Hana Yori Dango 2 (2007)

I didn't watch the second season immediately after watching the first. I like to give a break because then I feel I am able to enjoy the characters better without getting tired of it.

I prefer this part of the story than the first. By this time, the build up phase is over and we are well acquainted with the characters. Finally I grew to love Makino's character. I wasn't a fan of hers in the first one because I had a hard time understanding her. But she improved this time around. Her feelings and actions were clearer to me. I was very happy with the characterizations of each character. I loved F4 and the best character was that of Domyouji. He really grew a lot. Also, there was enough emphasis on Akira, Rui, Soujiroh and Yuki. The characters of Hana Yori Dango are all very captivating.

This season kept me hooked till about the last few episodes. By then the breaking-up/getting back together thing tired me. And the amnesia plot was ridiculous. Other than that, it was written wonderfully. The direction and execution of the show were also wonderful. The ending was also good.

I believe it has a decent rewatch value. And since the first was a 10 according to me, this one deserves a strong 10 also. So if you liked the first season, then definitely watch the second.

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Why HANA YORI DANGO is THE SUPERIOR VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD

HANA YORI DANGO is the ONE AND ONLY VERSION that GOT TO PLUCKED MY HEARTSTRINGS, FREAKIN' PLAYED WITH MY EMOTIONS & MADE ME FEEL ALL SORT OF THINGS!!! The way HanaDan was made was SO COMPELLING, FULL OF ANGST & HEARTWARMING, that's why, it will ALWAYS BE THE SUPERIOR VERSION a.k.a THE GOLDEN STANDARD!!!!!!! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Just watch HANA YORI DANGO is you want to see:

• A properly tailored flow of the scenes/plot. QUALITY MORE THAN QUANTITY!

• The version that stood the test of time a.k.a. REWATCH VALUE.

• Well-written characters that's why you can understand why they're acting the way they were.

• Polished arcs of the characters, most especially to Domyouji’s redemption, with his arc in S2!
(It was the heaviest compared to his other counterparts.)

• The STRONGER THAN THE WHOLE PERIODIC TABLE CHEMISTRY of Inoue Mao (Makino Tsukushi) and Jun Matsumoto (Domyouji Tsukasa), and how their chemistry really worked like magic which also launched thousands of shippers until this day on! Their chemistry was so believable that you could actually feel their scenes whether it be love, confusion, pain and longing!

• The solid & genuine friendship of F4 and how it extended up to Makino.

• The version that gave justice & “more than meets the eye” element to Makino and Domyouji’s character sketches and against all odds love story; whereas, Inoue Mao and Jun Matsumoto perfectly etched a convincing, endearing, full of angst, in-depth and emotional rawness to their portrayals which really stood out above the rest. They have this amazing control over the audience that makes you super-emotionally invested and attached to their characters and how they affect each other!

• The ICONIC OSTs (Wish, Love So Sweet, One Love, Planetarium, Flavor of Life & Kiss Hug) and the very beautiful music scoring (composed by Kousuke Yamashita) used that made the emotional scenes of HanaDan even more poignant & heart wrenching!

• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE ITEMS THAT SYMBOLIZES MAKINO & DOMYOUJI’S ROMANCE as they're constantly there and really plays “plot” in the show too! They were able to deeply showcase the important roles of those intricate items, not just some random pretty decorations.

1.) SATURN NECKLACE - According to the horoscope, Makino & Domyouji are “people of saturn” meant to share and experience all the fun and difficult times together. You can also see that Makino in this version really treasured the necklace compared to her other counterparts!

2.) THE FLAVOR OF LOVE – As Domyouji said, the flavor of love (bittersweetness) tastes like the lousy cookies Makino made for him. The only Domyouji counterpart that made an impactful statement about Makino’s cookies!

3.) EBISU GARDEN PLACE – a.k.a. their sacred place (I just loved the fact that this is where Makino & Domyouji held their marriage as a nod to their first date!)


• THE CONSISTENCY OF THE NARRATIVE PARALLELS

1.) MAKINO’S EYES – From S1, S2 and Final movie, you will notice that the exposition scenes always start with the close up shot of Makino’s eyes and her multiple “why’s” as it meant that this is her story and journey with F4! She is the main lead character after all and I loved how they highlighted it!

