Before Meteor Garden, now Boys Over Flowers ^_^

Right now I'm addicted to korean series, Boys Over Flowers which wrapped-up last week on Korea (started airing January 2009 on KBS2)and gains popularity because of it's story and cast. It's the korean version of Meteor Garden who started all this F4 fever... lolz ^_^

This series came from Hana Yori Dango, a Japanese manga series by Yoko Kamio. The manga has been remade into 3 drama productions in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea (with a 4th rumored for China), along with one spin-off, 2 live action movies, 1 anime movie and also an anime series.[2] Hana Yori Dango is the best-selling shōjo manga in Japan of all time (54 million copies in 2005.[3]

Story

Boys Over Flowers tells the story of a girl named Geum Jan-di who receives scholarship grant to enter the prestigious school Shinwa High, crosses paths with a group of rich, popular and handsome boys called F4 (short for Flower 4).



Geum Jan-di is a normal schoolgirl whose family manages a small dry cleaning business. One day she is selected to join the prestigious Shinhwa High School, where she joins the swim team. Unable to stand the nagging of her parents, Jan-di decides to attend Shinhwa High School, but when she starts she is tagged with the F4’s red card and has to endure teasing and bullying from them and the other students. However, displaying her strong, bright personality, Jan-di stands up to F4 and the entire student group. At first she begins to fall for F4’s Yun Ji-hu, but then the leader of F4 and heir to the Shinhwa business conglomerate, Gu Jun-pyo, openly professes his love for her in front of the school, and she becomes the envy of all the girls. Geum Jan-di is an optimistic and honorable girl who is never dazzled by financial wealth or social status. Even after she joins Shinwa High School she remains true to her ideals.



Gu Jun-pyo is the leader of F4 and heir to the global business enterprise of Shinhwa Group. His trademark is his curly hair. He is used to doing whatever he wants whenever he wants and often offends others with his aggressively direct personality. However, under his tough exterior Jun-pyo is a pure-hearted young boy. Gu Jun-pyo was raised by the employees of his parents’ company, since his parents didn’t have time for him, so, naturally, he is attracted by the warmth of Jan-di’s normal family. Although he dismisses Jan-di at first because she is not rich, he ends up falling head over heels for her charming bright personality.



Yun Ji-hu is the most handsome member of F4 and the grandson of a former Korean president. When he was five years old, he was the sole survivor of a car accident that killed both his parents, and as a result he became withdrawn and anti-social. However when he meets his first love, Seo-hyeon, she helps him get over his difficulties. After meeting Jan-di on the staircase, Yun Ji-hu also becomes her knight in shining armor and helps her out whenever she needs it. This character likes to be alone and has a bit of a strange personality. Yun Ji-hu has a great love and talent for music, and is set to become the leader of the Suam Cultural Foundation, Suam Art Center, and Suam Orchestra.




Yi Jeong’s father is Korea’s most famous Master of Arts. When Yi Jeong’s older brother leaves the family, Yi Jeong suddenly becomes the heir to Korea’s largest private museum, Woo Song. He is popular with girls due to his gentle manners and clean-shaven appearance. After being hurt by his first love he turns into a bit of a playboy, but then he starts to show an interest for Jan-di’s friend Ga-eul. Cold and uncompromising at first, Yi Jeong is in fact a warm character at heart.




For many generations, Song Wu-bin’s family has been the leaders of the criminal organization, Ilsim, and he is the heir to Ilsim Construction. Ilsim has extensive networks and a great ability in manipulating cash flows, which even the Shinhwa Group cannot ignore. Whenever his fellow F4 members are in trouble, Song Wu-bin makes a call to his large network of connections so that the problem is quickly taken care of. Song Wu-bin has an innate sense of finances and is also a great fighter. Even though he is still young, Song Wu-bin already displays a charisma well fitting for a boss of the underworld.

-credit to soompi

I already watched the Taiwanese version last 2003... I love their F4 and Sanchai... also Xiaoyu. With Japanese version I only watched some part of it but not all. Maybe because I'm not that interested with the cast. And now I'm currently on episode 21 (25 episodes all) of the Korean version which is Boys Over Flowers. Their F4 were all cutie and the female lead is also cute... hehehe... I like cute like me ^_^

Here's the Taiwanese Version

Latest Updates on Dragonball Movie....

Hey guys here's the latest updates on the much awaited movie based on Japanese anime story.



