Boys Over Flowers was the first live action adaptation of this manga that I saw. I thought the drama was cute. But it wasn’t until I watched Hana Yori Dango (which is the Japanese live action adaptation of the manga) did I fall in love with the story. Just like Itazura Na Kiss, this is another amazing manga. That is if you really enjoy the shoujo genre like me.
Hana Yori Dango
Written by Yoko Kamio
Published by Shueisha/ Viz Media
Genre: Shoujo, Romantic Comedy
Volumes: 37
Synopsis
Tsukushi Makino attends an elite private school which is partially funded by her middle class parents. She decides to spend her days focused on school and avoiding trouble at all cost. But a situation occurs where she ends up getting the attention of the F4, the most popular, richest, and the most handsome guys at the school.
Review
Just like Itazura Na Kiss, this story became popular throughout Asia with several adaptations from different countries. It stands as one of my most favorite manga ever (I think I’ve read a total of 10 or so my whole life, so I know what I’m talking about…hahaha).
The manga is LOOOOONNNNG! There are over 200 chapters! It does get easier to read the more I read it though. I ended up reading it like I was watching the drama: “Um…let’s just start this next chapter to see what happens.” It was sad. I missed sleep a couple of days.
Characters
Tsukushi Makino is a tough weed. She can handle and tame the torrential moods of Tsukasa Domyouji. And that’s what makes our two leads such a great couple. Compare to the drama, they are violent! I was like, “Oh no he didn’t just slap her!!!” and then she ended up slapping him back. Not exactly a great start to a relationship.
Other important characters:
- Rui Hanazawa: quiet and distant member of the F4. He is said to have autistic tendencies. He is always there for Makino when the times get tough. Despite liking her briefly, he definitely draws the line of friendship well and he is a great friend.
- Sojirou Nishikado: the player of the F4, Mr. Casanova. He can be found with a girl or two on his arm. He eventually attracts the interest of Tsukushi’s BFF, Yuuki.
- Akira Mimasaka: The glue of the F4. He is what keeps them together when times get tough.
- Yuuki Matsuoka: Makino’s best friend. She works with her at a dango shop. When times get tough, she offers a lot of support for Makino. Eventually she becomes interested in Sojirou.
There are more characters like the model Rui loves and Domyouji’s sister. But I’m just going to stick with the main characters. There is one characters that is in the manga that neither the Korean or the Japanese version have, but the Taiwanese version has him and that is Kazuya Aoike. He is Makino’s childhood friend who ends up attending the Elite school when his family become nouvelle riche. Domyouji feels threatened by him and see him as someone interested in Makino.
The story takes on what seems like a never-ending flow of obstacles for Makino. And that is what makes the it extremely engaging. In the beginning, Makino only had eyes for Rui. He showed her kindness and helped her out. And despite that she never fully admitting her interest in Domyouji (until the near end), Domyouji’s mom did anything she could to keep them apart. Speaking of terrible family members, Makino’s dad is a deadbeat. He should have taken better care of the family. Nearly every terrible thing that happened to them (as far as struggling financially) was because of his choices.
The Best
- All the variations in the adaptations, you will see in the manga.
- As I usually say, I enjoy seeing what the author originally created for the story.
- The scenes are amazing. I’ll share some below in the favorite scenes section.
The Worst
- It is sooo LONG! There are so many chapters.
- I also don’t like how violent Tsukasa is…totally abusive. Observe the slap:
I couldn’t believe that he just slapped her. But then this happened:
Yea, Makino doesn’t play that. But, romanticizing violent is not ok. They do not have a healthy relationship in the beginning. I hope it doesn’t lead girls to believe that they can change a man if they stick it through.
Quotes
Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance is something that Sojirou says a couple times throughout the manga. It similar to “Carpe Diem.” To take advantage of each moment that passes because it will never pass again.
If there is any quote that has ever gotten to me, it is this one. Who knew that Domyouji was filled with such wisdom. And he so right.
This is after she finally decides to be honest with herself and how she feels.
Favorite Scenes
There is a lot that happens in this story and I’m not sure if I am getting all of my favorite scenes. But nevertheless, enjoy.
And this is exactly how I’d feel if I was her. His love is really overwhelming. That’s what makes the series so engaging. Ugh! I’ve discovered that I love a passionate man.
First this happens. I love his pure love so much. She isn’t interested in him at this point.
And that’s how we know how serious he is.
This break-up was intense. The scene is almost the exact same in the Japanese version. I love how Kamio visualized it and then it happened in the live action. Anyway, I love how even in the manga it was intense for me. Sometimes I get too engaged in a story. Plus, those words are so poetic.
She finally confesses how she feels. Awwww!
Read the Manga here.
Book-to-Life Connection
The book to life connection is where I take things from the book/manga that I’m interested in and learn more about it.
Travel Locations
Satoimo no nikkorogashi
Dango
Culture
Between the sheets cocktail
Sukiyaki Sandwich
Okonomiyaki
7 bridge
Ice cream caramel parfait
Daifuku
Yuuki Double Date
Commoner’s Date
Do you have a favorite manga?
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