First Drama of 2009

I don’t know why this keep happening, but I keep on getting suck into the world of Hana Yori Dango. Maybe it’s the play on social class and how love can overcome anything – even Domyoji’s evil mother. Or maybe it’s the way the show presents the modern world’s definition of friendship: gains. With wealth being the lust of all times, the F4 characters in the story can’t help but only trust each other. Yet here comes little Maki Tsukino, a girl from wayyyy across the gem-encrusted pond.

I’m of course talking about the new revival of the HYD storyline currently being made in Korea under the title of Boys Over Flower. So far, the story mimics the Japanese drama a bit, but there’s still something different about it. The acting is a bit rough at the moment since many of the actors are actually new at this. However, the story is still there and that’s what important. What’s new is the way these new actors interpret their characters. Some are doing it quite successfully, while other can’t seem to get out of their shell. I’m going to try my best to stop comparing it to the JDrama and treat it as a new drama (it’s gonna be tough though). However, right now I still find the show very enjoyable.

Main Cast: Actors / Characters

Koo Hye Sun as Geum Jan Di (Maki)
Lee Min Ho as Goo Joon Pyo (Domyoji)
Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo (Rui)
Kim Beom as So Yi Jung (Sojiro)
Kim Jun as Song Woo Bin (Akira)

2008’s Top Movies in Japan

Well, there’s still no top Jdrama list BUT I did find this one: Top movies in Japan for the year 2008.

1. Gake no Ue no Ponyo (15.4 billion)
2. Hana Yori Dango Final (7.75 billion)
3. Yougisha x no Kenshin (5.0 billion)
4. Pokemon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (4.8 billion)
5. Aibou (4.44 billion)
6. The Magic Hour (3.92 billion)
7. 20th Century Boys (3.9 billion)
8. Doraemon: Nobita and the Green Giant Legend (3.37 billion)
9. Mari to Koinu no Monogatari (3.18 billion)
10. Okuribito (3.0 billion)

Source: Tokyograph

The number 1 movie is the new animated movie by famous director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, etc) about a mer-child who met a human boy. There’s already many clips of it on YouTube, but I’m still not sure what the story is about. However, coming from Mr. Miyazaki, I’m sure it’ll be a grand and sentimental adventure.

The HYD Movie did quite well if not for Miyazaki’s movie. The fans definitely pull through and fully supported the movie. Just to show what can happen when actors can create such beloved characters. I’m not sure about the other movies, but I’ll say this: I can’t believe Pokemon is still so popular. Can’t. Believe. It.