Hana Kimi 2011
Ok, so here's my 5 cents on Hana Kimi 2011. Whether I like it or not, of course I'm going to be comparing this with the 2007 version. My brain can't help it, the original (not counting the manga) left a lasting impression on me. I really enjoyed it, mostly because it truly was ikemen paradise. It was fun and you didn't have to think. The actors have gone on to do more amazing things and rewatching it adds onto its awesomeness. So, it is my hope that when the 2011 one is over, I'll appreciate these new actors more and that this will act as a spring board for their careers. There are a bit more unknowns in this drama than previously, which might sway some people away, but it's not fair to doom this version based on casting or first impressions alone. Even though my brain will unconsciously compare the two versions, I would like to say that the comparison only goes so far. There are already vast differences in how the story is progressing (i.e cleaning up the school, reason why Sano stopped high-jumping, etc.). Kind of like how Korea adapted HYD into Boys Over Flowers; two unique entities that share the same characters, but not exactly the same plot points.
Characters
Ashiya Mizuki and Sano Izumi
I like Maeda. I don't really have much an opinion about her character though, because it feels the same as before.
As Josie said, Sano is more present and his relationship with Nakatsu feels more like a friendship.
I also think they're doing a better job of developing Sano/Mizuki's relationship. Putting them in more scenes together where he's actually not just ignoring her. In the 2007 version, I knew Mizuki was supposed to be with Sano, but the chemistry was never really there. In this version, I could see it potentially being great :)
Nakatsu
I really like Miura Shohei in this role. I haven't seen him outside of Tumbling, but I'm really enjoying this. There are some points where I see him channeling Toma, or rather, see him acting exactly as Toma did, but perhaps that's how the character was in the manga? That, I'm not sure, but even then, I don't think Miura is struggling with finding his own pace for the character. He's solid :Db
Nanba-senpai
Renn's version is less playboy-ish than Hiro's and I feel like they've played up his role as a leader more. It seems like Hiro!Nanba had a great relationship with his dorm, and even though he was dorm head, he was just like the rest of them, all rambunctious and fun. Renn!Nanba is similar, but I can really see him pulling the dorm together. He takes responsibility and I love it. I wasn't ready to see Renn as a playboy xD Though, he can still charm the pants off you ;)
-originally posted by milleniumbeat
And look at his hands *__* /shows membership badge of 'we love Renn's hands' fanclub/
Speaking of Nakao, I do want to say that Nishii is adorable! No offense to Kimura Ryo, but Nishii is more convincing as an adorable young'in having puppy love for his Nanba-senpai. I think there is actually more depth to this version too, especially after ep.2.
Kayashima
At first, I was a little uncertain if I'd like this version. Tomo played him a bit darker than the prior cuteness of Yusuke's version. But, I totally got over it, because I can't get enough of Tomo and he really does deadpan the weird lines so well :) I especially love it when he raises one hand as it glows and ushers Mizuki to come over *squishes*
Dude, and I already see his and Nakatu's bromance, thanks to their developed chemistry from Tumbling.
Sekime
I am Okada Masaki-biased, so this version hasn't really stuck out to me yet.
Oscar M.
The previous one was outrageously creepy and great in his own right. But, if I can have scenes like this, I'm all for Tokuyama's version :9
I also like that, rather than terrorize his dormmates by making them do weird occult things, he acts more as a leader who wants them to be at their best :)
Come to me, my frail lambs. LOLZ
Even these characters are capitalizing on the 3D.
Tennouji-sama
I think his relationship with the St. Blossom girl was more memorable and believable in the previous version, so far at least. The girl this time around is meh. But that's ok, because this Tennouji is more attractive xD I like that this version portrays this dorm as disciplined and honorable than just a bunch of muscley-men.
Kagurazaka
I preface my next statement by saying that, yes, Kamen Rider actors are prolific and you can find them anywhere. However! Is it not a coincidence that basically the 3 main characters from Kabuto have now landed themselves in Hana Kimi, one way or another? ;)
Anyways, I'm still not sure if he is any different than Shirota Yuu's version. I'm okay with both :)
Umeda-sensei
HOT DAMN! The previous version was creepy and hot in his own right, but Takumi is so perfect for this role. I definitely have to agree with Anna on this ;)
Episodes so far...
