Lee Min Ho wasn’t the first choice but because many rejected the role it fell into his lap & he made the most of it.It has senseless violence & gentle moments, friendship between four boys–F4–that is iconic.The background is well-researched & fleshed out nicely.Main leads–Lee Min Ho is a filthy rich son of an industrial group & cannot disobey his dominating mother who is handling all their family businesses single handedly.
Its a 2009 drama & like the coffee prince holds its magic even today.It is based on the Japanese shojo manga series. The story is powerful so its Chinese version –the Meteor garden–found inspiration & retold the same story. Geum JanDi is a dry cleaners daughter very spirited & doesn’t get bog down by anything.She is shown to be harrassed by F4 but later her die hard spirit gets the better of F4. She becomes the girlfriend of Gu Jun Pyo—the character played by Min ho.
He was just 21 when he starred in the five star?( Starry) drama. He excelled himself.I still wonder how he managed to portray the feelings that he did on screen.His character has many layers & he successfully executed it.He is working on a new project The Last emperor– that we shall see this year.
Jan di is admired by another member of the F4.–Ji Hoo who is gentle & an artist.He is always there to help here.I wished every girl had a Ji Ho to tide over turbulent times.Jan Di hates arrogant ,self-centered Jun Pyo & likes Ji Hoo.Ji Hoo helps her to acknowledge her feelings for Jun Pyo.sometimes the hour long episode is a roller coaster ride for us.The main pair is constantly arguing with each other & his mother’s created obstacles take a toll.A rich girl is introduced who starts liking Jun Pyo & there Jan di discovers her true feelings. This girl labelled ‘Monkey” by Min ho is really pretty & good natured.We feel why she arrived so late by then the stage is set.Once she knows she is not welcome she exits.I just loved her. She has poise.style & very little footage.
The gentle Ji Hoo is a delight to watch.Scared away by Min ho”s mom Jan di vanishes.Joins her parents in a fishing village. Ji hoo finds her & wants to take her home when a racing car is about to hit him but Minho takes the hit (heroics).The injury causes him to be admitted to a hospital.On the way he pleads to Ji hoo to take care of Jan di.If he dies his friend should take his place.MinHo loses his memory– this part is the only stretch where I wished the show to conclude quickly–too filmy.
Fans wanted the leads to marry but they had no time so no wedding. It ends on a lovely beach all friends holding hands & Min Ho smiling from ear to ear sans his elaborate hair style.All in all it is a drama which remains with you. I liked the characters in the Meteor garden but couldn’t help comparing them with “Boys over flowers”. I watched MIn ho in Personal Taste which is another good story but it is not BOF! Will be watching more of Min ho & then lets talk.Till then happy viewing!
Asian Entertainment 