The Wolf (2020)

The romance of a wolf boy and a princess

I decided to do a review about this drama because when I finished it a couple of days ago, I got a mix of feelings, although it wasn't such an epic show as I imagined, it left me with a lot to say, and I didn't want to keep it just to myself So let's talk!
This review will be divided into three parts plus my personal opinion about the drama, for a better view of the show (in my humble opinion)
*If it contains some mistakes I apologize since I am not very fluent in English,

STORY:
I must say that I came to know The Wolf because of Xiao Zhan (0 surprises, I know) but what made me want to watch was the show itself, like, guys, did you see that trailer? It was so amazing, and that music in English (Never by Vivien Loh) was such a cherry on the top of the cake that I got very hyped even knowing that there wasn't any news about when would finally air.
The story follows a boy raised by the wolves who later is adopted by the King, becoming Lord Bo, and his childhood sweetheart, Ma Zhaixing, daughter of a government official. They meet again later, but she doesn't know that her precious "wolf boy" is involved in her family's murderer. The two share a special bond and throughout the story, we see the hurdles and ups and downs of their relationship.
The story itself is nothing new, aside from the male lead's background, is basically about revenge and misunderstandings, with the male lead pushing away his beloved for her sake preventing his enemies to use her as his weakness. Actually, I was expecting something different, but even so, I enjoyed it.
It was well writing with almost any holes in the storyline, but I can't say the same for the last couple of episodes, most probably it's because of the editing for the drama to fit in the 49 episodes (I was looking in the cast list and I can say that they cut a lot and in some moments you can notice this) so after a point, the story seems to become rushed, there are support characters that just come and go and you don't know what happened to them, the final episodes just focus on the main couple and forget about the other characters, and besides this, you start to wait for an explanation about what is happening with Lord Bo and what Zhaixing did and the show ends without explaining these things (or at least I didn't get it).
The good thing is that it is not an open ending and they tell you what happened with most of the characters, including the side ones, which I wasn't expecting btw. Some people might not like the ending, but I liked it. It can be heartbroken but at the same time is a proper ending if you see the bigger picture (I'm trying so hard not to spoil it)
CHARACTERS:
Overall, all of them are charismatic and well-acted, with great chemistry between the leads. Lord Bo is such a multidimensional character and Darren Wang's performance was amazing; he brought him to life, be he the young and naive wolf boy or the vicious Lord Bo. Li Qin is the same, you can really feel her happiness and pain in the scenes, and her transformation and growth were smoothly made.
I like the relation between the first and second male leads because usually they don't like each other or are enemies, but here they respect each other and, as Ji Chong said once for Lord Bo: "if we didn't like the same girl, I feel we would be good friends"
I feel I have to comment about the subordinates of Lord Bo too (the night fiends/fury), the three were so charismatic and their relationship with their master was so true and loyal, they were my favorite characters in the show, so I feel sad that they have screentime just in the first half of the drama and then it seems they were kind of forgot aside (I'm pretty sure their screentime and development are among the cuts) even being support roles, I think they deserved more development (especially the couple)
Another mention is Yao Ji, she was such an interesting and intense character with screentime cut. She is first introduced as Lord Bo's nemesis, but then we see that their relationship is more than this, she even says that she is the person that most understands him. I was anxiously waiting to see her past and story but what we got is just a superficial explanation.
TECHNICAL PART:
The cinematography is beautiful and the landscapes are breathtaking, the drama is from 2017 so through the video image you can see that it's not a new one; the CGI is not the best but, at least for me, it's not something that bothers you. The soundtrack is great and matches the moments, I'm still listening to them btw (but I have to say that I was a bit disappointed that "never" was just for the trailer, although I know that music in English in a period drama would be a little strange)
MY OVERALL OPINION:
Even with these problems, it is still a good drama worth to watch, but don't expect something epic or new, and if you don't like misunderstandings and some things that Lord Bo say and do with Zhaixing that can be seen as abusive, maybe this drama is not for you, but I still recommend if you like dramas with a serious storyline.