The first 30 mins were a bit rough to follow. I knew they were introducing us to the school and characters, but there were no clear transitions from scene to scene. I wasn't bored, thanks to loving the actors, but I could not see where the show was heading. The sports tournament onward was actually quite nice. My favorite scene would have to be Nanba's monologue over the speakers. I liked that he acted as a voice over showcasing Nakatsu, Sekime, Oscar, and Tennouji's beginnings there. Nicely worked in character development right there :)
They've toned down the crack to the point where the humor actually makes sense.
I'm really beginning to enjoy it due to the casting and curiosity in how this story will be executed. I'm not going to think too much about it; it's meant to be fun :)
Characters
Ashiya Mizuki and Sano Izumi
I like Maeda. I don't really have much an opinion about her character though, because it feels the same as before.
As Josie said, Sano is more present and his relationship with Nakatsu feels more like a friendship.
I also think they're doing a better job of developing Sano/Mizuki's relationship. Putting them in more scenes together where he's actually not just ignoring her. In the 2007 version, I knew Mizuki was supposed to be with Sano, but the chemistry was never really there. In this version, I could see it potentially being great :)
Nakatsu
I really like Miura Shohei in this role. I haven't seen him outside of Tumbling, but I'm really enjoying this. There are some points where I see him channeling Toma, or rather, see him acting exactly as Toma did, but perhaps that's how the character was in the manga? That, I'm not sure, but even then, I don't think Miura is struggling with finding his own pace for the character. He's solid :Db
Nanba-senpai
Renn's version is less playboy-ish than Hiro's and I feel like they've played up his role as a leader more. It seems like Hiro!Nanba had a great relationship with his dorm, and even though he was dorm head, he was just like the rest of them, all rambunctious and fun. Renn!Nanba is similar, but I can really see him pulling the dorm together. He takes responsibility and I love it. I wasn't ready to see Renn as a playboy xD Though, he can still charm the pants off you ;)
-originally posted by milleniumbeat
And look at his hands *__* /shows membership badge of 'we love Renn's hands' fanclub/
Speaking of Nakao, I do want to say that Nishii is adorable! No offense to Kimura Ryo, but Nishii is more convincing as an adorable young'in having puppy love for his Nanba-senpai. I think there is actually more depth to this version too, especially after ep.2.
Kayashima
At first, I was a little uncertain if I'd like this version. Tomo played him a bit darker than the prior cuteness of Yusuke's version. But, I totally got over it, because I can't get enough of Tomo and he really does deadpan the weird lines so well :) I especially love it when he raises one hand as it glows and ushers Mizuki to come over *squishes*
Dude, and I already see his and Nakatu's bromance, thanks to their developed chemistry from Tumbling.
Sekime
I am Okada Masaki-biased, so this version hasn't really stuck out to me yet.
Oscar M.
The previous one was outrageously creepy and great in his own right. But, if I can have scenes like this, I'm all for Tokuyama's version :9
I also like that, rather than terrorize his dormmates by making them do weird occult things, he acts more as a leader who wants them to be at their best :)
Come to me, my frail lambs. LOLZ
Even these characters are capitalizing on the 3D.
Tennouji-sama
I think his relationship with the St. Blossom girl was more memorable and believable in the previous version, so far at least. The girl this time around is meh. But that's ok, because this Tennouji is more attractive xD I like that this version portrays this dorm as disciplined and honorable than just a bunch of muscley-men.
Kagurazaka
I preface my next statement by saying that, yes, Kamen Rider actors are prolific and you can find them anywhere. However! Is it not a coincidence that basically the 3 main characters from Kabuto have now landed themselves in Hana Kimi, one way or another? ;)
Anyways, I'm still not sure if he is any different than Shirota Yuu's version. I'm okay with both :)
Umeda-sensei
HOT DAMN! The previous version was creepy and hot in his own right, but Takumi is so perfect for this role. I definitely have to agree with Anna on this ;)
Episodes so far...
The first 30 mins were a bit rough to follow. I knew they were introducing us to the school and characters, but there were no clear transitions from scene to scene. I wasn't bored, thanks to loving the actors, but I could not see where the show was heading. The sports tournament onward was actually quite nice. My favorite scene would have to be Nanba's monologue over the speakers. I liked that he acted as a voice over showcasing Nakatsu, Sekime, Oscar, and Tennouji's beginnings there. Nicely worked in character development right there :)
They've toned down the crack to the point where the humor actually makes sense.
I'm really beginning to enjoy it due to the casting and curiosity in how this story will be executed. I'm not going to think too much about it; it's meant to be fun :)