No doubt the story is already well known, practically a must watch storyline for Japanese drama lovers. But, the story although goes by the same way like the original Hana Kimi, it is far stronger and more detailed. Events are better and it involves more about other characters. Hana Kimi remake isn't just contending with the predecessor on the comedy level, its trying to add complexity to relationships especially between Sano and Ashiya. There's definitely better romantic tension here. The relationship between Nanba and Senri(the guy that always tags along). I think bromance is accentuated here, not the sexual kind, the brother, man love. Like how girls can pour their hearts together, guys can too and this drama shows no restraint in that. It doesn't make it feel gay. The cast will never be like the first for sure. I loved the first cast but I think the second cast has lots of expectation. I think the main cast had better opportunities to show their potential due to the script and how events were laid. So it make up for how they cannot be compared to the first. Maeda as Ashiya cannot win Horikita but she can barely pull it off. Its the feminine charm on her that just doesn't make her feel like a guy hence unreal. Shohei as Nakatsu was good. He pulled off the feelings he had, being comical and desperate, I think he had better chance than Ikuta to show stuff. Sano was okay, more human, less robot and cold. Flying Get song gets addictive, I warn you! You'll find similar soundtracks from the first. Overall, Hana Kimi Remake did not disappoint. For me, it managed to be different than the first. Watch it without comparing and you'll find that it's a gem too. I think for a Japanese drama, the emotional value for a comedy, teenage drama here is good so if you rock Nakatsu x Ashiya or Sano x Ashiya, it won't disappoint. Enjoy :) (I'm sorry for such a loong review,haha)