La comparaison pourrait prêter à sourire, elle illustre pourtant mes pensées sur ce drama.
Une histoire telle que « The wolf » me fait souvent de l’oeil. Sur papier, elle avait des atouts aguichants. Je suis une accro des « childhood sweetheart ».
Mais aussi et surtout.
Des héros masculins froids, impassibles. Un personnage qui a l’allure d’un « vilain », d’un anti-héros. Je signe tout de suite ! Je pense notamment à "Love Better Than Immortality" avec Shangguan Qiu Yue.
Un garçon élevé par des loups et vivant une jolie amitié/romance avec la fille d’une noble famille. C’est du déjà vu, j’avoue pourtant aimé ce genre d’histoire. J’avais été un peu déçue par « My Mowgli Boy » et j’en attendais donc un peu beaucoup.
Un meurtre : en découle une accusation injuste envers le garçon loup qui sera le point de départ d’un malentendu entre eux. Malentendu qui durera 8 ans.
Le garçon loup grandit loin de son amie d’enfance et deviendra l’enfant adoptif de l’empereur Chu Kui en tant que Prince Bo. D’enfant loup au sourire lumineux et naif, notre héros deviendra un prince à l’apparence froide et cruelle. C’est ainsi que notre héroïne, Mai Zhai Xing retrouve son amour d’enfance.
La première partie du drama a été l’équivalent du grand huit en ce qui me concerne. Tout un panel d’émotion intense me faisant passer du sourire béat au battement de coeur désordonné.
Prince Bo.
Sans lui, je n’aurai pas tenu aussi longtemps.
La froideur de son attitude et ses mots mordants ne l’en rendaient que plus attachant. Sa solitude et la souffrance qu’il s’infligeait au nom de l’amour et de ses péchés ont été insoutenables. Je ne compte plus le nombre de fois, où je me devais de me retenir de hurler de frustration.
Comme dit plus haut, je souhaiterais voir des personnages de cette trempe un peu plus souvent.
Je n’aime pas les personnages incompris, les personnages portant sur leur épaule le poids des erreurs d’autrui. Il n’y a rien de plus horripilant qu’un personnage se sacrifiant encore et encore au nom de tout un tas de chose. J’avais vite abandonné « Everyone wants to meet you » ou « Irreplaceable love ». Dans « Everyone wants to meet you », le lien du personnage masculin avec sa mère, malsain selon mon ressenti, et son désir de vouloir la couvrir et de l'aider au risque de gâcher sa propre vie avait rendu très vite le drama pénible à suivre. Pire, dans "Irreplaceable Love", Li Luo Shu n'avait plus de vie propre, ne vivant que sous l'identité d'un autre pour le bien d'une femme qui n'était même pas sa mère....Des personnages torturés et qui subissent sans rechigner le regard des autres, se sacrifiant tout le long d'un drama n'est pas exactement ce qui me fait frémir. Je m’en détourne, souvent sans remords.
Mais ici, cela fut impossible.
Comment un personnage peut-il dégager autant de « badass attitude » tout en ayant l'aura d’un enfant au coeur brisé?
Comment un homme peut-il être auréolé de tant de sensualité tout en étant aussi simple et pur dans ses sentiments?
Diablement sexy et pourtant si « enfantin ». C’est ainsi que m’est apparu Prince Bo.
La force de ce bougre d’homme semble surnaturelle et impressionne, rendant les scènes d’action agréable à regarder, il vaut mieux éviter de se trouver confronter à ce type d'adversaire.
Mais ce qui m’a le plus surprise est l’intelligence de ses actions, de ses raisonnements et surtout, sa capacité à garder son sang froid en toute occasion. Toutes ces fois où les provocations de Zai Xing auraient pu le rendre en colère ou lui faire perdre sa belle contenance, il a su garder la tête froide. Il a été fort amusant de le voir railler sans aucune honte sa belle ou Ji Chong. Les réparties de Bo Wang furent un délicieux mélange de sarcasme et de tendresse implicite.
Sa relation avec Ma Zhai Xing est pétillante d’alchimie, du moins durant la première partie du drama. Chacun de ses gestes affole le coeur et ses regards remplis de tendresse nous font sourire béatement. Chacune de ses expressions agacées ou ses soupirs contraints avaient le don de nous faire rire (de faire fondre la soi- disant blasée que je suis...)
C’est avec impatience que j’attendais chacune de ses apparitions, de ses interactions avec Xing’er. En toute honnêté, je pense que Zhai Xing n’a pas vraiment mérité tout cet amour, tout ce sacrifice. Le couple que forme Bo Wang et Zhai Xing est adorable et d’une intensité sensuelle. Ce qui est finalement contradictoire avec mon ressenti. Avec ma pensée persistante que Xing’er n’aurait pas dû recevoir ce trop plein d’amour.
