Drama Versions: Itazura Na Kiss

Hello everyone! I have decided to start a mini series for my drama reviews. For the last couple of years, a lot of manga/anime have been turned into a live-action drama by many Asian countries and they have been so popular to fans all over the world. There are also famous dramas recreated/adapted by other SEA countries. 

There are actually 3 major South East Asian countries that creates the most popular versions: Japan, Taiwan and South Korea..Asian Drama fans were always on the look out for the next drama to be out every season from these 3 because majority of the time they are really good! 

I am gonna start this series with the manga Itazura Na Kiss by Kaoru Tada because it was the last drama I have reviewed. This is definitely one of the most famous manga ever because aside from having an anime version, it have also been created into a drama 4x already since 1996! I guess the story of an ordinary girl falling in love with a rich handsome bad boy and getting loved in return really attracts a huge audience :)

DISCLAIMER: 
Now, I haven't watched the first live action created by Japan in 1996 so I didn't include that in this comparison review. I have also not read the manga because I'm not fond of the drawing style. BUT I have watched the anime multiple times and since that is very true to the manga, I will base my opinions on the anime rather than the manga.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have first watched the Taiwanese versions IT STARTED WITH A KISS (ISWAK) and its second season THEY KISS AGAIN (TKA) consecutively in 2007. I have watched this because of curiosity...Whenever I search for "best drama" online, the search results always include ISWAK in the top 10. After watching ISWAK, I fell in love with the love story of Zhi Shu and Qiang Xin right after the 2nd episode because Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin are superb actors and they really portrayed their role very well. I got lucky that after I have finished watching ISWAK, TKA begun airing a couple of months after. 

I really believe that this is still the best version out of the 3 I have watched. Since it is made in Taiwan, the romantic scenes were not toned down. You can see the development in the characters from being high schoolers to becoming adults. Even the intensity of the scenes developed from being innocent to more serious and mature. No one would believe that a 20-something year old couple will still kiss like they were still teens right? haha well, I wouldn't even consider a simple meeting of lips a kiss which is so common in Korean dramas.  So yeah, if you are looking for some real love story, this is definitely the version to watch. 

I especially love the fact that the Taiwanese versions consisted of 50 episodes in total (ISWAK 30 + TKA 20) so they were able to showcase a lot of the scenes and the story felt complete and not rushed after the 2 seasons ended. The first one focused on their high school life until their marriage, while Season 2 tackled about their married life. I really think that having 2 lead actors with great on/off screen chemistry is the driving force behind the success of this drama. Fans can really fantasize about these two because they are really close friends and as a fan of the drama you can't help but ship them.

The only gripe I have with this version is the ending of Season 2 wherein Qiang Xin got a terminal eye disease which created a big ? to the viewers on how their story will end. That is so not in the story line because in the anime version, the lead female Kotoko only had pregnancy hypertension and it got resolved too. Also, the manga is actually not finished because the author died so the anime was given the ending that the author wanted so that's why the anime have an ending. I just hope TKA didn't made it more dramatic than necessary.

OVER ALL RATING: 4.5/5 - This is still one of the classics. Everyone should watch this version because all the other versions are so not there yet when it comes to the acting department.

The second version I have watched was the Korean version titled PLAYFUL KISS/MISCHIEVOUS KISS (PK) that aired in 2010. I have reviewed this version here so if you want to read my thoughts on it after I have finished the series 3 years ago, click here.

This Korean version only have 16 episodes and 7 Youtube specials. The drama focused more on their student life and have ended with the early period of their married life. The company then created 7 specials that were released through Youtube to show some events in their married life like the mistaken pregnancy and the difficulties of Oh Hani as a nursing student. Although this drama did not get a high rating in Korea, it did have a lot of international fans and so the company decided to just focused on their international viewers thus the creation of the Youtube channel. I don't have a problem with that and I'm glad for those special episodes. I also loved the Baek Seung Jo Diary part because it showed the emotions and thoughts of Seung Jo throughout the drama. That special touch is what made this version so special.

On the acting, I liked Oh Hani compared to Qiang Xin because she is not too dumb in this version. Jung So Min were able to portray the role of idiot-innocent Oh Hani without becoming irritating which sometimes happens to ISWAK.
My problem lies with Kim Hyun Joong, actually. I love him but his acting here is kinda lacking. He can't really portray the role properly, in my opinion, because I did not feel any of the emotion needed on his dialogues and expressions. Example, the rain kiss is supposed to be the highlight of the whole drama and the timing was so off during the dialogue delivery. Just watch Episode 13 and you'll know what I mean. BUT its is not too bad that it was unbearable and I was still able to enjoy the drama and I can still watch it over and over just because Jung So Min were able to carry him with her great acting.

