Smile @ finale

When I checked the updates on Smile, I somehow relieved that the finale is finally up. Yup, finally....

Even though this dorama only consisted of 11 episodes, it felt like it took almost a lifetime to finish it. The long court session that lasted for more than 10 years in the drama affected me virtually.. I can feel it. ah.. I did mentioned in an earlier post that it's a Yakuza-influenced -like drama, ne? Bad me... it's indeed a drama filled with hopes and dreams....

MatsuJun did a good job as Vito in the drama. When he cried, tears welled in my eyes. Drama about race discrimination had never touched me like this. In a hard way, Vito learned how important life is. It's ironic that Vito who have Japanese+Filipino parents called "the guy whose half-Filipino". But somehow it resembled some who look at the world as the half-empty glass. Thankfully, the defendant lawyer was there to fight for him.. trusting him.

While the male leads did a great job, the female lead.. or Hana (by Aragaki ) was somehow seen as a catalyst. If Hana is not around, Vito wouldn't have yearn the freedom and meaning of life (yup... he's ready to give in).

Finally, the verdict had been turned around.
I really did thought that it's the end of Vito *sigh*

3 years later

And the dream is finalised *smile*.

Smile is a great movie to reflect ourselves, how we sometime misjudge others. Like it or not, its a real world. Another Jdorama for the "wake-up call" ^^. Have a great day and don't give up on your dream!

Gokusen

I read the manga and the movie is already out. I promised some that I should watch the drama version first before I proceed with the movie.

And so I did and.. I had a few thoughts on this dorama but everything mixed up in my mind at the time being. Well, let me start with something that some might wondered:

Has MatsuJun managed to capture my heart as Sawada Shin?

To the first timer with me, you should know how much LOVE I have for the manga-Sawada Shin [read here]. He's one of the superb male character in manga. Now.. about MatsuJun as Shin, urghh.. how should I put it in word? Let just say that it's not a love at first sight. I needed more time than I thought to click with this SHin. The "look" was there alright but something about him or was it something that he lacked off which lead to the feeling of distance between my heart and this SHin. Well, that's how I felt while watching the earlier epi.

HOWEVER, after episode 8, my heart and mind made peace with MatsuJun being Shin (told you I needed more time *hehehe*). If you wondered WHY? It must be the different story plot between the manga and the on-screen series itself. Some basics of the story differs to what I'm used to. The Kuroda family's lawyer that Yankumi should had crush for ages was not in the dorama (replaced by the police officer-Shinohara)... neither was Shin's gorgeous older brother (replaced by a younger sister in the dorama). I preffered the manga version of Fujihara sensei as well.

At this rate, I'm enjoying the dorama as it is since the dorama itself was fun and entertaining at no doubt. My brain is ALMOST been RESET and I'm at the stage of "not looking forward upon any memorable scene from the manga" to be in any series of Gokusen drama (including Sawada SHin being called Young Master Red Lion*sigh*). Yukie Nakama as Yankumi was good. She's hilarious.. much more than the manga version. But the younger Yankumi really reminded me of the younger Yankumi in the manga. Her voice.. her face... her aura.. (aiseh...)

Will I proceed with Gokusen 2 & 3 later? Yes, definetily.

and the Movie? Sure, why not!

I must however RE-ANNOUNCE my view, thoughts and hope since Shin's characther will not be around till the end of Gokusen's series. I DID mentioned that Gokusen will not be Gokusen if there's no Shin. Look like Shin was not in the main picture of Gokusen on-screen like in the manga from the start*double-sigh* (Shin's did not even scored as an important role in the "sport day" story while in the manga, he's the one who "brought honour to class 3-D"). However, in a good way.. I felt relief since I still can't accept of seing Shin ended with Yankumi at the end in the manga. Fated to be from the start??? urggghhhh..

SMILE for yet another jdorama

While I'm still suppose to juggle between Painter of the Wind and Dragon Zakura, I ended up with another jdorama *sigh*. Why did I even clicked on that button! *stop hand- STOP*.

