.042 - why is Hana Yori Dango is so different? (pt 1)

Ever since I went to Japan, I've been obsessed with a Japanese drama called Hana Yori Dango. Personally, I think its the best made TV drama ever. It has made me cry at least one time per episode. Here's a link to the first episode, if wanna see what I'm talking about....

This show has changed my entire film making style and in order for me adapt effective elements of this drama, it's necessary to start to unfold what it is about this show that makes it so powerful.

For now, I am going to just list a few unique observations that I've had as I watched the show. In the future, I'll start to dissect these and other observations I make.

1. An unselfish motivation to insure the desires of someone close are fulfilled. (Or that someone's fears are alleviated)

2. Love story but INCREDIBLY minimal body contact.

3. Main character, Makino Tsukushi, is very strong willed, daring, and dream-driven. Perhaps too much...

Honestly, this show is hard for me to decipher since there aren't just filming and writing techniques at work. Japanese cultural norms also have an effect on how characters in the show are developed. And even though I lived in Japan for a while Japanese culture is still very cryptic...So in other words, it will take me a while to figure this show out. So if you have any ideas as to how this show works (or any moving drama), feel free to drop a comment below.