Economic Crisis.

No shit we're in an economic crisis.

This is so fucked.

I WAS going to discuss the movie (omg it's so good), I WAS intending to discuss Obama's inauguration and Michelle Obama's impeccable style - but now, now I'm going to discuss current affairs and universal human theory.

That sounds pretty farfetched and bizarre but now I've finally come to terms with what it means to be in an economic crisis. The ripple effect of America is truly, truly... well, just, shit.

America sneezes and the whole world catches a cold. Well, when you're middle class, it's the FUCKING Ebola virus.

Today was a bittersweet day, my friends came over and we burned our notes and hung out. It was mellow and relaxing and it was excellent to see them once again, once more before the commencement of school. That was the sweetness, the bitterness is the knowledge of what is happening in the world around us. Across the news we have been bombarded with layoffs and people losing their jobs, getting fired, becoming unemployed. Rudd seems quite aloof, but hey, he's high and mighty, he's UP THERE, not down HERE. To be honest, I watched the news with a crease of concern wrinkling my brow with enough compassion to consider those who were now unemployed, but not enough consideration or grasp of reality to ever even entertain the thought that such ripples could effect my family and I.

Remove your head from the clouds of ignorance Dana and take a look at the world around you. They don't call it the worst crisis since the Great Depression for nothing. I haven't studied economics, so I couldn't wholly understand the mechanics of the situation last year, neither could I fully appreciate it. Hell, I do NOW.

Kono aida, (the other day) my dad was laid off. I was surprised, but my dad was laid off last year and we survived it. My dad was out of a job for a couple of weeks and we survived. He found a new occupation and we were once again fine. It was alright because my mum, in any case, was occupied with the higher paying, more substantial and financially secure job. I never thought this would happen.

She was laid off today too.

It's a bizarre feeling, precariousness and insecurity, not knowing the future - whether we'll sink, float or spend the next few years treading water. I'm quite nervous, I don't know what we'll do or what happen - but it's okay. As long as we're together we'll be fine. All we need is each other. We are what is important.

My mum cried, but at the moment my parents are both optimistic and cheerful. It makes me wonder what tumultuous troubles they shelter behind their smiles. In our precarious situation, I have no idea as to what we'll do. Both my parents don't have a job. Of course it bothers me, I'm almost furious but I don't want to blame anybody. I wouldn't know who to blame anyway, besides, blaming doesn't do anything or fix anything aside from granting us the dark satisfaction that finally we can extrapolate our hate and direct it at someone.

But it's of no use.

I don't know what will happen, but as Domyouji says, "It's ok to look forward."

Obama. Congratulations. NOW FIX THIS.

Hanadan Movie Final

This will take a lot of time and energy to blog, of which I do not have right now.

It was beyond awesome

It was epic

I shall explain more later
------------------------------------------
Below is the Fangirl Spasm of a review, if wish for an energy charged, review full of swearing, never-ending praising and genuine fangirl squeals, please - kochirae dozo, be my guest and read it. However, I decided to post my rational, review first after three months of having viewed it I am now in a rational state of mind and will also do so for other Dramas and films I have watched.

Hana Yori Dango Final Film Review
Japanese: Hana Yori Dango Fainaru
Date: 28/6/08
Favourite Aspect: It's overall message about marriage, the radiating chemistry between Inoue Mao and Matsumoto Jun (my favourite couple) and the perfect ending to my favourite drama ever.
Least Favourite Aspect: Why wasn't Tsukasa's sister present? And the director should have just went and added the deleted "cute" scenes. They were awesome and made one squeal.
Rating: A (4.5) (minus the point five because the plot cannot compare to the drama)
As a Whole: This was a fantastic film and ending to the series. The actors were excellent and Inoue Mao's and Matsumoto Jun's chemistry really uplifts the overall film as it has done throughout the whole series. Unlike many final movies this really lives up to its name, utilising all aspects of the Japanese Film Industry to produce this crazy, funny and wholsome movie. It would be very much well worth your while to watch it, despite the fact that the plot was a little weak but I liked how it stressed the importance of the trials of marriage and it truly cemented Tsukasa's and Makino's relationship. I reccomend this to everyone.