Saying all that, I still want to give credit to Hyun Joong and Jung So Min because theirs was still a real kiss and it made the whole love story believable. Their rain kiss and the honeymoon scenes were so sweet that you will still feel giddy after watching it.

OVER ALL RATING: 4/5 - This drama gave a more subdued and innocent kind of feel to the story. This is best watched by teens because event he kisses here are mild and sweet. I guess they are really aiming to show the innocence of a first love. The added Baek Seung Jo Diary for all the episodes is what really made this whole drama a must see for Itazura Na Kiss fans :)

And lastly and the most latest version of Itazura Na Kiss is the 2013 Japanese version Misschievous Kiss: Love In Tokyo. I have just reviewed this so if you want to read my detailed review of this drama, just click here.

My main comment to this one is that Love In Tokyo is definitely the most true to the anime among all 3 versions I have watched. The whole thing is really like watching a live action of the anime because even the emotions portrayed are the same and that's not counting the similarities in dialogue. If you have watched the anime, you will definitely agree with me.

I also liked the fact that they were able to make this drama really concise and smooth flowing without making it feel incomplete. Even though they did not include all the conflicts in the story, the director was still able to create a good live action with just 16 episodes. And by ending this with the wedding ceremony, it gave a good opening for a second season or an OVA to show their married life in the future (which I hope they do have a plan haha).

I also think Furukawa was able to portray Naoki's character perfectly and that Kotoko here is the best among the 3 versions. Their rain kiss is perfect and I really really love the towel scene right after. I hope I can find a clip for that scene to show you. It was so romantic.
 

The only disadvantage I guess is that in real life Furukawa and Miki have a 10 year difference in age so fans can't really ship the two that much. And since Miki is only 16 y/o, they can't really have a heavier kiss or dialogue. Maybe that's the reason why they haven't done the marriage life yet because she is still underage hehe.

OVERALL RATING: 5/5 - I so love this version! True adaptation from the anime and I really hope they will create a season 2 and end it the same way.

And for all the fans of the 3 drama, I really recommend you all watch ITAZURA NA KISS anime version if you haven't already. You will know the real story from the moment they met to the time where they already have a child. No need to imagine what their life would be like anymore because they really wrapped the story up very nicely by following what the author has planned before she died.
Once you've watched this, you will see that Love in Tokyo is the nearest live action version :)  


GALE AWARDS this based on my opinion and preference

STAYING TRUE TO THE STORY
Love In Tokyo

MOST MEMORABLE VERSION
It Started With A Kiss/ They Kiss Again

MOST ROMANTIC VERSION
It Started With A Kiss/ They Kiss Again

BEST IN ACTING 
Naoki: Joe Cheng (It Started With A Kiss/They Kiss Again)
Kotoko: Ariel Lin  (It Started With A Kiss/They Kiss Again)

BEST IN ON-SCREEN CHEMISTRY
Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin 

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE of Characters that I think matched the drawing
Naoki: Yuki Furukawa (Love In Tokyo)
Kotoko: Jung So Min (Playful Kiss)




That's it! Watch out for more Drama Versions post in the future. 


Thank you for dropping by my blog :)

 

Dramas I'm looking forward to watch this month ^_^

I'm back! Finally, the rain stopped and we already have a stable internet connection. I was unable to post much because I'm having intermittent sync since last week so I'm really happy it is more stable now ^_^

I wanted to share with you 3 new dramas that will start airing this month of August and that I would definitely watch them at Kimchidramas.net (hopefully they'll host these 3)...

1. When Love Walked In 

Main Characters:

Victoria Song of F(x) as Shen Ya Yin

Calvin Chen of Fahrenheit as Qing Yu Jiang

Zhou Mi of Super Junior-M as Lu Shang Ling

Episodes: 30

Airing Date: August 9, 2012 until Aug 23, 2012 ???

Broadcasting Network: GTV

Plot: 

Young, talented, and handsome Qing Yu Jiang (Calvin) receives orders to look for Chairman Yuan's long lost granddaughter, Shen Ya Yin (Victoria). Because of her parents' death, Ya Yin is bitter towards her grandfather. Yu Jiang not only eases the tension between them, but he gradually enters Ya Yin's heart. But when their love begins, Yu Jiang backs out because of his love for his childhood friend. Yu Jiang tries to find her, but fails to realize that she has been by his side all along.  

