Meteor Garden Reviews

80%

After watching all three versions of the story, coming out of this, I have to say that this storyline was a bit more satisfying due to less parental interference in the budding relationship. Yet it left a lot of open ended stories with no end or explanation.

I found, as in the other versions, Jerry Yan (as Dao Ming Si) played the lead role excellent. He was handsome, charismatic yet dark and brooding. What was interesting is that in this version Si did not seem to be as dimwitted as in the other two versions. He would rarely say something out of place; maybe once every third episode.

The other F4 boys were used more brilliantly in this version. There was a very nice bond between the actors, and more so, the characters, though they did not seem to have that close connection with Shan Cai (played by Barbie Hsu). Nor did this version play up the storyline much of the relationship between Shan Cai and Lei. It almost seemed to be an afterthought.

What I did appreciate about this version was how ardently Si proclaimed his love for Shan Cai.

On the other hand, what was most disturbing was how a Shan Cai, who is described as caring and loving, could be so cold-hearted toward the man who shows her such affection. After everything they had been through, to constantly get mad at Si and show little feeling, though this is a man you proclaim (in your heart) you love. It became annoying, irritating and overall, to me, a big blemish.

The other thing that made me throw up my arms and scratch my head was the number of suitors they gave Shan Cai… unbelievable!! I had also wished they would have covered up Barbie Hsu’s tattoos with body make-up because it took away from her character’s innocence to have two very visible tattoos.

This version is definitely your version to watch if you want to see more of the F4 boys than anyone. If you love Jerry Yan - and after this, who would not? Or if you like your dramas dragged out with no conclusive finish.

After watching this version I doubt I will watch the second season because, as much as this version can be compelling, it left too many open-ended stories and was not as satisfying as I had hoped it to be. I am giving it an eight because of Jerry Yan’s acting, otherwise I would have scored it a six or seven..

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