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EDIT:

Funnily Enough, it's three months later and I'm still in love with this film. Here's my fan review. However, I will commit to a real review as well. One which doesn't include swearing, fangirl spasms and spoilers.

Hana Yori Dango Final

Firstly, I’d like to say that it has been quite difficult for me to be able to rate this movie, and thus I’ll be a total cop out and not rate it at all. Don’t get me wrong, I simply LOVED this film. It was so beautiful and brilliant and utilised the full extent of the Japanese film prowess, but that’s because I’m a biased Hana Yori Dango, Maotsujun Matsujun fangirl. Initially, I was desperate to acquire this film, merge the subs, and even though the timing for the subs for the second half of the movie was 3 seconds off (thus resulting in mega confusion) I didn’t mind because, hey, I loved the movie and I could understand half of it anyway.

Allow me to deal with the things I think they could have accomplished better (criticisms, I wish to say but it’s such a harsh word), before I gush on about what I simply loved about this movie (almost everything). Okay, let’s start with the plot line. The plot line was quite weak. As an ending to the drama and a final obstacle for Makino and Domyouji, it’s a wonderful movie, but as a film by itself, but the plot would not be supported for anyone who had not previously watched the series (buton second thought, who would watch the movie without watching the series?). One could expect it in a way... but I mean, it was cliché, right? Second thing, Rui as a priest. Don’t get me wrong, I know that many people squealed “kyaa~~!” right? I really do appreciate the sentiment and I do fully appreciate the gravity of what he had done, but, something was a little off for me for Rui to be a priest – oh and MIZUNO SENSEI! From 1 Litre of Tears! I didn’t want him to be the bad guy! Why did Makino go out with him? Dame! Dame! Dame! But that’s about it for the various things I disliked. Oh and not that this is very important but, why couldn’t it have been saucier! Okay, I understand, Asian film industry –but still! You have two gorgeous people, two gorgeous twenty-somethings who are about to be married on a deserted island stuck together. For a month. You’d expect a little somethin’ somethin’ to be going on! Heck, I would have welcomed that. Oh and why wasn’t Tsukasa’s sister there!



Onto to what I loved. Okay. I loved how they were totally still in character and I loved how Domyouji was completely unwavering in his love, and that this encompassed and international scale, because at least I was able to relate and say, “Hey! I’ve been there!” (in terms of Vegas). Also, Makino’s wardrobe improved! (Not that I had any trouble with it before but hey, I loved it). It was such a funny, entertaining and dramatic movie! Hmm, oh I like how they appreciated Makino’s dream to become a lawyer and the two families finally working together, especially the sudden fame the Makino family received ;) Okay, let’s separate this:

1) The stunts. The stunts. Matsumoto Jun – I LOVE YOU for doing your own stunts! They were awesome! The fight scene was realistic and imaginative and creative and HE JUMPED FROM ONE ESCALATOR TO ANOTHER in style, sexiness and a funny yellow T-shirt! The stunts were awesome.

2) The F4 Airplane. That airplane was so fucking cool.


3) The renewed humour. OMG. The humour was back! Literally, I could not stop laughing, I laughed so boisterously and so breathlessly when I saw that our cute little Matsu-chan was covering up his erection! At first I was thinking “What the hell is he doing?” Then all of a sudden it clicked and I burst out laughing! Almost woke up the whole house! I can’t believe he had one!! He was so cute/funny!

4) MATSUMOTO JUN SWEARING IN PERFECT ENGLISH. It was both funny, impressive and shocking. Shocking I tell you, but nevertheless incredibly impressive. “Hey! are you crazy? What the fuck are you doing!?” Me: O_O to OoO to o(>____<)o
I loved it, it was so funny! And then the “see you guy” and everything, oh my god, gosh and his fashion! I mean those pants! And the sunnies! AND THAT ADORABLE CAR THEY WERE DRIVING! His English was actually very good. I could actually tell what he was saying without having to read the subs!





5) Okay, Makino PUNCHED A FUCKING BEAR. I burst out laughing! So did Dyanne! So did everyone in the room. ARIENAITSUNO! It was epic. That shit was epic. It was wonderful. I loved it. Go power to the woman who punches a bear.