Teaser: 

Even though the plot reminds me of Romantic Princess (ironically, Calvin is also there), I will still watch this because of Victoria. This is her first acting stint and I wanted to support her and also see if she can really act. I also like Calvin so this will definitely be good. I just wish the one GTV will air will not be dubbed. This is produced by a mainland company and they wanted to create a standard accent for all the actors so that it can reach a lot of viewers. Majority of the casts are Taiwanese and does have different accents even if they are speaking Mandarin. So, yeah, I'm crossing my fingers on that one. I will post an update if I have found a subbing site for this drama already =)

2. To The Beautiful You

Main Characters:

Sulli of F(x) as Koo Jae Hee

Minho of SHINee as Kang Tae Joon

Lee Hyun Woo as Cha Eun Gyeol

Here's a picture of the other casts:

Episodes: 16

Broadcasting Network: SBS

Time Slot: Wednesday-Thursday

Airing Date: August 15, 2012

Plot:

Kang Tae-Joon (Minho) is a gold medalist in the high jump, but he has been mired in a slump due to an injury. In order to help her idol Kang Tae-Joon, a girl named Koo Jae-Hee (Sulli) disguises herself as a boy and transfers to his all male high school.  

Notes:

- This is based on a Japanese manga by "Hanazakari no Kimitachi E" (Hana Kimi) by Hisaya Nakajo.

- There have been a live action version by Japan and Taiwan before in 2007

- This is produced by SM Entertainment which is why a lot of SM artists are here

Teaser:

If you have read my first post on this drama, you will know that I was a bit iffy with the 2 lead roles because 1) I can't imagine Sulli looking like a guy (she's too cute and girly) and 2) I'm not sure Minho can act (although I guess he's the first choice because he's really athletic). Also, Hana Kimi is my favorite manga and the Japanese version is also my fave drama (I've watched that series more than a dozen times and each time I still laugh). I have very high expectations for this and I am hoping they won't butcher it up. Now, after saying that, you might be wondering, "why would she watch this?" Well, for the main part, it is curiosity. I would love to see it first and then judge it objectively (Just like what I did with Playful Kiss). I am happy with the way Sulli looked on the teaser photos and also this seems to be fun if I'll base it on the teaser. I'm really hoping I will like this Korean version too ^_^

 

3. Faith 

Main Characters:

Lee Min Ho as Choi Young

Kim Hee Seon as Yoo Eun Soo

Episodes: 24

Broadcasting Network: SBS

Time Slot: Monday - Tuesday

Airing Date: August 13, 2012

Plot:

"Faith" shows the love between a warrior from the Goryeo Period and a female doctor from the present day, their love transcending time and space. 

Trailer:

Okay, the main actor is Lee Min Ho and I think that's already enough reason to watch this drama. He is a great actor and I haven't been disappointed in any of his drama since Boys Over Flowers. I've watched them all and I've loved them deeply so I am happy to see him again. This is the first time he did a time travel genre (historical) and basing on the trailer it also have some actions. I love him in City Hunter and I believe he looks best on action films. SO yeah, so happy this is gonna air soon ^_^

What about you guys? Are you also excited to see these dramas? Feel free to check back here in my blog coz I will be posting the first episodes with English subtitle once they are released :)

Thanks for dropping by!

Drama Review: Skip Beat!

Happy Friday! I can't believe it's already another weekend tomorrow. I'm so excited! Anyway, I mentioned before that I love weekends because I watch some dramas, right? Well, I decided to introduce you to one of the drama that I follow right now, it's called Skip Beat or Extravagant Challenge.

Skip Beat is an on-going Japanese shojo (Shojo means it's a story about a young girl's life) manga written by Yoshiki Nakamura that was first released in 2002. The story revolves around a 16-year-old girl named Kyoko Mogami and how she developed into a great actress as a result of a broken heart. The story started when Kyoko discovered that the only reason her childhood sweetheart, Sho Fuwa, brought her with him in the city is for her to become a personal maid and to provide money for food and rent while he climbs the ladder of becoming a singer. Heartbroken, she vowed to become a great star herself so that she can overshadow Sho in the entertainment industry as a form of her revenge.

I don't know when it will end but I love following the story of Kyoko and I specifically love the way the characters are drawn. It's very pleasing to the eye and perfect for my type of anime drawing. It is similar with Fushigi Yuugi. I love the angles they create =)

For those who also wanted to read the manga but can’t understand Japanese, you can read an English translated scanned version on websites like Ten Manga for free. 

