Taiwanese Dramas
I have a fondness for Taiwanese dramas. They tend to do manga adaptions rather well; and, they do romantic comedies in a way I can enjoy. Yet, I haven't watched all that many. Or rather, I haven't watched that many and truly loved even less. I thought I would share the Taiwanese dramas that I've watched and/or truly loved, and ask for a few recs from my f-list.
Hayate the Combat Butler (2011) (10/13 watched) - Based on a Japanese manga, it tells the story of a poor young man who becomes the butler of a rich young woman. The drama changes the characters ages, making them all university age and changes a few character backgrounds. Overall, it's a fun and snappy rom-com.
Mars (2004) (21/21 watched) - Based on a Japanese manga, it tells the story of ashy artistic girl, and a care-free and play-boy, who fall in love while dealing with their own personal demons. Along the way they grow up and are able to heal the wounds inside their hearts. Overall, it's one of the best manga-to-drama adaptions out there.
Legend of Star Apple (2006)(30/30 watched) The drama tells the story of two childhood sweethearts who meet 15 years after they've last met. He's grown up to be the cold son of the Tao Enterprise; she grows up to work at a farm and care for her mentally disabled father. The drama is slow to build up and it lags. I fast forward a lot. Very disappointing drama.
My Queen (2009) (12/21 watched) The drama tells the story of a 33 year old beautiful, hardworking yet single woman. One Christmas Eve she meets a 25 year old romantic and handsome regular worker. The two form a friendship that blooms into love, while they deal with their age difference, his haunted past, and the fact that she was left at the alter a few years back. I love this drama. It has a strong female lead, a great male lead, and Ethan Ruan and Cheryl Yang have amazing chemistry.
Summer x Summer (2007) (12/12 watched) Based on a Japanese manga the drama tells the story of Xia Ya, a plain clumsy girl who falls in love with her best friend’s brother, Ouyang Lei. Lei is a spoiled brat, Xia is a bit of a push over, the characters are annoying. What really hurts about this drama is that the cast i s very good - I've seen all of them in other projects - but, even they can't save this boring drama.
Endless Love (2010) (15/15 watched) The drama tells the story of a sweet but spoiled girl who falls for a wisecracking and sweet guy. They overcome many obstacles to be together. For some unknown reason, Liang walks out on her the day before their wedding. Years later, fate brings them back together. This drama starts out wonderfully - nearly pitch perfect - and slowly falls. It begins to drag and the drama's OTP start to annoy you - especially the male lead. It could have been three or four episodes shorter.
Fated to Love You (2008) (24/24 watched) The drama tells the story of a woman and a man who meet - after sleeping together. They find out she is pregnant and decide to stay together - at least until she gives birth. Then, he'll raise it with his model girlfriend. Or something. The drama itself is technically rather good - once you get past the drugged/drunk sex. It has a good cast and some genuine moments. But it takes forever to get to one thing and then it back tracks. If anything, I fast forward and watched solely for the couple moments - which became genuine and real around episode six.
Prince turn into Frog (2005) (20/20 watched)The drama tells the story of a spoiled heir who losses his memory and becomes a sweet man. He soon falls in love with a young woman - the one that "accidentally" runs him over. Just as their love is fully blooming, his family returns for him. He then has more "accidents" occurred, and loses all of his memories of his new found love. So, she tries to get their love back, even though he thinks she's a lying stalker. This is a drama that everyone recs and that many people say is their favorite. But, for me - I didn't like this one. It was alright, but it just seemed to drag and people seemed to be doing the same things over and over again. Still, many say it is a classic.
The Magicians of Love (2006) (22/22 watched) I'm still not really sure what this drama is about. It seemed like an excuse to have Ming Dao and Sam Wang work together again, after the success of Prince.... Instead of Joe Chen they have Joanne Zeng as the plucky heroine of the piece. And, you know, I fast forwarded through this a lot. I just didn't enjoy it. It was after this drama that I came to a conclusion: I really don't care for Ming Dao as an actor.
