46 replies to this topic

[hrm]

I haven't seen a good Taiwanese series that carries out depth nowadays. When talk about popular Taiwanese series, a few pop up in my mind such as Mars, Heaven's Wedding Gown, Meteor Garden, Prince's Frog, It started with a kiss, Summer Scent, etc. These series are somewhat enjoyable, yet they are more into the comedies, chick flick genre and I reckon they are very forgettable as well. Or did I just miss out some other good series or what?

I watched The Dumb Wife and I guessed that the only one that I feel that is good recently.

Edited by tcwas, 08 March 2006 - 07:34 AM.

[Myvi]

tcwas, on Mar 8 2006 2 32 PM, said:

I haven't seen a good Taiwanese series that carries out depth nowadays. When talk about popular Taiwanese series, a few pop up in my mind such as Mars, Heaven's Wedding Gown, Meteor Garden, Prince's Frog, It started with a kiss, Summer Scent, etc. These series are somewhat enjoyable, yet they are more into the comedies, chick flick genre and I reckon they are very forgettable as well. Or did I just miss out some other good series or what?

I watched The Dumb Wife and I guessed that the only one that I feel that is good recently.

Well, I guess you should wait for the release of newest drama series of Jerry Yan "The Hospital"..This is surely not a comedies or puppy love story...

[mzdeviL]

Actually, I would NOT clasify Mars as just an enjoyable comedy drama, because it's NOT! If u pay more attention to the plot and what kind of messages it's trying to send through, u will understand that this drama is actually a very 'deep' and 'unique' drama that deals with everyday life. Some people just don't pay enough attention when they watch it, and some think it's just plain boring because there is hardly any comedy in it...but the people who actually take their time to study this drama and think carefully about the plot, these people are the ones who really understand the uniqueness of this drama, and how deep and touching it is.

But I agree that the majority of taiwan idol dramas these days lack the depth, most of them are just pointless comedy for your enjoyment...but I believe there are still a few dramas which has the sort of depth and meaningful story to tell, and if u study Mars mroe carefully, u will understand that it is one of those dramas.

[j_halo7]

one of the newest series Bump Off Lover is definately not a drama that lacks depth. u should give this series a try than. it will leave u wanting to know more bout the series. download the GTV version though cuz thats the full version.

i think dramas that lack depth and yet are popular is probably because everyone enjoys watching happy and lighthearted dramas. so these dramas have a wider fan base.

[angelazangel]

crazylinda100, on Mar 8 2006 9 40 PM, said:

Actually, I would NOT clasify Mars as just an enjoyable comedy drama, because it's NOT! If u pay more attention to the plot and what kind of messages it's trying to send through, u will understand that this drama is actually a very 'deep' and 'unique' drama that deals with everyday life. Some people just don't pay enough attention when they watch it, and some think it's just plain boring because there is hardly any comedy in it...but the people who actually take their time to study this drama and think carefully about the plot, these people are the ones who really understand the uniqueness of this drama, and how deep and touching it is.

But I agree that the majority of taiwan idol dramas these days lack the depth, most of them are just pointless comedy for your enjoyment...but I believe there are still a few dramas which has the sort of depth and meaningful story to tell, and if u study Mars mroe carefully, u will understand that it is one of those dramas.

well said! totally agree with you sis!

j_halo7, on Mar 8 2006 9 58 PM, said:

i think dramas that lack depth and yet are popular is probably because everyone enjoys watching happy and lighthearted dramas. so these dramas have a wider fan base.

but 'mars' is actually considered an exemption from that...although it's such a deep and touching series, yet it was still able to draw such a large fan base, 'mars' is so popular all around asia! i guess the main reasons for it's huge success is because of vic and barbie, and as well as it is an adaption of a japanese manga, and the manga is already so popular, so that drew many people to watch the series version

[xLx]

nono.dear
u gota woch Mars
it actualy has a Point to it..itz really good..
one of the v.few deep series recently..
but then again....some series arn't deep, and sometimes datz da whole point..i mn..sometimes we woch it juz for the fun of it, not everything has to have a mning..girlz like those minor occasions when u woch.......maybe..um..say...prince into a frog, and lose lovey dubby.unrealistic series..