Je pense que cela est surtout dû au charisme incroyable de Bo Wang. La magnifique scène où Bo Wang, au village, sur le pont, écoutant le vent et tendant sa main pour attraper le sachet (jeté peu avant) devant les yeux de Xing’er résume bien le personnage. Le silence de ce moment a été parlant au-delà de simples mots. La magie de cet instant où Bo Wang ne fait plus qu’un avec la nature, le rendant à mes yeux bien plus émouvant que n’importe quel personnage de ce drama. Les nombreuses fois, où de loin, son ombre observant de loin sa belle est un crève coeur.
Ses actions n’ont pas fait l’unanimité dans la communauté de dramaland, certaines voix allant jusqu’à lui reprocher ses gestes un peu trop brutaux, voire à la limite de l’agression sexuelle (une seule scène si cela peut rassurer les puristes, ne serait-ce qu'un peu). Ce qui est discutable et je pense qu’en effet certaines scènes peuvent « choquer ». Une "agression" qui trouve son raisonnement dans ce désir de donner une image volontaire d'homme brutal et cruel, ne s'embarrassant pas de douceur si besoin. Chacun sera libre ou non de comprendre le geste de Bo Wang.
Bo Wang n’a jamais eu en tête de faire sciemment du mal à Xing’er. Bien au contraire, son seul et unique but étant de l’éloigner de lui afin d’éviter qu’elle ne soit en danger. Qui plus est, étant lui même en partie impliqué indirectement dans la mort de sa famille, ses remords et la douleur ressentis de ne pas avoir pu faire quoique ce soit pour elle, notre héros prend la décision de repousser sa belle, même si cela doit impliquer un comportement sauvage et diabolique.
Ces nombreuses fois, où son regard contredisait la dureté de ses mots...
Le maintien de sa décision l’honorait de par son obstination, jusqu’au bout, il essaiera tant bien que mal de passer aux yeux du monde comme un être sans coeur. Une phrase entendue dans « My fated Boy » (fantastique drama d’ailleurs) que prononce An An à l’encontre de son cousin s’applique à merveille à Bo Wang « Ce qui importe n’est pas ce que tu penses. Ce qui importe ce sont tes actions! ». Bo Wang prend donc le parti d’agir. Sa loyauté sans faille ne s'arrête d'ailleurs pas à Xing'er. Il est regrettable que durant la seconde partie le scénariste ait perdu de vue ce lien qui l'unissait à ses frères d'armes, à son jeune frère, et que cela ne devienne au final qu'un bonus, un détail sans importance.
Ce fut donc avec un réel agacement de voir Xing’er lui tourner le dos. Le meurtre de sa famille et la révélation de son identité aurait pu m’inciter à plus de tolérance et de compréhension. Que nenni ! Toute l’intensité et la douceur de leur échange durant la première partie a été violemment balayé dès la « pseudo » révélation du massacre. A ce tournant de l’histoire, je n’ai cessé de croire que quoiqu’il advienne, Zhai Xing irait férocement chercher la vérité. Tenterait de voir au-delà des apparences. Ignorerait les faux-semblants.
Comment-a-t-elle pu oublier ne serait-ce qu’une seconde ses propres agissements 8 ans auparavant? Etant la mieux placée pour deviner, comprendre les mensonges de Bo Wang, je n’ai pu qu’être profondément déçue par son manque de confiance envers lui. J'en suis venue à penser qu'elle avait envie d'y croire.
Xing’er est dépeinte comme une personne intelligente. Les premiers épisodes nous la montrant enquêtant sur le meurtre, nous incitaient à croire qu’elle en ferait de même 8 ans plus tard…La douleur d’apprendre la « vérité » sur le crime à l’encontre de sa famille est évidement justifiée. Sa colère a bien raison d’être. Mais une fois la souffrance « retombée »? le choc des révélations passé? Où est donc passé la supposée intelligence de Xing'er, son obstination à vouloir trouver la vérité? Quelle déception que cette vérité vienne d'un autre. Encore plus décevant fut la réaction de Xing'er (elle devrait prendre des cours auprès de Shi Yi, "One and only", sur ce point là). Je pense que cela n'a pas été à la hauteur des sentiments de Bo Wang.