The Rose (2003)(26/26 watched) The drama tells the story of a young woman who goes to live with her famous mother, after her grandmother dies. Surrounded by three half-siblings, all by the same mother but different father, and a pretty harsh and cold mother, our heroine takes the role of the family maid. She then goes about changing the family for the better - while getting into a love triangle with her two half-brothers. It's all taboo and crazy and Joe Cheng is in love with Ella and Jerry Huang. And, Jerry Huang can't get over his dead girlfriend, but falls for Ella. And poor Ella (who is so not ugly or fat, despite the fact that everyone tells her she is) is in love with Jerry Huang, but has inappropriate chemistry with Joe Cheng. It has its issues - especially in the technical aspects - but it is a great drama.
Bull Fighting (2007) (7/17 watched) No, just no. I hate the female lead. Not the actress, the character. Just no.
Hana Kimi (2006/7) (15/15 watched) Based on the Japanese manga, it tells the story of a girl who cross dresses as a boy, in order to get into an all-boys school - wanting to get her idol to high jump again. The cast is good, but the humor was a bit out there for me. It's a cute drama, but not for me.
It Started With a Kiss 1 and 2 (2005/2008) (20/20 watched;20/20 watched) Based on a Japanese manga, it tells the story of a teenage girl whose in love with her classmate. He's a genius and she's. . .not. Because their parents are old friends, they end up living together when her new home is destroyed by an earthquake. The 2005 series follows them in high school and at the start of their university careers; it shows how they fall for each other. The 2008 series follows them as a married couple, who are dealing with their university studies and their friends. If you can get past the crazed Joe/Ariel 'shippers and the fact that the female lead is almost too dumb to live in Part 1, both dramas are worth a look.
Hi, My Sweetheart (2009)(14/14 watched) The drama tells the story of a certifiable dork who finds love with a cool girl. Then, a misunderstanding causes them to lose contact. He thinks she coldly dumped him. So he transforms himself from a dork to a cold businessman in order to seek revenge. This drama isn't very deep and is fairly predictable. But, it's cute and if you like any of the leads, it's worth a look.
Why Why Love (2007) (15/15 watched) The drama tells the story of three people who end up in a love triangle. The drama was not to my taste and seemed to be an excuse to capitalize on the success of Devil Beside You.
Devil Beside You (2005) (20/20 watched) The drama is based on a Japanese manga about two step siblings who fall in love. Somewhat cute, but overall cheesy. Watch for the two OTPs.
Corner with Love (2007) (16/16 watched) The drama tells the story of a rich girl who suddenly becomes poor and must move in with an artist and his family. They soon fall in love, but past relationships threaten their new found love. I adored this drama when it aired, and still really enjoy it. It's a new kind of Twdrama, and I'm glad they are making more like this.
Meteor Garden I (2001) (20/20 watched) Based on the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, the drama tells the story of a poor girl who is giving a scholarship to the richest school in the country. She soon finds herself the target of the F4, the richest boys in school. And, she finds love with their leader. Again, this is a near perfect adaption of a manga. Just don't watch Part 2 - it sucked.
Wish to See You Again (2008) (16/16 watched) The drama tells the story of a bestselling whose become struck with a case of writer’s block. To get over it, he becomes a taxi driver, hoping that his passengers will give him inspiration. He meets a high school classmate, who is the heir to a five-star hotel. He also meets his old friend's PR assistant. The writer and the assistant fall in love. This drama tells several stories at once and is really about all the different relationships between the five main characters: three were high school friends, one was the girl they all loved, and the last is a recent college graduate, whose trying to find herself. It's a different kind of love story and a fresh take on the Tw-drama. I adored it.
My Lucky Star (2007) (20/20 watched) The drama tells the story of an ex-thief and the second son of of a jewelry empire. The two meet and quickly fall in love. But, class differences, family, an accident, and the past break them apart. Years later they meet again. The carefree and charming man is now cold and aloof, but he can't stop himself from loving the woman. The drama tells how they come together, break apart, and then come together again. I love this drama. It's so different from most traditional Tw-idol dramas. It's a bit more mature and its characters more layered. Watch it!!!