[nanshi]

I won't deny that a lot of tw series do lack in depth. But then again, the old saying "what you put into it, is what you get out" always rises to mind. You can get a lot of lessons from watching even simple lighthearted dramas. The way I look at is that it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for some depth, and some moral conflicts and struggles-- you'll find some.

Prince turn to Frog (WZBQW): Amnesia, the pain that one goes through when losing a loved one, seeing your most beloved love another, betrayal, anguish, how much it hurts when the person you love the most has completely forgotten about you. There's a lot to be said.

ISWAK: Loving some aimlessly, loyalty, betrayal, conflict, choosing between the 'good' road and the 'true' road.

Mars: like everyone else has said, I think that Mars is exceptionally deep, at least in the aspect that it's not 'typical.' PTF and ISWAK are somewhat 'normal.' Although yes, it is rare that your boyfriend will get amnesia and hate you, and that you will like someone and then move in with that person for 5 years... ? BUT Mars is unique in that, I mean, I don't think you'll ever find someone who's a rebellious motorcycle racer with a dead twin brother that committed suicide, a crazy mother, and a rich (slightly cowardly/overprotective) father.

Heaven's Wedding Gown: I didn't enjoy it very much-- but it shows a lot about pursuing your own goals despite the pressures around you and to stay true to yourself.

A lot of the themes are redundant, but they're there, nonetheless. A really great one that I got a lot of morality out of (strangely enough) was Mr. Fighting (TFKC or GDTW). The main characters show a lot of ...well, the rules of life that you'll encounter upon. How do you deal when you've been thrown into a world that you're completely unused to.

[yuans7love]

I'm watching Bump Off Lover and it's giving me the chills every new episode Lol~ and i can't wait to watch the Hospital with Jerry<333

I thought Green Forest was really really good. It's un-cliche and has a very satisfying progress (kinda hard to explain) It's just GOOD.

And then there are your feel good dramas like ISWAK, DBY, and PTF etc.

Edited by yuans7love, 09 March 2006 - 03:42 AM.

[AvO]

I agree with fortu'N. It all depends on what you're looking for...Besides, all series have their moments of 'indepthness'.
More importantly though, If I may, I would like to clarify on behalf of MARS...

MARS is the paramount of exceptional quality.

First and foremost, it does not fit into the typical romantic-comedy genre of most Asian dramas. Moreover, Mars focuses on the practicality of life. It highlights the greatness and evilness in humanity. The themes being portrayed in Mars occur in reality, though it is not often detailed and publicized to its fullest extent.

MARS speaks in the language of love.

After being exposed to the works of Mars, I fell in love with love.
Maybe it's my mere imagination...Fantasy...Hope, perhaps...
But I would like to believe that the one perfection in life is ultimately...True Love.
And Mars exemplifies the closest and most genuine qualities of this ideal of perfection...Unconditional Love.

Call me idealistic...I call it inspired...And so much more.

Edited by AvO, 09 March 2006 - 05:34 AM.

[^_^tiffie^_^]

crazylinda100, on Mar 8 2006 6 40 PM, said:

Actually, I would NOT clasify Mars as just an enjoyable comedy drama, because it's NOT! If u pay more attention to the plot and what kind of messages it's trying to send through, u will understand that this drama is actually a very 'deep' and 'unique' drama that deals with everyday life. Some people just don't pay enough attention when they watch it, and some think it's just plain boring because there is hardly any comedy in it...but the people who actually take their time to study this drama and think carefully about the plot, these people are the ones who really understand the uniqueness of this drama, and how deep and touching it is.

But I agree that the majority of taiwan idol dramas these days lack the depth, most of them are just pointless comedy for your enjoyment...but I believe there are still a few dramas which has the sort of depth and meaningful story to tell, and if u study Mars mroe carefully, u will understand that it is one of those dramas.

yep i agree with you... mars really worth to watch.... it need time to really understand wat is the story about.....it is not one of those series that you are looking for just kissing scene or comedy....

j_halo7, on Mar 8 2006 6 58 PM, said:

one of the newest series Bump Off Lover is definately not a drama that lacks depth. u should give this series a try than. it will leave u wanting to know more bout the series. download the GTV version though cuz thats the full version.

i think dramas that lack depth and yet are popular is probably because everyone enjoys watching happy and lighthearted dramas. so these dramas have a wider fan base.

Bump Off Lover always leave me hanging there... each time wanna know wat will happen in the next Ep...