Anyway, I was going to write a first impression/ review on Dragon Zakura but ended up with SMILE. I am not really that fan of MatsuJun, but I'm interested with the drama knowing the story-plot. Yup! Need to 'install' my brain with something to think about and stop thinking about my kkoch namja deul for a moment *kya...* >_< (eventhough that's mean am going to watch yet another Yakuza-influenced-drama-thingy). Yes, a drama about discrimination in every aspect of life and through every level (even you're a lawyer) should trigger my thinking cap and making me start to count my blessing. \(^o^)/

So far so good, so I'm sticking with it for the time being (with the hope that I wouldn't start with yet another drama *gosh*). MatsuJun really did looked like someone with a Filipino root. Could it be the makeup or what.. ? He's a little chubby in the drama too and somehow I can't stop keep thinking of the Tsukasa in him.. (^^!). Meanwhile... Aragaki Yui still look as pretty as she can be but I found her wearing the high-school uniform... hmm... gosh... she shouldn't be wearing it. She looked a little bit grown up to wear the uniform *sigh*.

Anyway, my terrible sense of spotting people (actors/ actresses) luckily did not work well with Yui-chan. Hmm.. applause to myself since she's one of the actress who I recognise (spot on) in Dragon Zakura and Smile (eventhough I actually forgot her name... LOL). Oww... talking about my terrible sense, I am that bad... seriously bad *wink*.

p/s: btw, should I start focusing on Oguri too? *giggle*

Personal Review on HYD2

Done with the HYD 2. It had been in my CPU for weeks but most of my free time was devoted to watch BBF. *gosh....*

Now, I am enjoying the second season so much better than the first one.^^ hmmm.. The second season of Hana Yori Dango is much-much-much better than the first season. Even the soundtracks were much nicer.

WOW... lots to cover.. here goes:

1. This Tsukasa is HILLARIOUS!!! He's the most BAKA and child-like Tsukasa of all!! Especially when he jumped on his bed, getting all giddy knowing Tsukushi lived in the same house^^ hahahhaa... Tsukasa sure gets most of his words all wrong but the one that cracked me instantly was when he said Tsukushi dressed as a "pro-wrestler" (supposed to be 'cosplay' which means playing dress up with costume). OOhhh and that look he had when Tama-san suggested him that Tsukushi's going to be his personal maid... LOL... *perverted bad thought Tsukasa!! bad! bad!* LOL


2. Tsukushi's gold-handphone with that Star Wars' ringtone... I like and erm... Tsukasa's profile named "Mighty Me" on that phone everytime he called her.. LOL


3. I like the fact that Mimasaka-san's family side was showed in this version. Atleast the viewer get the idea why he's into matured women compare to his age. His mother and sisters are so cute, just like in the manga. They're like someone who they pulled out from the book, along with their dresses, hairstyle.


4. The Japanese version of Shigeru... *LOVE*. She's lively.. she's pretty ... she's such a good friend, and why did I get the feeling that she did not annoyed me with her feelings towards Tsukasa? I really don't *sigh*.


5. Tsukasa's mother (Mdm Kaede??) kinda looked weird in this second part. Up to the stage that sometime I think she's almost went insanely crazy. I did not get the chilly feeling like I felt with the Korean's version however she's more looked like a mad woman to me^^.


6. The scene where the F3 were helping Susumu with his crush is cute.. they're looked so cute when looking after a little brother like that..


7. I never thought they will have that 'damaged floor' scene like from the manga eventhough the reason for the broken/damaged floor was not the same.


8. Valentine's scene... aww.... it reminded me of high school. *wink* giving choclate/gifts to someone you admire. LOL.. I used to do that. signed..secret admirer.. LOL how childish^^. but it sure gave some memories to recall back ^^.


