Hana Yori Dango Final: making me so very happy!

[dangermousie]

If I ever made the list of the best live action manga adaptations, the only candidate to dispute Hana Yori Dango's (Japanese) version's top spot would be the Taiwanese adaptation of Mars. Initially slated for a modest 9 episodes, the first season took the ratings and fans by storm, and spawned the even better 11-ep second season (Hanadan is that rare thing where the sum is even better than the parts, if it makes sense) and finally, to sate the mad craze, a theatrical movie.



Abandoning the faithfulness to the letter in favor of faithfulness to the spirit, this adaptation takes the original elements and plot points and rearranges it into something uniquely its own, while still staying true to the spirit of the original story of the strong-willed poor girl who stands up to the rich, dysfunctional bully, and the unlikely love story that develops between them. Matsumoto Jun and Inoue Mao have a scary amount of chemistry, and are both among my favorite younger actors (only Kame can compete with Matsujun for the top place in my heart in that regard, and Inoue Mao is pure awesome in every way). This version doesn't shy from either violence or other knotty issues. It also showcases the hard work and strength of Makino and the extent of Domyouji's dysfunction. The currently airing Korean adaptation, much as I adore it, could learn a thing or dozen about going free-form and being creative in rearranging plot points while still staying consistent to the spirit of the original and the character development.



Anyway, I have seen S1 and 2 multiple times but I have never really seen the movie - I have been hoarding it like a miser. I've seen bits but not the whole thing. Finally I couldn't hold off any longer. I have no idea if the Hanadan movie would work for anyone who is not (a) a Hanadan fan and (b) a hardcore Domyouji/Makino shipper. Probably not. You know what? I don't care. After the first season, which was about them getting together and the second season, which was all about obstacles and angst, the movie is pure shipper dream: 2+ hours of Domyouji and Makino together, going on a quest around the world to track a missing heirloom tiara in order to get married. There is kissing, mobsters, and Makino punches out a bear. Could it be any more perfect? I think not.



Anyway, I was going to watch but got sidetracked by how crisp and pretty my copy is. So here are a few screenshots:

Comments

[er-mused.livejournal.com]

I watched this at the cinema so everything was supersized unlike the drama which I watched on my computer! It was soo much fun! A wee bit too long, but...sigh...that kiss at the end...after awhile I was like...averting my eyes...haha...I cannot believe I got embarrassed...as though I was interrupting a private moment!

Actually, for most of the 2 seasons, I shipped Makino and Rui just because I just didn't think Matsujun was gdlooking enough to be Doumyouji (I mean, how can he compare to Jerry???). But yes, I agree that they have crazy chemistry, and Matsujun is a gd actor. But I still prefer Oguri Shun... just because...

AND Naohito Fujiki?? My childhood crush!!! I kept giggling throughout the movie cos he was the original Rui in the first Japanese adaption... I DIE!!!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It's funny - the first time I tried Hanadan (right after I watched Mars, my first drama) I had to stop it five minutes in because I thought 'this gargoyle is playing Domyouji'. LOL. Then I went to watch MG instead. But then I restarted Hanadan and fell madly in love with Matsujun's portrayal. I agree he is not the best looking jdrama guy - he is no Yamapi or whatever, but imo his charisma (and the fact that he really can act) totally made me adore him in everything I've ever seen him in.

[ren-squared.livejournal.com]

omg the movie <333333333 I finally watched it a few weeks ago and yes, unless you are a hardcore hyd fan or makino/domyouji shipper it might not be for you but as I am both it was perfect. Very satisfying and crazy and everything good about the series with a few WTF moments lol

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, since I am both, this sounds heavenly. And what is Hanadan without WTF moments? I am there for the kissing and the baby.

[valkyriesailor.livejournal.com]

For me the HanaDan movie was all about the background. They tried everything even flew to the other half of Earth to make it more grandiose. ~.~" But in basic I'm no fan of the jdrama story. Though I love Jun, and Mao-chan, and I like One Love - another reason why this movie still needed to come to be - the story is another world. That's naturally only my viewpoint, but with only about a handful of scenes that were good I wouldn't call this adaptation so great. But that's just me, taking the HyD manga too serious.
And about Jun not being the best looking jdrama guy... try watching the Tokyo Tower movie! I think you'll like it for more reasons than one. ^.^

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

LOL, I have heard about the TT movie! Ahem. I wonder how Jun, with the whole squeaky-clean obsession JE has gets away with all that stuff - all the kissing in the dramas and movies like this.

[valkyriesailor.livejournal.com]

LOL, cause it's more sexy to watch him with other women then image him doing this kind of stuff alone. XDXDXD

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Ahahahahaaaaa!

[calixa.livejournal.com]

I want to watch this, because it looks so ridiculously adorable, but I have to watch S2 first...

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

S2 is so very yummy, honest!

[december-clouds.livejournal.com]

I really do like MatsuJun as Domyouji. For me he is Domyouji, with the stupid smile and the hair and everything. At times, the guy who plays Jun Pyo sort of makes me smile and makes me think Domyouji. And I wish they would've put that scene where he goes to see Jandi/Tsukushi & Ga Eul/Yuki (?) on the boat while they're at the beach in the Japanese one. I remember it was in the manga and it was GREAT.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

For me he is Domyouji, with the stupid smile and the hair and everything

Oh yes. Actually I think he is perfect for manga adaptations in general - he has so much energy/intensity.

[ladysaotome.livejournal.com]

I finally watched Hanadan Final over the weekend (along with the Kurosagi movie). Like you, I'd been hoarding it but we did a Hana Yori Dango marathon all week & capped it off with the movie on Valentine's Day. I'll admit there were definitely elements of the rediculous (punching a bear!) but it was a perfect ending. MatsuJun truly is an amazing actor, too.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It is such a delightful confection!

[boycottbananas.livejournal.com]

Oh, I was hoping you'd like it, 'cause I know there are some people that didn't. x_x

Wasn't it cute? I know there was a lot more kisses than what they had in the movie. :sighs: I liked the one at the end, though, when Makino kissed him when he picked her up. It just seemed so improvised. :3

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

So very cute - I am meeeeelting!

[mishane.livejournal.com]

Aw you liked it! For some reason, I thought you weren't a j-drama HYD fan, but good!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It's one of my favorite dramas of all time :)