6) THE KISS AT THE END. OH MY GOD. I LOVED IT. THE KISS AT THE END WAS BEAUTIFUL. I loved how he just grabbed her and wham! And they were both into it, and his hand holding her close and, and that was a good kiss for Asian Cinema! And then how they separated and then touched each other’s foreheads with Matsujun smiling so wide and her smiling so bashfully. KYA!!!! And then, and then how he picked her up with the cherry blossoms everywhere and then she leaned down and kissed him again! They both look so happy and blissful and I LOVE IT!!! O(>_<)O Has anyone seen the behind the scene bit where he kisses her and nuzzles her neck and she’s laughing and she’s loving it! *flail*!








Sorry, but I LOVED That scene.

7) Akira. Oh my gosh. Way to go for redeeming the entire HK Mafia. Unbelievable but CHO KAKKOII!!

8) THE END WHERE SHE WAS PREGNANT AND SHE TOLD HIM! HE LOOKED SO HAPPY! AND WHERE THEY DID IT TOO! AT THE BEACH AND HE LOOKS SO HAPPY AND I LOVED HOW HE SCREAMED: “WE MADE IT! WE MADE IT! WE MADE IT!” It was so touching, like everything they had worked and strived for had finally paid off. Lovely ending with his solo going on in the background.

9) Oh and that whole sequence where they finally reconcile! MATSUJUN SHAVING WITH A CREDIT CARD! I really liked that bit about the dreams where what’s his name? Kaburagi was trying to get her to break up with him by telling her about his own experiences and how he had no dreams including his fiancé and she had no dreams of him, and so Makino decides that the deciding factor of whether the marriage will work or not is asking Domyouji what his dream is. If she is included then, she knows it will work and they’ll be happy, if it doesn’t then she knows to end it. BUT! BUT! BUT! When she asks him he’s there swimming topless....... *FLAIL, MELT FLAIL*

“Which reminds me...What’s your dream?”

“Hm?”

“Your dream, what is it?”

*He’s standing there topless, half in the water dripping wet and staring at her with utter conviction and at this point I think he’s going to say something about the company about expanding the Domyouji Corporation (seriously, but no! Kya!)*

*Domyouji stays silent, staring and points directly at her**the conviction, the utter conviction! Flail!*

“It already came true”

“Eh?”

“I love you”

Then the look on her face is so touching like how could she have doubted at all his love, that this could work out. The look on her face is like, I’m so touched, no matter what the future will bring, I know for sure we’ll get through it together.
Then OMG HE WALKS OU OF THE WATER TO HER *ONCE AGAIN, THE CONVICTION* AND PLACES HIS ARM AROUND HER AND THEN-

“MOU ZETTAI HANASENAI”

FLLLAAAAIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL KYAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

*Cue crescendo in music*
And Dana is crying.
You would totally expect a sex scene. But no. Sigh. But of course in the end, her dream was to have a family with him. She’s pregnant so, well, you know what that means, right?? *wiggling eyebrows*




Then the cute scene, where they run and play and gah, I love it. The director’s cut also included many more cute scenes.

Overall, this was a great end to the drama, it finished it off perfectly. What I really liked about this movie is that it stressed that Marriage is also another battle, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and that Makino and Domyouji experienced the ultimate trials of marriage and were still able to overcome and conquer. I loved how they realised the importance of marriage and what it means, that it’s not just a happily ever after if you don’t work at it.

Good message overall.

=)

16 Hours WELL SPENT.

Matsumoto Jun you are a sexy, sexy, sexy, sexy bitch.

I'm sorry to say this. But you are.

Roflamo, if anyone who knows me saw me say that, their whole image of me would be completely ruined. But you know, I am never one to shy away from pure and unadulterated fact.

You are even more of a sexy biznatch when you're rich, in new york, speaking english and totally and completely, one hundred percent passionately in love.

I have just spent the last day and a half watching the second season of Hana Yori Dango and the Hana Yori Dango Movie Final.

This shit is epic. This is HUGE. This is, the official love of my life. I love this series to death. I cannot ennumerate to you how much I am loving this series right now, I am obsessed with it. I cannot help myself. I love it. I would die with this thing, put it in my coffin, will you? Okay, I'll divide this into two posts since, as I said, this shit is EPIC. First, series two.

