Skip Beat! (2011)

Skip Beat! is one of my favorite anime/manga that's why I was really nervous for this one. I was afraid that it wouldn't give justice to the manga, but I was so glad that it turned out to be good.

The story was still the same with a little bit alterations here and there. One of these is the importance they gave to Mr. Du, Dun He Lian's manager. His character is a truly likable one. He supports his talent in everything and, of course, even Gong Xi. He is amusing because he is the one who always teases Lian and the one who, in a way, became a bridge for them to get closer. In this adaptation, Lian is kinder, though his professional aura is still there. In addition, they threw two characters who are for laughs, but I think they should not have added them because they're just flat characters.

The ending is left open, inviting questions, but I guess it's because the manga was (and still is) ongoing, However, I think it's wrapped up nicely that it isn't irritating that it left the viewer to his imagination of what could have happened to the characters.

There might be exaggerated scenes, but remember that this is adapted from a manga. The scenes aren't even that exaggerated compared to its original source. Anyway, I just wished that they animated the "animated" parts better, like the Gong Xi demons, because they may make some cringe.

With regards to the acting, in my opinion, Siwon and Donghae did a good job portraying Dun He Lian and Bu Po Shang, respectively. I wasn't really expecting much from them since I only saw them as singers and dancers of Super Junior (I love them, BTW), so I was surprised of the act they did. Though Siwon didn't show a menacing or scary enough Lian, at least he managed to deliver the emotions well. Donghae, with all his adorableness, showed a truly likable Shang because of his portrayal, though I thought he didn't have that much air of pride as he should have had. Anyway, it's such a shame that it is obvious that their voices are dubbed.

Ivy Chen, on the other hand, portrayed Gong Xi well, but I feel like it being a live action made it difficult to show fully how and who her character is. Also, she had some expressions which looked unnatural... or quite not right. Another notable character is Qin, who was portrayed very well by Bai Bianca. Her interactions with Gong Xi was pleasant to see because their friendship was clearly seen.

Of course, there is Mr. Du as well. Part of why his character became likable is, of course, because of the actor. The child who acted as Marie was good, as well! The other casts did acceptable to good jobs.

I love all the songs in this drama. The opening is catchy and is giving a good vibe, exactly like a good beginning. The ending song gives me a nostalgic feeling, just the right emotion I feel whenever something is coming to a close. The other insert songs and some instrumentals are placed just at the right moments to enhance the feels of the scenes.

In all honesty, I couldn't remember how many times I've re-watched this series already. I guess I've really became attached to it. Anyway, perhaps this is good to re-watch whenever one just want to feel good or stare at the handsomeness of Siwon and Donghae.

This is fun to watch, especially if you are able to disregard the exaggerations and some poor animation.

I recommend this to:
- those who want some lighthearted/rom-com shows
- fans of Skip Beat! ('cause you may want to give this a try)
- fans of Super Junior (particularly of Siwon and Donghae)

Written: 11/10/12
Edited: 01/01/15

Leia Mais

I really enjoyed watching this, mostly because I've always kept up with the manga, but never really gave the anime a chance so it was great to see it in a different perspective. In my opinion, it would've been much better if it had been a purely Korean drama or the idols knew the language being spoken- the dubbing really annoyed me, even though it managed to be more bareable than the main actress' voice that could probably break glass if she tried a bit harder too.
Donghae and Siwon were great choices though due to their popularity and looks. They also delieved suprisingly good acting despite Siwon's significant lack of screen-time (a real blow to my SuperJunior-fan-heart you can imagine) and well that language barrier that shouldn't have existed. My favorite thing about going through this drama was the opening song; is that weird? Other than that the drama was really funny and there's practically a pro for every con. Though even through my dislike of specific things in the drama I still can't bring myself to dislike all of it. It has SuperJunior members, good plot, hilarious scenes and very likeable characters, so it's worth a watch if you're not too caught up in wanting romance. I, for one, am hoping for a second season.

Leia Mais

I find that the story line was very elaborate, and kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It's not as predictable as I thought it would be and extremely funny to see how everything works out. It does follow the storyline of the manga but through seeing it as a live action, the feelings that come from the storyline makes it feel completely different from the manga.

The Acting and Cast was pure genius, they definitely chose the right people to play each role and part. I not going to lie, I was thinking it would be a disaster with I saw the cast but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the actors captured the essence of each character very well.