2.) DOMYOUJI'S GALAXY PUZZLES (In Season 1) - You can notice that when Domyouji was starting to show his inner self (behind his tiger mask) and applying what his older sister suggested ("Patience is a Virtue / "You have to love in order to be loved!") to Makino, he also began to happily arrange his galaxy puzzles one at a time. And at the near end of S1, he was able to finally put the last piece of the puzzle before leaving for New York! As a deep viewer who understood this important symbolism, I do believe that Domyouji finally completing the picture of the galaxy puzzle means that his relationship-building with Makino (from "Hate to Love") has already been completely and strongly established! For Domyouji, arranging his galaxy puzzles is like whenever he sees Makino's presence or when he's with Makino━he truly feels happy and genuinely at peace.

3.) “GIRL I APPROVE OF” & “PARTNERSHIP OF DESTINY/ MEANT TO BE/ CHOSEN BY DESTINY” – It’s really endearing when Domyouji was so consistent in saying and initiatively stressing these words to Makino!


• The one and only version that highlighted the importance of Eternal/Everlasting Love on Makino and Domyouji where love is more than just a feeling but a commitment, and the essence of including the person you love in your dreams and priorities in life.

• HanaDan out of all the versions has the BEST PROPOSAL, BEST WEDDING SCENE & BEST SATISFYINGLY PERFECT HAPPY ENDING!

In retrospect, Hana Yori Dango Japanese drama is a classic rom-com done right & its execution was definitely more than just a formulaic statement. it delivered flawed characters that actually had a chance to redeem themselves and perfectly balanced the humor, angst, heart wrenching and romantic moments between the characters! Thus, it will always have a REWATCH VALUE even after so many years have passed or will still pass! ♥♥♥


So if you haven't watched this yet, I BET YOU SHOULD! ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

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There are more happenings in this season as compared to the first. There are more problems and such so it's more interesting. Even so, the story's flow is still as smooth as the first season. It's quite a cliffhanger though, since the real closure of the series is shown in the movie, if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, there may be scenes found in the Taiwanese and Korean (not sure about the Chinese one since I haven't watched it yet) versions that are not showed here, but it's all right.

Oguri Shun's scenes here are many, so his acting skill is more shown here. Matsuda Shota and Abe Tsuyoshi got more screen time, too. For me, it's important that they have their good share of screen time because, after all, their roles are part of F4. I found Kato Natsuki's Shigeru adorable. Anyway, the two leads' chemistry is more evident in this season. They're all actually better in this one.

I loved the music in this season, too! Especially the opening song (again).

If I'd re-watch the first one, of course, I have to re-watch this, too!

This is really good drama. It's worth watching, in my opinion.
Recommended to:
- those who watched the first season, of course!

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I think the drama should have been called: "HYD: Meant to be together, but the world was against it".

Cast: (8/10) there was an amazing chemistry between the leads, not only between Makino and Domyouji, but including the other guys in F4. The MVP for this season was MatsuJun, for me. When he was angry, he looked ugly, but when he was looking at Makino with so much love, or when he was smiling, he looked so handsome. I love his hairdo in this season. And I was in awe in that first episode when Domyouji and Makino meet again for the first time after a year in NYC, the way he looked at her. With so much longing. He was telling her it was over, but his eyes were saying the opposite.

Story: (8/10) since this story is about love and all things that can happen to keep the main couple apart, it reminded me so much of Latin Soap Operas, which I used to love when I was younger. Misunderstandings, memory loss, rivals, etc. There is one part where Domyouji's fiancee was telling him, after he tells him he can't marry her because he will always love Makino, that she still keeps an ace up her sleeve, and stands when they are having a dinner with their parents. I seriously was expecting a "I am pregnant" bulls*t. Thank God they didn't go THAT way XD

Even though I wanted Makino and Domyouji to have their happy ending, they both got on my nerves. Makino was weak, letting everyone step on her, specially her 2 rivals. She just stays there, keeping quiet. And Domyouji continues to be a punk. Whenever things don't go the way he wants, he starts punching people. What a jerk.