Edited by Dolphine0291, 09 March 2006 - 07:57 AM.

[동갑내기]

i think the reason most of the series are not like Deep.. as in like Mars' deep because make notice that these series are only one episode per week... and like they spread from 3-4 monthes.. if a series was too deep, audeince members that only watch it sometimes will have a hard time catching up with the plot.. also these idol series are usually on sunday night... i think producers want to make more happy series so the ppl that go to bed on sunday night go to sleep happy and wake up more energized for the weekday
lol

[poochie83]

tcwas, on Mar 8 2006 12 32 AM, said:

I haven't seen a good Taiwanese series that carries out depth nowadays. When talk about popular Taiwanese series, a few pop up in my mind such as Mars, Heaven's Wedding Gown, Meteor Garden, Prince's Frog, It started with a kiss, Summer Scent, etc. These series are somewhat enjoyable, yet they are more into the comedies, chick flick genre and I reckon they are very forgettable as well. Or did I just miss out some other good series or what?

I watched The Dumb Wife and I guessed that the only one that I feel that is good recently.

I definitely agree...i really enjoyed the taiwanese series back in the early 90s. They are more realistic to watch. Perhaps im just old and it is an "old soul" talking lol. I don't dig the whole japanese manga series deal at all. I attempted to watch them but they don't make sense at all. Totally unrealistic, plots doesn't make any sense, but then perhaps the point is to attract the younger crowd and it's all puppy love and dreaminess when you are young. Was once a teenager so i know what that means...perhaps i would have enjoyed this new wave in taiwanese series if they came out when i was young.

The mute bride is the one series that has come out which represent the old taiwanese genre but then again it is actually a China production. Im okay with the manga genre for the younger crowd but i wonder what the older crowd (like people in their mid 20s and early 30s) in taiwan watches? Perhaps that explains the appeal of korean series now a day in other country like Vietnam and China and such.

[~Sw33tz~]

how deep do u want series? i think that relali deep series are boring at times....
but i prefer light hearted ones with some meaning.... mars i think, as every1 else says, is a good one.

i liked mars, it was good, it had meaning, it had deep meanings.... while other series are there to take away the stress of life and make u more relaxed, though there are always meanings in every film/series...

iswak - pain of unreturned love
lavender (old) - pain of living a timed life, and the pains of falling in love with someone who is dying.
love contract - wat love does when one is unable to respond to anything, (vegetable) the pain that surrounds the patient.
tian wai fei xian (mainland) - the problems of fate and destiny, the stuff in life which u have to obey, the pain and the probelms associated with loving someone who u are not suppose to love.

they have meanings =D

[teena78]

crazylinda100, on Mar 17 2006 6 06 PM, said:

I've been watching so many idol dramas these days and I've come to notice that there are quite alot of dramas with meaningful points to express, but the majority of these dramas lack the depth...but that still doesn't mean these dramas are pointless...they still carry a message across, but the problem is that these messages are not clearly expressed because the entire drama is not serious enough...the less serious the drama is, the fader these messages are visible, hence some people might not even notice there is a message trying to be sent through because these people are more pre-occupied with the comedy and entertaining part of the drama; these dramas lack the depth, but it still doesn't mean that they are pointless...if u really take ur time in studying the story of the dramas u watch, you may notice that there is actually a point to the plot, but it may have not been very visible to the viewers.
An example of a very deep drama is Mars; it has such depth that it's produced with every important point being taken seriously with little comedy, hence many viewers find it boring because these people watch too much of those comedy dramas which lack the depth.
Some examples of dramas which lack the depth include DBY, RFTS etc...these dramas are more for comedy plessure, but still they both carry very important messages which teaches us very useful points in life; DBY teaches us the importance of family and forgiveness (especially Ah Meng's relationship with his mother). While I am quite aware that the majority of the people who have watched RFTS felt that it was a great disappointment...but I took time to study the plot to look for any possible messages it may had been trying to express, and I did find some...it actually has quite a few very good points about friendship and why it is an important part of our lives


I think why many people don't see any point in these dramas is possibly due to the lack of depth these dramas have, but if u take your time to study and observe the plot and characters more closely, usually u would tend to find some few good points which may have been hidden behind all those comedy jokes and entertainment...lack of depth does NOT necessarily mean 'pointless'

Well said. As usual I tend to agree with U.