First reaction: WHOA.

JUST. WHOA.

SERIES TWO. WOW.

The first series was so funny, it was hilarious! This one isn't as funny but hell, it's more gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking, it REDEFINES ANGST. It begins from when Domyouji left for New York to discover who he was, to be "The Almighty Domyouji Tsukasa, heir to the Domyouji Financial Group." He has lost contact with Makino and the F4, so she decides to go to New York and see him.

ROFLMAO. They reunite at a hotdog stand OMG HE IS WAAAAAAAAYYYY HOTTER than before. Holy shit, New York did that boy some GOOOOD. In any case, he was there wearing these Tom Cruise Top Gun sunglasses and I was like D: *drool* and it was awkward and gosh, I was just so.... waaahhh....Okay to sum it all up, how I was feeling was so conflicted.

I sort of understood where he was coming from (it is HIGHLY ambiguous at this point) however, even though I was such a Domyouji/Makino fan, I felt like saying to Makino: Leave him! He's being a jackass! Go with Rui, the kind guy who loves you. (But of course, she doesn't need a kind guy who loves her, she needs Domyouji Tsukasa)Of course, I didn't really want her to be with Rui, I just wanted her to do SOMETHING that would make Tsukasa jealous, realise his feelings and then rush back to Japan to fall madly in love with her AGAIN. GAH. They're so stubborn those two! But then I started crying when Tsukasa's sister saved her from these evil guys (pathetic runts) then she ran after her car confessing that no matter how hard she's tried to forget him, no matter what she tries, everytime she really thinks she can get over him she feels awful because she's lying to her heart and she's betraying him and in her words: "I really...really...really...really...really...love him. I love him!" And she's crying and I'M Crying and faaahh.

Okay. whoosh. back to reality.

THEN. Tsukasa's MOTHER THAT EVIL WITCH (Back then, she was) goes and engages Tsukasa to Shigeru in front of her! GAAAAHH. And Shigeru is pretty annoying, very optimistic cheerful and vivacious, sort of like Makino at first - so YOU CAN'T HATE HER. DESPITE THE FACT THAT SHE DOES EVERYTHING TO STEAL TSUKASA AWAY. THEN RUI COMES ALONG AND KISSES MAKINO CONFESSING THAT HE HAS *SERIOUS* FEELINGS FOR MAKINO. THEN OMG NOOOOOO!!!!

What's worse is that if Tsukasa doesn't marry Shigeru then their companies won't merge and the Domyouji Group - richest greatest corporation in Japan - will be bankrupt and so will the Japanese economy and Domyouji knows this. That lives will be at stake that people's livelihoods and families will be affected so he forces himself to try to like Shugeru but he can't because he's still terribly in love with Makino and ...andd....and... this is a terribly long sentence. And you can't hate Rui because. Well, he's RUI.

In the end, Makino and Domyouji know that they love each other but are still too afraid to admit it because of all other factors involved. Then Domyouji discovers Rui's feelings and Rui is his best friend, and he's conflicted and he doesn't know what to do because Rui screams at him about how he's being such an indecisive jackass with his life and he gets angry because all those words are true and poor Domyouji needs to release all this pressure and stress and pent up angst so what does he do? He does what Domyouji Tsukasa does:

He beats the shit out of everybody and completely destroys the ENTIRE HALL.

Now Makino's wondering if she should give up Domyouji for Rui because it's easier and would hurt less people to be with him. THAT'S NOT A FUCKING REASON! I DONT CARE ABOUT SHIGERU OR THE ECONOMY! I DONT CARE.

In any case, Makino catches Shigeru fully trying to have sex with Tsukasa and she runs away *he's oblivious to all* and Shigeru tells her that they had sex although he pushed her off. But its good she doesn't believe it. Then Domyouji FINALLY BECOMES A MAN AND BREAKS UP WITH SHIGERU AND INTENDS TO DO SO BUT STILL KEEP THE MERGER IN TACT. HOWEVER, SHIGERU, WHO FINALLY REALISES DOMYOUJI'S HAPPINESS BREAKS OFF THE WEDDING AND TELLS HER PARENTS TO STILL GO ON WITH THE MERGER. SHE'S A LYING MOTHERFUCKING DUPLICITOUS BITCH.... BUT BY GOD YOU HAVE TO LOVE HER FOR HER NOBILITY. Thanks for being such a great sport. THE CHANGE IN DOMYOUJI IS UNBELIEVABLE!