C’est donc une seconde partie incompréhensible qui aura eu raison de mon intérêt pour ce drama. Il m'était difficile de voir Bo Wang s'enliser un peu plus dans ce quiproquo, se laisser insulter et mépriser par tous sans fléchir. Si je me suis entêtée à regarder jusqu'à la dernière minute, ce fut donc essentiellement pour lui et aussi un peu pour le trio de bras droit qui l'accompagnait ainsi que Yao Ji. Une fois n'est pas coutume, j'aurais souhaité voir Bo Wang finir avec la "vilaine" de l'histoire.
Je dois tout de même concéder que le couple Bo Wang et Xing'er fonctionne très bien. Ils sont adorables et leur interactions sont pétillantes. Chaque geste, chaque regard est rempli d'amour. Leur baisers et leurs étreintes sont sensuels et passionnés. Sincèrement, durant la première partie, j'avais le coeur tout en émoi à chacune de leur preuves d'affection. La scène où Bo Wang vient donner une petite leçon de tir à l'arc à Xing'er donne des papillons comme on aimerait en avoir plus souvent!
Yao Ji fut la surprise de ce drama. D'apparence mesquine et sournoise, le spectateur apprend progressivement à l'apprécier. Il est dommage qu'elle n'ait pas de passé ou d'histoire, nous en apprenons au final très peu sur elle. Ce peu là nous la rend attachante et sa loyauté envers Bo Wang me donnait envie, sincèrement, de la voir prendre une place plus importante. L'actrice Xin Zhi Lei (辛芷蕾) que j'avais découvert avec plaisir dans le génial "Joy Of Life", nous livre une "méchante" au charisme indéniable.
Li Qin (李沁) n'est pas une novice loin de là, sans parler de mon drama chouchou "Joy of Life" où elle a été la princesse au pilon de poulet, Wan'er, nous la retrouvons aussi dans "Fight Break Sphere" au côté de Leo Wu (吴磊) ou encore "Princess Agent". Son jeu est égal à ce que j'ai pu voir par le passé, elle est une bonne actrice sans avoir eu encore ce rôle qui la rendrait inoubliable. Elle est super jolie et joue très bien les personnages "cute" et joyeux. Mais je pense que la douleur et les personnages torturés ne sont pas un domaine qu'elle maitrise encore. Je changerai peut-être d'avis après avoir vu d'autres drama avec elle comme " The song of Glory".
Darren Weng (王大陸) !!!! Je vais éviter d'être hystérique ^^ et objective. Darren Weng n'a pas eu de rôle significatif dans dramaland. Il a beaucoup tourné dans les films comme "Fall in love at first kiss" (remake de l'incontournable "Itazura na Kiss") ou "Our Time". C'est donc peut-être son premier vrai grand rôle dans un drama si on ne compte pas "Ghost Blows Out the Light: Finding Hu Ba Yi" où il avait aussi le rôle principal.
Ici, Darren Weng nous délivre une interprétation magistrale de Bo Wang. Son jeu de regard parfois mi-figue mi-raisin, parfois désabusé, en passant par toute une palette nuancée de tendresse et de douleur nous fait fondre comme neige au soleil. A travers la stature imposante du prince ou ses rictus narquois, le spectateur voit l'enfant qu'il est resté, l'amoureux qu'il n'a jamais cessé d'être. Et c'est ce qui le rend attachant. Je n'ai jamais perdu de vue l'essence de ce qu'il était malgré ses actions et la dureté de ses paroles.
La rareté de ses sourires tranchait vigoureusement avec la violence et la sauvagerie de ses expressions. Sauvagerie qui n'était pas sans nous rappeler bien sur le loup. Mon seul regret? qu'il n'y ait pas plus de scènes avec les loups et la relation qu'il entretenait avec eux. Darren Weng a été fantastique et c'est avec impatience que j'attend son prochain rôle, quelqu'il soit.
Il y a bien sur d'autres personnages, comme Ji Chong. Sean Xiao (肖战) n'a pas ici son rôle le plus marquant. Selon moi, Ji Chong n'avait pas la carrure pour être le rival de Bo Wang. Je l'ai trouvé "trop". Gentil. Complaisant. Amoureux. Collant.
Bao Na était plus intéressante et ses sentiments progressifs envers Ji Chong étaient supra "kawai" et super agréable à suivre. Je trouve peut-être dommage de la faire adhérer totalement aux histoires de Xing'er sans donner une chance ne serait-ce que minime à Bo Wang de se justifier. Surtout au regard de son amour inconditionnel du début. Guo Shu Yao (郭書瑤) est elle aussi une actrice chevronnée. Le seul drama où je l'ai vu auparavant était "Attention Love", un drama taïwanais, où elle a joué l'inoubliable "Angelina" !!!
