Boys Over Flowers / Hana Yori Dango / 花より男子
This is perhaps the most famous drama series in East Asia since this story already made into 5 different adaptions: Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hongkong.
The premise which is I believe is the source of inspiration for Crazy Rich Asians because the the identical story of a poor girl who involves in romantic relationship with a super rich guy. But with more of authentic Asian characteristics and culture.
I only seen the Japanese and Korean adaptation of the series, so I am gonna just recommend the 2 versions.
The Japanese version have two seasons (season 1, 9 episode, season 2 11 episode, and the movie). The main lead is Arashi's Matsumoto Jun as Domyouji Tsukasa, Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui, and Inoue Mao as Tsukushi Makino.
The Korean version is perhaps the most famous K-drama. Play by Lee-Minho (who I think now the biggest Korean male star) as Domyouji.
The story isn't a typical Cinderella kind of story. Yes, there's a poor girl and a rich guy and yes, he falls in love with her, but this Cinderella definitely doesn't want the charming prince to return her glass slipper. For me this story is good not because of the love story, but because of its crudeness. It deals with heavy issues (even more forbidden in Japan) like bullying, rape, tolerance, corruption, social class differences and the general injustice that is high school. I think this a story that every teenage girl should know of, because it says that you don't have to be anything to please a guy.Instead, you should worry about the things surrounding you and how you can make a change.
The love story is pretty good and addictive too. Makino is a strong female character who deals with a lot of things throughout the story. She isn't searching for love, she has her hands already full with school and her family. She isn't pretty or nice. Neither is she elegant or flirty. But, she is loyal to her friends and always defends people against injustice. She is honourable and honest, she always speaks her mind, even if it will get her in huge trouble afterwards. She's also fearless and does what most people are afraid to.
Then there's Domyouji, who is far from a perfect prince charming. To put it mildly, he's a total jerk and a bully. He used to getting his way and everybody is afraid of him. He's a really rotten human being. But, when Makino confronts him instead of running away from him, he falls instantly in love with her. For me one of the greatest thing about this drama is seeing Domyouji slowly changing from being the bad person that he was at first to a truly beautiful human being. His love for Makino makes him grow as a person, become someone kind and adorable, and he learns a little more about life, and accepts that he can't always have his way.
Watching this drama will take you on a wonderful journey and a roller coaster of emotions.
I've watched this several times and I will keep rewatching it, because I learn something new about it every time I watch it.
