Meteor Garden (2018)

I, similar to many other viewers of the show, anticipated the release of this remake as I loved the previous BOF remakes. This was a disappointment, the main issue was the extra and unneeded focus on Feng Mei Zuo's love story. Some people may have enjoyed it but personally I wish they would have picked a more interesting or relevant storyline, they focused on this too much and for me it ruined the whole 'playboy' look F4 was meant to have. I mean if they're all good boys who believe in true love then it goes against the whole concept of rich playboys.

Another big issue was Shan Cai's character. I love loved Gaeul's character in the Korean BOF and in this show instead of making her innocent and naive they just made her seem really dumb. In the Japanese version, Yuuki Matsuoka was made to be more clingy but it wasn't obnoxious or embarrassing to watch. In this show, I just got second-hand embarrassment from her as I loved the Korean 'best-friend' support character so much.

The boy's in F4 in general, I wished they touched on their personal stories more as they did in the other versions. I haven't finished it so maybe they do in the end but Xi Men's character in the Korean version and in the Japanese version had so much more soul and his story was so interesting and human. While the boys are very pretty their storylines were lacking and it just made this F4 seem to half-assed, I understand most of the audience already knew them before watching but it feels like the writers took that as a way to get lazy with the script and skip the initial build-up and connection of the boys.

Lastly, a common issue many see, the plot dragged on and on and on. Seriously, it became way too predictable and annoying to watch. I love watching remakes and usually when remakes come around the plot is still interesting or there will be some new plot twists so seeing as there were 49 episodes I imagined more depth and some new ideas. I didn't expect them to rush through iconic moments and add a boring side love story that I constantly wanted to skip through.

Overall it is light-hearted and maybe some people really enjoy it. Maybe if you haven't seen the other remakes I suggest watching this first so you're not burdened by the butchering of the originals like I was. Just be ready to skip a lot of scenes and take long breaks as the show isn't very binge-worthy.

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Disturbing behavior and a lack of actual relationship development

Ok, Daoming Si is the first male lead and he seems unpleasant to be around, disturbingly immature, and is unnecessarily violent, at one point smashing a paper takeout box full of food into the female lead's (Dong Shancai's) head and at another, slamming her against a wall and forcing a kiss on her. Additionally, while I haven't seen the entire show, I did watch 21 episodes before the characters' behavior became too ridiculous to handle, but the two leads barely spent any time together where they weren't fighting or dragging each other around against the other's will. Their relationship was so dysfunctional; they refused to explain their feelings or actions to each other and were always making each other mad or uncomfortable. I have seen Boys Over Flowers, and I know that that male lead (Gu Jun Pyo) was also somewhat immature and initially unpleasant and violent, but there was something endearing about Gu Jun Pyo that Daoming Si completely lacks.

I do think the second male lead (Huaze Lei) was a pretty good character and a much more appealing partner than Daoming Si. He never attacked anyone or blurted out rude and disturbing things and he acted his age. Also, he and Dong Shancai had a far better, more stable relationship. I usually don't think the second male lead should be with the female lead, because I tend to just go with what the story wants me to go with, but in this case, the male lead was so horrible, I could not see him and the female lead ending up together.

When it comes to acting, I thought it was subpar. Sometimes, the actors' actions felt jilted and forced. Also, Dong Shancai's facial expressions during moments that were supposed to be sexy or romantic made it look like she was disgusted and upset, which added to the disturbing effect Daoming Si was creating.

Also, I feel like this goes without saying, but isn't this plot just a little trite? Rich, cool, emotionally distant boy falls for the first quirky, poor girl who stands up to him? I am not interested, honestly. I know that Hana Yori Dango and Boys Over Flowers and Meteor Garden are kind of staples, but I feel like, in 2018, you could be doing something else

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I cannot understand why people like this drama

Two things for the start. First, I haven't watched any of the previews installements and I didn't read the book. So, I don't compare any version. Second, I dropped the drama. I watched about the half.
I cannot understand why someone likes this drama or how they can finish it. And it was really hyped, even in Netflix. I understand the cliches of the concept and the story (the school theme, rich male/poor female, bad mother-in-law etc) but it has the worst and the most tiring plot and use ever. There are a lot of similar dramas with the same themes, Heirs is the best, that use them in an interesting way. Bad female lead but I think it is the role bad written not the actress and she had chemistry with no one. Every episode with a new incident with no logic, only for the dramatics and more episodes.