La production du drama est de qualité. Cela se ressent à travers la diversité des costumes qui représente bien la spécificité de chaque personnage : Bo Wang le loup, sombre et sobriété, Zhai Xing en papillon toute colorée et en légèreté, Ji Chong en aigle harnaché de brun et Bao Na en cheval remplie de fanfreluche clinquante. Ce qui n'est pas étonnant en soi, quand on sait que Chen Tong Xun (陈同勋) fut en charge des costumes. N'oublions pas qu'il s'est occupé des costumes de "Douluo Continent" ou le très populaire "The Untamed".
L'OST apporte cette touche musicale rendant le drama parfois encore plus épique et intense. La bande son est signée ici Jolin Tsai (蔡依林), une compositrice/chanteuse/actrice taïwanaise presque aussi populaire que Jay Chou (周杰倫).
Pour finir sur une petite touche de culture, j'ai appris durant le drama que certains personnages et faits étaient historiques. Notamment, Bo Wang (博王). De son vrai nom Zhu Youwen (朱友文) fut réellement un enfant adopté par l'Empereur Taizu et fut en conflit avec son frère ainé Zhu Yougui (朱友珪), étant tous deux prétendant au trône. Il fut d'ailleurs assassiné par ce dernier en 912 après l'assassinat de l'Empereur Taizu.
Une jolie romance avec un des héros les plus captivants qui soit (et sexy). Malgré une deuxième partie moins intéressante et une fin bien moins dramatique que je le craignais (je dois avouer que je regardais au même moment "One and Only"), je ne regrette pas d'avoir passé du temps (avec Bo wang!) sur 49 épisodes.
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Engaging story
I binged this show over a week. It was very watchable and the plot moved along relatively quickly without any fillers.With that said, there’s a number of scenes that don’t make sense. The story is about a boy raised in the wild by wolves that later become a prince, so there is a fantastical component in there in the male lead having wolf like capabilities. That part is expected and delightful to watch. But expect plot holes. I read that the script is based on a novel that had different characterization, so the novel probably made more sense.
The acting by the actors were all on point. I was especially impressed by the male lead, as he demonstrated both child like innocence and animal instinct ferocity quite effectively. The characters also all were reasonably developed throughout the story. All very easy on the eyes as well.
The music was great, and certain characters received their own little soundtrack intros when they appeared on the scene. I’ll be listening to the OST for a while after this viewing.
All in all, very enjoyable watch (and binge) if you are in the mood for some star crossed angsty romance. Just be sure to turn off your inner sense check. After all, this show underwent quite a bit of editing for the last three years. I’d argue the writing and production from three years ago are of a much better quality than now (2020) and it certainly shows when you compare this show with the web dramas that are so common now in Chinese dramaland.
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The actors and musics are awesome!
I really like all the musics in this show, they are really well created and sound very beautiful. The concept of this historical fiction is new, and I kinda like it. The fighting scenes were pretty cool and actors did a great job in acting. The actors are very good looking too (Especially Xiaozhan). Also, I heard that this drama was actually taken in highland. The scenes are pretty, and you can definitely see the beauty of nature in this drama. If you like Chinese drama and have nothing to do on your free time, I would recommend this drama, it’s pretty awesome! Hope you guys have a nice day!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
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Everything is great except the script
The script could have been improved. FL was supposedly smart and independent. I didn't like that she appeared needy, kinda obsessive with Lord Bo and stupid.Her family was massacred but she was only in shock and sad for what seemed like a few days. Once she was at the capital. her focus was on Lord Bo/Wolfie and was acting happily like nothing tragic just happened. It would have been better if FL was made aware of Lord Bo's bad (evil?) reputation before meeting him in person. Once they have met, she would have thought that he only resembles wolfie but he's definitely not him since wolfie was kind and not worth her time to "chase" and accept his maltreatment. Although she has said many times that what she wanted was to avenge her family but at Bo's Mansion, there weren't much scenes where FL has flashbacks with her family or her father. which would have shown her sadness and that her priority was to avenge her father. I would have liked Lord Bo to feel very guilty about it killing her family. It was only shown at the later part just before the war of Boxiang.
I really love the OST though. I think it helped people overlooked the lousy script.