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Generally good but with a few dull moments and some unrealistic human emotions

I suspect this drama relies mainly on Xiao Zhan and his popularity to be rated highly. Generally, this series is entertaining and dramatic with some dark scenes. The male lead and female leads are good-looking as well. The initial few episodes, especially the first, were somewhat dull but momentum picked up when the wolf boy appeared again as Prince Bo killing an erroneous general - this episode was dramatic. But the momentum dwindled in the last few episodes and became a bit haphazard - suddenly the Princess was drugged to become super-powerful - that sudden change did not bite - my reaction was - yah, sure - it did not give me that dramatic feeling.

Some episodes are quite dramatic but there are also some dull moments. The director must have been trying to evoke some romantic feelings with some lovey-dovey scenes but did not work with me - I just wanted the dramatic to move on. (The scene I could remember that evoke this sad romantic feeling in me was the pavilion re-union in Nirvana in Fire.)

This drama lacks realism. Not because it is centred around a boy brought up by wolves but the flip-flopping of human emotions. The male and female lead characters became sworn enemies. The hero was treating the heroine like a doormat in some episodes. But once the misunderstanding was cleared, they became lovey-dovey again. Life does not happen like this - when the hurt has driven deep, there is no turning back. It would have been much better if the story teller let each got on with their lives, especially since there were others waiting for them. (In the same way as Bai Qian and Li Jing in Ten Mile Peach Blossom - when Bai Qian told Li Jing: in the whole wide world, there is no turning back.)

But Chinese dramas like to stick on the theme of a lead character hurting someone they loved and drove them away in order to help them. And when they found out the truth, they made up and became more loving then before - so cliche. No, dearie, it does not happen this way and women have the memory of an elephant - be real.

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A pleasant surprise

I went into watching this drama with very few expectations. I had tried to watch it when it first aired, but I found the first couple episodes not very engaging and a bit cheesy. I decided to finally give it an honest try this year and loved it. After the third episode, things picked up for me and I found myself getting swept into the story.

I really enjoyed the messy relationship between the two leads. I found them very fascinating, even when their dynamic was quite toxic. There's a lot of the trope where the characters (the ML especially) lie and hurt the other in order to "protect" them. If you really dislike this trope, this might not be the drama for you. For me, I've never been especially fond of the trope but I thought they did it in a really engaging way. I was glued to the screen.

There was one point towards the end of the drama where this trope felt over-used and tired, but it was luckily a brief arc.

What really makes the drama shine to me is the ensemble cast. All the side characters were interesting and I enjoyed the dynamics formed between the side chars and the leads. I really liked Bao Na and Ma Zhaixing's friendship especially and I also really enjoyed the family dynamic of the Night Fiends. Ji Chong was also a really fun character and I liked the friendship between himself and Ma Zhaixing, and even later his dynamic with Prince Bo. Chu Kui was a pretty interesting villain as well, there were times I forgot he was the bad guy!

There were a few moments that could be triggering to viewers that I want to point out. There were two instances of attempted sexual assault. In both cases, the ML does it to make the FL stop loving him, and they're not treated as romantic, but they're very uncomfortable to watch. A scene in Ep 15 especially is very uncomfortable. There is also a miscarriage scene in EP 16.

Overall, I really liked the drama and I'm glad I gave it another shot. If you struggle through the first couple episodes, be reassured the third is where it picks up, and by the fifth I was hooked. 49 episodes just flew right by, and I really had a lot of fun with it.

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Engaging, Beautiful and Tragic

If you enjoyed Romeo and Juliet, Kdrama Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo or the British period drama The White Queen, then this drama is for you.
This series will have you feeling emotionally draining but so captivating at the same time, that after you are done watching it’ll be one of those shows that will leave a hole in your heart days after. Darren Wang did a phenomenal job portraying The Wolf. Amazing cinematography, beautiful music/ost that I ended up purchasing one of the songs for my music playlist.
That scene on the bridge, wow!
Well done, engaging and one of the best period romance drama I’ve seen in general.

I highly recommend this Cdrama.

