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.