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Good drama
Well i’ve watched this drama because of xiao zhan but eventually I must admit that after finishing some episodes I started to like every actors in this series. Xiao zhan is really a good actor, well actually all of the actors in this drama. They have strong chemistry and great action scenes. There is never a boring episode, once you started watching this drama you are already hooked. I’m excited to watch every episodes. This drama is really worth the wait. I highly recommend this drama to all. I hope we get to see all of Xiao Zhan’s drama after this. Good luck XZ may you always be blessed and I hope you get all the love you really deserved because you are very talented and kind. Ajah!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
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I liked how the story contained wolfs which makes the ML cooler than he already is. The beginning was okay and it had a steady pace which kept me interested. In my opinion the last 10-15 episodes were the best as those episodes showed the different strategies of the both kingdoms and the wits of the leads. Overall I liked the story. One thing that led me not to give the story a perfect 10 was how the misunderstandings between the ML and FL were dragged on for too long. I hated to the point that I skipped the scenes wherein the FL was happy whereas the ML was suffering. I did not have second lead syndrome as the FL did not deserve the second lead, he was too good for her. I did not even think the FL deserved the main lead. I liked Yao Ji (former enemy to friend) more for Lord Bo (Main lead) as she always believed in him. I find the FL a bit annoying towards the end.The acting was great and the OST was the bomb. The OST kind of gives a modern feel which I liked, it kind of resembles K-Drama OSTs.
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Wish it there were as many good dialogue as (hyper) stylish outfits.
Pros: The main female actress, two or three of the soundtracks, some really nice scenery.Cons: Everything else!
Some of the soundtracks were annoying or even off putting during some scenes (at least for me).
The main couple was only interesting when there was antagony between them. The other times the acting was way too sweet/cheesy/childish without any real feeling chemistry (probably the biggest "con" for me).
I honestly don't know why I wouldn't drop it.
The plot seemed to be an interesting set up... but it fizzled out and was kind of underwhelming - like so often.
I found many of the dialoges so pointles and emty - I wish I would have started to press fast forward sooner.
I didn`t particularly like ANY of the characters and the relationships/interactions. And a lot of the performances (with a few exceptions) didn't feel natural/genuine. But then I don`t think the characters where well written and the different sides of them didn't really fit together well... I assume some of the actors just tried to give the director that she wanted.
A lot of scenes where so unconvincing - it was like the writers/producers were allergic to logic or paying attention to detail. I don`t expect Wuxia dramas to stick to rules of physics or human biology... but they really aren't hiding their disregard for the latter. Thought I could hear my brain cells dying ...a bandage OVER armor... OUCH!
And I know they wanted the make the mail leads look "manly" but Darren Wang looked like he had to much tanner and Sean Xiao`s few facial hairs looked weird.
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Okay so, it's a journey, bear with me - take the good with you and leave the bad behind
I'll be quick and to the point in giving my opinions. I've already said almost everything I had to say in the comments bellow while watching the episodes. Here, I'll try and keep it short. (P.S - I lied so hard, sorry, arrest me ahahaha)*minnie tiny wheeny spoilers in this review, if you're really scared of knowing something or even hate hints, maybe don't read but if you aren't I'll be glad*
THE GOOD:
This is what kept me watching the series. The "support cast":
Ji Chong. This is how you make and develop a character, let him be the example, he's certainly mine. I can see how much care was put into creating the character of Ji Chong and how beautiful and graceful he turned out to be. Kudos to Xiao Zhan too, for breathing life to this wonderful role! I can't call him a second lead. He's one of the main leads, fully deserving of his place there. I wasn't a fan before because, well, I haven't watched him in anything before, and when he appered I was like "Hey, handsome" and then I was like "Okay, now it's starting to become interesting.." From the start he was shown as a free spirited, larger than life type of a person, then to the same guy but with different reasons and a good backstory and then revealing the honor, the grace, the beauty and the very realistic personal tragedy of someone experiencing unrequited love. *SPOILER* --> But after all he went through he managed to break free of the prison of love in dramas and walked out as the coolest dude there can be with some bomb-ass lines like "There are many things in life that are more important than romance and love affairs." DID I HEAR WHAT I JUST HEARD? A character from a romance drama is saying that? Excuse me while I stand up and clap for Ji Chong - the greatest man from a drama, The Coolest Man. PERIOD. FULL STOP. HATS OFF. "I let her go, wasn't I so cool for doing that?" "You're the coolest man I've ever seen."Who migh be saying that? hmmm ;) *end of SPOILER*
They wrote him to have so much spirit, sass, charm and in the same time maturity so that he can be more than just an aesthetic, if I may say so . Every time he showed up the pacing of the drama got faster, he was there both to bring action and to teach some characters and the audience lessons of humanity. He was also given a good backstory that gave reasons for his choices and showed clearly his personality. And they casted exactly the actor for him to better portray this specific type of a character that is not often seen in dramas because I think the free-spirited people are often written to not be mature and it was a very good artistic choice to bring these characteristics in the story of one person. It served the overall plot and the story of Ji Chong very well!
