This review may contain spoilers
The premise of the story is straightforward: Five people (Don, Ryo, Plan, Por, Mo) are chosen to play a game created by this person or entity known as Wolf. If they complete 5 missions, they win a sum of money.There are several questions that remain unanswered. Firstly, the missions take place in many countries, but somehow Wolf is able to film the action, even in private places like people’s homes and hotel rooms.
Secondly, the action is broadcast, and people can watch the game. Why do so many of the people approached by the contestants seem to be unaware of the game and why do people not bother to tell them even though the game seems to be such a costly and major production?
Thirdly, Wolf seems like an omniscient, godlike presence who knows more than what any hidden cameras can reveal, but the characters are unperturbed by how Wolf has access to information about, say, one’s ex who has died ten years ago and the locations of people one has met years ago?
However, if we ignore these oddities, each of the five main characters’ stories can be interesting, particularly Don’s.
At the start, Wolf’s missions simply seem utterly unethical. However, it soon becomes clear that the missions help the players change for the better while also helping their targets learn something even if they learn a lesson (such as not to trust others too easily) the hard way.
Overall, the series is interesting and entertaining in its parts, but when there doesn’t seem to be anything more when the parts are added together. Apart from the intersection of Por and Mo’s stories, the other stories barely converge.
My favorite of the 5 contestant’s stories is Don’s story followed by Ryo’s.
Don’s story is well-developed, and the changes in his character are clear. At first, he seems to be the most callous person of the lot because of his willingness to charm an innocent girl into having sex with him by claiming to love her, but it is later shown that he has become like this because of a past relationship. By the end of his second mission, in which he has to stay with a girl without touching her, it is clear that he has changed. At one point, we see him ignoring Wolf’s message when he completes a mission to get a woman to smile again, which is a hint at how he is helping her sincerely and not to complete his mission.
Ryo, the youngest character, vacillates between exuding youthful innocence and developing toxic masculinity. Like the other contestants, the process of playing the game changes him for the better. His innocent crush on a schoolmate, something which he has kept to himself for a long time while boasting to his friends about his non-existent sexual exploits, remains one-sided, and he learns to accept rejection and respect women in the process of the game.
Plan’s story is good but somewhat predictable. He is shown to be a troubled character from the start. His preoccupation with money stems from the death of his mother because of the lack of money for her medical expenses, and it’s not hard to guess what lesson he has to learn. He starts off being someone who can be callous to others for the sake of money, but later becomes truly sorry for what he has done. Unfortunately, the reason for his change is not clear. The mission in which he forms a friendship with a lady addicted to shopping because of her emotional issues is more memorable than the other missions he has, and is probably the turning point in his development.
Por starts off being a playboy with no qualms about hurting the women he has relationships with. In the process of playing the game, he changes somewhat, deciding to be brutally truthful to an ex about his mission to make her fall in love with him again so that she would hate him instead of continuing to miss him. Nevertheless, the change in him does not seem all that deep.
Mo, an ex-girlfriend of Por, is still recovering from her breakup with the philandering Por. She learns to come to terms
with her feelings. She’s a likable character, but there isn’t much development.
Ultimately, the players are all winners—even those who don’t complete all 5 missions have undergone experiences that change them for the better. Their individual stories are at least quite interesting, but when put together, they don't quite give any extra satisfaction.
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Each character has their respective flaw—save Mo who is perfect—, setting you up to see them thus be overcome as their stories progress. Plan is fixated on making money, Don is a player, Por is an unrepentant cheater, Ryo objectifies women, and Mo perhaps holds herself back. They almost achieve this, but it's so sloppy and inefficient, you can't connect to it as the audience. It's a writing issue but also a directing issue as there was a complete lack of suspense.
The fast-paced nature of the challenge wasn't reflected in the pacing of the show, which had many a drawn-out and banal emotional scene. Where the show drew me in and motivated me to continue watching was in their lighthearted comedic scenes—particularly Off Jumpol's—and with the promise of an interesting conclusion. And the conclusion should have been good. Five disconnected contestants are competing on the same show with challenges that are sending them around Asia. Why did the narrative not bring them all together, connect them in some way? Completely squandered. What's more, the only connection among them, that of Por and Mo, is revealed offhandedly early on.
Such a fun concept; I wish I could've seen it meet its potential. I don't see this show being anyone's favourite, but it will entertain you.