From left, director James Wong and actors Joon Park, Emmy Rossum, Chow
Yun-fat, Jamie Chung, Justin Chatwin and James Marsters promote their
movie ``Dragonball: Evolution'' in Seoul Tuesday. The film, based on
the popular Japanese comic, will make its world premiere March 12 in
South Korea. / Yonhap

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The explosively popular Japanese comic ``Dragon Ball'' comes to life via Hollywood as ``Dragonball: Evolution.'' Before its world premiere March 12 in South Korea, the movie's cast of fresh young actors, Asian superstar Chow Yun-fat and former K-pop star Joon Park (Park Joon-hyung) turned up the temperature a notch in Seoul with their promotional tour Tuesday.

The original 500-plus-episode cartoon is based on the epic fantasy "Chinese Odyssey.'' First published in 1984, it sold over 200 million copies worldwide and has been made into three TV animation series, 21 movies and 25 video games.

The new Stephen Chow production brings the story of a teenaged Goku (Justin Chatwin) who, upon the dying wishes of his adoptive grandfather (Randall Duk Kim), seeks out the great masters Roshi (Chow Yun-fat) and
Bulma (Emmy Rossum). With his friends Yamcha (Joon Park) and Chi Chi
(Jamie Chung), he must gather all seven magical orbs or Dragon Balls
before the evil Lord Piccolo (James Marsters) uses them to conquer the
world.

Extensive clips of the movie were revealed exclusively for the Korean
press. ``I also love the comic books, but the manga is very (long).
There's no way to put all that in the movie,'' said director James Wong
(``Final Destination''). ``The goal also is to be able to introduce
`Dragonball' not only to fans but those who don't know it,'' he said,
adding that he wanted to craft a story that is relatable to a young
audience. ``Hopefully we'll have a chance to tell the rest of it in
subsequent movies.'' The creation of sequels will depend on the success
of the upcoming film, he said.

Chatwin (``Invisible''), who had been a fan of the TV cartoon, said he
was both excited and fearful of interpreting such an iconic character.
He had to undergo intense martial arts training ― ``vomiting because
they pushed us so hard.'' ``But it's a super fun movie and I'm
absolutely honored,'' he said.

Chow, the hero of Hong Kong noir films, plays a rather comical role in
the movie. Dressed in all black instead of his character's Hawaiian
shirt, he jokingly said his wife ― who is also his manager and mentor ―
``forced'' him to take the role because she needed ``money to buy a
very famous bag.'' He threw the crowded pressroom into more bouts of
laughter with humorous Korean phrases. Chow was last here 15 years ago
for shooting an action movie. He said he was surprised with the
modernization, ``but kimchi is still the same'' as it is with the
passionate people.

Park said it was a great honor to work with Chow in his second
Hollywood movie after ``Speed Racer.'' ``Mr. Chow is such a huge star
but on the set he is so humble and professional, and gave me a lot of
guidance,'' he said. About working in the United States, the former
G.O.D. rapper said he felt proud to see that the Korean film industry
is as sophisticated as Hollywood.

A group of young women waited outside the venue, screaming each time
Park spoke. Chung, an up and coming Korean American actress (``Chuck
and Larry'') said she was surprised to witness Park's popularity when
his fans greeted him at the airport Monday. ``He's my `oppa' (big
brother); he took care of me,'' she said about working with Park. ``I'm
so proud to be here,'' she said.

Screen beauty Rossum, who recently shot an advertisement here, said she
was happy to return. ``Everyone here has a good sense of humor and I
can see why everyone likes `Dragon Ball.''' Looking striking in a red
dress, she said she tried to bring Bulma to life as a ``feisty,
determined, intelligent, and yes, hopefully a little sexy, woman.''

Marsters pointed out that the movie is based on ``Dragon Ball'' rather
than ``Dragon Ball Z'' and that his character Lord Piccolo is a
powerful, muscular villain rather than a decrepit old man. Another
difference, he said, is that the film does not feature Lord Piccolo's
superpower ability of dismembering himself.

World premiere in South Korea on March 12. For all ages. Distributed by 20th Century Fox Korea

Dragon Ball the Movie: Piccolo's Reveal!

Here's the latest update on Dragon Ball Z the Movie.... Piccolo's character has been revealed... and guess what? he's not totally green... I wonder why... (@_@)

Another thing... where's the antenna on his head? Ow noh... let's wait and see if what will happen with this movie.... hope that it will be a success even though some characters are not totally look alike with the anime version.

The Spanish-language entertainment blog Nerdorama.cl has posted what it purports to be screenshots from the upcoming trailer for the live-action Dragonball film. The screenshots reportedly feature Justin Chatwin as Son Goku, the first public images of James Marsters as Piccolo, and Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi. The ComingSoon.net film news website reports that 20th Century Fox will attach the first trailer for the live-action Dragonball film to its Max Payne film, which will open on October 17. The film adaptation of Akira Toriyama's manga will open on April 10, 2009.