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Tragic romance full of angst, sacrifices and regrets

8/15/2021

I debated whether to rate this drama an 8 or 8.5 and I ended up rating it a little higher. I really like the general plot and story of Wolf Boy and Princess Ma. However, I think the execution wasn't done right and there are plot holes here and there. I read that the drama was cut short due to censorship and this might have contributed to these plot holes.

Negatives:
Plot/Plot Holes - As I mention, I really like the general story of Wolf Boy (ML) and Princess Ma (FL). I love the story of how they met and their lives together in the mountain. I like the struggles that they both endured before meeting again, and all the angst in their romance. However, there are a few unexplained plot holes and illogical events (e.g. lighting explosives hidden in the slave's bodies without fire?) in this drama. Is it due to the reduction of episodes or the writing, I do not know. Here are a few examples that I remember to write down. I am sure there are more towards the beginning of the drama.
Example 1 - what is the big conspiracy of the Chu Crown Prince's death that has to do with the King?? I never really figure that out. The crown prince's death played such an important part in ML's decision to stay by the King's side and do his dirty work, but it was never fully explained what the King did to finally prompt ML and his 4th brother to cut ties with the King.
Example 2 - If Jao Ji is so in love with ML, why did she want to kill him 5 years ago, even if she did not get the leader position? If she hated him so much back then, how come all of a sudden they were so close again?
Example 3 - Did Ji Jong officially announce his divorce from FL? Did no one bat an eye when ML and FL got together again towards the end of the show? Are we just skipping through this controversial divorce?

Romance - I hesitated and procrastinated to watch this drama, as I've read complaints about the toxic relationship. I can see how others are uncomfortable and unhappy about it. However, I am generally fine with the "toxic" romance after understanding what ML has gone through and without really any positive role models in his life. I do find the back-and-forth of the main romance a little slow in the middle. I wish they could have reduced a few episodes of misunderstanding happened in the Bo Manor, and use the time for other storylines. There are too many different misunderstanding/noble idiocy self-sacrifices in this drama. As for the ending, for some reason, I didn't want to see Ji Jong and Princess Bao Na got together. It's only been 6 months and Ji Jong already let go of his love for FL? He was so in love with her and sacrificed so much for her that I wish he traveled around the world alone.

Positives:
Acting - I enjoy the acting of the whole cast - main and supporting. It's my first drama watching Darren Wang and wow...what an amazing portrayal of Wolf Boy/Prince Bo. You see and fall in love with that innocent smile when he's Wolf Boy and then he changed into this cold and cunning Prince Bo. When he's not on the screen, I miss seeing him. He's the main draw of this drama for me. This is my second drama watching FL after "Joy of Life". I find her the weakest link in JOL and her romance with the lead is my least favorite. However, she totally changed my mind in this drama. She showed so much more range - from acting innocent to a little spoiled and to a more mature woman in the end. I read that some don't like her acting here, but I actually thought she did a good job. As for our 2ML Ji Jong, this is my 4th drama watching Sean Zhan (Untamed, Joy of Life, Duoluo Continent). I wasn't even aware that he's in the drama and I bet many watch "The Wolf" because of him. I have to say that this is the best I've seen. He is able to portray his carefree character well (just like his other roles) yet I love him more when he's being FL's protector and when he's heartbroken. I think he showed a lot of range in his role here. The supporting cast also do a great and convincing job. There isn't anyone too annoying and despicable in the drama, though Princess Bao Na almost got to that point.

OST/Music - I see that Jolin Tsai was listed under the Music Department, so I am not sure if this has something to do with all the great songs and music in this drama. I love each song played and I am glad there are more than 2 songs. Otherwise, I get really bored when the same song gets played over and over again. I think in general, the songs came on at the right moment, usually a romantic moment. The music is loud enough and not too loud that I can't hear the lines.