Edited by teena78, 17 March 2006 - 04:09 PM.

[Lililasoh1]

Well I guess comedies are more popular than real heartbreaking stories.. but they're a few relatively new that aren't comedies, they're more deep as you like it.. "Green Forest, My Home", "Bump Off Lover", "Love Contract", "Mars"...can't come up with more right now...

[l1l_v]

Yeh, there are a lot of "no meaning" series anymore. I remember watching Mars and getting so hooked onto that, and right now someone gave me Mr.Fighting to watch [the one with the two members of 5566]
not really a meaningful series, other than the typical love scenario.

I also think Green Forest is quite meaningful too.

[PhuongNguyen]

Mars is the most dramatic series I've ever watch actually... It was sad... It's about a girl who was rape by her step father and now is scare of guy... I see in now way is that a comedy or chick flick.

[mzdeviL]

l1l_v, on Mar 18 2006 12 45 PM, said:

and right now someone gave me Mr.Fighting to watch [the one with the two members of 5566]
not really a meaningful series, other than the typical love scenario.

Actually, Mr. Fighting DOES have quite few important points...if u study the story and observe the characters more closely (especially the characters 'Yu Qiao' and 'Ying Qi'), this drama also teaches us the importance of family values and forgiveness; and that is evident with Yu Qiao and Ying Qi's relationship with their mother
That's how it goes when u watch those comedy dramas; if u don't pay alot of attention to the story, u would be clueless and questioning of whether it's pointless, or if it is worth watching and learning from But if u just take it as a comedy drama and just watch it for the sake of entertainment, then of course it would be difficult for people to really understand what the drama is trying to bring to the audience

Edited by crazylinda100, 18 March 2006 - 09:45 AM.

[sugarisallineed]

tcwas, on Mar 8 2006 1 32 AM, said:

I haven't seen a good Taiwanese series that carries out depth nowadays. When talk about popular Taiwanese series, a few pop up in my mind such as Mars, Heaven's Wedding Gown, Meteor Garden, Prince's Frog, It started with a kiss, Summer Scent, etc. These series are somewhat enjoyable, yet they are more into the comedies, chick flick genre and I reckon they are very forgettable as well. Or did I just miss out some other good series or what?

I watched The Dumb Wife and I guessed that the only one that I feel that is good recently.

there are some good series. i suggest that you try watching some korean dramas because they are the ones that mostly concentrate on the chemistry, romance, and love between the characters. they are the ones that make you cry even more. look some up in the korean entertainment forum. some korean dramas i recommend are full house, phoenix (bul-sae), and my girl. *and goong, which i'm currently watching* =]

Edited by miK3l0v3r43v3r, 31 May 2006 - 07:30 PM.

[kayman]

i'm probably part of the group of people that are alot more into the feel good lighthearted entertainment series with both funny and emotional parts. To me, thats what idol dramas are all about. It's all about throwing in some popular stars that everybody knows and loves and making a story for them to fall in love and get jealous and have some problems and just have a happy and sometimes sad/emotional time watching it. I thought the deep dramas that you guys are looking for are probably acted out by older people. Maybe you guys could give Taiwan Tornado a try if you havent yet . The only problem is that is hundreds and hundreds of episodes long. lol

I always wondered why there were so many people that like Mars and how come i never got absorbed into the series. I guess the problem is that i just dont really like to focus and concentrate deeply on the issues that lie outside the main story between zaizai and da S and i rather just watch something more feelgood and relaxing like WZBQW. But after reading so many posts on how many people liked Mars i should really finish the whole series instead of putting it off

Edited by kayman, 31 May 2006 - 04:19 AM.

[aznprime817]

fortu'N, on Mar 8 2006 10 13 PM, said:

I won't deny that a lot of tw series do lack in depth. But then again, the old saying "what you put into it, is what you get out" always rises to mind. You can get a lot of lessons from watching even simple lighthearted dramas. The way I look at is that it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for some depth, and some moral conflicts and struggles-- you'll find some.

Prince turn to Frog (WZBQW): Amnesia, the pain that one goes through when losing a loved one, seeing your most beloved love another, betrayal, anguish, how much it hurts when the person you love the most has completely forgotten about you. There's a lot to be said.

ISWAK: Loving some aimlessly, loyalty, betrayal, conflict, choosing between the 'good' road and the 'true' road.