On the other hand, there are 3 reasons why this was again so different from a Latin Soap Opera: 1) here are no overactings, no zoom in into their faces, no slaps, etc. It is not to dramatic, it is well balanced with comedy. 2) no heavy make-up, no styled hairdoes (except Domyouji), no flashy and tacky clothes (except the men's shoes). Makino has the same plain hairstyle all the time, she barely has any make-up. Same with her friend Yuuki. Same with several other girls. And 3) all these cliche moments last around ONE episode, instead of dragging for several. Always to the point.

Music: (10/10) I LOVE the music in this drama. Both Seasons have amazing music. "Love So Sweet" is catchy and has a "nostalgic" feeling while listening to it. Maybe the boys in Arashi are tired of singing it, but it always surprises me when I see MJ singing it in their concerts, with so much feeling. He loves it, I bet he is still so proud of everything about HYD. "Flavor of Life" is also one of my favorite songs of Utada Hikaru. And the instrumental soundtrack that accompanies certain scenes were also excellent. 100 points to the music area.

Rewatching value: (7/10) I would rewatch this but fast-forwarding all the scenes with the fiancee (gosh, she was annoying!), most scenes with Hanazawa Rui and the last 2 episodes except for the last 10 minutes.

*Original review is longer, so I cut it a little bit to post it here.

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I've ended the year just like I started it: watching drama. At this time last year I was watching My Love From Another Star, and now, a year later, I'm finishing up the 2nd season of Hana Yori Dango: a drama that I immensely enjoyed.

Much like the first season, the story line of season 2 wasn't anything new. It was quite similar to that of Boys Over Flowers, but there were some differences that I really really liked. The storyline picks up about a year after the ending of season one and we're immediately hit with a wall of angst. The conflicts in this season never stop, but it was entertaining to watch. I think my favorite part of the season was the ending. Everything came together so well. I know there's still a movie to complete the series, but the ending to this was pretty darn good. It was very fulfilling and felt complete.

The acting was as good as ever. I've already talked about all of the actors in my review for the first season so basically all I have to say is that I have no complaints. We got to meet some new characters in this season and they all played their parts well. The main cast was solid throughout the whole season.

I don't think I liked the OST for this season quite as much as season one's OST, but I really liked the opening song. I also liked the inclusion of Utada Hikaru's Flavor of Life. I love her voice and she always sounds great.

Overall I'm very satisfied with Hana Yori Dango 2. This season is full of angst and not quite as light hearted as season one, but still very enjoyable. I liked it enough that I watched it in just under 24 hours. It made all of my fangirl dreams come true. I'm looking forward to watching the final movie right away.

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Cute adaptation continuation!

I don’t know if people view these 2 seasons as separate but for the mast majority I believe these both are a must watch together as the story doesn’t feel complete with just season 1. The second season introduced more characters and way more differing issues. I loved how they made their reasons for breaking up realistic (main girl breaking up due to the companies threat upon japan’s economy). The fiancée was the least annoying in this version and I liked how they brought her back at the end as a friend of the leads. Rui’s character in this season continues with saving main girl in dire situations and his character is simply ADORABLE, he really made the competition between him and male lead believable with how great of a character he was. I wouldn’t say I had second lead syndrome but rui’s character was definitely one to be adored. The main couple went through many trials in this season but got through it! It was satisfying to see how they held on to the “we are meant for each other” especially with the main dude. They added the amnesia plot at the end of things unlike other seasons where it was towards the beginning of the story but I really liked how they did that and recreated the elevator scene word for word for him to remember who she was it was adorable. The new characters we were introduced to head maid of the manor and Ken alongside others, were great! I didn’t expect ken’s plot line to be like that and I was surprised but it was a good addition to the plot line. This was a great continuation of S1 and I enjoyed it very much and was super satisfied when I finished! I highly recommend!!

