There was a point in my life when I was so fixated on Taiwanese dramas.
Lucky for the new generation of Asian drama fans, there are a lot of platforms where you can watch these days. Back then, we can only rely on YouTube and other illegal online streaming sites and DVDs, usually with poor English subtitles.
My introduction to overseas dramas actually is because of Meteor Garden, which swept my country when it was introduced by the local network. I stopped watching dramas from Taiwan because of the difficulties in watching them online. It was also at that time, that I shifted my immersion to K-Dramas.
From my drama vault written circa 2010, I am sharing this feature in case you are on a project to watch series from Taiwan.
*Originally written in June 2010
Meteor Garden (2001)
All adaptations of ‘Hana Yori Dango’ were pretty much received well. But, Meteor Garden swept Asia with its popularity fever in early 2000. The Taiwan version takes the five main characters in a university setting. Parading the classic rich-boy-poor-girl story, the series deserves a slot if there is an Asian Drama hall-of-fame list.
- CAST: Jerry Yan | Barbie Hsu | Vic Zhou | Vanness Wu | Ken Chu
- HIGHLIGHTS: F4 | Engrossing Love Pairing | Amusing Friendship Story
It Started with a Kiss and They Kiss Again (2005 & 2007)
Another endearing idol drama derived from Japanese shoujo manga stars Ariel Lin and Joe Cheng. The series revolves around a young woman pursuing a one-sided love. Later, her unrequited love gets reciprocated. The Taiwan TV adaptation of Mischievous Kiss whirls stories from when the love pairing was in high school and college. It carries on to how they build their careers while working on their married life.
- CAST: Ariel Lin | Joe Cheng | Jiro Wang | Danson Tang | Ahn Hsu
- HIGHLIGHTS: Endearing Love Pairing | Relatable Love Narrative Development
Autumn’s Concerto (2009)
Reminiscent of those romance novels you might have chanced upon in your youth, Autumn’s Concerto is a keeper. Superb directing and acting make the typical amnesia trope bearable. It follows the story of a poor but phenomenal woman who was separated from her rich boyfriend.
Unfortunately, the boyfriend meets an accident and lost his memories not knowing that he impregnated his beloved. Years later, they meet again not knowing they had a child with whom he gets attached to. Upon learning of the truth withheld by his mother, he cancels his supposed marriage to be with his ex-girlfriend, whom he thought to have betrayed him.
- CAST: Vanness Wu | Ady An
- HIGHLIGHTS: Engaging Love Tale | Cliche Plot But Charming Storytelling
My Lucky Star (2007)
Groovy, high spirited, and lingering. It takes a few episodes to get hooked, but you’ll definitely be. Staged in the jewelry business setting, a con-woman meets her match when she meets a rich man from a jewelry empire. They eventually fall in love, but a series of misunderstandings caused their relationship to fall apart.
After a few years, they meet again and old feelings resurface. Conflicts still arise challenging them if they will give up on love again.
- CAST: Jimmy Lin | Yoo Ha Na
- HIGHLIGHTS: Love Pairing You Can’t Help But Root For |
Smiling Pasta (2006)
Taking a perky route, a woman is put on a love curse and is determined to break it. She stumbles on a runaway celebrity after another failed relationship. But, she finds her ever-after when she least expected it.
- CAST: Cyndi Wang | Nicholas Teo
- HIGHLIGHTS: Perky Vibe | Addicting Rom-Com
Romantic Princess (2007)
Nothing spectacular but good to pick up for its light mood. Wu Chun in his prince-like addictive state will surely enchant you with its fairytale-ish story.
- CAST: Angela Chang | Wu Chun
- HIGHLIGHTS: Fetching Princess Story | Sweet Bickering Moments
Easy Fortune Happy Life (2009)
It is a nice, sweet drama as expected for Chen Qiao En. Threading on I-have-to-make-you-fall-for-me-to-keep-my-inheritance in place storyline, the male lead falls for a kind-hearted woman.
- CAST: Lian Cheng Long | Chen Qiao En
- HIGHLIGHTS: Tried and Tested RomCom Element
Hana Kimi (2006)
Joining the roster of manga-adapted series, Hana Kim revolves on the story of a female-pretending-male student who entered a school in a quest to be closer to her crush. It features a fast-paced storyline with the energetic and cute cast.
- CAST: Ella Chen | Wu Chun | Jiro Wang
- HIGHLIGHTS: Eye-candy Male Cast
Mars (2004)
This youth melodrama follows a sentimental yet absorbing mood. The kind of series where the tears are worth it. The alternate ending Meteor Garden fans wished for its second alternate love pairing. In a time when sensitive topics are not usually tackled in dramas, MARS bravely broke the trend.
- CAST: Barbie Hsu | Vic Zhou
- HIGHLIGHTS: Impressive Portrayals | Brave Tackling Of Societal Issues
Love Keeps Going (2011)
This darling runs only 12 episodes. A bit shaky in the beginning, but when the relationship was established it was charmingly sweet. Perfect for saccharine drama cravers.
- CAST: Cyndi Wang | Mike He
- HIGHLIGHTS: Sprightly Mood | Captivating Love Story
Tokyo Juliet (2006)
Tamed vengeance-driven story, Tokyo Juliet is a slow burn treat decently executed and soundly portrayed. Traversing the story of a woman whose young dreams were stolen because of her being inexperience and powerlessness. Driven to become more prominent so she can return the pain from what was taken from her, she strives diligently to become a designer.
Amidst the challenges thrown by the villain, who turns out to be her love interest’s father, she proves that she can reach her dream while having an unwavering love with her lover.
- CAST: Ariel Chen | Wu Chun
- HIGHLIGHTS: Excellent Heroine Depiction
Fated To Love You/You’re My Destiny (2008)
Arguably, one of the most memorable of Chen Qiao En. One night of stupor leads to an unexpected connection between a regular office girl and a rich man. That one-night results in unexpected pregnancy cementing the chance encounter between them.
Forced to marriage, their relationship faces problems owing to third parties and jumping to wrong conclusions. But that one fated encounter left an imprint that won’t go away with them. Leading to a love that is rightfully theirs.
- CAST: Joe Chen | Ethan Juan
- HIGHLIGHTS: Endearing Love Realization
- Streamed on Netflix
Down With Love (2010)
Honestly typical, but if you are a Jerry Yan fan, it is always a sweet treat. Facing financial problems, the female lead takes on a nanny job to siblings notorious for washing away their previous caretakers.
Because the uncle of the siblings does not want to be hassled by his lethal charms affecting the female species, she pretends as a lesbian to secure the job. However, when love is meant to happen, they are faced with the predicament to either deny or accept it.
- CAST: Jerry Yan | Ella Chen
- Highlights: Perky and Upbeat Narrative | Engrossing Love Story
Photo Credits: CTV | TTV | SETTV | GTV
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