My Lucky Star
My Queen
Mars
Meteor Garden I
Corner with Love
They Kiss Again/It Started with a Kiss
Hayate the Combat Butler
The Rose
So, based on that - any recs?
Hayate the Combat Butler (2011) (10/13 watched) - Based on a Japanese manga, it tells the story of a poor young man who becomes the butler of a rich young woman. The drama changes the characters ages, making them all university age and changes a few character backgrounds. Overall, it's a fun and snappy rom-com.
Mars (2004) (21/21 watched) - Based on a Japanese manga, it tells the story of ashy artistic girl, and a care-free and play-boy, who fall in love while dealing with their own personal demons. Along the way they grow up and are able to heal the wounds inside their hearts. Overall, it's one of the best manga-to-drama adaptions out there.
Legend of Star Apple (2006)(30/30 watched) The drama tells the story of two childhood sweethearts who meet 15 years after they've last met. He's grown up to be the cold son of the Tao Enterprise; she grows up to work at a farm and care for her mentally disabled father. The drama is slow to build up and it lags. I fast forward a lot. Very disappointing drama.
My Queen (2009) (12/21 watched) The drama tells the story of a 33 year old beautiful, hardworking yet single woman. One Christmas Eve she meets a 25 year old romantic and handsome regular worker. The two form a friendship that blooms into love, while they deal with their age difference, his haunted past, and the fact that she was left at the alter a few years back. I love this drama. It has a strong female lead, a great male lead, and Ethan Ruan and Cheryl Yang have amazing chemistry.
Summer x Summer (2007) (12/12 watched) Based on a Japanese manga the drama tells the story of Xia Ya, a plain clumsy girl who falls in love with her best friend’s brother, Ouyang Lei. Lei is a spoiled brat, Xia is a bit of a push over, the characters are annoying. What really hurts about this drama is that the cast i s very good - I've seen all of them in other projects - but, even they can't save this boring drama.
Endless Love (2010) (15/15 watched) The drama tells the story of a sweet but spoiled girl who falls for a wisecracking and sweet guy. They overcome many obstacles to be together. For some unknown reason, Liang walks out on her the day before their wedding. Years later, fate brings them back together. This drama starts out wonderfully - nearly pitch perfect - and slowly falls. It begins to drag and the drama's OTP start to annoy you - especially the male lead. It could have been three or four episodes shorter.
Fated to Love You (2008) (24/24 watched) The drama tells the story of a woman and a man who meet - after sleeping together. They find out she is pregnant and decide to stay together - at least until she gives birth. Then, he'll raise it with his model girlfriend. Or something. The drama itself is technically rather good - once you get past the drugged/drunk sex. It has a good cast and some genuine moments. But it takes forever to get to one thing and then it back tracks. If anything, I fast forward and watched solely for the couple moments - which became genuine and real around episode six.
Prince turn into Frog (2005) (20/20 watched)The drama tells the story of a spoiled heir who losses his memory and becomes a sweet man. He soon falls in love with a young woman - the one that "accidentally" runs him over. Just as their love is fully blooming, his family returns for him. He then has more "accidents" occurred, and loses all of his memories of his new found love. So, she tries to get their love back, even though he thinks she's a lying stalker. This is a drama that everyone recs and that many people say is their favorite. But, for me - I didn't like this one. It was alright, but it just seemed to drag and people seemed to be doing the same things over and over again. Still, many say it is a classic.
The Magicians of Love (2006) (22/22 watched) I'm still not really sure what this drama is about. It seemed like an excuse to have Ming Dao and Sam Wang work together again, after the success of Prince.... Instead of Joe Chen they have Joanne Zeng as the plucky heroine of the piece. And, you know, I fast forwarded through this a lot. I just didn't enjoy it. It was after this drama that I came to a conclusion: I really don't care for Ming Dao as an actor.