9. Rui... Oguri Shun... hmmm *thinking and processing really hard*. Have I said that the second season is much better? The same tune goes with Rui. I like Rui much better in the second season. I was a bit sceptical IF I were ever going to enjoy Oguri's act as Rui but I guess he did manage to capture my heart with a few things that I think he did better than Hyun Joong *yay!!! did I really said that???* HOWEVER...... Am not sure if I will gain enemy(ies) by saying this BUT... I still prefer Hyun Joong's feeling as Rui *love* He still is my ideal Rui (even though he sucked with the violin playing)... wait.. let say it's almost a tie (^^!). The two things that Oguri's act that made my eyes sparkled more were (1) the way he played the violin. Oo..my Hyun Joong, though I love you but you were stiffed with that violin. Oguri did better... *note to future production team.. pay attention to detailsss....!!!!* LOL. (2) The mean way he ditched that Umi (Yumi) girl, the things he said... oww!!! o yeah! High-five Rui!! Back of you Umi!!! Rui is much meaner than Jihu.. *sob-sob.. why Jihu just gave a cold look at Yumi?*. Only two points??? Yes people!!! ^^


10. HYD would never be HYD if we did not talk about Rui and Tsukushi right? hehehe... Rui & Tsukushi scene that I like the most is the hospital scene. Yeah... you probably knew it already which scene I am talking about. This Rui sure lucky enough since he manage to express his feeling towards Tsukushi. Unlike in the manga where Rui kissed Tsukushi in his 'mindless-state' (during their outing to the island and recently dumped like the korean version), the Japanese Rui kissed Tsukushi with a clear mind. There shouldn't be any misunderstanding about the kiss right? But then again.. this Rui still attached to Shizuka for quite sometime *sigh*. I wonder if this Rui gathered fans because he's openly fought for Tsukushi's heart (well, apart of his kawaii-side of course^^) while Jihu (korean's Rui) keep it to himself though he quite surprised me with the proposal^^. Rui openly told Makino that he's won;t let Makino go while my Jihu... he stayed in his 4th dimension... for quite sometime... protecting Jandi from outer space *RAEJIN!! WAKE UP!!! Protect Jihu sunbae!!*

Now, in short.. I would say that I get quite a numbers of good laugh from Hana Yori Dango. Its more 'fun' to watch *I should stop this instant!!*. Boys Before Flowers on the other hand for me (PERSONAL OPINION OKAY) is for a more grown up Hanadan fans... it plays with more emotions... yeah.. *well of tears, here I come*. If you just broke up with your boyfriend, you should watch HYD instead of BBF or you might ended up crying even more.. hahahha....

Over all, IF Hana Yori Dango covered all the story in one shot (like the korean's Boys Over Flowers) instead of splitting it into two seasons, I guess I MIGHT agree with the Japanese fan that probably the Japanese version of HYD might be the best. Who knows, right? The possibilities are always there since the later version usually will try much-much HARDER to come out with a better version in every aspect.

There were bits here and there that made Hana Yori Dango and Kkot Boda Namja (Boys Before Flowers) equally good and fun to watch. Of course the latest version will try harder to make a better version right? As for me, the korean production SPOT IT RIGHT ON during the scene where Junpyo (or Tsukasa) gained back his memory! That for me is the MOST memorable scene between Jandi & Junpyo (Makino & Doumyoji) in Kkot Boda Namja (while I still can't pick any favourite scene from HYD other than Rui kissed Makino at the hospital *sigh*). And...... then again.. I love the Korean F4 (they are the most HOT, polished rich kids ever) and the OSTs so much. so-so much ^^ *love*

** wasn't this supposed to be a HYD2 review? Why did I still talked about BBF ?
(^^!) gomen ne~

Hana Yori Dango - my personal review

For those who thinks that this review is like so........ outdated, you can stop here then. Ah... should I say the same warning goes to Oguri Shun's die hard fan??

Ya ya... so I just watched the Japanese version... so what? huhu....^^

I have a problem to start writing this review as I don't really know where to start. hmmm... okay, I watched Meteor Garden (Taiwanese version) when it was aired years back and I was clueless on the source of the storyline at the time. Then my younger brother told me that the story resembles a story from the manga magazines he bought. Of course I then checked the magazines, read it and follow Kamio Yoko's story from then (untill I 'lost' my free resources when brother start buying another manga magazines and I read the rest part online till finished).

