Hana zakari no kimi tachi e: Ikemen paradaisu

... started with Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (or rather, "That one good show I can't pronounce the name of.")

Now, several of my friends regularly scour the Internet in search of good Asian dramas to watch. Until recently, I have been very skeptical of the shows they watched (ProDai, 1 Litre of Tears, Hana Yori Dango) and even somewhat looked down on them and the shows. Yes, I was pretentious.

Until one day, a friend of mine was describing this scene in a television show she was watching and I couldn't stop laughing. I knew that I had to see this show. So, when I asked what channel it was on, she replied "Well, it's from Brandon" (the catalyst for this WHOLE obsession with Asian dramas). And then I knew I had been converted.

Let me tell you, this is an excellent show. It's funny, smart, sincere and awesomely awkward. If you're wary about watching J-Dramas or still aren't convinced that it's a legit form of entertainment (which I totally was), this will change your mind. Yes, it's (loosely) based on the manga, so the acting is a little over-the-top and the scenarios are unbelievable, but that's just the awesomeness of Hana-Kimi. All the actors are perfectly cast in their roles and the script is witty and hilarious. Yes, you will actually LOL. I do. Every time. And yes, you should find someone to watch it with so you can grab and squeeze them when it gets just too cute (which it does).

Moral: Watch. LOL. Cry. Squeal. LOL more. Be a better person.

Plus, the soundtrack is sure to get you in a good mood, without a doubt.