The music, or most of it, was by Super Junior(whom two of the main acts are artist for). I am a SuJu fan and found that most of the music that was played was quite appropriate to the scene. Even the music that didn't belong to Suju matched very well with the mood. The only complaint I have with this is the fact that some of the scenes that had music didn't really need it and it actually took away from the scene having the BG music. Also there were some scene's that would've been better suited to have music and yet didn't.

As for the rewatch value, the only reason it is low is because I'm not someone who can ever rewatch any drama. My personal preference kind of shadows the outcome of that rating, you could say. But to anyone who is often one to rewatch, or reread something than this is perfect for you. Its funny and the jokes and awkward moments don't get old. Though I would not rewatch the whole thing, I find myself rewatching certain scenes and laughing when doing so.

Overall, I give this a 10 because honestly it was a good drama. I've watched numerous before but this one actually captured my attention so well that I found myself wanting days to hurry up and go by so the next episode would hurry up and be released. It was a drama that not only wouldn't leave my mind but also one that I could laugh about even after seeing certain scene several times. If your a romantic comedy person than you'll absolutely adore Skip Beat the way I did. It was truly outstanding and a joy to watch and laugh over. I completely recommend this drama.

Leia Mais

Skip Beat was my first Asian drama and I loved it! I stumbled upon it by accident. I was looking for a new anime to watch and I had heard that Skip Beat was pretty good. But I didn't like the animations of Skip Beat. So I didn't watch the anime. But I was looking up information about it on Wikipedia and came to know that it had a live action drama. I snooped around some more and saw the posters. The guys were pretty cute so I decided to give the drama a try.

I was hooked from the first episode! I loved the story and the concept! But more so, I loved Ivy Chen! She's so cute and lovable! I absolutely adored her! She's a great actress. She was not afraid to make a fool of herself on camera and she played the character really well. I decided to watch the show because of the boys but it's Ivy Chen's acting that kept me watching till the end.

A long time ago I watched a Korean music video on TV. The song title was Bonamana but I didn't remember the artist. I really loved that song but since I don't know Korean at all and I thought it would be weird for me to listen to a song in a language I don't even understand, I ignored it. When I started watching Skip Beat I came to know that the actors who played Lian (Siwon) and Bo Pu Shang (Donghae) are from the same band, Super Junior. The name sounded familiar but I wasn't sure where I had heard it. I was looking through Super Junior music videos on YouTube and I came across Bonamana. Imagine my surprise when I realized that it was the same song I had loved all those years ago! Since now I don't care what other people think about me, I have all of Super Junior albums! BTW if you were wondering, my favorite is Donghae ? So this show introduced me to K-pop :D

Lian was so charming! Though my favorite will always by Donghae, if I had to chose between characters I would chose Lian. Siwon played him really well! Another memorable character for me was Lian's manager. The faces he made were priceless! I really liked him!

I loved Qin's and Gong Xi's friendship! Though they had a rough start, they became the best of friends later on and it was really sweet. Bianca Bai is a great actress!

I couldn't hate Bo Pu Shang. As much as I wanted to, I just couldn't do it! Donghae was just too adorable! I found myself wanting Shang to come to his senses (which he did) and realize that he actually loved Gong Xi. I wish Bo Pu Shang/Donghae had had more camera time. I would've liked to see more of him.

The comedy was pretty good. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions, but there were instances when I rolled my eyes and was like "Seriously?!" 'cause something was too stupid. But it can be overlooked because I've gotten used to 'stupid' (since I have to deal with it daily).

Another problem that I had with the drama was that the graphics weren't that good. Plus Lian's dubbing was noticeable. The second one didn't bother me much though because I didn't understand the language anyway and I watched the drama with English subs. The thing that bothered me the most was the transition of music. It wasn't done well. A music piece or song would be playing and suddenly it would come to an abrupt end and the next song would start. I really didn't like that. An example would be the last (kiss) scene between Gong Xi & Lian.

I hate that the show was left so open-ended without any hope of a second season :( I wish there would be a second season!

My favorite scene (and a scene I still remember) was the one when Gong Xi is helping Lian practice for his role and Lian hugs her on the floor and asks her if she wants him to teach her how to kiss. It was so romantic and cute! I loved it!

I loved loved loved the music! Not just the opening (SOLO by Super Junior M) and closing (That's Love by Donghae and Henry) themes but the whole OST. I can't stop listening to it!

