The Princess and the Werewolf (2023)

Watch it for ML (Chen Zhe Yuan). Light-hearted, goofy, a bit of beauty and the beast vibes.

The plot is Chen Zhe Yuan. Not really but he is phenomenal in this role and the drama is worth the watch for him. If you want to see the most loving, patient, protective, kind, loyal and unconditional loving ML, this drama is for you.

PLOT:
Most of the plot is how the ML tries to win over the FL so he can receive her true love kiss and get his pearl back meanwhile the FL keeps making elaborate schemes and crazy plans to escape from him. The backstory is that ML is the King of a hidden place called the Beast City. Every character in that clan has animal characteristics. ML is searching for the Holy Pearl which will help him regain his powers and continue to protect his clan. While escaping his enemies with the newly obtained Holy Pearl he opens a portal to the FL’s world. He accidentally clashes into FL and she absorbs his Holy Pearl. 5 years later, he finds the FL and kidnaps her. And this is where the first episode really starts.

MAIN CHARACTERS:
- ML is playing two roles. A day (handsome version) of Li Xiong that pretends to be a palace guard and protects the FL and a night (beast version) of Kui Mulang that is the King and FL’s kidnapper. His day version is his real look but his night version is his real identity. His character is loyal, endearing and protective. He is a wolf and only loves one person in his life. For the majority of the episodes the FL believes there are two different people. She first falls for his day version and towards the end of the drama for his night version.
- FL is a Princess from a mortal kingdom. Smart and well-spoken, her background also makes her a quirky character. The prequel tells us that her mother was a man that was transported from the modern times to historical. His soul (as a man) went into her mother’s female body, fell in love with a man and had the FL. So FL has a modern outlook on life, speaks english and uses modern terminology. She definitely brings in the comedy aspect in the drama.


POSITIVE:
- Chen Zhe Yuan - honestly, he is the highlight of the drama, his character is so endearing and loving. I’m repeating myself but he is worth the watch.
- Acting is 10/10 for everyone and especially ML as he fantastically plays two different characters and I’m guilty for falling in love with his beast look more.
- Goofy and very light-hearted drama, it doesn't take itself too seriously and I like that. The humour is done well.
- A bit of beauty and the beast retelling vibes which I love.
- Romance is slow burn, playful and cute.
- 4 side couples (which is the most I’ve ever seen in a cdrama) but they are all really cute and don’t take too much screen time.
- The drama has a happy ending for the main leads and a nice conclusion to the story (almost the whole final episode is the epilogue of them being together).

NEGATIVE:
- FL’s plans to escape are hilarious and the highlight of the drama however there is not much plot beyond that. Her trying to escape takes more than half of the drama which makes it a little draggy.
- The reveal of ML being the same person happens towards the end of the drama so I feel the leads don’t get enough opportunities to spend time together as their true selves. I loved his beast look more and I wished FL had more romantic moments with him.
- Villains are very weak and they add nothing to the story. However their screen time is also very short so they don’t really annoy you.

OVERALL:
Watch it if you want to see more of Chen Zhe Yuan as he is a heart candy and if you need a drama to lift up your spirits after a long and stressful day as it will definitely make you laugh and keep you entertained.

Read More

For those who prefer "the road less travelled"

If you are looking for a drama with intricate plot, complex villans and ample use of CGI then this is not for you. This drama is exactly as it is advertised. It is a Rom-Com with an underlying theme of true love, devotion and a profound love story. It is pure fantasy, providing escapism from real life.

For me, if the drama has one or more below mentioned trope, I will assuredly give it a chance. This drama ☑ most of the things that attract me.

1. Soulmates/ true love ☑
2. Hidden identity ☑
3. Triangle for two ☑ ( reminds me of another classic triangle for two, clark- lois- superman)
4. Beauty and the beast 🌹❤ 🌹 ☑
5. Werewolves/ shapeshifters ☑


Even though it is not necessary to watch go princess go season 1 to enjoy this, viewers should keep in mind that this is a sequel story of the daughter of the main protagonists of season 1 and 'loosely' adapted from a novel by the same author.

Hence the FL, qi pa's actions are a direct result of her mother's quirky modern outlook and rallying for women's individuality and independence. These thoughts become a major roadblock for her falling in love with ML, kui mulang. If you are interested in watching a spunky FL who is a beauty with brains then you will admire her traits as does kui mulang. Though her deviousness at times exasperate him as she is always scheming and plotting to get away from him, he adores her to bits.