AENAITSUNO!

ANYWAY. THEN HE GOES TO RUI'S HOUSE AND IN ORDER TO SAVE THEIR FRIENDSHIP GOES DOWN ON HIS FREAKING HANDS AND KNEES AND BEGS. BEGS. HE THE ALMIGHTY DOMOYOUJI TSUKASA WHO HAS NEVER APOLOGISED (well once, to Makino) IN HIS LIFE, THE PROUDEST MOST ARROGANT MAN ON EARTH IS ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES BEGGING FOR RUI TO GIVE UP ON MAKINO. MY GOD DOMYOUJI LOVES HER.

So now with Rui and Shigeru out of the way, they can be together. WRONG! The merger with Shigeru's family fails and the Domyouji group is going down the drain and because Domyouji chose to be with Makino his mum disowns him and cuts off all his money, so now he's poor BUT HE DOESN'T CARE. THIS SPPOILED RICH BRAT GAVE UP EVERYTHING, HIS LIFESTYLE, HIS LIFE FOR THE ONE HE LOVES. HE DOESNT CARE ABOUT BEING POOR, HE JUST KNOWS WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT THEY'RE MEANT TO BE AND SHOULD SPEND THEIR LIVES TOGETHER.

IN ANY CASE. He says this to her, but DO YOU KNOW WHAT SHE DID! THEY GO ON ONE DATE, RIGHT BUT THEN SHE BREAKS UP WITH HIM. MAKINO! I DID NOT GO THROUGH ALL THAT HEARTACHE AND CRYING FOR YOU TO GIVE UP ON HIM NOW, YOU BITCH! But seriously, you totally see where she's coming from. Because he's with Makino, Japan's entire economy is down the drain, their company is going bankrupt and thousands of lives are affected. So she ends it to end the suffering. So now THEY'RE SUFERING.

A-FREAKING-GAIN.

Now she's dirt poor and living in a fishing village where she meets this company owner who invented this great computer thing. She convinces him not to commit suicide and rebuild his company and they become great friends. Then Tsukasa comes to claim Makino back syaing: (omg)

"I'm not Domyouji Tsukasa anymore, I was disowned and now have nothing. I'm just a guy here to see the woman he's in love with."

Then what do those bloody villagers do! THEY FUCKING ACCIDENTALLY PUSH HIM OFF A CLIFF CAUSING HIM TO HIT HIS HEAD, HAVE MEMORY LOSS AND NOW HE CAN'T REMEMBER MAKINO AT ALL. THANKS GUYS. IDIOTS..

Anyway so at the hospital this Nurse bitch pretends to be Makino because he starts to get his memories back about the girl he was in love with and that nurse bitch pretends but he knows deep down inside because the domyouji/makino bond is "meant to be" ANYWAY. SO LIVE/DEATH SITUATION OCCURS AND HE EXPERIENCE DEJAVU AND HE REMEMBERS WHO SHE IS!!! YAY!!!

LAST EP. THIS WAS. ANYWAY.

THE PROPOSAL. OMG.

He proposes at the prom of after her graduation.

ONLY.

She rocks up late and its over and it's dark. wait here:

: dana. de3h - anata mo watashi mo POCKY! says:
After their graduation ceremony is the "prom" but due to car trouble she came late and the prom was already over. She steps into the hall and it's all dark except for one spotlight on him. he's like "You're late! Why aren't you wearing the dress I bought you?" and they talk a bit in the dark, then he asks he proposes! He holds out his hand and she takes it then all of a sudden the lights come on
.: dana. de3h - anata mo watashi mo POCKY! says:
and the auditorium is actually full and those shiny confetti stuff starts raining down on them and everyone is cheering and mexican waving and he sweeps her up off her feet and carries her and everyone they know is there to congratulate them and then they start to dance, because he's always wanted to dance with her at prom....



