the Taiwanese or the Korean version yet, but i loved the Japanese version ~ seen both Hana Yori Dango Season 1 and 2 and the film they released and i just love the chemistry between Mao and Jun
I love all versions of the manga adaptations! Each version did took the entertainment industry by storm! i always believe that Meteor Garden is the spark that sets off the idol dramas fandom in taiwan =DD
Da S in Meteor Garden ? It's Barbie Xu who plays Shan Cai ! o_o I've seen all of the three versions (and I hope I will see the chinese by Hunan TV) and I think I prefer the south-korean. I love the taiwanese adaptation but I think it's too old so the manga wasn't finished yet. Now, in South Korea, the adaptation of the manga is good, hope all the history is here, and the actors are good. The Japanese was my first drama because I love the manga. But the adaptation is a little boring...
OMG...i totally LOVE it...im more of a SoEulmate fan than the main couple... they say that in the Korean version Yi Jung (Nishikado Sojiro) and Ga Eul (Matsuoka Yuuki) will have a better story line..and i think it will be a good ending for them unlike the Jap and Taiwan version... but i have to say...i dunt really like the main actress....shes too old...