This drama tries to bring a fusion of modern and traditional ideologies and attempts to combine western and chinese culture as mentioned below:

* qi pa's father using english words " Follow your heart"
* qi pa using english word 'feelings' when talking with Li xiong about how it feels to be in love.
* qi pa dancing tango with Li xiong, kui mulang and hai tang.
*use of statue of david by Michelangelo.
*qi pa arranging volleyball game.
* qi pa dressed in baby doll nighty, exposing her legs 😳
* high heels presented to Hong xiu by qi pa
* qi pa mentioning cosplay.

The above was what the production team tried to achieve. (In the comment section of this review is a clickable youtube link to production featurette in which they explain their intention.)



On the surface, this drama illustrates comic element presented through qi pa's runaway antics but underneath that it portrays one of the most sincere love story that I have ever had the pleasure to watch on screen. My attraction to costume c-dramas is that they often present devoted MLs. However some dramas outdo themselves to exhibit a ML that is willing to go the extra mile to prove his love and affection for FL.

King kui Mulang has been selflessly depleting his internal force to keep his people safe, now needs qi pa who has accidentally swallowed his holy pearl. He abducts qi pa from her home.... And so starts his journey of guilt and most heartfelt love story. The opening theme song's lyrics rightly depict his internal struggle and emotions "it was me who lied". Inspite of the underhanded manner in which he brought qi pa to his kingdom, he is one of the most trust worthy, honorable and dedicated ML. He is a judicious king and an exemplary husband. His devotion and loyalty for qi pa often astounds other women. Hai tang with all her seduction skill was not able to allure kui Mulang, SuHe presumed that if she took holy pearl from qi pa, she could win kui mulang's affection. All futile, kui mulang is "One woman Man" and nothing can sway him from his love. Whenever qi pa needs him, he is always there for her. When he says to qi pa "I am here", I believe his commitment to her. He went to hell and back to safeguard her.

Few things regarding the script that I disliked:

1. Qi pa's aloofness towards ML li xiong/ kui mulang was stretched to the limit. While it was endearing in the beginning, it appeared callous on her part later.

2. Screen writer's decision to make qi pa fall in love with Li xiong persona after her marriage to kui mulang persona. I would have preferred if they would have made her fall in love with Li xiong before her marriage and after her marriage to kui mulang, felt affection for him and slowly fall in love with him while solving beast clan cases along the way ( one saving grace in this whole farce as I have already mentioned in the comment section is that, the writers took care not to make qi pa a cheater. She discloses her affection for Li xiong persona to kui mulang and does not sneak behind his back trying to hoodwink him, kudos to the writers for that)

3. Qi pa's physical revulsion for kui mulang's appearance was also taken too far. It was understandable for her to react with aversion in the beginning when she did not know his temperament but later the writers should have shown gradual acceptance for his casual touch before she fell in love with him, the writers left this acceptance till much later in the drama.


Nevertheless this is one of the most poignant love story. Qi pa and kui mulang work better as a team than plotting against each other. To see their connection, must watch episodes are 23, 28,29 and 30. These episodes highlight the very essence of their relationship and reveal why they are soulmates.

This drama has many hidden easter eggs waiting for attentive viewer to unearth. It has many parallels between episodes and has added references and tribute to other famous western and chinese works. I recently noticed a parallel scene from episode 5 and 30, episode 5- qi pa and li xiong cross dressed. Qi pa playing the husband and him the 'wife'. Qi pa waist grabs and pulls him forward, away from the prying lustful eyes of the soldiers... Episode 30- qi pa and kui mulang dressed in western clothes, kui mulang waist grabs qi pa and pulls her forward away from the soldiers, expressing his reservation about her revealing outfit.

A special shout out to OSTs, costumes, makeup and cinematography.

The supporting casts are equally engaging in their roles. Their interactions with the leads and each other help with the forward momentum of the story. Lui jun, kui mulang's subordinate is used as a sounding board to air out kui mulang's feelings and he often ends up giving valuable advice to the king.