Second, the whole bully turned lover is a problematic trope. It is a really dangerous standard that we teach the men that can do anything to women and not be punished and women to not speak up because "boys are boys" . It is wrong. Also, in general this thing is full of misogyny and patriarchal views from the evil mother to the belief that the girl has to be perfect and cooks "because it is a woman job".

But there was two things I apreciated. The acting of the F4 actors, especially Dylan Wang and Darren Chen.

(Sorry of any mistakes. English is not my first language.)

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I am a sucker for tropes where there is a group of cute boys being protective of a girl and there's that one bad boy who falls in love with the girl, but tbh actually kind of bullies her and isn't the best example of a good human but then kind of redeems himself at the end. (Yes, there are probably multiple things wrong with that but blame society for making me think that such story lines are cute). I watched the Korean version of this and I think I liked it, but I prefer this version much more! I'v rewatched maybe 2/3 times now!

Liked:
- Dylan Wong and Shen Yue have really good chemistry. Even though I find the character of Shan Cai to be kind of annoying at times, I think their on screen chemistry is really good. They match each other's vibes really well.
- All the characters get really great storylines and it all pieces together nicely. Somehow I don't get annoyed by the side characters which is very rare.
- It's just all so cute!!!! As mentioned before, this trope really does it for me.

Disliked:
- I think the drama with the family and stuff was draggy for me. It was unnecessary.
- I also think the love triangle was unnecessary but I know a lot of people ship Shan Cai and Hua Ze Lei. And tbh if I were to pick the not so toxic boy, I should definitely go with Hua Ze Lei. But again, there is something about the bad boy character that really is intriguing. I blame society for this.

WATCH!!! and then REWATCH!!! and then REWATCH again. Even though I didn't give it 10/10 stars, I think this is one of the most easy to watch and just overall fun and can squeal often dramas.

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Pros:
Daoming Si: I really liked Dylan Wang's portrayal of Daoming Si. It was a much more playful version of the character than the other "bad boy" versions. I saw a few reviews stating that the character was "weaker" or "watered down" but I disagree. This interpretation isn't worse than the rest, it's just different. Honestly, I liked the playful version much more than the bullying version. I think it just makes a lot more sense and it seems more plausible as they were also in university. It also fueled the chemistry between him and Dong Shancai.
Ximen and Meizuo: I think that they were good supporting characters and portrayed very well!
Music: The soundtrack was great and I found myself really liking the songs. But it was really annoying when there was just a random English song with nothing to do with the story being put in...

Cons:
Dong Shancai: Guys, I could not stand her. Oh my goodness it was SO hard to see Daoming Si with this stubborn girl! I completely understand that she is supposed to be "stubborn", but she took this to another level! When Daoming Si literally saves her from DYING, he had to ASK her if she was going to thank him. I REPEAT HE HAD TO ASK HER. This is honestly not stubbornness, it's called being rude! I think the director really needs to contemplate the line between stubbornness and rudeness.
Ximen and Meizuo's Side Stories: Personally, I found it very hard to watch their side stories. The way Xiao You was chasing after Ximen is kinda ridiculous and I could not understand it. In the middle of watching I literally forgot why she likes him in the first place...
For Meizuo, his love story was kinda out of no where? I think it's pretty sad seeing him be alone even though he's such a sweet guy. I could have done without his heart break. Although it wasn't a bad story, it was random and sad.

I really loved this story overall. Sure, it was definitely a struggle to watch it (and get through how annoying Dong Shancai is) but once you do, it will definitely become something on your rewatch list.

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One of my favorite dramas of all time!

Meteor Garden is actually one of my favorite dramas of all time! The actors, the sets, the OST, all of it was so appealing; plus, I'm a sucker for any drama that has the main leads go through a hate-to-love relationship. The chemistry between the ML and FL is so great. Dylan Wang and Shen Yue pull off their roles almost too good. Watching their relationship from beginning to end and how they grew independently and together was satisfying!