NOW OMG

THAT WAS SO GOOD, I HAVE BEEN ON AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER RIDE.

14 HOURS OF GOODNESS.

10 HOURS OF CRYING. OMG IT WAS SO GOOD. BETTER THAN GOOD

RESPLENDENT

WONDERFUL

SUPERFLUOUS

BEYOND THIS WORLD

I LOVE THEM

omg i forgot to mention that Domyouji's mum finally accepts Makino because she saved the company and got them on top again because the computer guy she convinced not to commit suicide actually had a breakthrough invention that the domyouji group invested in and he chose to work with the domyouji group because of Makino so she saved everything and everyone and everything is all good. GO WOMAN POWER!

MatsuJun Hyperventilation

Domyouji Tsukasa and CUTENESS. These two vids are of MatsuJun having to act out skits/scenarios that people give him.

I'm acting like a fangirl.

I am not 14 any more, seriously!

But I cannot escape this:



Fuck man.

If he said that to me.

Died.

When he said "Oide" that was the cutest thing.

But gaaah, this next video. It makes me want to defenestrate my feminist ideals, and go out with a Domyouji Tsukasa, irritated, wild, white-shirt-wearing guy. Oh my word. I don't know why I find this supremely sexy but damn I wish I were that girl.

The situation in the video is, is that the woman's ideal man is this guy who is "irritated, wild and wears a white shirt" with the top three buttons undone. Mastumoto Jun has to act it out. Of course he could do it. He was Domyouji Tsukasa for heaven's sake!

But man.... faaahh.....



DIE.

That is the sexiest "Why?" I have ever heard.

If he asked me like that hell, I'd give him my bank details.

Vampiristic Tendencies.

Bite my neck and call me Nosterafu.

I am leeching, gasping, parasitically seeping the life out of my internet download limit in order to feed this growing child that I like to call "Rekindles Asian Sensation." Damn Hana Yori Dango, why did I even want to watch it in the first place?

I was on Youtube for like three hours today giving birth to my Arashi fandom. I have officially been converted to Arashi, Jenny, your band has won me over. They are adorable. I most especially can't get over all their personalities. I also found a few Hana Yori Dango vids on their but I haven't watched them because of course, they have spoilers. It appears that my source was unable to meet me again today and thus I am left unsatisfied, disappointed and not to mention, crazy obsessed. I feel like a junkie on withdrawal symptoms. Not good.

There's an adorable vid, just one of those slideshow ones, with Domyouji and Makino and heck I felt like bawling my eyes out. I'm not usually this emotional to pictures lol. But they have such a chemistry and work so well as a couple, kudos to the actors man. Gaaaahh.

But Arashi is just too adorable. Hmm, let me find an example. Oh I found this video of them with Ito Yuna, and of course, Ito Yuna was born in Hawaii and grew up in LA so she started teaching them Hawaiian Dance! It was so cute. "One, two, one two, uwehe"



Ito Yuna is gorgeous, and has a gorgeous singing voice. I love her. I would turn gay for her.

On other notes, lol I feel like doing one of those "51 things" Videos, for the sake of doing one, seriously, I reckon that it would be fun! First I need to find 51 things. I'd love to do one! :)

I'd better hop to it now, many things to accomplish! :D

Hana Yori Dango (Boys over Flowers)

EDIT:

Below is the rational, overall review, below that is the fangirl one.

Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers)
Air Date: 2005
Favourite Aspects: This is my favourite drama ever. I loved everything, the chemistry, the tension, the pace, the actors, brilliant. Also, Domyouji's transformation.
Least Favourite Aspects: Nothing much, actually.
Rating: A+ (5/5)
Overall Review: This is my favourite drama in the world. It's crazy, whacky and draws you in. The drama has a wonderful compelling quality that makes you want to do nothing but sit and watch as well as sigh and cry at the same time. Matsumoto Jun and Inoue have the best on screen chemistry I have ever seen, and Oguri Shun is an excellent Rui character who carries the right amount of ambiguity and mysteriousness. The change that progresses within Matsumoto Jun's character is gradual and believeable, which simply displays his remarkable acting talent and being able to accomplish such a change so smoothly. The last episode especially was beautiful, it wasn't cheesy, it was perfect. One of the best and most fitting love confessions for both their characters. Excellent.

