Wonderland of Love (2023)

THIS is romance done right!

OVERALL
Watch this drama if you 1) are looking for a series that actually gives enough screentime to the love story, 2) want a FL who can think for herself and knows how to fight, 3) crave a fast-paced series, with plenty of action/adventure. If you are prone to ML bias, though, I guess you should skip. Your loss!

THE STORY
I have to say my expectations were quite low for this drama because on a cinematographic level, it's nothing great. Really basic shots, bright filters, quirky BGM, and the CGI *eyeroll* BUT BUT BUT...as it turns out, I LOVED it! Let's begin with the good stuff:
- Absolute #1 for me is the perfect balance of action/adventure and romance. 90% of Chinese dramas seriously have no clue what a romance drama is supposed to be like. They're always 85% palace (or work) drama and 10-15% love story. For once, here, we have a solid 50/50 (maybe even 60/40 sometimes) and that alone makes it an above-average drama for me!
- I loved FL because yes, she knows how to fight and she is pretty smart, but she is also a bit of a trickster. Nowadays, so many dramas give you a "strong" FL but they're all the same. At least she has something different!
- The relationship between ML and FL is cute and fun. Their arguments are sad and frustrating, but realistic and (for the most part) understandable. I really appreciated how they never really broke up due to cliché misunderstandings (or maybe just once)
- The drama is also pretty well-paced. Especially at the beginning, you always feel like the characters get out of one situation to jump right into another. It's a good change, compared to dramas that drag. At some point (starting ep 25 or 26), you have a couple of episodes that feel slower, but it doesn't last very long.
- The ending is satisfying

Now, the drama is definitely not perfect. It does have its flaws:
- While I liked the pace of the show (with lots of action/adventure), I have to say the action/adventure plot got kind of repetitive. Lots of poisoning and kidnapping. It also was pretty predictable.
- Ironically, they did well with the fresh and fun romance, but SO bad with their third wheels. You can't get more cliché, obsessed unrequited lovers than the ones in this drama. This probably was the most infuriating part.
- Finally, I appreciated the fact that the relationship drama was understandable (and not random, plot devices just to separate the main leads), okay, I did...but I have to say it was kind of tiring how, for about 6-8 eps, the main couple just goes from one argument to another. You just want the drama to end and for them to be happy together (or fighting evil together)! haha

The bad is not enough to ruin the drama, so I'd still give it a try, but it's good to keep in mind!


THE ACTING
Stellar cast, nothing else to say. Pretty good chemistry between the main leads and they both did well on their own too (Xu Kai probably a bit more, he really was great!). Some side characters sometimes stole the show (eg. Crown Princess) too. All good!

THE MUSIC
Don't remember much...I guess it was fine?

REWATCH VALUE
Very high.

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The war was won, but at what cost

Man this was a very frustrating show.

I enjoyed this a lot more during the early episodes; watching Shi Qi and Cui Lin steadily fall for each other while being badasses in their respective armies. It was so fun watching their antics and seeing them come up with strategies to one up each other. When things were calm and quiet, their love was really sweet to watch too with all the loving gazes they would always give each other, abundant kisses, and nose rubs.

However, there were just too many problems with this drama that made it unbearable to watch from the halfway mark. Main issues were the poorly developed villains and inconsistent writing of character personalities. The only villain worthy of being a villain was really only from the early episodes, thereafter we got stuck with such poor excuses for villains it was seriously embarasssing to watch. The villains made it hard for me to believe the story cos of how inept they were, I just kept wondering how any of the characters beside them were taking them seriously. At least, if you're going to have dumb villains, balance it out by making the people around them either recognize how dumb they are, call them out for being dumb or try to get them to be better. (I'm looking at you Liu Cheng Feng and subordinate / Emperor Li and Ministers). When the villains are dumb and no one seems to have a problem with that, it just makes the writing and plot look weak. And that is no fun to watch.

Also, another thing I didn't like was that our main couple weren't steadfast in their love for each other. Whenever crisis hit, they'd have a dramatic blowout and then reunite a couple days later. But then this kept repeating and it was dissapointing to see. After all the difficulties SQ and CL went through together, it would have been better to see them gradually become more trusting of each other and communicating with one another rather than the whole hot/cold treatment they'd give each other at every adversity that rose up.

I'm happy we got a fleshed out visual of the happy ending of SQ and CL's story, but I can't help but feel unsatisfied. Despite everything ending happily, it just feels so sad because of how much was lost to get to that happy ending. I can't help but think, "was it all worth it?"

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To 10 of 2023

First, let me say I have watched about EVER SINGLE XU KAI DRAMA....