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Story: I loved the second season just as much as the first. Now that their together they need to stay together. There was so much drama thrown their way that it seemed as if they would never get a happy ending. They were constantly being pushed apart while desperately trying to stay together. From watching other versions I had a sense of what was going to happen but it was still really interesting and really funny to watch. I actually prefer this season over the first

Music: Just as good as the first OST, but not better.

Cast/Acting: I didn’t really like the acting of the supporting characters (Shigeru etc.) but everyone else was fine. Not like their acting could get worse after such a brilliant success with the first season two years prior.

SEE MORE DRAMA AND MOVIE REVIEWS HERE: http://dramadevoted.tumblr.com/

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The best version of all them and the best in the Japanese series

Hana Yori Dango 2 is up , up , up there In the most searingly romantic things I have come across. No kidding and no blasphemy but this iteration personally is the best one out there .

1. This is the most truthful depiction of the comics tbf . I count it as the best version of the male protagonist too . He is flawed and realistically human .

2. This is the best female protagonist. She’s spunky till the end and has the “tough weed energy” that is not feminised out of her like they do in the other adaptations . She also has her equal share in love declarations that are very heart rendering too . She definitely carried the romantic weight equally . You don’t really see that much in the other adaptations

3. The F4 have very strong compelling character portraits as individuals compared to other adaptations. *if it counts for anything : the cast is waaaaaay better looking than most adaptations. It may not be the flashiest one out of all of them but they are more appropriately cast in terms of age and appearance .

4. The male leads corporation has a very good story of its own with full bodied characters and intrigues that are well spun.

5. The antagonists in this adaptation have great full circle moments that make them very compelling in the end .

6. The obstacles against love , as is synonymous with this series are of course many but never come across as gratuitous and banal . In fact, they add a lot of entertainment, relationship depth for all involved and peeling of layers . Speaking of obstacles, the second male lead romance is deftly dealt with in the Japanese version. In some versions , notably the Korean one , it seems the second lead is waaaay more deserving of getting with her than the lead himself . Other adaptations don’t handle the fact that the second male lead is indeed her first love but not her forever love. They rely too heavily on the trope of “first love” when that’s really not it . In fact , it’s because she knew she loved the male lead that she could say that indeed , her first love must have been the second male lead . But she would have never reached that substantial realization without truly loving and most importantly , knowing she loved the male lead.

7. The most important reason for me and why it triumphs over all the other ones is that it’s so ROMANTIC! I can compare it to the feeling one gets when they watch the Keira Knightley Pride Prejudice ! Absolutely squealing in joy at the sweet romance displayed !

Overall : love this drama ! I even cried at the end and I don’t really cry at happy endings but this was so sweet and romantic . If you are a fan of Boys over Flowers - this is a must watch but you must watch the first one !

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Not as good as Part 1

I am not sure why they decided to film this series in two parts since both parts had about 10 episodes. But there were some things that bugged me about this installment. Here the acting is worse than the first installment. There was a lot of face acting rather than just allowing the actions to come from within. The plot is so ridiculous. that of course, this doesn't leave much to work with in terms of getting to know your character. There is no inner monologue and that is the most annoying part of the writing here. This keeps everything superficial and detached.

I found my eyes rolling more in this half, probably because I was wondering what other nonsense they would throw at me before finally putting the actors out of their misery. I still don't understand why this manga became popular enough to make a live action drama about it; why anyone would want to romanticize a toxic relationship between a nice girl and a bully; or why its cool to have people treat each other in such destructive ways. It's actually a very disturbing story when you think about it.

The. productions seems to incorporate too many flashbacks, including things that just happened within that same episode. These got tiresome. The only thing I liked about this show was the music.

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This review is for part 1 and 2 of the Japanese adaptation of their own series based upon mangaka Yoko Kamio’s “Hana Yori Dango”. These dramas are two of the about 13 adaptations for “Hana Yori Dango”. Although it is a nice adaptation, the characters are presented in a somewhat comical and satirical form with slightly exaggerated facial expressions and voice intonations. This is a lighthearted version and the chemistry among the leading couple was just lukewarm. There are some dramatic moments and some sweet moments in which the leading actors performed quiet well but, the breaking up cliché got really tiring, to say the least. For both dramas, the ending is nice and sweet.

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