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Great choice of plot
I have watched lots of gmm series and except for bl. The gifted is the series that I loved the most, since then I started to watch other gmm series whether it is related to gifted or not. and wolf is one of the series that I watched. The trailer looked so look and so I decided to watch it (It's my second-time watching it actually this is why I decided to make a review)I gave 9/10 for the story because the story is really great. You can see the desperation in them for money. I would accept it too if it were me. Also, the missions wolf gave to them were really challenging and suits their personalities just right (glad it didn't killed them lol)
For the Acting/Cast I wanna praise the character development of Por (Off Jumpol) and Plan (New Thitipoom) those were really great twists. I'm glad they joined the game and realized the lessons wolf wanted to give them. I also want to praise Mo (Punpun) and Don's (Tony Reakken) english. They were the most fluent among the hunters. The one who made me laugh the most until the end is Ryo (First Kanaphan) his mixed english and thai got me cracking up. Great choice of casts! The roles suits them. It was balanced really well that's why I gave it a 10/10
For the music, I liked the intro (every after break) it sounded really suspenseful but dramatic (do u get me? hehe) I love it so it's 8/10
For rewatch value, I gave 5/10 because the series is actually good if you don't know anything abt it (that is what makes it exciting) the plot twists are what makes this series different but you can rewatch it but you won't get the chills anymore. You can rewatch it if you miss the vast but if you have known the story already. It will become boring. you won't have to question anything, anymore. because all of your answers have been answered the first time you did.
All in all it's 8/10, because I liked the story flow and their choices of places to shoot. Very inter they said. We didn't needed subtitles with most part of the series because they've been speaking english all along! If possible, they should shoot for season 2 with more asian countries featured and new set of casts. I want to make ssing's wish as a hunter come true 555555+
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No clichés, no hashed up same old plots and scenarios, everything is just fresh and a completely unique take on the topic of love becoming either a trap for people or something people use to get what they want.
Another great thing is that it's not set in a school, so bravo.
Now on to the characters.
I have to say the most memorable character for me, the one I rooted for till the end, because it was relatable and I just loved her... "Mo" played by Punpun.
Second favorite... Don played by Toni.
These two I think not only were their characters layered but their acting was convincing so it broke my heart and also angered me when they kept doing stupid stuff.
And why did they give Joss such a tiny role? He's a good actor and has amazing visuals but this was such a waste of his potential.
Now, on to the characters that didn't always work for me...
Plan, played by New. Okay so there's nothing wrong with New's portrayal of the role, in fact he's definitely got some fantastic lines but I feel like his characters motivations were unclear to me and he seemed to act very randomly.
Ryo played by First, his character was relatable and who hasn't done stupid things thinking they were right! So, like I said the character of Ryo worked for me but the way First played it, just wasn't all that great.
For one his smile seems sociopathic instead of cute and he just doesn't do expressions all that well that said there were times when he was good so I feel like he definitely needed some more help.
Now, for the character that worked THE LEAST for me...
I'm sad to say, Por played by Off.
Okay , so for one his makeover, his reactions, they just didn't fit the character! It's not his fault. This was a role that would have benefited from an actor with a more daring and rebellious presence, like Joss, or even New!
Off comes across as more cutesy than sociopathic and cold like his character is supposed to be, so it really ruined the effect for me. Another huge problem with his character, not the actor, he behaved one way throughout so the end, what he does after the ending suspense did not make sense at all!! How could a person like him just change so much overnight!
The others change too but their changes seem organic and you don't feel cheated like you are at Por's story arc.
Anyway, those minor grievances aside I absolutely love this show. Entertaining, suspenseful and shot so well.
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Well, all the GMMTV synopsis is citing...
...such as: "A journey full of excitement. Learning new cultures, overcoming obstacles. Romance and excitement in WOLF" is morelike listing exactly what this series is lacking.Now, if WOLF contacted me, I would definitely Accept. How relaxing to have my life handled by somebody else. All I would need to do is to do as you are told. Then collect 10 million:) Of course it's a fantasy, as nobody would bother to mingle into your private affairs (while being miraculously able to monitor you in every situation) only to sponsor everything for you and then give you prize of yet more money just because you behave this way or that way. I mean, if WOLF existed, it would be like a modern fairy tale: in classic fairy tales they mostly grant you wishes and you make your own bed. While with this you have zero responsibility, you can just obey and be totally zen about life PLUS you get paid, LOL. I wouldn't be keen on broadcasting what I do to "spectators", but else it's perfect.
It all takes place outside the regular lives of the participants though, as it's happening abroad, during constant traveling. Therefore most of the people they need to deal with are foreigners and strangers they'll probably never meet again. The thai cast is speaking english often and I didn't enjoy listening. There is some cast speaking other languages, too. Some with subtitles, some without. I would prefer if the show stayed in Thailand.
Though on some of the posters it may look like we'll watch a group kind of thing, mostly we go on character's separate lines (each filling their own "missions"). We keep switching in between them sharply, and the sudden change is not always pleasant: as it usually starts with the computerized voice spurring the new mission's specifications on the unprepared viewer. It kinda disturbs the flow and each actor kinda runs their own show, which are not all on the same level. So it feels almost like constant switching among several series. Also the episode runtime is not enough for all of them, so each episode has one character that is omitted.
In contrast with the dramatical setting and insanely high monetary reward, the actual tasks given are pretty basic (sometimes bordering on boring/annoying) so it kinda drags since early episodes. I kept wondering who would sponsor all this and what for. I don't buy it that this "WOLF" would start something so costly and involving so many "innocent bystanders" just to give the selected few a "character lesson". And why of all the people in the world, or in Thailand, it should be this "Don, Por, Mo, Plan and Ryo". I mean I might be able to imagine people with more interesting character flaws:-) Either way, the contestants not only seem to be under constant surveillance, also the constant advice. Nothing much can go wrong, they always receive alert in time. Anyways I didn't find the presented missions very "thrilling" to begin with...