Czy and xuanyi have a good chemistry on-screen. Their onscreen compatibility can be seen when qi pa and kui mulang go through a gamut of emotional ups and downs. Such roles where an actor can explore variations in character are not easy to come by. Playing similar type of characters must get boring as an artist. They would prefer and are lucky to get such roles which are different from the norm to show their creativity and flex their acting skills.

Overall an entertaining fantasy. For me, one of the indelible love story that lingers in mind long after its conclusion


PS: If you are interested in reading my extensive reviews/ summary on ALL episodes together, I am leaving a clickable link to the discussion section of this page below as a COMMENT to this review.

2.also in the comment section to this review, I am leaving a clickable YouTube link for special feature for this drama, to understand what the production team was trying to accomplish.

Read More

Different Worlds but Love is still the same

I am so sad that this has ended.... It was such a great drama! It just shows that any period of time, there can be deceit amongst families, power struggles but good prevails. I wish Chen Zye Yuan and Wu Xuan Yi could do another drama together as they have such good chemistry. I will definitely add this to my list of favorites.

I am thoroughly enjoying this drama. What a fresh approach, using a Werewolf as the main character. Chen Zhe Yuan make up is wonderful and he is very versatile in changing roles. Wu Xuan Yi is such a good actoress. I like how she can be funny at one time and then extremely serious at another time. Eventhough they are from different worlds, they seem to show a compassion for each other. They are at odds sometimes with what they want to do, but it seems being from different worlds is not the problem, I can't wait for the next episodes to see how well things progress.

Read More

Great beginning .. But !!!!!!

(Edit after it had been completed)

*The New review*
The drama started in a beautiful, funny way
Everything was Really Amazing
Until suddenly, they Kept procrastinating So I began to feel boring ..
untill EP15, it was okay. After that, it seems that the Director Would make the Drama longer, so he kept stalling until it got ruined ..then started trying to catch up with all the Storyline in that remaining episodes

Literally, the drama started with a great Start, then became like this . unfortunately!!!
The ending is so silly.. besides, many important issues/ things Haven't been clarifed
What a disappointment


the Old review 👇
Already watched 8 episodes..I Admit it is funny and wonderful drama with many heart-fluttering scenes
I've laughed so hard loud at Many Moments, I never expected it gonna be so funny and entertaining This way
I've never watched Chinese historical or fantasy drama in my entire life.. wasn't planning to watch as well, but it got my attention from its teaser
I thought it gonna be a silly and childish drama when I read the story and saw the Genre but it exceeded my expectations
Each episode keeps you more excited to know what will happen
The male lead is a great Actor, his acting is amazing beside his facial and body expressions He fits this role sooo good .. Also, Female Lead is spontaneous and unexpected at all.. She is very different from all female Chinese leads "Different Level" I like that she is very bold and Freestyle Girl does many things that the watcher would never expect
I like the supporting characters they are So funny and Good Actors
I can't wait for its episodes and this is something never happened to me with any other drama
I hope it will keep going this way till the end

Read More

Super Cute Chinese Version of the Beauty and the Beast

"The Princess and the Werewolf" is a captivating story reminiscent of a modern-day Beauty and the Beast. It revolves around Princess Qi Pa (Wu Xuanyi), who unknowingly loves the human Li Xiong (Chen Zheyuan) but fears and despises the beastly Kuimulang (Chen Zheyuan), not realizing they are the same person. This leads to comical situations as she tries to escape the Beast World, and her emotions unravel in front of the very person she both fears and adores. In contrast, Kuimulang falls deeply in love with her without expecting anything in return, while she struggles to love only a part of him.

Kuimulang seeks to prolong his life by retrieving a "lingzhu" (a power source) accidentally swallowed by Qi Pa five years ago. Now finally finding her, to extract it, he must make her fall passionately in love with him and share a passionate kiss. He kidnaps Qi Pa, hoping to obtain the "lingzhu" one day. Qi Pa, however, constantly plots her escape, sharing her plans with Li Xiong, who is both her captor and confidant. Amidst her escape attempts, Kuimulang must contend with a secretive subversive force that nearly killed him five years ago. Multiple assassination attempts threaten their lives.

Qi Pa, a princess of Great Xia, is a vibrant and open-minded individual with a liberal education. Unlike typical princesses, she is outgoing, possesses critical thinking skills, and understands human psychology. Despite her flamboyant exterior, she's fiercely devoted to true love.