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There’s just something about Asian Dramas that always seems to get me. They’re completely different from Western Dramas. They lack the flair of the Hollywood signature bubble as well as our complications and idiosyncrasies and yet still manage to encapsulate the universality of the human condition. In my opinion, it is quite a good thing that they don’t encompass the “Hollywood” feel, which is why I love them. Asian Dramas are not afraid to be cheesy. Sometimes we need cheesy. Deep down we love cheesy. We revel in it. If we released our inhibitions, we would be living in houses made of macaroni and cheese because we love cheesiness.


One of the best (and major cheesy) Japanese Dramas around is 2005’s Hana Yori Dango (Boys over Flowers) meaning, boys are more important than flowers. This is the live-action drama version of the anime and manga originally written by Kamio Yoko. This series throws cliché at you but damn, those clichés are difficult to recognise – and thus we love them. A friend of mine is a rabid Matsumoto Jun (Domyouji Tsukasa) fan and thus of course she has watched this, along with perhaps everyone else. For three years I’ve been begged, bugged, pushed and prodded to watch this series and all the while I refused. Why? For the simple reason that I do not possess the internet download limit to support an entire series, as well as the fact that watching Dramas consumes a lot of time. But boy, I had totally forgotten that they are so worth it.

This series is excellent. It begins with our very strong, vivacious female protagonist, Makino Tsukushi who happens to be the only “poor” (in fact she’s not that poor, she’s middle class) student who attends Eitoku Gakuen, the richest, most prestigious and most elite high school in Japan. This school is home to the children of politicians, company and business tycoons and movie stars. Everyone arrives to school in a limo, have been (or lived) overseas and sports labels such as Gucci or Chanel with enough gall to flaunt that they bought said “school” paraphernalia in places such as Las Vegas, LA, New York, Paris and London. It’s enough to make a gal feel dejected. But not to be deterred, our strong Tsukushi endures the superficiality of her school, but most especially the F4. The F4, simply put, are the bane of Makino’s existence. Meaning Flower 4, the F4 are the richest sons of Japan and believe it or not – they rule the school. Literally. Because their families are filthy rich, they donate unhealthy sums of money so the faculty allows these students free reign. The F4 is headed by Domyouji Tsukasa, son and heir to the Domyouji financial group, followed by Hanazawa Rui, Mimasaka Akira and Nishikado Soujiroh. These boys don’t have to go to class, (frankly, they’re very intelligent) don’t have to wear a uniform and if you as so much look at them in the wrong way you’re dead. You receive a red notice. Red notices are serious business. You receive one and you are the weed of the school. Everyone (it’s frighteningly mob-like, really) taunts you, teases and harasses you to no end. That is, until one of the F4 – Domyouji usually – beats the living shit out of you.

Makino hates the attitude of the school. They fawn over the F4 relentlessly and are equally relentless to those who receive red notices. She hates the F4. So when viciously standing up for a friend, she receives a red notice. Domyouji Tsukasa is not pleased. A girl has never received a red notice before, and she’s the only girl who doesn’t worship the ground he walks on. Better yet, Makino has punched him in the face. However, in way of Domyouji’s (not to mention the whole school’s) rage, there comes an unlikely knight in shining armour – Hanazawa Rui. He’s cool, he’s calculated and mysterious. She begins to develop a bit of a crush on him.

That’s all and well, but how does Rui feel? Better yet, why is Tsukasa suddenly jealous of his best friend? Makino is the only girl who doesn’t like him, yet why does he suddenly focus his attentions on her?

I hated Domyouji in the beginning and loved Rui.

Now I am in love with Domyouji. He’s absolutely adorable. Rui it seems, is a good friend. But gaaaah Domyouji is so adorable and, well, different.

I was like okay, you’re only going to watch 2 episodes. Which is what I did. Then I couldn’t handle it. I wanted to watch one more, then one more, then one more and the next thing I knew I was getting caught up in this, laughing, crying, shouting. My word, I watched the whole thing. Now I’m desperate for more.

Five out of five stars on this one.
I loved it.