Another good: Yao Ji, Bao Na. Yao Ji (played by Xin Zhi Lei). Yao Ji had a pretty great character development. I can't tell you much but expect to have the feels and enjoy the amazing acting from Xin Zhi Lei!
Bao Na - started from the "bottom" and look where we are! I wish I could spill the tea and tell you more but I will spoil all the good things. Normally, I find the "cute"characters in cdramas to be plain annoying and girly and nowhere near cute at all. But here we are presented with the Cute itself and its loyal friends - the Ferocious, the Brave , the Kind and the Sassy. Just forget her first episodes, everyone wants to choke her there, it;s alright, it;s gonna pass xD. It's a good coming of age story that has still not come fully of age and maybe never will, hopefully, because I strongly believe people should guard their kids' spirit to the end of their life ^^
other good: The cinematography! The grand production! The aesthetics! The soundtrack! The editing! - this was a master editing work. It was technically freaking amazing! Well done to the operators and the editos, it's a work made on another scale and that's what draws you in from the start. Inner decor, outer shots...One time I was so amazed by a scene just because of how it looked and the accompanying track that I almost teared up and there was nothing much happening on the screen between actors then. It's just well done and I was pleasently suprised! I will cherish all the beautiful scenes in the future when I rewatch my favourite parts!
What I didn't like and thought was wack: The main two leads and their story which is theoretically the whole plot and if there weren't other characters with their own individual stories to keep things interesting, I would have dropped the series. Just, their thing...was not my thing. It was supposed to be epic, deeply felt, grand, to make me feel the power of love...but it was badly done. Bo Wang and Ma Zhai Xing had young love, infatuation, appreciaion..okay, maybe, but a relationship needs communication and growing up as people together as a result of the SHARED fortunes and misfortunes in life. They shared...almost nothing since the time they parted in the woods. They had a great and sweet friendship as the wolf boy and Xing'er and then they were different people that never got to to have a real conversation together. All they did they did in secret, their most important moments that shaped who they were happened while apart. For their ending and the emotions the screenwriters wanted to portray to be deserved, they needed better written characters and more time for a relationship to form. Theoretically, what they had should have been great but the time to show it was wasted for scenes I see in many other dramas *the cold man/warm woman trope* and when they parted the show became more interesting for me. Seeing as they didn't contribute so much to forming a relastic bond, in my opinion, I wish we focused more on the other characters at the times when the angst was too much. For Bo Wang - it would have been nice to see more of his personal story and path and not so much focus on their relationship (a strong word for that in most episodes). If we saw the transformation, his past and more interactions with the people that were important for Lord Bo I think he really would have grown on me. For Ma Zhai Xing - that girl was written with all logic thrown to the wind. She was promising in the beginning and then she was no one and without certain two characters (Ji Chong and the king of Jin)- she wouldn't even have a spec of character development. Even when she had a better moment it didn't lead to anything pretty good, she made a step forward and two backwards. She was basically a plot tool for the ML to use and tell his story that wasn't even told fully. If her character was written off and her role in the plot was given to circumstances and other people, everything would still be the same.
And I didn't like that Bo was not given a true inner fighting spirit. I really didn't! He was shown to be holding up just for the sake of another person who, ironically, he kept making miserable in certain episodes. That was so...demeaning and senseless - for her and for him. It's a story of an innocent person coming under the control of the wicked and presumably fighting his way out while keeping his humanity but all he ever wanted was to die. For sure, a peron's life has a greater meaning than that. What's te point to show such a journey of someone enduring all this and finding friends and ways to stand against his captor if the only "coping" mechanism he got from all these years is the memory of a girl and mind you when he meets the girl he is is being a total jerk to her. But it should be "okay" because he later reveals he never hated her, he did everything in the name of love and the audience should appreciate his inner struggles even though we didn't really see what he went through and he was not given good inner convinctions. He could've told a good story about humanity and the battle to keep it - if he thinks such a battle is a lost cause, then, why? It should've been shown and developed. The drama took the "romance" route but I don't think it was well done, it was a poor excuse for a reason to live and die. It;s 2020 - characters should have more to them than romantic fantasies, I prefer them to have their own life and then their relatioships with other people will be so much more beautiful and meaningful.
