Name: Hana Yori Dango
Genre: Romance
Year: 2005
Rating: Must See
Based on a Japanese shojo manga by Kamio Yoko, Hana Yori Dango is a series that will excite and please a range of fans. Makino Tsukushi is a poor student who has managed to enter Eitoku Gakuen a prestigious school on a scholarship. This school of the rich is ruled by the Flower 4 (F4), a group of four senior boys who come from extremely rich and powerful families. Hanazawa Rui, the son of a large corporation, Nishikado Sojiro, a player who is the heir of a tea ceremony school, Mimasaka, one with strong bonds with the underworld and the leader Domyoji Tsukasa, a person with a short temper but a strong will to fight for what he believes in. Though Tsukasa rules the school it is questionable if he is able to take on the responsibilities as the leader of the Domyoji World Finace Group. Makino like Tsukasa is one who doesn’t back down, a tough weed is what she calls herself but unfortunately one day her stubbornness and desire to protect her friends lands her in trouble with Tsukasa. Makino soon receives a red notice, F4’s declaration of war. However unlike the others who has been chased out of the school by the F4 Tsukasa won’t back down and it is her determination that catches the attention of both Rui and Tsukasa. Makino’s relationship with the F4 and its leader soon leads to more complications, though Tsukasa’s love for Makino becomes stronger and stronger so do the obstacles that stand in their way.
I’m not really a fan of serious romance themed content however this one is a big exception. The complications that the protagonist goes through kept my interest, there were more than enough “misunderstandings” and characters that interfere with our main characters’ relationship. The series does quite a good job in introducing new complications and nothing is really overused. This is a definite must see for any live-action fans out there but especially the female ones. I’m sure most fans of Japanese live-action would have already seen this but if not this just can’t be missed. The plot and theme is done very well, the characters are always in fresh cool looking costumes and the fact that they are super rich enables the series to incorporate really interesting settings. For those who enjoyed this there is also a Second Season and also there is a Taiwanese adaptation of the manga called Meteor Garden. I’ve seen them all and though I did enjoy Meteor Garden it just can’t beat Hana Yori Dango. The actors actually quite surprised me with their performance, I found that Matsumoto Jun was quite suitable as the role of Tsukasa. Though at first it was quite awkward seeing him take on such a different personality as compared to his role in Gokusen as the series progressed I found that his typical self shone through. So hurry and watch this series if you haven’t I’m sure you will be pleased when you finish it as a nice ending will be awaiting you.
give it a shot. quality can be a bit off at times but it very reliable go for it. 