As for the Japanese version, I must say that there's TWO 'things' that makes me wanting to check it out; Boys Before Flowers (Korean version) and Rin-Chan^^. Let's just say that I want to see how the storyline goes in the Japanese way. Please take note that before I had this kind of fever on KDrama, I WAS a JDrama supporter during high school (thanks to TV3 at that moment) though I don't remember much of the dramas' title I watched back then.

Though I watched Hana Yori Dango The Movie, I can't say much about it since I don't really get the related feeling from the story (blame my feeling on the manga for this) of Hana Yori Dango I knew.

After watching the FIRST PART of Hana Yori Dango drama (comprises of 9 episodes)...here what I have to say: Do take note that when I read books, I picture the ideal character in my mind (hehehe) and since I read the manga, I tend to compare things (again... bad me). Let me do the lists of my views with bullet points so I won't ramble out of the line (I hope). Since I am not good with remembering real names, I'll go with their characters'. Think whatever you want, but I have tried my best to watch the Japanese version with an open mind ^^ and I need to stress out that hese views were made after watching the FIRST PART ONLY.

• Makino Tsukushi is prettier in this Japanese version (even prettier than Yuki)

• My first impression on Tsukasa's behaviour is just like the Tsukasa I imagine in the earlier part of the manga; baka, vulgar, childish (I have no objection at all) etc HOWEVER, Tsukasa is shorter than he should (which makes Rui stands out MORE - and that's not good)

AGAIN>>> WARNING for OGURI's FAN. PLEASE SKIP THE TWO POINTS AHEAD... ^^ YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

• Rui portrayed as someone you can absolutely fell in love with and I don't blame Makino a bit to fell for Rui. However I felt that this Rui's CUTENESS portrayed was a little bit annoying! muahahaha... *can feel the staring eyes from Oguri Shun's fans* (^^!) Gomen Ne~
  

• Rui showed more affections 'than I can handle' *wink* (which I don't like since the 'Rui' in my mind THAT I CREATED, is somehow more 'cold''. This Rui is just too 'warm' *sigh*. As much bad feedback HyunJoong gets for his acts from the first 4 episodes of Boys Over Flower aka Boys Before Flowers, he have my vote). I think Oguri's act in Hana Kimi was more Rui's like.

***** now am spreading lots of LOVES>>>> \(^o^)/

• I found it not logic for the scene where Sakurako hit Tsukushi (by mistake) where the 'hit' was as if nothing happened... Tsukushi should collapsed or atleast 'terjatuh' towards Tsukasa. Where's the application of Inertia????? *gosh - am talking physic here... my Physic teacher will be proud if he knows*

• I like Soujiro the best when he showed up with that traditional clothes^^. He look like a cute version of Yakuza or even samurai^^.
  

• Unlike Taiwanese and Korean's versions, I don't think Tsukasa's fiancee can come close to beat Tsukushi's to get Tsukasa attention. Here, she's portrayed as someone who was a total opposite of Tsukushi (which is OF COURSE Tsukasa will definitely rejects).

• and yes... I totally 100% agree with Rin-chan that Japanese 'love-token' is the BEST^^. Go Saturn!!

My favourite memorable part: When the F4 fought each other^^ on the street (I got emotioned by this scene).

Overall, I had a good time watching it. MatsuJun as Tsukasa did not disappointed me (other than his height) with his characters. In my opinion, this Tsukasa chooses friendship over relationship which makes me like him. He's the Cuter and Funnier Tsukasa (hehee...) and Lee MinHo is still my HOT Tsukasa*wink*. Doesn't mean that I hated Dao MingShi (hope I still get the name spelled correctly after all these years).

My view on some characters MIGHT changed after I watch the second part (Hana Yori Dango 2) so please (especially Oguri Shun's fans), bear with me. hehehehe... Till then^^

xoxox