I second the Hana Kimi 2011 recommendation. I've always been a huge fan of the manga, and loved the TW drama to death (not counting that awful last episode of course). Yet, I couldn't stomach the 2007 version either.
Part of my problem - aside from the frenzied, insane atmosphere - was that I HATED the actors for Sano and Mizuki. I didn't feel the chemistry at all, and despite my HYD love, have never been a huge fan of either actor (thank god for Toma, who made an amazing Nakatsu). Plus, it's totally superficial, but I didn't find any of those guys attractive.
However, I like the cast a LOT more in this version (they picked the perfect Mizuki) and though the pace is still a bit frenzied, you can definitely tell that they've toned it down a notch. Plus, I really like the changes they made, which keeps it feeling fresh and new. I've only just now finished episode 1, but I'm definitely feeling optimistic, and can't wait to watch episode 2 and 3.
haha, quite a change after watching Episode 1 back in 2007 - when all I felt was disgust, horror, and blind-rage, lol. ^_^
Of course, I've been on a J-drama kick lately - what with Ikemen and Ouran Host Club, so maybe my tolerance has just improved, lol. Either way, I definitely think you should give it a shot. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised like me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2011-07-31 07:42 pm (UTC)Part of my problem - aside from the frenzied, insane atmosphere - was that I HATED the actors for Sano and Mizuki. I didn't feel the chemistry at all, and despite my HYD love, have never been a huge fan of either actor (thank god for Toma, who made an amazing Nakatsu). Plus, it's totally superficial, but I didn't find any of those guys attractive.
However, I like the cast a LOT more in this version (they picked the perfect Mizuki) and though the pace is still a bit frenzied, you can definitely tell that they've toned it down a notch. Plus, I really like the changes they made, which keeps it feeling fresh and new. I've only just now finished episode 1, but I'm definitely feeling optimistic, and can't wait to watch episode 2 and 3.
haha, quite a change after watching Episode 1 back in 2007 - when all I felt was disgust, horror, and blind-rage, lol. ^_^
Of course, I've been on a J-drama kick lately - what with Ikemen and Ouran Host Club, so maybe my tolerance has just improved, lol. Either way, I definitely think you should give it a shot. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised like me.