Reviews

Hana Yori Dango - Live Action
by Maya Winters

The Low-down:

Yes, this programme does happen to be in Japanese.
Yes, it is definitely worth watching.
Yes, this show is the reason for (some of) the many Japanese nicks being used on IRC at the moment.

No, it is not an anime, but the Live Action adaptation.
No, it is not dubbed (thankfully) but there are subtitles.

The Story (spoilers minimal):
This programme would, I suppose, technically be classed in the 'romance' genre. However, it includes moments of comedy, of action, and of most things you want to find in a show you watch. The story revolves around Makino Tsukushi, a poor student at a school filled with ridiculously rich youths. The 'bosses' of this school are the infamous F4 ('Flower 4') whose parents are incredibly powerful in the country of Japan.

Within the school exists the tradition of the 'Red Notice' which is received by students who have crossed F4 in some way. Makino, upon joining the school, decides to simply keep herself under the radar during her 3 years there. However, she is given the feared red notice after protecting her friend by standing up to the head of F4, Domyouji Tsukasa. The plot develops from here as her relationship with the various members of F4 changes with feelings of hate, pity, friendship and even love being found along the way.

There are currently two seasons of Hana Yori Dango (HYD), the second of which is still airing at the moment.

Who's in it?
Well, admittedly the majority of you probably don't know that many Japanese actors and so, you might ask, why would you care who's in it? The answer? This show contains some actors who can best be summed up as 'pretty.' After watching it, you probably will want to know who they are. Oguri Shun (who plays Rui) and Matsumoto Jun (who plays Domyouji) are almost a good enough reason to watch the show themselves. Admittedly, Jun's hair leaves something to be desired in this show, but if you've seen Gokusen, yes, you'll agree he's darn pretty too.

Why watch it?
Please don't be put off because it's a Japanese Drama, I'd never watched one until last December and I've never looked back!

If you think it's a complete waste of time, well, you'll definitely pick up some Japanese from it and it's really not bad to listen to at all.

If you want amusement, the comedy value added by some of the characters is definitely worthwhile ("I …am…BUS" -Makino's stumbling attempt at English anyone?!)

And if you needed more reasons, the pretty boys and general amount of insanity in each episode.

It is teh awesomeness (and Rui is truly fangirl worthy *G*).

Finally, I'll leave you with some direct quotes from watchers of the series!

"The show is omgamazingness because it has drama, punching, great acting, omgprettyboys, crazy mean (and psycho) mom, gorgeous boys, annoyingly high-pitched high school girls, boys to fangirl over." (Jenny Lupin, Gryffindor)

"HYD is beyond awesome, it's like...well. There are no words in the English language to describe it. So I guess HYD is HYDtastic. Hai! HYD is the bestest because it has everything that any sane person would want: Japanese, pretty Japanese people, a psychotic girl that got plastic surgery, an equally psychotic mother bent on destroying some random poor peoples, and a dood with pretty hair. *sigh* How preeeetty the hair is." (Johnathon Myrie, Gryffindor)

"Rui. That's all you need really. XP" (Jessica Summer, Gryffindor and the awesome person who introduced me to the show XD)

Now, go forth, watch HYD and spread the HYD!goodness!

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Notes The Alte Sententiam is Ravenclaw's running newspaper. Alte Sententiam means 'Higher Thoughts' and its current co-editors-in-chief are Chloe Fairchilde and Cassandra Lobiesk. Articles Which Wand is Best? Hidden in the Shadows Hybrid Houses Scientifics Insanity of the Moon Which Dittany to Use? Reviews A Review on Charmed Hana Yori Dango: HYDtastic Specials These ads have been provided by Professor Ulol Kimil, please contact him if you have any information on the missing objects. Lost: Ireth's Brain Lost: Rowan's Brain Poem Showcase Night Wind Ode to a Chaser Puzzles Crossword Info Updates Archives FAQ Staff The Roost HOL Points The points breakdown is as follows (per issue): Article Submission: 5 points for each published (not to exceed 20) Graphics Submission: 5 points for each published (not to exceed 20) Editors: Up to 30 points	Reviews Hana Yori Dango - Live Action by Maya Winters The Low-down: Yes, this programme does happen to be in Japanese. Yes, it is definitely worth watching. Yes, this show is the reason for (some of) the many Japanese nicks being used on IRC at the moment. No, it is not an anime, but the Live Action adaptation. No, it is not dubbed (thankfully) but there are subtitles. The Story (spoilers minimal): This programme would, I suppose, technically be classed in the 'romance' genre. However, it includes moments of comedy, of action, and of most things you want to find in a show you watch. The story revolves around Makino Tsukushi, a poor student at a school filled with ridiculously rich youths. The 'bosses' of this school are the infamous F4 ('Flower 4') whose parents are incredibly powerful in the country of Japan. Within the school exists the tradition of the 'Red Notice' which is received by students who have crossed F4 in some way. Makino, upon joining the school, decides to simply keep herself under the radar during her 3 years there. However, she is given the feared red notice after protecting her friend by standing up to the head of F4, Domyouji Tsukasa. The plot develops from here as her relationship with the various members of F4 changes with feelings of hate, pity, friendship and even love being found along the way. There are currently two seasons of Hana Yori Dango (HYD), the second of which is still airing at the moment. Who's in it? Well, admittedly the majority of you probably don't know that many Japanese actors and so, you might ask, why would you care who's in it? The answer? This show contains some actors who can best be summed up as 'pretty.' After watching it, you probably will want to know who they are. Oguri Shun (who plays Rui) and Matsumoto Jun (who plays Domyouji) are almost a good enough reason to watch the show themselves. Admittedly, Jun's hair leaves something to be desired in this show, but if you've seen Gokusen, yes, you'll agree he's darn pretty too. Why watch it? Please don't be put off because it's a Japanese Drama, I'd never watched one until last December and I've never looked back! If you think it's a complete waste of time, well, you'll definitely pick up some Japanese from it and it's really not bad to listen to at all. If you want amusement, the comedy value added by some of the characters is definitely worthwhile ("I …am…BUS" -Makino's stumbling attempt at English anyone?!) And if you needed more reasons, the pretty boys and general amount of insanity in each episode. It is teh awesomeness (and Rui is truly fangirl worthy G). Finally, I'll leave you with some direct quotes from watchers of the series! "The show is omgamazingness because it has drama, punching, great acting, omgprettyboys, crazy mean (and psycho) mom, gorgeous boys, annoyingly high-pitched high school girls, boys to fangirl over." (Jenny Lupin, Gryffindor) "HYD is beyond awesome, it's like...well. There are no words in the English language to describe it. So I guess HYD is HYDtastic. Hai! HYD is the bestest because it has everything that any sane person would want: Japanese, pretty Japanese people, a psychotic girl that got plastic surgery, an equally psychotic mother bent on destroying some random poor peoples, and a dood with pretty hair. sigh How preeeetty the hair is." (Johnathon Myrie, Gryffindor) "Rui. That's all you need really. XP" (Jessica Summer, Gryffindor and the awesome person who introduced me to the show XD) Now, go forth, watch HYD and spread the HYD!goodness!