The Rose (2003)(26/26 watched) The drama tells the story of a young woman who goes to live with her famous mother, after her grandmother dies. Surrounded by three half-siblings, all by the same mother but different father, and a pretty harsh and cold mother, our heroine takes the role of the family maid. She then goes about changing the family for the better - while getting into a love triangle with her two half-brothers. It's all taboo and crazy and Joe Cheng is in love with Ella and Jerry Huang. And, Jerry Huang can't get over his dead girlfriend, but falls for Ella. And poor Ella (who is so not ugly or fat, despite the fact that everyone tells her she is) is in love with Jerry Huang, but has inappropriate chemistry with Joe Cheng. It has its issues - especially in the technical aspects - but it is a great drama.
Bull Fighting (2007) (7/17 watched) No, just no. I hate the female lead. Not the actress, the character. Just no.
Hana Kimi (2006/7) (15/15 watched) Based on the Japanese manga, it tells the story of a girl who cross dresses as a boy, in order to get into an all-boys school - wanting to get her idol to high jump again. The cast is good, but the humor was a bit out there for me. It's a cute drama, but not for me.
It Started With a Kiss 1 and 2 (2005/2008) (20/20 watched;20/20 watched) Based on a Japanese manga, it tells the story of a teenage girl whose in love with her classmate. He's a genius and she's. . .not. Because their parents are old friends, they end up living together when her new home is destroyed by an earthquake. The 2005 series follows them in high school and at the start of their university careers; it shows how they fall for each other. The 2008 series follows them as a married couple, who are dealing with their university studies and their friends. If you can get past the crazed Joe/Ariel 'shippers and the fact that the female lead is almost too dumb to live in Part 1, both dramas are worth a look.
Hi, My Sweetheart (2009)(14/14 watched) The drama tells the story of a certifiable dork who finds love with a cool girl. Then, a misunderstanding causes them to lose contact. He thinks she coldly dumped him. So he transforms himself from a dork to a cold businessman in order to seek revenge. This drama isn't very deep and is fairly predictable. But, it's cute and if you like any of the leads, it's worth a look.
Why Why Love (2007) (15/15 watched) The drama tells the story of three people who end up in a love triangle. The drama was not to my taste and seemed to be an excuse to capitalize on the success of Devil Beside You.
Devil Beside You (2005) (20/20 watched) The drama is based on a Japanese manga about two step siblings who fall in love. Somewhat cute, but overall cheesy. Watch for the two OTPs.
Corner with Love (2007) (16/16 watched) The drama tells the story of a rich girl who suddenly becomes poor and must move in with an artist and his family. They soon fall in love, but past relationships threaten their new found love. I adored this drama when it aired, and still really enjoy it. It's a new kind of Twdrama, and I'm glad they are making more like this.
Meteor Garden I (2001) (20/20 watched) Based on the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, the drama tells the story of a poor girl who is giving a scholarship to the richest school in the country. She soon finds herself the target of the F4, the richest boys in school. And, she finds love with their leader. Again, this is a near perfect adaption of a manga. Just don't watch Part 2 - it sucked.
Wish to See You Again (2008) (16/16 watched) The drama tells the story of a bestselling whose become struck with a case of writer’s block. To get over it, he becomes a taxi driver, hoping that his passengers will give him inspiration. He meets a high school classmate, who is the heir to a five-star hotel. He also meets his old friend's PR assistant. The writer and the assistant fall in love. This drama tells several stories at once and is really about all the different relationships between the five main characters: three were high school friends, one was the girl they all loved, and the last is a recent college graduate, whose trying to find herself. It's a different kind of love story and a fresh take on the Tw-drama. I adored it.
My Lucky Star (2007) (20/20 watched) The drama tells the story of an ex-thief and the second son of of a jewelry empire. The two meet and quickly fall in love. But, class differences, family, an accident, and the past break them apart. Years later they meet again. The carefree and charming man is now cold and aloof, but he can't stop himself from loving the woman. The drama tells how they come together, break apart, and then come together again. I love this drama. It's so different from most traditional Tw-idol dramas. It's a bit more mature and its characters more layered. Watch it!!!
My Lucky Star
My Queen
Mars
Meteor Garden I
Corner with Love
They Kiss Again/It Started with a Kiss
Hayate the Combat Butler
The Rose
So, based on that - any recs?