Cinematography/CGI/Costumes/Make-up - Great cinematography in this drama. I enjoyed the scenes when the leads are in the mountain the most. I also find the CGI wolves to be realistic. The costumes are also great and the cast wear more than one or two costumes. I am not sure if it's really cold or ML is really buff - I also felt that he looks like he's wearing a lot of clothes and looks very bulky. I enjoy the more formal clothing ML wore when he's in the palace, and then a more casual/wuxia look when he's not. For the (first?) time, we have leads who are not covered with makeup that make then look pale and sick. I love the more tan look of ML and 2ML. Even though you know it's spray-tanned (some shots are more apparent than others), I still enjoy seeing a much "healthier" skin tone, esp. when we're talking about a wolf boy who ran around in the sun a lot. Even for the other actors, I don't see anyone that's pale-looking.

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I really don't know why I am unable to just push through and finish watching this. I am already more than halfway through, but I just can't seem to get back into The Wolf.
I really mostly enjoyed this story. Unfortunately, I couldn't properly emphasize with the ML, and the FL, though mostly ok, was too frustrating.
Lord Bo is the personification of hot, so there's that. Ji Chong is pretty bad ass as well, and good looking too, so there's also that. Sigh. I don't know. I wish I could have finished, but I dropped it with every intention of coming back to it. Unfortunately, I left it too long, and I really can't work up the care for the MC's

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THE WOLF IS THE BEST CHINESE COLOSSAL DRAMA IN 2020

The Wolf is THE GREAT DRAMA level Movie not only Drama TV because with very high cost production, they alrady produced the best scene and visual drama, the best script story and the prefect arrangement of soundtrack song . All Actor and Actress showed their awesome acting (included Xiao Zhan, Darren Wang and Qi Lin).
I have been waiting this drama since 2017. Thanks GOD... I still have opportunity in my life to watch The Wolf.
In 2017, I am so interesting with the story of THE WOLF because it has different story than others Chinese Colossal Drama. After I saw the Trailer of THE WOLF.. I knew right away that this is GREAT Drama with fast rhythm so never boring and after I saw Behind the scene of the Wolf ..wow.... .I amazed how hard work all the crews, all actor and actress all producer-director-writer script to make this drama will be prefect.. I like Darren Wang as main actor and believe his acting would be awesome. When in 2018.. I just knew about Xiao Zhan... so I am so happy when knew that Xiao Zhan play in my favorite drama too.. Now.. Xiao Zhan is My Idol ... I really surprised see his acting in THE WOLF.... because so awesome... and his face which usually looks cute overload and handsome......suddenly looks so Manly...I never think that Xiao Zhan could explored all his Talent in Acting in THE WOLF.... . Xiao Zhan showed that although in 2017 he still less experiment but he tried do the best to representative Ji Hong 's Character. ..his acting is so awesome... The love story of this drama is so unique .... because t the figure is not selfish... the most important is the happiness of his/her lover. All side of the wolf drama is prefect...so I really recommend to you to watch THE WOLF Drama . God Bless You

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Interesting idea, bad execution

I wanted with all my heart to enjoy this drama, but the plot, the characters and acting of some actors was so bad that I had to drop it, even though I usually finish things just for the peace of my mind. The story has constant plot holes or rather I would say there is no plot, just things suddenly happening. It might be because during the post-production so much material had to be cut. Nevertheless, the efect is no storyline whatsoever. But still, I would survive that. What I can't stand however is the lack of consequence when it comes to the characters. They all seem to be bi-polar, especially ML, acting cold, bringing the FL down, doing some really horrible things (I won't spoil it, if you decide to watch the Wolf, you'll definitely know what I meant) to suddenly become kind and sweet without any logical reason. FL is strong only when she needs to impress males. Otherwise she has no character apart from being in love and constantly sick. Don't get me wrong, both Darren Wang and Li Quin are good actors and it's easy to see that though the drama. They're doing what they can to bring another dimension to their characters, but unfortunately it's not enough to rescue the awful lack of character development. Xiao Zhan's character stands out, although to me, it's so appreciated and praised mostly because compared to other characters it is more dimensional and secretive. Still, there's no development when it comes to his character, the same as for the male leads his actions and motives are hard to understand. I won't talk about other characters too much. Up until 20th episode on which I gave up, their acting was mediocre, as well as the personalities with some borderline annoying. I don't know if it's the dubbing, the actors or some of the characters, but their parts gave me a literal headache because of how idiotic and whiny they were. Also. I know this is a fantasy drama, even though it poses as a historic one, but the politics and scheming and court affairs are just so unrealistic that I found myself laughing at some of the events. Plus weird, SF-looking outfits of the ML made me spit my tea, they looked so ridiculous. The CGI was a disappointment too, something that is not too important to me, but I was expecting more because of the trailer.
There are two things I want to praise; the score and the scenery. Some of the shooting spots were beautiful, it was a joy to watch the scenes just because of them. The score wasn't perfect in touching my feelings, but overall the music fit the scenes and did it's job.
So overall, would I recommend this drama? No. But it's light, not extremely boring and definitely let's the brain rest. So I guess it can be enjoyable, as long as you don't expect a show that at least tries to portray real human beings instead of Mary Sues and Wolverines.

