With all the hype surrounding this drama, I went into it with high expectations and the hope that it would be a great introduction to jdramas. But while it does have a lot of tropes and cliches that will segue into other jdramas, it is in the worst way possible - Hana Yori Dango remains to this day, without a doubt, the most terrible drama I have ever seen. This drama is only 9 episodes long, but it took me weeks to finish because of its plodding, contrived plot and character 180s. For a story centered around character growth, especially for the male lead, he undergoes very little actual growth and has even fewer redeeming qualities. His "sympathetic" backstory does little to excuse his controlling, arrogant, and childish personality. He consistently behaves immaturely and violently - [tw] he even sends goonies out to rape the female lead when she calls him out for bullying. He is never confronted about these incidents and does not show any remorse for them. His feelings for her and his frankly pathetic behavior towards her in response are examples of what not to look for in a partner. The female lead, Makino, herself is a solid character, and none of the other F4 are as bad as their leader. But they are not enough to save this train wreck of a drama.