It does't matter that much how you act on your holiday, or with someone whom you'll never know.
First 6 episodes (dropped during episode 7), the characters succeeded in mission after mission, were glad and satisfied. On the other hand, as a viewer, I didn't find any "drama" I could consistently enjoy. All I saw were thai actors abroad, interacting with the same person for 2-3 episodes tops, speaking to each other in bad english.
And because nobody really went beyond the rules of the game, I was like: Okay, can they all now return home, speak thai, and live their lives? Why watch people who want nothing more than to win the prize money? If I was into that, I would be watching reality shows, not dramas.
This series makes even Toni Rakkaen seem not attractive, New Thitipoom not cute, and Off Jumpol not funny. "Congratulations" to that achievement. By the way, viewers who were looking forward seeing their favorite cast together in 1 drama would be also disappointed. The main cast has scenes with support only, never together. It doesn't look there'll be a single scene of as much as 2 of them together, except Off & Punpun in early flashback, or final I didn't care to watch. Because honestly I was not even curious about the whatever conclusion involving these people.
Either way, the cast is wasted here. They should have hired people with no professional experience (maybe First Kanaphan could stay) to portray the "characters" in here and to sing the title song and to operate the camera. For this show to LOOK what it actually is.
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This review may contain spoilers
a treat to international fans
(no spoilers) Props to these actors for acting in their non-native language, which 85% of the show is non-Thai. This makes me want to travel to Asia so bad. They stayed in Vietnam several times (my home) and it made me so happy to see my country be represented. The OST is so catchy...I need to listen to it more.Yes, there is a lot of things unanswered/weird plot mechanics of the game but idc lol. I guess sometimes it feels out of place or takes me out of immersion.
(minor spoilers) The plot of this show is kinda brilliant...hear me out. Like, it has a really strong thematic foundation. Every character has a lesson and purpose attached to their journey. Every story needs themes and this one definitely stayed consistent. My favourite characters are Mo and Don; I think they had the best conclusion to their character arcs. I feel whoever wrote this series had a A+ idea but the execution wasn't as good as it could've been. With an idea like this, this series would've been phenomenal. This is just my personal taste, but I wished this show had a more darker/mature tone. Because a lot of the conflict are deep (lust, death, money problems, cheating, break up), I feel a darker melodramatic tone would elevate the story to a different level. That's just my personal preference for what I like in a drama. Otherwise, the comedy wasn't bad; I just prefer less humour in this kind of plot.
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This review may contain spoilers
Histórias aleatórias que não se conectam
Pra mim que sempre prefiro as histórias BL, definitivamente essa foi um tapa na minha cara, pois eu simplesmente amei!!!O roteiro se baseia em um jogo chamado Wolf (lobo). Cinco jovens foram escolhidos para jogar, sem saber quem estava promovendo o jogo ou de que forma haviam sido selecionados, mas como o prêmio é muito tentador eles acabam dizendo sim, e uma grande aventura começa. Os cinco jovens (Don, Ryo, Plan, Por, Mo) viajam pela Ásia completando as missões, e essa parte me deixa com algumas sensações estranhas. Assim como em "Round six", o jogo aparentemente envolve muito dinheiro e muitas pessoas importantes que assistem a tudo que os jovens estão passando em meio a disputa, e é curioso como eles estão sendo monitorados a todo lugar e a todo momento de forma simultânea, inclusive suas vidas inteiras, seus hábitos e pessoas importantes são conhecidos do organizador do jogo, passando a ideia de que eles foram escolhidos muito tempo antes de serem convocados, pra que fosse possível fazer tanta pesquisa. Também é curioso a forma como centenas de figurantes do jogo se envolvem nele, parece que o jogo é onisciente e onipresente, isso é meio bizarro.
Saindo das falhas, mais ou menos na metade dos episódios, começamos a entender que o jogo não é ruim. É como se os cinco tivessem ganhado um bônus pra modificar aspectos negativos de suas personalidades e crescerem como pessoas. Importante dizer que a atuação dos atores é impecável, e a ost muito massa. A série é bem imprevisível, não tem clichês e nunca sabemos o que esperar, e isso é ótimo. Também não posso deixar de enaltecer a fotografia impecável.
A série tem cuidado em mostrar fatos passados que moldaram a personalidade negativa dos personagens, mostrando traumas e perdas, mas sempre trazendo a ideia de que o passado não nos define e que é possível mudar, porém eu esperava que as histórias entre todos eles se conectassem de alguma forma e isso não aconteceu. Ryo não tem respeito pelas mulheres, Don joga com todos à sua volta, Por é desonesto, Mo é muito inocente, Plan parece que venderia sua própria alma por dinheiro, as únicas histórias que se conectam são as de Mo e Don, no mais é bem aleatório a forma como foram escolhidos.
Enfim, é uma boa série. Vc verá cenários perfeitos e belos atores, recomendo a série com certeza.
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