Mars: like everyone else has said, I think that Mars is exceptionally deep, at least in the aspect that it's not 'typical.' PTF and ISWAK are somewhat 'normal.' Although yes, it is rare that your boyfriend will get amnesia and hate you, and that you will like someone and then move in with that person for 5 years... ? BUT Mars is unique in that, I mean, I don't think you'll ever find someone who's a rebellious motorcycle racer with a dead twin brother that committed suicide, a crazy mother, and a rich (slightly cowardly/overprotective) father.

Heaven's Wedding Gown: I didn't enjoy it very much-- but it shows a lot about pursuing your own goals despite the pressures around you and to stay true to yourself.

A lot of the themes are redundant, but they're there, nonetheless. A really great one that I got a lot of morality out of (strangely enough) was Mr. Fighting (TFKC or GDTW). The main characters show a lot of ...well, the rules of life that you'll encounter upon. How do you deal when you've been thrown into a world that you're completely unused to.

i agree w/ you on MARS, but if you include WZBQW, ISWAK, and Heaven's Wedding Gown, then all dramas can be agrued to have depth

[mzdeviL]

I do agree with u, WZBQW, ISWAK, HWG are NOT deep...at least they are NOT to the extent of 'Mars' or 'Love Contract'.

[nicknack]

kayman, on May 30 2006 8 13 PM, said:

i'm probably part of the group of people that are alot more into the feel good lighthearted entertainment series with both funny and emotional parts. To me, thats what idol dramas are all about. It's all about throwing in some popular stars that everybody knows and loves and making a story for them to fall in love and get jealous and have some problems and just have a happy and sometimes sad/emotional time watching it. I thought the deep dramas that you guys are looking for are probably acted out by older people. Maybe you guys could give Taiwan Tornado a try if you havent yet . The only problem is that is hundreds and hundreds of episodes long. lol

I always wondered why there were so many people that like Mars and how come i never got absorbed into the series. I guess the problem is that i just dont really like to focus and concentrate deeply on the issues that lie outside the main story between zaizai and da S and i rather just watch something more feelgood and relaxing like WZBQW. But after reading so many posts on how many people liked Mars i should really finish the whole series instead of putting it off

Hahaha...I couldn't agree with you more, seriously! I LOVE the "feel good lighthearted" idol dramas that are airing right now. I was just saying in a previous post that I've come to notice that I like the dramas that have those sound affects (like Prince Turned to Frog and Magicians of Love). To me anyway, they just make everything they do cuter and funnier, but then again, my friends have been saying I'm easily amused. I like to just relax and have a good time when I'm watching these dramas, although that's definitely not to say that deep dramas AREN'T enjoying or give me a good time. =P

In addition, I agree that even the idol dramas that have been airing DO have deep stories and scenes every now and then. Maybe I'm that big of a softie, but I've even cried a LOT in a couple of them....Like when

Spoiler

the uncle died in Heaven's Wedding Gown and HaiNuo was saying, "I think Uncle would've liked this cup".... and then in Prince Turned to Frog, ANY scene where either YunXi or TianYu were sad cuz JunHao/DangOu couldn't remember them is sad. Dude, that seriously sucks if you put yourself in that position and someone you REALLY care about just doesn't remember you AT ALL. And (just one more!) in Magicians of Love, when YaSi's grandmother finds out he was impersonating his dead twin because he didn't want to break the news to her he had died...

All these scenes, I seriously cried a LOT in. I feel they're really touching and emotional, but again, maybe I'm just THAT big of a softie. '

And I didn't finish watching Mars either (haha..funny how alike we are! ) I watched it with my parents on and off when it was airing on tv some time back, but I never finished the whole thing either. I mean, it was definitely a good story, but I dunno...guess it just didn't "pull me in" as much as others have...Although now I was looking at some posts about it and listening to the soundtrack, and it's making me wish I HAD watched the whole thing :duh Haha...

[Lozetvb]

I like the comedy and splendid series. They are so good because their loves are so deeply touched.

[Blue_angel]

yes yes tawian should make more series that make people go crazy lik me...so far two epsiode of silence is making me crazy i love it....
series that were extremly good were meteor garden, lacvender, devil beside you and silence that one im currenlt watching

[mzdeviL]

Those are light-hearted entertaining dramas, there's not enough depth in them.

