Based on the Japanese shōjo manga of the same name Hanazakarino Kimitachihe (花ざかりの君たちへ) written by Hisaya Nakajo (中条 比紗也). There is one other drama version—Japanese, Hana Kimi (花ざかりの君たちへ).
Plot
While watching a track competition on TV, Lu Rui Xi sees (and instantly falls in love with) high jump champion Zuo Yi Quan. Inspired by his determination and talented high jump skills, she decides to give up her American couch potato life style, slim down, and travel all the way to Taiwan to meet him. To get closer to him, she decides to enroll in his high school. The twist: Ying Kai (櫻開高中) is an all male college , so Rui Xi has to dress up as and pretend to be a boy. When she arrives she learns that not only are she and Quan in the same class, but they are also roommates.
Main Characters
- Lu Rui Xi (盧瑞希) is the female lead. She’s incredibly outgoing, but also naïve which gets her into a lot of trouble. Her sports are running and taekwondo. Played by Ella Chen (陳嘉樺).
- Zuo Yi Quan (左以泉) is the male lead. Quan quits high jumping after he injured his leg in an accident. He’s more of the strong, silent type, but he’s incredibly protective of his friends. His main sport is high jump, but he’s also talented at basketball. Played by Wu Zun (吳尊).
- Jin Xiu Yi (金秀伊) is the supporting male. He befriends and falls in love with Rui Xi fairly early on. Because he thinks that Rui Xi is a boy, Xiu Yi starts to question his sexuality. He’s the main comic relief of the story. His main sport is soccer. Played by Jiro Wang (汪東城).
Favorite Minor Characters
- I love the relationship between Mei Tian (梅田), the school’s (openly gay) physical therapist and Lui Rui Xi. You can tell Mei Tian really cares about Rui Xi, even though he’s often annoyed by her neediness and naïveté. Played by Ryan Tang (唐治平)
Music (OST)
- Theme Songs: 怎麼辦 (What Should I Do) – S.H.E., 專屬天使 (My Personal Angel) – TANK
Opening Theme: 怎麼辦
Closing Theme: 專屬天使
- Other Featured Songs: 懂了 (Understood) – TANK, 超喜歡你 (I Really Like You) – 飛輪海 (Fahrenheit), 我一直都在 (I Am Always Here) – 林稷安 (Lin Ji An) & 程于倫 (Cheng Yu Lun), 傻傻的勇氣 (Innocent Courage) – 吳尊 (Wu Chun), 我有我的young (I Have My Youth) – 飛輪海 (Fahrenheit), 謝謝愛 (I Thank Love) – 花園精靈 (Garden Sister)
超喜歡你
我有我的young
There are only two songs with an official music video.
- Overall: The OST has a lot of fun songs that range from slightly emotional/dramatic to cutesy and fun, and of course “manly.” The songs fit the drama and the instrumental filler music was appropriate and enjoyable.
Entertainment Review
I’m probably biased because this was my first ever TWDrama, but I really enjoyed it. Most of the drama centers around Quan and Rui Xi’s developing (but ambiguous) relationship. Because Rui Xi is pretending to be a boy, we get a glimpse into Taiwanese gender stereotypes (through conversations between “guys”). Plus, Rui Xi is an American who moves to Taiwan, so her friends have to teach her some things about Taiwanese culture. This is always fun for an “outsider” to watch. Other interesting things: I like that the drama deals with issues of homosexuality in a light and comedic way. It also deals with coming of age and discovering one’s true passions. So there’s a lot there.
I also—unlike some other bloggers—liked the ending (but only after I watched it a second time). The drama is really cute, and I enjoy it every time I watch it.
Language
Level: Intermediate to Upper Intermediate
Topics: sports, Taiwanese culture, college life, gender roles, relationships