Wildflower (2017)

A wildflower in a war

First of all, of course this show is quite dramatic in acting but I feel if you don't mind that then it's very entertaining and good. It's just a long family revenge drama but it has its iconic moments.

You follow the families of the kids Lily Cruz and Diego and get to learn something is not right in that town. While Lily's revenge-journey may seem extreme... I would compare it to like a comic superhero like Batman. She just wants justice in an unfair world and wants to do it herself yet also still stick to her moral code.

Best characters are definitely Lily Cruz(Ivy Aguaz), Lolo(Grandpa Ardiente), Emilia Ardiente, Mayor Arnaldo and Natalie. In my opinion they carry the scenes while other (more normal) characters kinda form an anchor-point to reality for the audience. There were some times when they would zoom in on the faces and Raul Ardiente would just be staring normal while everyone else was super wide-eyed and shocked. And somehow that contrast in itself is kinda funny too.

When the story had a very clear focus I was loving it, but the ''Red Dragon''-arc I'm less of a fan of as it kinda felt like a side-mission. All in all though, very memorable quotes and scenes in this show. Emilia & Lily could honestly carry any scenes together with their acting.

The romance I feel was way more of a focus in the beginning but I feel that bond created from that did quite nicely carry the characters through the rest of the story.

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One of the Best Filipino Revenge Dramas!

This is one of the best revenge series I’ve ever watched. Every episode is a gem—there’s no filler, and the pacing is fantastic, especially for a series with 257 episodes. The storytelling is captivating, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish. Maja Salvador delivers one of her best performances here, making it one of my favorite dramas of hers.

The plot might not be entirely new, but the execution and character depth make it fresh and engaging. The story revolves around Lily Cruz, a loving and obedient daughter whose family just wants a peaceful life. They move to Poblacion Ardiente, a place ruled by the powerful and corrupt Ardiente family, who will do anything to maintain their control. Lily’s father is killed, her mother is brutally attacked and presumed dead, and Lily herself barely escapes death. Rescued by a wealthy woman, she’s adopted and returns with a new identity—now known as Ivy Aguas, she seeks revenge on those who wronged her family.

The cast is packed with veteran actors, and the performances are exceptional. The Ardientes, as antagonists, will make your blood boil, and Maja as Ivy is simply outstanding. The confrontations between Ivy and Emilia, as well as scenes with Natalie, another antagonist who’s impossible to ignore, are always intense and incredibly well-acted. Every time they’re on screen, you know something explosive is about to happen. I wish more Filipino series would adopt this level of storytelling and depth in drama.

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