Kuimulang, the King of the Beast Race ("Hua Shou"), is adored by his subjects and bears the responsibility of protecting his clan with his life, a mission passed down for generations. His continuous use of inner power weakens his body, causing him to transform into a wolf at night. When Qi Pa encounters him in his wolf form, she is terrified and finds him repulsive. However, she falls in love with him when he assumes his human form as Li Xiong, unaware that Kuimulang and Li Xiong are the same person. Fearing rejection, Kuimulang maintains two identities. When Qi Pa discovers the truth, it tests the depths of their love.

Qi Pa's love journey unfolds gradually, with her realization of her true home coming late in the story, adding a humorous twist. The villains' motives are typical – the pursuit of ultimate power to rule the Beast Kingdom - and they are known from the beginning of the story. A new villainous character is introduced very late in episode 27, becoming a central figure of dislike. The story wraps up neatly, with characters receiving their due rewards and punishments. Episode 29 stands out as the most touching, where the main characters unite against all odds, and a simpleton general becomes a true hero.

Wu Xuanyi delivers a convincing portrayal of Qi Pa, infusing her character with modernity and charm. Chen Zheyuan impressively embodies the distinct personalities of Kuimulang and Li Xiong, evoking sympathy for Kuimulang's unrequited love. The entire cast has delivered exceptional performances, embodying their respective roles with authenticity. Notably, the side characters have charmed their way into the audience's hearts, and the inclusion of several side couples adds delightful layers of sweet love stories to the narrative.

My Verdict

This enchanting story features modern elements in terms of attire and language. Characters take on various animal traits, from wolves to poisonous snake, cat, weasel, earthworm, chameleon, scorpion, and more, endearing themselves to viewers.

The moral of the story begs the question: should one love someone solely based on their appearance, as Qi Pa initially does, while overlooking the genuine devotion and sacrifices made for them? In essence, Qi Pa values all that Kuimulang has done for her but rejects him purely on the basis of his appearance. Is this fair?

In summary, "The Princess and the Werewolf" is a great watch, offering humor, romance, and adventure. Don't miss it!

Bravo!

Read More

CHEN ZHEYUAN WILL SWOON YOUR HEART AWAY!!

I am not a big fan of historical/costume dramas but now I feel, if there is CZY's presence then I can watch it with the same enthusiasm as I watch the Modern dramas! No but I won't give my review being partial towards this fact.

Earlier I have watched only one historical drama that was Handsome Siblings, it was long and had so many heavy and difficult scenes to watch, but my sole reason to watch the drama was CZY, and he made it all worth it! The drama turned out to be the most favourite drama of mine, just not because of CZY but also for its storyline.

The Princess and the werewolf is like a breath of fresh air.. It truly stands out, considering all it's factors - Love, Friendship, companionship, Brotherhood, Music, Costumes, Comic timing, Character developments, story development. All the ingredients to make a drama entertaining and successful is there in it.

let me jot down some very much plus points (as there are many)

1. ofcourse, CZY as Kui Mulang, Oh my god this Lad has done soo good in this drama, the way his versatility is utilised is par excellence! one moment he is scary but caring king Kui Mulang, the other moment he is as soft and cute as rabbit being Li Xiong. Not to forget his disguise as a girl in Ep. 5. I can rewatch every second of his screej presence again and again and again!

2. Wu Xuan Yi as princess Qi Pa did great great job, I actually didn't expected her to be so good after watching her in Sweet Teeth, but hear, this lady has literally proved herself to be the best in her role

3. The other casts - Hong Xiu, Lui Jun, Hu Die, Ma Yinxiong (The bestest of best this guy is) , Chun Er and Bie Ke did extremely well and we can't help but fall in love with their characters and their respective chemistries with the Main leads.

4. OST - Superb osts sounds like this, what realistic and relatable lyrics have they put can just blow my mind away! Simply, amazing!

5. The touch of modern world in the historical drama surely makes you connect and content with the drama.

6. Costumes - Though majority of cast is seen in the same outfit throughout the drama but the designs were just on point. The way kui mulang's black robe gives goosebumps is pure bliss, not to forget Qi pa's gowns which I literally want to steal!

7. A special appreciation to CZY, his team and his make up artists for giving us the best look of kui mulang and keeping up with the 4 hours of time to put on his make up!