OVERALL: I stayed for the not so main characters that I think were favourites of the screenwriters. They were really given the time to grow and the actors the freedom to show their journey and emotions. For me, they were the true main leads that lead the show from a certain point in the plot. That was new to me and I enjoyed it so much! I like to see lively people that can take you on a ride of emotions and teach good lessons. When I watch a drama I look for the shining ones in it, for the people with that X factor in them, the different and the original that make your time worthy. My rating of 9 is 80% because of Ji Chong and other good characters and 20% because of the cinematography. I have never given such a high rating for a drama with so many things that weren;t to my taste and I found boring...but here I am, appreciating the other things that were done so well! Watch and see for yourself how you feel about the show. It;s 50/50 - there are many annoying cliches and also a lot of originality. Take the good with you and leave the bad behind if you think like me.
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Just Beautiful
There's already great detailed reviews so mine will be short. I finished 10 episodes subbed and watched rest raw because I was so mesmerized by the story. For me, I love the development of the story where we are introduced to the most precious innocent relationship of the princess and wolf boy. Their scenes on the mountain, happy go free discovery of nature, self, and adoration of friendship is just memorizing. She teaches him about love of a human to human and when he innocently puts his head on her shoulder to mimic love and she pats his head for approval, it's like my heart stopped for such a capture. The separation was to save him and that has you tearing up. Reunification was bittersweet and then from there a rollercoaster of highs and lows. All within the first ten episodes you will experience so much emotions that you won't turn away even if you wanted to; it's an incredibly moving story. The connection to our emotions is what keeps us glued in. I have never experienced anything like it so quickly with a story that though i have caught ending results, I didn't care. (I usually shut down if I know something beforehand). EVERYONE did such a remarkable job (particularly leads) I wanna thank them personally for powerfully moving me. I loved it and you will too. I've seen lots of excellent c-dramas of 2020. This one would sit with two others on top. Please watch and give this production your two thumbs up!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
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This is not the worst but not really good either
I wanted to watch this for 2 reasons. I really liked the trailer and wanted to support one of the actors. To be honest because of the trailer I was expecting a lot more fantasy elements what it has. The story starts pretty interestingly, the base of it has a lot of potential. However the journey between the start and end point is very messy. The plot is very stretched out and boring in a big portion of the drama. In other places it is very hazy and rushed with no explanations. The support characters tend to be more interesting and lovable than the 2 main characters. There are a couple of very nice scenes also, when you wonder if it's the same drama what you were watching 5 minutes ago. The ending is really obvious from pretty early on wich makes the whole drama feel like it's way too long for the plot. Kind of like a twisted and bad remake of Romeo and Juliet. Honestly the plot doesn't make it worth to watch it but other things kinda make it up for it.Characters
Prince Bo: Very interesting, two sided character used in a really bad way. Overall he is not bad, has very human traits but his character is romanticizing of being rude and using brutal actions towards your loved ones. He is also intelligent and can be kindhearted. His relationship with his brothers and the Night Fury makes him likable.
Ma Zhai Xing: A hot mess, the most frustrating female character ever. One minute she is a genius, independent and strong and than suddenly she is a crying kindergartner who naively using everyone who helps her. The only character development she has is actually in the last episode. I don't know what the writers thought when they created her.
Ji Chong: One of the good ones. Really free spirited, playful and intelligent. A little bit arrogant. He was really relatable for me. A little bit unrealistically kind, putting others before himself. The thing that made him the most human was his argument with Bao Na.
Yao Ji: One of the most interesting one, with not enough screen time. She wasn't used for her potential but had a great character development. I really wanted to see more of her.
Bao Na: A spoiled and immature princess starting pretty badly and growing on you. She has some smaller improvements during the story. She is more like a true support character with good intentions and flaws.
Night Fury: The gems of this drama. They are not likable at the start but growing on you quickly. I can't even understand how are they this well written when the main characters are so messy.
Ma Jing: I have to mention her because I feel bad for her. She is created to bring comical relief to the drama. It would be okay if she wouldn't be the stereotypical chubby girl. Really? That's the best? The chubby girl talking about eating and having a crush on a handsome guy. She was lovable but this solution is disappointing.
The villains are so boring I don't even want to write about them.
Personal favorites: Ji Chong, Wen Yan, Ma Jing, 4th prince, chief eunuch of jin
Personal ships: Prince Bo and Yao Ji, Ji Chong and Bao Na, Wen Yan and Ma Jing, Mo Xiao and Hai Die
Production
One of the things that makes this drama worth to watch is the production value. The cinematography is gorgeous, one of the most beautiful I ever seen. There are no good description for it. Amazing location choices witch makes you want to travel there. The music is very good, the opening song is very unusual but I liked it a lot. The editing is also good, the filters used make some of the colors too bright but overall it isn't too bothering. I have mixed feelings of the cg however. The backgrounds are okay not the best not the worst. However the animals are quite bad for excepting Zhui Ri. The bird looking so realistic that I doubting it is cg. The props in some places look kind of fake, mostly hair pieces and bowles. The make-up is good however on close ups fake eyelashes and circle lenses are standing out way too much. The fake blood seemed super realistic in some places, but the color was too bright and foundation looked orange sometimes probably because of the filters used. The wigs are often fake looking and the actors real hair peaking out. I wasn't fond of the clothes. The fabric choices were too modern for the era. Many plastic looking, too shiny outfits even the armors can look unrealistic. However some of the female clothes are super nice. Unfortunately the drama was dubbed with voice actors. Most of the voices fitted to the characters but Ma Zhai Xing's and Ji Chong's voices can be annoying.