Source: AKK and Dragonball Movie Blog

1st Live-Action Dragonball Poster with Son Goku Posted

Update on my first post regarding Dragonball the movie...

Here's the latest poster wherein Son Goku wears his traditional orange costume... Good! I hope the movie itself will be a good one too...

Here's the story...



Rear view of leading actor Justin Chatwin in orange gi with kame kanji

The Sankei Shimbun paper has posted the first poster from the Dragonball live-action film that features a main character on Friday. The poster portrays Canadian actor Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds, The Invisible, Lost television series), who stars as Son Goku, in his familiar orange gi martial arts uniform complete with the kanji for kame ("turtle" for his mentor Master Roshi or Kame Sennin) on the back. Just as in the previous teaser poster, the new poster's Japanese text reads when translated: "The legend comes to life." The new poster also adds the following text: "Opens worldwide at maximum speed on March 13, 2009."

Twentieth Century Fox signed director James Wong (Final Destination, X-Files television series, The One) to adapt Akira Toriyama's shonen fighting manga. Viz Media publishes the original manga in North America, while Funimation distributes the anime version.

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork

Dragon Ball Z the Movie - US Version coming soon....

Yes, you've heard it right! there will be a Dragon Ball Z movie which is adapted from the Japanese Manga and Anime. Well for me, from the promo pictures itself, it looks like interesting until we see the full trailer... I think it would be more convincing if the main character would be an Asian Actor...

Based on the popular Japanese manga created by Akira Toriyama, whose work spawned best selling graphic novels, video games and a phenomenally successful television series, Dragonball centers on the heroic Goku, a powerful warrior who protects the Earth from an endless stream of rogues bent on dominating the Universe and controlling the mystical objects from which the film takes its name.

Dragonball stars Justin Chatwin as Goku, James Marsters as Piccolo, Emmy Rossum as Bulma, Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi, Jamie Chung as Chi Chi, and Park Joon as Yamcha. The movie arrives in theaters on April 3rd, 2009.





The live-action Dragon Ball Z movie, titled just Dragonball, has expanded its cast to include two more unique additions: Chow Yun-Fat and Emmy Rossum. Justin Chatwin stars as the main character Goku and is joined by James Marsters as Piccolo and Jamie Chung as Chi-Chi. Chow Yun-Fat will play Master Roshi. The film is an epic sci-fi adventure that follows Goku, a warrior alien who protects the Earth from an endless stream of rogues bent on dominating the universe and controlling mystical objects known as Dragon Balls. Of all movies I thought I'd take an interest in, Dragonball never crossed my mind.

The film is currently shooting in Mexico City and Los Angeles under the direction of James Wong (Final Destination, Jet Li's The One, Final Destination 3). The script was also written by Wong and the film is being produced by Kung Fu Hustle director Stephen Chow.

The original Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z series first debuted in 1989. The first run of the English Version of the show began airing in September 1996 on the WB and now runs almost every day on the Cartoon Network. In the movie, a young boy named Goku seeks out upon his grandfather's dying request to find the great Master Roshi and gather all seven Dragon Balls (of which he has one) in order to prevent Piccolo from succeeding in his desire to use the Dragon Balls to take over the world. Master Roshi, played by Chow Yun-Fat, is Goku's mentor, helping him achieve the highest state of fighting and spiritual powers.

Source: firstshowing.net

Naruto Collectibles...

Here are some of my collections of Naruto items...

NARUTO KEYCHAINS...


Konoha's Group 7 consisting of it's team leader, Kakashi-sensi and members, Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto


Sakura and Gaara from Sand Village

NARUTO DISPLAYS...


Kiba and his dog Akamaru and Naruto



Sasuke and Lee


Naruto is an ongoing Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto with an anime adaptation.

I'm a BIG fan of Naruto series and been watching it on DVDs, Youtube, Crunchyroll and Television. I also read their latest Manga story on Onemanga.com. I find it really exciting on what will happen next on the life of Naruto and his friends. So start watching it right now and you'll get addicted like me!

Certified Naruto Addict....

I'm really addicted to Naruto right now. I always check the internet for new release of anime episodes and weekly updates on manga. Naruto is an anime series currently shown here in our local channel. It's all about a little ninja boy who doesn't know his root and wants to be recognized by his villagers and became future Hokage someday. Naruto is a loud, hyperactive, adolescent ninja. He belong to Group 7 which is headed by Kakashi with group mates Sasuke and Sakura. I really like this anime... I collected all it's episode from Naruto Season 1 to Naruto Shippuuden. I even joined different forums just to chit chat with my fellow Naruto Addicts and share our thoughts.



Here are my cute Stufftoys wearing a Konoha head protector... hehehehe

To find more about Naruto, you can visit this site...

Naruto Central