Leia Mais

This drama was really great! Out of all the Taiwanese dramas I've watched this is by far one of the best ones ever! It had the great humorous touch like what most of them have along with the fast paced, dramatic scenes of Korean and Japanese dramas. There is not a lot of filler in this drama and I kept wanting to watch more of it. Also it's great that Siwon and Donghae from Super Junior are in it (I love them so much). Although I wasn't a big fan of either of them before watching, I admit that I surely know who they are and really enjoyed them in this drama. Another great aspect was the music. The music played a really great part in the drama and since Super Junior sings some of the songs, you won't be disappointed.
Initially starting the drama, I only read one chapter of the original story. So I had a vague idea of what was going on and plot. So when watching it, it was entertaining to find out what happened next. My only complaint is that all the secrets and back stories of the characters were revealed at the end and even so it seemed they sped that up. With a non conclusive ending, I'm hoping they make a season two.

Leia Mais

Ok so this was my 1st drama ever. Which now that i look back on it ,it was kind of weird that first drama i ever saw was Taiwanese. But anyways I thought since it was my first drama i should go back and write a review. So first off most of you probably have heard of this because super junior and that was the whole reason i watched it ( i thought dramas were like the soap operas here in the states so i didn't want to watch them for the longest time) and let me tell you even though Siwon and Donghae didn't say most of their lines they still made up for it with their amazing acting also Gong xi was one of those characters that annoyed you but also you couldnt help but feel bad. Also the manager is absolutly adorable although i liked his character better in the manga i still enjoyed his character in this drama.
The music of course was amazing as most of it was by super junior m i still listen to solo and this is love everyday i also loved the one song called future it was just so heart pumping i couldnt get enough
The story was original however if you're looking for a romantic ending or a fulfulling ending DO NOT WATCH THIS

Leia Mais

This was the first Taiwanese drama that I started watching. I thought that the brief description of the jilted girl getting revenge sounded interesting and decided to give it a shot. I was not expecting what I got!
The plot premise is pretty simple if you break it down:
A girl has devoted her whole life so far to one guy who she believes cares deeply for her, to the point where she has been working multiple jobs to support his luxury apartment while he goes and pursues a career in music. On a surprise visit to his studios she is confronted by the sight of him with another woman, and to make things worse he is bragging about how he treats the main character as his own personal maid. That's it she's had it she wants revenge! but how to get it? by beating him at his own game - become famous! and where better than the talent agency of his biggest rival!

I'm not sure what it is about this show but every single episode draws you in and you find yourself fully immersed in this world. You feel Gong Xi's pain and suffering, hoping for her to succeed in her goals, revel in her mischeif and revenge and above all hope that Gong Xi and her leading man figure out that they should be together!

The soundtrack is pleasant - I must admit that the opening theme is the first song I'd heard from Super Junior and it is one of those upbeat bouncy songs that grows on you and gets stuck in your head without being annoying!

Anyway I hope that this inspires people to give Skip Beat! a chance like I did. It is well worth it!

Leia Mais

Honestly, this was one of the best Manga-turned-drama dramas I have seen so far.

I have read the Manga, seen the Anime and can therefore say: loved it. And even if you have not seen them, you will still enjoy the drama.

Storyline:
Although the storyline is a bit naive, but the characters are well developed. Dialogues ars honest and informed (especially where the acting tecniques are concerned, not that I am an expert though).
It deals in comedy and romance. A very good combination for an entertaining drama. It's not neccessarily a page-turner, but it doesn't get boring and never drags.

Actors:
Choi Si Won and Chin King are an awesome combination. Both are very skilled with creating mood with facial expressions. They were well choosen for their parts. Same goes for Lee Donghae looks like he is enjoying the part of Bu Po Shang, the arrogant jerk. Chen Ivy is nothing like what I would have imagined her like after knowing her Character from the manga and anime.

Music:
Let me just say: SOLO is still stuck in me head...

Do not miss out on this one. It's a pleasure to watch and will make you laugh!

Leia Mais

It's really rare that I like Taiwanese Dramas, The last that I watched was Mars years ago. First and foremost I was relatively pleased in watching this Drama. A relative improvement from the last 2 KBS Dramas that I watched (BIG & Fashion King).

