MARS on AZN (TW 2004) voted Best Drama

I started watching this Taiwanese drama 战神MARS; pinyin: Zhànshén MARS) at my mom's urging on Jan 1 (no less this year). Plus it started when I had a sprained ankle but unfortunately for me it is only on M and T 7-8pm EST or repeats 10:30-11:30pm on AZN. It gives me good practice listening to Mandarin and I appreciate the English and traditional Chinese character subs.

Gosh the amount of mangas turned into dramas. I found out from Yi Chiu that this manga written by Fuyumi Suryo was out when she was in high school and now seeing it in live action is interesting. In real life I am told that Vic Chou and Barbie Hsu (the leads) are seriously dating. Plus the duet song is sung by them as well for the closing theme "Let Me Love You" (rang wo ai ni). I do like the music and there is an interesting array of emotions and dark themes not typically found in a Korean drama which made this drama a breathe of fresh air for me.

T V D R A M A
(a good review below by JULIENREI)
http://www.spcnet.tv/reviews/review.php?rID=1088
Mars*Reviewed by julienrei
Mars, the God of War -
After the incredible "Meteor Garden" (a must-watch for its beautiful stylistic direction, outrageous sense of humor, and pretty decent ensemble acting), the other Taiwanese shows that I watched generally proved disappointing, until MARS came along!
MARS is phenomenal. This show scores on the excellent storyline, fantastic soundtrack, and the gentle and sensitive directing style. The quality of the script astounded me; upon reflection, it shouldn't be surprising, actually, since this was adapted from one of the top-selling manga series (of the same name) in Japan.

This is not just any fluffy teenage romance series. It is sweet and riveting simply because the script handles certain darker themes - such as suicide, loss, and one's internal demons - sensitively and intelligently. It is about two different individuals who have to learn to face their past, and to trust in each other. Although the overall tone of the series is an optimistic one, it is also a realistic one, which makes the series all the more believable.

Plot (*spoilers ahead!*):

With his tousled shoulder-length hair and trademark red jacket, Chen Ling (Zai Zai) is the quintessential laughing, careless, reckless young rebel who is adored by the female population in his university. In contrast, Qiluo (Barbie Hsu) is a quiet, timid artist who shuns contact with any of her fellow students, especially the male students. It is even rumored that she has a fear of men. One cool spring day, the two meet by chance in a park - and are drawn further together by Qiluo's sketch of a mother and her child. Ling, whose mother died when he was very young, is deeply touched by this sketch; Qiluo herself, though still wary of the unpredictable Ling, appreciates that for the first time, someone understands her art.

"I used to hate to go to school. Every morning, before leaving the house, I would say a little prayer: that no one would talk to me that day. But now...now I look forward to going there." - Qiluo to Ling

The two sense a connection, which they first try to deny, and then, accept. But each person has their own personal struggles with which to come to terms. Ling is haunted by his past - the tragic loss of his twin brother and the murky memories of his mother - as well as his tempestuous relationship with his father. Qiluo was sexually abused when she was younger, and fears intimacy. When the figures from Ling's past turn up and he is forced to resolve his nightmares, Qiluo stands by him; when Ling discovers Qiluo's fears, he stands by her.

"It's too late now. No matter how much I cry, it won't change anything...Sheng will never come back. I will never hear his voice again. Everything's too late...: - Ling, crying.

But there is a third figure in that of Fan Tong Dao (An Jun Can), a first-year student, who worships the reckless Ling. Tong Dao was released from a mental clinic (the same place Ling had gone to for treatment after his twin's death) and nurses an unhealthy obsession for Ling, whom he believes understands the same desire to kill, and to watch people suffer. Furious that Qiluo appears to be taming the wilder side of Ling's character, Tong Dao attempts to kill her; later, enraged by Ling's pity, he tries to destroy Ling.

"I told you - if I lose Qiluo, I will not let you off. No matter how long it takes, no matter what I have to do, I will hunt you down, and I will take revenge." - Ling to Tong Dao
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(http://www.tokyojupiter.com/ --source)
A live-action drama adaptation of MARS started airing in Taiwan in 2004.
From YesAsia.com: An adaptation of the popular Japanese manga MARS, this television series is directed by the acclaimed Cai Yue Xun. Vic plays two characters, twin brothers with an explosive, dark, and tragic passion. Zero is reckless, brutal and passionate, losing himself in the thrilling speed of motorcycles. On the other hand, Saint is quiet and reserved, lives in satisfaction and peace, and expresses his passion in drawing. They are a pair of loving brothers until the arrival of Saori, and when Saint cannot accept the fact that Saori loves Zero, he commits suicide. Zero is destroyed by the guilt of Saint's death, and ends up in a mental instituation for two years...until the arrival of Kira (Barbie Xu), who manages to reach the deepest wounds buried within Zero. Kira suffers from autism after a traumatic event from her childhood; can she discover the most beautiful thing in the world - love - again?

MARS features an impressive production, and the thrilling motorcycle races were shot on location in Japan! Both Vic and Barbie received rave reviews for their performances, and with other young stars in support, MARS is undoubtedly one of the best Taiwanese television shows of 2004!

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_(TV_series) source
Themes
Mars explores rather dark and morbid issues, discusses social taboos such as mental illness, sexual harassment, suicide, and murder but also maintains an underlying sense of hope.
Mental Illness - Ling's Mom, Ling himself and Tong Dao had to seek help from the same mental institution. Somehow only Ling had managed to walk out of his destructive mental state while the other two allowed themselves to sink deeper into despair and hopelessness.
Sexual harassment - This idol drama detached itself from other Taiwan idol dramas by exploring various sexual issues in a sensitive and delicate manner.

Suicide - Ling's Mom and Sheng chose suicide instead of facing up to reality. This drama further explores the state of the loved ones who were left behind, and how they deal with the grief of loss and recover from the heartaches of abandonment.

Murder - Viewed as a weapon to fulfill ones' desire. Ling's Mom wanted to kill Ling and Sheng out of love and possesiveness to protect them. Tong Dao murdered Qing Mu for complex reasons; revenge, freedom, boredom. Ling wanted to murder in LA for revenge and to protect Sheng. Even Qi Luo spoke about murdering her stepfather over and over again in her nightmares, so that the person she hated would disappear from the world.

Hope - The difference between destruction and rebuilding; between Ling and Sheng; Qi Luo and Tong Dao. A significant milestone in the series reflecting this sense of hope is when Qi Luo contemplates how the huge sandcastle they had built will eventually be destroyed. Ling reassures her that they will rebuild the sandcastle together, no matter how many times it takes. They can't prevent destructive and tragic events from happening in their lives, but together, with hope, they can pick themselves up and rebuild their lives.