*Slaps and rubs hands together*

This is a very smart and emotional drama to watch. Character growth and emotional vulnerability are all there. Xu Kai plays an extremely smart and honest character while Jian Tian plays the main female lead who possesses the same traits. She is very witty and a quick thinker.

Im so bad at writing reviews but let me say this. If you liked any of Xu Kai dramas then I can promise you this one will not disappoint. The story is very cleanly written without too many fillers. Its worth the watch.

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Entertaining

I like the plot and pace of the story; it’s engaging, has a romantic twist to it, thrill and adventure. The chemistry of the main leads are awesome and they are fun to watch especially their friendly banter and schemes against each other. Jing Tian and Xu Kai's are on point in portraying their characters. It seems like Xu Kai has improved as an actor in this drama, while Jing Tian’s really brilliant in every role she played.

I like the character development of the main leads as the story progresses. Li Ni and Cui Lin have profound love, and understanding for each other, and it showed in the whole series; they argue, they have misunderstandings and have conflict but they were able to work out their differences. They are both independent, smart, selfless, have great conviction in their beliefs, and willing to give their lives to protect the ones they love. Li Ni's and Cui Lin's different background and upbringing reflect their personality and behavior when making important decisions in their lives; it showed their differences towards their views when it comes to politics and saving the common people, but their common hope and goal is to give peace to all.

Overall, I like the story, it's not perfect and some scenes are redundant but I really enjoyed watching the series. Xu Kai and Jing Tian's chemistry are great and heartwarming; it makes the whole series worth watching.

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Hop on to a journey of Love and Loyalty amidst a land of chaos.

First, I would just like to say how beautiful the leads look together.
The chemistry between Xu Kai and Jing Tian itself will make you fall in love with drama.
This is one of the few dramas that has ticked every possible box a viewer expects while watching a drama.
There was action(that too equally by both the leads) and romance and a perfect storyline to fit it all.
For me this was a drama that shouldn't be missed.

I would like to talk about how great Xu Kai is in all his dramas be it modern or costume dramas. He showed how experienced he is in this field and the way he is in portraying the emotions of the character. I literally cried when he cried and seeing his character in struggling moments made me feel sad for him and seeing him happy brought me joy. His visuals and acting are just to good and his commitment to the scene is commendable.

I first saw Jing Tian in the drama 'Rattan' and loved how she brought life to that character and even though one might wonder she acted a bit stiff in the drama but honestly, I felt that it was how that character had to be played to show her being different from humans. In this drama she played her so gracefully that one might fall in love with Cui Lin. A character who is funny, strong, pretty, just, smart and what not. Having so many traits in a single character and for an artist to show all those sides and bringing the character to life is not easy but Jing Tian accomplished it.

Gao Han did a great job in playing a person obsessed with Cui Lin and the different sides of his character her were shown really well. He played a really good role of an antagonist creating problems for the leads in the drama. I really liked the effort he put into playing such a role. I pitied him at times and felt angry on his actions in the next second.

Tao Zi was such a great character in the show. A perfect subordinate to a general. She was smart, joyous and lovable. Seeing the actress play her character made me want to be friends with her in real life. Such a loving personality was written for Tao Zi.

Xie Chang was also a great subordinate to Li Ni. He too was an adorable character. Showing him dumb when it came to love was really adorable. Seeing him besides Xu Kai was a delight.

I would really like to compliment Zeng Li on her role in the drama. She is such an exceptional actress. Even though she plays mostly support roles in recent times but her experience just glows in her acting. Every drama she works in, she brings a different spark to it. Her emotions can be felt by everyone.

All characters played a great role in this drama. No one seemed to have fallen short in any way. Even the negative roles were played brilliantly to the way that one might actually feel unhappy by their actions.