See how gorgeous the drawing is? ^_^

Also, due to its popularity, they decided to create an anime adaptation and it was aired on October 5, 2008 and it run for 25 episodes. I have watched this too and the whole Season 1 of Skip Beat anime covered Volume1 to 11 of the manga ending with the story of Kyoko and Tsuruga Ren (the black haired one) filming for Dark Moon. Fans like me are still waiting whether there will be Season 2 or not. I hope there will be ^_^

So, what started me with reading the manga and watching the anime is this:

I am a fan of Super Junior and when I found out that Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae are gonna act together in a live action drama I was hooked. Siwon is gonna act as Tsuruga Ren and Donghae will do Sho Fuwa. Now, I also got curious because Skip Beat is gonna be aired in Taiwan and those two are Koreans so I didn't have a clue how they will go about it so I decided to watch.

The first episode is kind of a disorienting experience for me. Halfway through, I noticed that they are Mandarin dubbed! The voices are different and I wondered if I was hallucinating haha but yeah, since they are not good in Mandarin, they are acting with Korean script and then some other people are hired to dub them over. I think this is what made me sad and also caused the mixed reviews from viewers coz they have some difficulty in expressing the emotions of the characters since the one acting and the one doing the voice over are different people.

But aside from that, I love this drama! Ivy Chen is great. This is the first time I saw her and I am glad that I am not disappointed. She was able to potray Gong Xi (Kyoko Mogami) flawlessly. Her expressions are spot on and her actions are funny like in the anime so I love watching her especially if she's having those weird self talk voodoo thingy haha ^_^

This drama is currently airing every Sunday so I just wait for 1-2 days for the English subbed episodes at Kimchidramas  DramaCrazy. Fan-made subtitles are my first choice whenever I am looking for English subs because they tend to be a lot more grammatically correct than those you find on pirated dvds you can find on the streets. It lessens the headache caused by incorrect spellings and jumbled words that you'll get from face cds hehe.

Now, I am just waiting whether this drama will end with the same thing as the anime or they will push through and end somewhere else in the manga. They are still on episode 13 and I'm not sure whether this drama will be 16 episodes or more but I'm crossing my fingers that it would be like Meteor Garden which consisted of 30 episodes..I guess it would all depend on the viewer ratings but I'm still hoping ^_^

Even though I already know what will happen next because I am reading the manga, I still love watching the live action one because they follow the anime very truthfully and that means a lot to me. I really hate those drama producers that create a new story based on a book but they just get the title and names of the characters and nothing else... so yeah I am happy with GTV right now because they really followed the story in the manga.

P.S. since the manga is still being updated, I don't have a clue who Kyoko will end up with but I am hoping Ren would be the one ^_^

If you were able to reach this point, thank you so much for reading my very long post. I hope I can have some comments here that also love to watch Korean and Taiwanese dramas like me hehe. Till next time, bye! ^_^

Wazzup?!

Hello everybody!

You might have noticed that I was unable to post lately..well, I decided to keep you in the dark on what I did..JOKE! haha ^_^

Actually, I was just hooked again with the Asian Drama fever...I have been watching the following series for a couple of weeks now...and since they are still an on-going drama on their respective countries, I wait for the fan groups that sub them every week :)

And also, since I can't put anything on my face right now, I decided to find another outlet of my small free time at night before I sleep..,just to keep my mind from thinking about my rashes too much..

So, anyways, if you love watching Asian variety shows and dramas, I would suggest you watch any of these..super nice and I love them! Aja! ^_^

(In no particular order)

1. Down with Love - Taiwanese Drama

Cast: Jerry Yan (of F4) and Ella Chen (of S.H.E.)

2. Personal taste / Personal Preference - Korean Drama

Cast: Lee Min Ho (from Korean F4) and Son Yeh Jin (from Endless Love 3)

3. We Got Married

a. Adam Couple

Cast: Jo Kwon (from 2AM) and Son Ga-In (from brown Eyed Girls)
b. Sweet Potato Couple
Cast: Jung Yonghwa (from CN Blue) and Seohyun (from SNSD)
I really, really enjoy watching them with English Subtitles since I can't understand Mandarin and Korean.
Sorry if this is not makeup or skin care related...I still can't do reviews for you guys coz I can't test it on myself yet...but having a post is better than none right? hehe ^_^

Oh, by the way, last call for my little contest/ giveaway! Deadline of entry will be on April 30, 2010 at 12:00mn. I'll be announcing the winner on May 1, 2010. Good luck! ^_^
Till next time! Bye!