Ok..so this was an accidental find for me. I wanted to watch Crazy Rich Asians and netflix kept popping up this movie recommendation. After the 5th time I gave in and figured while I wait for my movie to arrive I will kill time with this movie....Boy, was I in for a surprise!! I was hooked but proper after the first episode. (I am in my 40s, professional, white woman...so not quite the target audience..?) By the time my original intended dvd arrived it could not have possibly lived up to Meteor Garden. Now I tell all my close friends, siblings, and of course hubby that they must watch the show" as Romeo and Juliet won't hold a candle to this story. (Btw, fantastic cast and talent/ chemistry.)
As for the last 2 episodes and the critics who don't get it. It's a dream/ brain chaos as Shancai is passing out. So do not take it literally! The question is how far back is reality and what part is her mind playing tricks on her. Keep in mind she is under considetable body stress (hunger, cold etc) and sleep deprivation. So I can't wait for season 2 to see if evil mom really gave in or not and what else the future holds for them. I tried to watch boys over flowers or whatever that show is called but found that one grotesque. (parodical mixed with sadistic in a very unnatural overacted way....)
Kuddos to NETFLIX for their interpretation!!! I absolutely love Meteor Garden. I am addicted, looking up "learn chinese" videos on youtube, looking up chinese number meanings (and names) on google etc. I NEED SEASON 2!!!!