The story flew like a river flowing into the sea. It started very well and the first encounter of the leads just stole my heart. Their interactions from then were so enjoyable. Both planned against each other and kept falling in each others trap. Even their fights showed us how great their chemistry was. The understanding between them without talking a lot just gives the viewers goals as to how a relationship should be. Even though being from different armies their love did not need to be compromised. They stayed true to each other and did not favor even a single time.
The first 10 episodes were a great build up as to how the leads build their relationship with various encounters on different occasions. Both help each other get through difficulties and get to know each other. There were many fun moments in this span which made the start of the drama more enjoyable and the cuteness in their interactions was on another level. There was planning and plotting going on between the two armies to take down certain cities and both wanted to be better than the other.
The next 10 episodes are also similar except some grieving for the FL and also because of it she distances herself a bit from the ML but it was always clear that their love would not waver. The ML's side brothers face pressure because of the ML's success in wars and his capability and their father also fears the same so they try creating problems for him. The ML meets the FL's father and things start getting interesting here. One interesting character introduce here is Prime Minister Gu's daughter, she is a well written smart and cunning character.
In 20-30 episodes there is a lot happening, the antagonist returns and plots with the ML's enemies since he wants revenge and wants FL by his side. The ML and FL's father get to know each other and new bonds form. The second leads also develop a great relationship by now. The antagonist does play dirty tricks to get back at ML some of which one wouldn't imagine. There is one part in this arc though that would make viewers feel that the ML lost trust in the FL which also may be justified by his actions but I felt he had his reasons which some might agree to. Here the ML's brothers start plotting against each other that too in a harsher way. Even people in the ML's court join the enemies. In this part Prime Minister Gu's daughter also starts playing her tricks.
In the final 10 episodes there is a rollercoaster of emotions waiting. So much is happening that you wouldn't want to stop watching. There is an incident with the ML's close group of soldiers which will leave the ML in shatters where the FL is always by his side. Then comes an incident with the FL and a great plot twist. In this while the people with evil intentions will be revealed. Coming out of it becomes a question for viewers and the ending episodes reveals things that one would expect yet not believe in that expectation.

The OST was also very good especially the songs are written beautifully. I myself wanted to read Chinese poems because of this cause they have such beautiful lines. The song of the brothers(the ML and his close group of soldiers) was also a great addition to the music of the drama.

The production was very goof. All costumes and sets were beautiful. It was visible that this was a drama where the heart of the people was poured into.

I honestly write some negatives/improvements I feel in the drama towards the end but this one just has my heart and I have no such comments this time. It was a great journey of two people shown such beautifully that one might wonder if they could have been in that place.

P.S. Feel free to tag me or message me if you want spoilers as I tend to avoid giving spoilers in my reviews.

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What a wonderful drama

I haven't watched historical dramas in months because none of them pleased me, but Wonderland of Love
It really got me, this drama is simply INCREDIBLE. Seriously, it's a good drama, and the actors are also doing very well in their characters. I especially liked the female Prota Cui Lin.
I've never seen a woman as incredible as her in a drama, and I really like the way she interacts with Li ni, she's always up to their antics, I don't really like it when they fight, but I know that's part of the story. And these fights have to happen because that's what makes their relationship change.

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THE 1ST CHINESE COLOSSAL DRAMA THAT I’M FOND OF

Very good storyline, the plot is really unexpected and surprising yet it is very well organized.

Typical chinese colossal drama is actually not my cup of tea. I have watched several CN colossal drama yet i felt really bored w the storyline, it felt so ancient. when I 1st watch ep 1&2, I have no interest to watch it further; i started playing w my phone while the drama is still playing on my ipad. however, starting from ep3 is really what got me here.

the plot is very well organized, unexpected conflicts, unexpected result, & very good acting! a lot of scheming which remind me to my fave west TV show (GossipGirl!😝)

DEF RECOMMENDED <3

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ENDLESS LOOP OF MALE LEAD DENIALS AND VILLAIN REAPPEARANCES

Alright, so this drama started strong—like a solid 8/10 type strong. The first 10-12 episodes? Pure gold. The character dynamics were tight, the plot had momentum, and the leads’ budding chemistry? Chef’s kiss. You could actually feel the tension, the excitement, the romance simmering just beneath the surface.

But then… plot twist—someone clearly snatched the script away from the original writer and handed it to a confused intern on caffeine withdrawal. The last 30 episodes? Felt like a completely different drama.

Let’s talk about Mr. Morality aka the Male Lead. In the beginning, his unwavering principles and moral compass had me swooning. But soon, that same "righteousness" turned into full-blown annoying inflexibility. I wanted to reach through the screen and shake him. He went from "Wow, what a man!" to "Sir, can you not?"

Thank the drama gods for the Female Lead. She stayed rock-solid from start to finish. Captain of the army, martial arts master, drop-dead gorgeous, smart, kind, and could probably break your bones while reciting military strategy. And guess what? She didn’t simper around the ML like a lost puppy. She knew her worth, stayed cool under pressure, and handled her personal and professional life like a boss. People who criticized her conduct? Probably grew up under a rock in a deeply patriarchal setting. They just can't handle watching a woman with political aspirations or being pro at court politics .. but they definitely enjoy the plots where Male leads manipulate and abuse the FL .. force them into choices ... And it's quite disappointing most of such viewers are female ..anyways For me, she was a total inspiration.

Now let’s show some love to the supporting characters: FL’s badass dad, her physician BFF, the ML’s army bros, and his surprisingly layered father—actual scene-stealers.

Costumes and sets? Meh. Not terrible, but for a wuxia drama, I was hoping for more oomph.
Fighting choreography? Loved it.
Music? Let’s just say... I didn’t add anything to my playlist.