However I've just started watching 'Silence' and ep 1 I thought was quite mind-catching, but I'll have to wait when it's finished before I judge that drama...however it does give me a feel of depth and meaning already

[ImBLaZeUrNoT]

well hmm ill say dat TW is almost comtroling the asia tv series they making alot of series and now they going a bit in the comedies way like the serie "frog" but its still good. but theres also alot alot of very good tw serie out there . 1 of them is " La Robe de mariage des cieux" or "The Legend of the double jade" and alot others these r not comedy but with a very good storyline and romantic series check them out ^^

[iolair]

Sure a lot of Taiwanese series are not "deep", but a lot are really good lighthearted entertainment (especially stuff like WZQW) with a dash of predictable but touching romance.

However, Bump Off Lover is well and truly a step in a very different direction. It's full of suspense, original and dark. I loved it.

[gems05]

THE OUTSIDERS (Fighting Fish) is not a light drama even though one of its main focus is the romance between Yu Hao and Yu Yan. I totally recommend both parts I and II to anyone who wants something serious/not too light-hearted. Yu Hao's friends Ah Qi and Hong Dou do add comedic relief but trust me, you'll need it because the drama deals with some pretty heavy-duty issues and the characters go through a lot of harships.

And MARS is one of the most psychologically in-tuned series that Taiwan's produced to date. My favorite series alongside WZBQW and ISWAK. Usually I prefer lighter dramas but MARS was able to attract my attention because of its sensitve and poignant dealings with its protagonists' inner strifes.

[gRaciee_88]

Indepth taiwanese dramas? I don't think theres been many indepth taiwanese dramas....but isn't that because the producers want the storyline to appeal to its viewers so they make it....fairy tale like? indepth like?

[ghast]

totally agreeing with that. there is really quite a lack of depth. MARS is very much different. i suppose it is the only drama i can really relate to the realistic world. drama series nowadays are too fairy-tale like. pretty unconvincing.

[keeyshane]

The Hospital/ White Tower is surely a deep series..just like MARS is..
isn't it obvious in its trailers?
director cai hopes to establish TW dramas through this, as they plan to simultaneously release it in Asia..
i really admire the director..



On Jerry (1)

http://img230.imageshack is not allowed anymore.us/img230/7664/ch...200606147hu.jpg
http://img230.imageshack is not allowed anymore.us/img230/2291/b6cb967a8fg.jpg
summarized by kkla of nbbbs.com

Cover
http://i78.photobuck...06/d9e84581.jpg

Preface
http://i78.photobuck...06/7cde6ded.jpg
Introduce The Hospital's story and provide description of the main characters
Su Yi Hua: Played by Yan Cheng Xu. 35 years old, Surgeon. He is confident and persistent with a warm and gentle personality. He is very outstanding in his profession and he values his relationship with his patients. However, he displays weaknesses when dealing with his love affairs.

Director Cai 1
http://i78.photobuck...06/1ad24fa4.jpg

Cai Yue Xun + Yu Xiao Wei = Two-person dream making team

In 2001, because of MG, Cai Yue Xun has made F4 to be popular idols, got the Golden Bell Best Director Award, started the trend of filming idol dramas, and opened the markets for TWese tv dramas in Asia. Although he had nonstop invitations at that time, his family put in all the resources to finish the drama "Friends" in 2003. Unfortunately, the ratings of "Friends" were not satisfactory although it had good responses from the critics, and his company ended up losing more than one million dollars.

In 2004, Cai Yue Xun's team started a new journey again, The Hospital. With more than 2 years of preparation, what kind of ideals do they want to bring to the audience in TW?

The 3rd Generation of Domineer

From the start of the preparation to the end of filming, it had been more than two years. The Hospital's budget had gone up from 1.5 millions per episode with the total amount of twenty something millions to 4 millions per episode with the total budget of about 80 millions. It has broken the record in the drama production history in TW.

This couple, Cai Yue Xun and Yu Xiao Wei, has obviously put in a lot of effort and money. However, they don't just want to produce high-rating and attention-seeking dramas, or to just talk about ideals. Actually, they want to find new possibilities for dramas from TW.

"Among the dramas in Asia, the first generation of domineer was Japan. The second generation is Korea. When Japan's are losing their popularity and Korea's are expanding their territories, if we persist, we may have the opportunity to be the third generation of domineer," analyzed by Yu Xiao Wei, "The third generation of domineer will be TW or Mainland China."