Acting
Very impressive acting work given the the story material. The acting is the other thing that makes it up for the story. I think everybody did a good job so I can only praise them.
Darren Wang: First time watching his drama and I am really impressed. His execution of emotions through his expressions is truly amazing. I am definitely keeping an eye out for his future works.
Li Qin: Her character was so annoying I could barely pay attention for her acting. I think she did a good job but I don't want to judge her by the role she was playing. I am looking into BTS scenes for more content. Currently watching an other drama with her in order to get to know her acting better.
Xiao Zhan: It is noticeable he had less acting experience when this was filmed but did a really good job regardless.
I only recommend this drama if you are looking for beautiful filming locations, good music and you are fan of any of the actors or actresses. Otherwise you will find this drama boring pretty quickly. It would be nice if the rating would reflect the value of this drama but many people rating their favorite actor/actress. Don't have high expectations and you might even enjoy this.
Apologies for any grammar or spelling mistakes, english is my second language :)
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Fast pace Storyline
Finished this in 4 days...Literally swollen eyes daily...
One of my top drama for 2020.
I must say although this was filmed 3 yrs ago, it did not look much outdated.
I also did not read preview and went to watch. I believed watchin with open heart rather than knowing ending.
Cinematography
Because they went to Shangri la for filming. Most are real scenery.Backdrops are wild and amazing... sweeping majestic scenes
Lots of real ground for battle scene. Forest suitable for wolf scene.
There is very little cg. Except for the animals...
Kudos to actors able to act with cg on point... eg watching how the butterfly flies, eyes following it...
Fightin i would say its,better in the first few episodes.
Esp,when for wolf prince and in battles.
Costumes
Very heavy armour for ML. But its menacing and he carries the look well, though it seems a size bigger. Not sure if cos its too cold. I like his hair! Punk! Very apt for this show.
Second ML as a prince should wear better and more luxurious costumes i feel... his wanderer look is better.
FL have good range of costumes i feel so its not boring.
Villian lady have ridiculous headpiece i feel. As with those silly makeup on some attendants.
The kings and army are also well dressed.
Actors
FL is veteran actress. So very impressed with her crying scenes. Although at 30 she can act and looks like a young girl.
She also seems too tired i feel as can see her eyebags even with makeup. Her character supposed to be strong and clever. In several episodes, the script portrays her as childish. But i like that she is kind and forge lots of friendship. She carries her amour well.
ML is also veteran actor. He is a dude who can smirk and still looks good. Rarely have such actors who has natural smirk, shows true emotions and not caring if handsome on screen. Many scenes with raw angry emotions across his face. So many smirks that score points. His cold heart black face and trusting wolf face also on point. He is made for this character. He lets off his rage face 100% in show. Ugly but cool. Suffering on the inside, still look cool. Very Man.
Second ML is quite cool. He carries the look of wanderer better than a prince. His acting when fighting with ML is good. Very natural at laughing. Though i don understand why still need to keep a stubble when became a prince. He has his puppy eyes always looking at FL, boost his lovelorn look.
Khitan princess was quite refreshing.
Acting very realistic to spoilt princess.
Pouting lips and all
Story
Not based on book. So im impressed by the the flow... it is quick and makes sense. I hardly do marathons. The storyline helps. Very sad, both characters made for each other and sacrifice for each other. Went through alot yet still cannot be together. I did not expect so much raw emotions, almost crying every other episode.
script writing is good, at the heartless part of the wolf prince. He suffering inside so much. Really makes one heart pain for him. Many heartfelt scenes.
I usually drop dramas that dont gel and make sense.
I believed the editing falls short. Some scenes were deleted that left me abit confused as it fast forwards the show. Esp towards FL getting poisoned.
There.are.some flashbacks which i think can reduce.
Would love more involvement of the wolves.
OST is amazing as per all other reviews. It truly helps lift the show.
Overall good job by producers, team and actors. Finally made it to screen after 3 yrs and its well done.
Will rewatch for WoLf's smirk.
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