The famous leader of the F4, Dao Ming Si (Dylan Wang), where do I even start with him? He's so handsome! His personality at first, being that arrogant rich kid, made me love to hate him in the first few episodes. Once it got further into the story, I fell head over heels in love with his character. Beneath all of that arrogant, tough guy personality was a big goofball and softie who just wanted to be loved. Plus, all of that flirting with Shancai was adorable! I had plenty of moments between the two of them that made me swoon! His outfits were pretty cool too and definitely made a statement.

The one and only Dong Shancai (Shen Yue), our FL who lives up to the meaning of her name, "the weed that won't break/bow down". Oh my, from beginning to end, I was rooting for her the whole way through! In the first couple episodes, when she stood up to Dao Ming Si, I was so impressed and happy too. Especially during a certain scene (no spoilers, you'll have to watch) that happens, I jumped up from my couch and cheering. No matter who Shancai came across, she left an impression on everyone; especially Dao Ming Si *wink, wink*. Shen Yue did such an amazing job portraying Shancai at her best and worst moments.

The other members of the F4, their side stories were nice as well. SML, Hua Ze Lei's story was sweet, but I also cried tears for him as well (I'm not spoiling anything, you'll have to watch the drama). The other two, Mei Zuo and Ximen Yan, I enjoyed to a point; they were nice to watch, but I did fast-forward a bit in some parts of theirs. Mainly because I wanted to get back to Dao Ming Si (ML) and Dong Shancai (Shen Yue).

The OST, oh my god, the OST! IT IS SOOOOO GOOD!

The story overall is one I thoroughly enjoyed.

As far as rewatching this, I've rewatched it 3+ times! I even bought the complete series on DVD too. It's definitely worth watching for sure! I'd highly recommend it, especially if you're into the hate-to-love relationship dynamic, school/college romance.

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This is Worth watching Drama... I've watched many Asian dramas and this for sure is one of my favorite. ???????? At first i decided to watch Boys over Flowers.. because Meteor garden is remake of Boys over flowers & because of its episodes.. I've already watched many short dramas & This is really lengthy so i hesitated once... but I choose This And watching this was an amazing decision. Storyline is awesome... & seems realistic. During starting episodes I'm feeling kinda awkward because of Shancai & Lie's relationship...but after sometime I really hooked up with this drama because of Dylan wang ????❤️❤️sweet romance, comedy, cuteness and even a little action which makes it an absolutely perfect drama!
And of course F4 is absolutely Amazing. Daoming Si, Lie ,Ximen & Meizu defines true friendship.???????? I love Daoming Si's character, Shancai's character is strong...i really appreciate acting of both lead characters. Lei's character is soft & cute but strong & loyal too. and of course Zhuang, she is so perfect sis..! All supporting characters are superb. Music is enchanting... especially Like A river & say something...theme song's music is really awesome but I don't understand Chinese so i regret it.
You'll cry during some of the episodes. I definitely suggest it to anyone who hasn't watched it yet! ❤️❤️

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This drama is wow literally this is was my first drama and i was amazed because very plot ,storyline and cast was perfect and mainly the male lead is so cute the leads just make a perfect couple and this story contains every possible twist rich male lead poor female lead ,love triangle, arrongant male and active female , parent opposition and the story is not only revealed around the leads but also other characters it is worth wathcing ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... and if this review has helped you by any chance pkease like or comment and let me know thanks for your time

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I just want to let everyone know that this is the first meteor garden drama I have seen than all the rest of the other ones.

Just from watching from this perspective only I can say that I actually enjoyed this series quite a lot. I was fond of the main actors and actresses. I loved the chemistry between Daoming Si and Sancai. I thought that the plot was really good, however at some points during the drama, it annoyed me so much by how Daoming Si acted the way he was. I felt like his character could've added a more patient and understandable point in the beginning. I also thought that Sancai was too hidden, she couldn't express her feelings, and that really stalled the whole plot for this drama.

I can tell you that the music was good, I liked how they incorporated both english and chinese songs. This was the first drama I watched that did that and I thought it was cool.

Rewatch value: I would recommend it if you don't mind the stress of waiting for the girl to confess her true feelings and also how you can handle such an impatient and non-understandable guy (Daoming Si at first, he evolves into a better man with the help of Sancai.

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