I was very skeptical at first because my grandma bought the DVD without consulting me, the first scene that I saw was when Gong Xi was riding her bike. I thought it looked stupid but as the Drama progressed I liked the was she portrayed the character. I haven't read the manga nor watched the anime yet but I think this Taiwanese live action is good. It's rarely that you get bored with the episodes and it was very comical sort of like Japanese anime. My brothers and sister also laughed so hard because of the crazy antics. Although I'm not a fan of Si Won he became very likeable in this Drama, the character makes the viewers like Si Won or for some to like him more. The sound track is very catchy I find myself humming the opening and closing theme songs and trying to sing in Chinese.
There is something that quite confused me, I think the ending is more of a cliff hanger, it's an ending for a Drama that they plan to make a sequel, you still find yourself wanting more, I'm not disappointed, I just want closure or each character :)

Leia Mais

I can’t believe I finished this drama! Is it really over?? Sadly it is. I really wish there more than 15 episodes. There wasn’t a single episode I was bored at all! To be honest I didn’t really care about this drama when it came out. First of all the manga didn’t end, second I hate dubbings especially knowing how their real voice actually sounds like so that’s the biggest turnoff for me. Of course can’t seem to forget the fact that dramas don’t usually don’t justice to mangas/book and since this is one of my favorite manga, I was like No, thank you.

But no no!! This drama is amazing!!Love loved it!! Yeah Siwon and Donghae’s acting could’ve been better specially Donghae’s. Feel like he didn’t give expression to the character he needed. Like the time when he was falling down from the tower and saw Gong Xi crying. His face was suppose to be shocked but Donghae couldn’t really do that. But Siwon was much better. Some of his expressions were amazing like the time when he speaks to the president and doesn’t admit his feelings for Gong Xi, loved him! He has the long face, body like ren has in the manga. And the way he walked and his attitude I liked it. And am I too stupid to realize that I just realized he one of the cutest dimple ever!! Yes they still need to improve their acting a lotttt especially with their expressions and the dubbings were really turnoff and took me to get used to it or else everything else was fine.

And Ivy Chen…OMG loved her since the beginning. She portrayed Gong Xi so well! It was exactlyy like the manga version! Loved the way she got mad at Bo Pho Shang, the way she get’s confused and of course her devil spririt!! Hehehe can’t forget them. The way she get's hyper. Her growth as a character was really good. It was like how it was in the manga. Also the friend Qin and manager, Mr. Du so perfect!! Couldn’t have imagined anyone better than them! If you didn’t read the manga at first you’d think she’s gonna be the bitch but turns out to be something else!! The manager ayoooo so cute!! His expression, his glasses, so cute! And of course the bromanc…I meant sismance between Gong Xi and Qin is one of the sismance I’ve seen and that’s really rare to in dramas. Overall this is a really cute drama! But I would recommend to read the manga first before starting the drama since it could get a little confusing and you might think it’s little exaggerating. Would’ve given this drama a perfect score if not because if not because of the short episodes :(

PS: The OST! No wonder they were so popular! Can't get solo out of my mind! Especially with the strating credit and they show every characters' hillirious!

Leia Mais

The following is an Everything HONEST Review which uses the styles of ScreenJunkies' Honest trailers and Cinema Sins' Everything Wrong With. In other words this review will have loads of sarcasm. You have been warned.

Its been a while since Taiwanese has done a live adaption of a manga series and 8/9 years since it has been GOOD(Mars,It Started With a Kiss,Devil Beside You), but its okay because Taiwanese adaptions of manga is back with Skip Beat.

A story based on a Japanese manga that ACTUALLY sticks to the manga instead of shitting on the source material like Dragonball Evolution. Meet Gong Xi, a girl out for vengence after she realized that for years childhood friend Shang was using her. She's kinda dense,but a prodigy in acting without any prior training? Okay now I'm confused.

Her quest for vengence leads her to showbiz where the most sophiscated asshole lies Dung He Lian. Yet its okay because he has something to make up for it, make that six things... ABS. These two "incompatiable" people will develop the most platonic love relationship ever that features encouraging words, loving stares, love advice, heart beats, and fantasies of kissing. Ughh, it gets aggravating at times.

Their love story isn't the only thing interesting in this drama. In fact watch as how Gong Xi acting growth is deemed more important than her revenge, her relationship with He Lian, her friendship with the best second female lead ever, and her past. But damn can that girl act.

A drama that develops a strong fan base because of the two Korean actors in it and loses a fraction of people because of the cliffhanger ending while maintaing fans of the original story that know that the original story is not over yet.

Staring
Kyoko (Gon Xi)
Sho (Shang)
Ren (He lian)
Latex(Xian Sheng...wonder how many people get the reference to the manga)
Best Second Female Lead EVER(Qin)

Skip Beat! Man I wish they would do a season 2 of the drama and anime already because I am too lazy to read the manga.

Cliche Counter
Parent mean to their kid
flamboyant manager
popular childhood friend
main leads met each other in the past
so few...good job Taiwan!

Leia Mais