The success of MG provided the couple the conception/ideas and determination to explore the markets for the Chinese dramas. However, due to Friends' poor ratings, this couple once lost their faith. Luckily, during Friends' autograph sessions, they noticed that they were actually supported by a lot of audiences who were excluded from the ratings. When they were told "Thank you", this gave them encouragement again. The Hospital is the project which they continue their dream and one can easily see their effort everywhere, such as the script, the traning of the actors, prop, etc...

Edited by keeyshane, 08 June 2006 - 05:09 AM.

[mzdeviL]

I just very recently watched Bump of Lover 17 and thought it was great, I feel it falls into the 'in-depth' category of idol dramas

It talks about a pair of twins who although look identical, but with completely different personalities...because the younger sister's immence jealousy for her elder twin, she turns evil within. There are also alot of surprising twists and turns, and secrets that will shock u! There's hardly any comedy and it's quite mysterious and the story is very compelling. So I really recommend u give this one a go if u are into in-depth dramas
The only setback about this drama are the casts' performances; some of them were not good...but apart from that, everything is great! The storyline has a sense of originality and I don't think it's based on any manga, so it's 100% Taiwan-originated, which is great! I highly recommend it

[babyval22]

Hmm.... How about trying City of sky??? By Ken, Rainie, Li Bing Bing, Michelle Saram? That show is no typical comedy, light hearted plot! But i dunno whether it categorises under Taiwanese drama since it's a Taiwan-China production...

[wild_berry]

I agree with you ,now aday the Taiwanese serie,they dont have the depth any more. Such as Devil besides you ,Magicians of Love ....espeacially Tokyo Juliet they are kind a funky and attractive at the first ep but as long as i watch i found that there is no thing new or special happens .They r boring and forgetable.

Edited by wild_berry, 14 August 2006 - 07:06 PM.

[KeifuIsLove]

crazylinda100, on Mar 8 2006 5 40 AM, said:

Actually, I would NOT clasify Mars as just an enjoyable comedy drama, because it's NOT! If u pay more attention to the plot and what kind of messages it's trying to send through, u will understand that this drama is actually a very 'deep' and 'unique' drama that deals with everyday life. Some people just don't pay enough attention when they watch it, and some think it's just plain boring because there is hardly any comedy in it...but the people who actually take their time to study this drama and think carefully about the plot, these people are the ones who really understand the uniqueness of this drama, and how deep and touching it is.

But I agree that the majority of taiwan idol dramas these days lack the depth, most of them are just pointless comedy for your enjoyment...but I believe there are still a few dramas which has the sort of depth and meaningful story to tell, and if u study Mars mroe carefully, u will understand that it is one of those dramas.

Absolutely agreed. MARS is the epitome of popular deep drama series. No way it can be classified as a light hearted romantic comedy. Love Contract in my opinion is deeper than most romantic comedies. It has a lot near the end.

[Tiffiany_45]

I agree that most T-dramas are not traditionally deep. Esp if you watch dramas by Lin He Long, you're going to find that flashing camera work and over exaggerated acting are the over done concepts when it comes to T-dramas.

However, every once in a while you find the true gems, the ones that do a fantastic job of keeping in the tradition of crazy flashy T-dramas but also have a very deep and underlying message.

I find that most of Winnie's dramas follow that path. All of his dramas are character analysis and that tends to make his dramas have a slower pace than most, but it also achieves a consciousness and deeper level if you pay attention.

Director Cai is also a fantastic director who even writes some of his stuff. He is another director that you can find many levels and depth in his work. Even in Meteor Garden.

Dramas that aren't your run-of-the-mill dramas:
Mars, Bump Off Lover, Love Contract, The Rose, The Hospital, Black & White,


Dramas that keep to the T-drama tradition, but are deeper than what they appear:
Wish to See You Again, Queen's, Sweet Relationship, ISwaK/TKA, Fated to Love You

~Tiffiany~

Edited by Tiffiany_45, 10 March 2009 - 03:27 PM.

[LéPierce]

In my observation, it's not really lack of depth.

Taiwanese Idol Dramas. Keyword- IDOL.

What i have noticed was that most of them are made to make fans swoon over the IDOLS in that drama rather than creating a strong plot.