This time, it’s from Taiwan. Being clueless about the Asian drama scene, I have no idea who these actors are. (See the Taiwanese cast photo) I think it’s the first time that a drama adaptation of the same manga is being filmed at the same time. While the Japanese version started airing this Winter 2007/2008 season, the Taiwanese version will start to air in Spring. (news from: Tokyograph)
Naturally, I think there’ll be comparisons between the adaptations (like with Hana Yori Dango, Hanazari no Kimitachi e, which both had Japanese and Taiwanese versions). I’ve read that the T-versions have longer episode spans and that they “follow the manga like a book.” I’m not sure if this is good or bad, or if they can pull it off for H&C. I haven’t seen any Taiwanese drama (Nope, I wasn’t part of the “Meteor Garden” hype when it stormed Manila the whole country; I was busy watching Akazukin ChaCha in Cartoon Network, I think) so I can’t really comment much about their pending version. I probably won’t be watching it, though.
Unfortunately, the current Honey and Clover J-drama isn’t faring too well on the ratings in Japan and have had some negative response from viewers. I guess a big part of the reason is that there were considerable changes in the storyline and character backgrounds. I do get disappointed with the changes now and then (makes me say Eh?!? and have occasional WTF? moments), but personally, it doesn’t bother me that much. I’m actually enjoying watching it every week . I’d be lying if I said that Ikuta Toma is not part of the main reason why I keep watching the J-drama (what can I say, I think his acting is really good and he’s totally adorable), but seriously, I kinda like the Japanese cast too –well, specifically Mukai Osamu, Harada Natsuki and, of course, Ikuta Toma.
Anyway, that’s it for my random babble today. Who knows? I might even write some episode impressions on the Honey and Clover J-drama one of these days, if my self-control to not blog it fails me. xD ;P
I heard about this in AB IRC awhile back from Owen of Cruel Angels. I’m really not sure what to think of it lol….it will probably end up being a trainwreck, but it still makes me want to learn chinese/taiwanese faster just so I can watch it XD.
….*breaks Hazy’s self control to not blog*
I think the Japanese cast had a much better casting, at least with Takemoto, Mayama, Yamada, Miwako, a bit of Rika and Shuu. They look and sound pretty much similar to their anime counterparts.
Haha. I’m still hanging on to fight the urge to blog it. I have notes on the episodes already. The caps are waiting to be resized. I guess it’s just a matter of time before I give in… xD