Some little minus points of the drama which can be easily ignored

1. The dragginess with Qi Pa's tricks surely can itch you in middle part of the drama.

2. The casting of Su He, the girl portraying Su He seem not at all scary but in fact dull and dum.

3. More than required screen space of Jing Muhan, Earthworm and Haitang.


All those who have not yet tried watching historical dramas and want to give a try, then this drama is for them! And I know many of the CZY fans who are new to our madness(😅) are stalking for more of his dramas after watching Hidden love, then they should really give this drama a try and CZY won't disappoint you!

Read More

Don't let the FL deter you.. Great Drama!!

First and foremost I would like to say that this show was made very well. From the acting, to the storyline I loved it. The leads did a very good job with their roles, and it made me want to binge the show in a day.

Negative Remarks: The FL was very annoying the majority of the show. The majority of the people who watched this drama feel the same way. The way she "schemes" things just does something to get on your nerves. So if you don't mind the FL making "plans" throughout almost the whole drama you should be fine. I guess we get used to her antics.
Quite frankly, the FL is the only negative thing I have to say about this drama. Once you get past her antics, this a good show to enjoy.

Overall, the drama was very well made, I loved the romance and jealousy throughout the drama. If you love side couples, there are plenty here. Plus , if you love the kidnapping to lovers trope, this is it for you. And yes it has a happy ending for the leads for those wondering. :)

Read More

A peculiar approach done well

We don't usually see this kind of western + ancient chinese culture mixed dramas. I think it really gave this drama a new light. The love between them was sweet. Had intersting side stories which actually made the drama much worthy.

Really liked the pacing of the last episodes. The main problem was solved in the 29th episode and 30th episode was solely dedicated to conclude each and every characters story (This one is much appreciated 💗).

Should applaud the makeup artists and stylists. Kui Mulang's appearance was indeed awesome. Specially the hands, very much realistic. Also that little cat maid's ears are so pretty. Outfits of everyone was unique as well.

In conclusion I find this drama as an escape from repeating tropes and stories. This deserves it!

Read More

funny love story

I thoroughly enjoyed the drama but i will recommend this drama to those who likes fairy tales. yes a little mixture of Beauty and the Beast . one undigested thing in the drama was that The Beast Clan ate vegetables. I liked the love story . though story didn't have interesting thing to show but i don't know why i liked it. Maybe because of the leads because they are my favourites.
one thing when she came back to her home why the story didn't show her uncle and aunt as she was disappeared forlong time so they must be worried a out her so when she came back so they should be very happy but they were not there at that time, so why.

Read More

Very enjoyable fantasy drama!

Trully such a nice surprise! I started watching it as I usualy like stories with definitly opposites main charaters. So the title seemed accurate :). And I really found some of " Beauty and the Beast" vibes - with an interesting background story that unfolds . Characters are smoothly sliding from comedy to deeper tones very easily, and leads are all doing great job in portraying their characters. Some time versatiles, some time hilarious.
Even if it's not a high budget drama, actors direction, and the visual directing is very much willing to give us some sensitive and poetry (dark or light) lecture of the story.
I enjoyed it fully. Laughed a lot , and was quite thrilled too.

This drama is as good as reading an interesting tale... I recommend! :)
Will surely rewatch it as such.
Happy watching to you too, cheer!

Read More

Hated every minute of it but couldn't stop watching.

Didn't have high hopes upon seeing the make-up and costumes to begin with but what got me the most was the way in which the story kept getting dragged out. About 2/3 of the drama has gone by and miss Qi Pa has yet to discover the truth about Kui Mulang. The character development was close to nothing and god knows what is up with this evil scorpion man? Like the lack of backstory made him finding his daugther (which we didn't even know he had or missed) suddenly feel so random and out of nowhere? Just like all the dance scenes btw which made me cringe to death.

FL could've been more expressive with her facial expressions as well imo, all I could remember was her looking like this: 👁️👄👁️ half of the time. Another thing to point out is the scenery. Rather than showing the actual world all we got was this repeated cut scene of the realm from afar getting inserted and mostly the palace making immersion kinda difficult.

All in all not one for the rewatch list, though I can't stop watching this trainwreck. Like it's bad but I can't look away.

Read More