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Sadly, this Wolf had to be put down

When I heard Xiao Zhan was going to star in this drama, I was excited. The Premise was interesting to me. Two childhood best friends meeting again in a tense time. I was hooked. The first episode was a bit shaky but I was ok with that.

First, let me say the positives: The music was AMAZING. I loved the music that accompanied the little bit of the series! And the actors were great with what little they were given. Will say that Lord Bo's actor was stiff in some places but it's to be expected. And of course, amazing performance from Xiao Zhan!

Now, on to the review and the reasons why I couldn't finish this.

Ma Zhaixing, the adopted daughter of General Ma, befriends a feral boy whom she names "Wolfie". So when he's accused of killing a government official, Xing'er (what Wolfie calls her) tries to chase him away and make him "hate" her until the Ma family finds out that it wasn't Wolfie's fault (it was a servant who killed the government official using Wolfie as a scapegoat). But Xing'er is much too late to tell her adopted brother that Wolfie is innocent as Wolfie is cast off the cliff to his seeming "death" (Wolfie is saved by the Emperor and is trained to be a ruthless killer) and Xing'er suffers a leg injury caused by her adopted brother.

So we skip ahead a few years to Xing'er being an adult and being a jaded woman. Then one night, her entire family is killed with her as the sole survivor. The Emperor planned to marry her to Lord Bo (the Third Prince) to gain the Ma Family's army. And thus, we begin our story of Xing'er reuniting with Lord Bo, through trials and tribulations of love and war.

I have to say, the first few episodes were strong tho shaky. There was very obvious chemistry between the leads to where I thought they were pretty sweet. But the consistent and meddling misunderstandings and some of the dumbest actions really killed it. Some of the misunderstandings made sense but the majority of them made it seem like Lord Bo and Xing'er were absolutely brain dead. I think where it came to a head where I said "I don't know if I can continue watching" was when Ji Chong came in and became a much much MUCH better match for Xing'er than Lord Bo.

I'm all for romances where you can never forget your first love. I love that stuff! But here, it was absolute brain-deadness and the scene where Xing'er throws herself off the cliff to prove that Lord Bo is Wolfie in episode 19 or 20 just solidified in my mind that it was only going downhill. Especially up until that point, Lord Bo had extreme mood swings to the point of being downright ridiculous.

The attempted sexual assault scene was very...uncomfortable to say the least and i've seen many people defending it. The fact Lord Bo already embarrassed the fuck out of Xing'er for her dance was enough. I think him forcing himself on her was a bit too much, no matter how drunk or how much he wanted to make her hate him for whatever reason. And this is coming from someone who didn't bat an eye at similar situations in other dramas. Here, it was too much. The embarrassment was enough.

I know other people loved this drama but I truly feel that the only character that wasn't horrible was Ji Chong (Xiao Zhan) and I'm sad that he never had a chance with Xing'er.

So say what you will. I unfortunately had to put this Wolf to sleep and can't see myself picking it up again. Even Ji Chong couldn't save this series.

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