Now, brace yourself: by episode 12, the plot enters repetition hell. One villain makes six comebacks. SIX. I mean, is he immortal or just has frequent flyer miles to escape prison?

Also, ML’s character becomes a confusing blend of “sweet talker or spineless romantic?” I honestly couldn’t tell what was genuine and what was just... there for the drama.

Do I recommend it?
Yes—but with conditions. Definitely check out the first 10 episodes. They’re worth the time. After that, continue at your own risk... or if you just enjoy watching chaos unfold.

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A good drama with a touch of annoying characters and boring moments, but with perfect ending

finally finished this drama after a few weeks. I have many things to say about it, I think this will be long.

Let's start with the positive points :
1) The leads have amazing chemistry, good kissing scenes and many sweet moments. This pairing is perfect.
2) ML character was great in many ways (he wasn't perfect, but in general I like his character) and good acting from Xu Kai. He's a strong ML and has good fighting skills. He's respected by many and a great leader. I like a strong and intelligent ML.
3) The romance starts early and it's a main focus. The interactions and bickering from the leads were good most of the time.
4) Love the second couple (Er and Peach). Their moments and interactions started early too. They are cute and I like both characters. Their romance is sweet without problems or misunderstanding. Wish we could have seen them with a child at the end
5) The friendship is good and I enjoyed seeing that. The bandits, Bao, General Pei, etc ... I consider them good characters.
6) In my opinion Sun Jing is a good villain. He is still an intelligent and strong character + not the annoying type. The part of the plot fighting him was good for me.
7) I like Consort Xiao (the former Crown Princess) character. She's a strong women, a good person and I felt her story. She made contributions and sacrifices to help take back the throne. She feel in love in the enemy, but that didn't stop her to do the right thing and help ML. She was unhappy has the crown princess, but she found happiness at the end in seclusion and with her son.
8) General Han (to one who protected the crown grand son, don't know if I say his name right) was also a good character. Love his loyalty and how he protected him till the end. Glad he survived and still teach him.
9) Cui Yi (FL's father) is bad ass when he fights and was also an interesting character. Glad he overcame his illness and can teach the future emperor. But I would have like to see him again for the ending, even if he was briefly mention.
10) The scenery and cinematography is beautiful.
11) The fighting scenes are really good and interesting to watch
12) Ep 30 is pick and amazing : the fighting, the deaths, the emotions. It is truly heartbreaking and good cinema. It was so sad to see ML watch his friends dies without being able to save them and Bao :( He protected him until his last breath, I lost it when he placed himself in front of ML to shield him, receiving arrow after arrow...
13) The ending was one of the best thing about this drama for me. Not an open or annoying 2 mins happy ending. We have a whole episode for the ending. That is exactly the ending I wanted : Him ruling until the crown grand son is old enough to rule and after that, doing what he always wanted to do, going back to the border. Then they live happy ever after with their kids and with Peach + Er also there. It was such a sweet ending seeing them with their kids and it was cute that the boys were wearing blue clothes and the girls red. I was also touch with the graves scene and them remembering their fallen friends. It is a satisfying ending : we see him ascending the throne as emperor, the world at peace, the Gu family getting what they deserved, her getting pregnant, her giving birth and then seeing their lives a few years lather at the border.
14) The costumes are great
15) The music is really good, just like the intro and the ost. I loved watching the intro every episode.
16) The plot in general is good

Now the negative points or things that I liked less about this drama (some is just me complaining ahah not really bad things) :
1) There are a few annoying and unlikable characters (maybe too much for my liking, made the drama less enjoyable), let's go thorough some of them :
- Liu Cheng Feng is one of the worst and most annoying character ever. He obsession with FL and his delusion ruined the drama for me a little. His presence was annoying from beginning to end, it took him so long to finally die. He wasn't a good villain for me, just an annoying character, just looking at his face I wanted to skipped. He shouldn't've have been there till so late in the drama, his presence was unnecessary since also we have other villains.
- Mrs Gu (prime minister Gu's daughter) : that girl also annoyed me from her first appearance to her last. I agree that she was kinda good at scheming and she made her way to the palace + at first she wasn't unnecessary, but she needed to be gone sooner. Just her talking was irritating me and her face also. I was also just annoy that ML wasn't clear earlier towards her (even if it was so satisfying when he finally did). Why did he let her go to his place and giving him gifts. He was to polite at first. I truly hate obsess second lead and this drama has 2... so for me that was a let down also because they were there until almost the end and no development (like the guy in ''A journey to love'' had at least a developments and let go of his obsessions, so it's more bearable). They were both crazy till the end.
- The emperor (ML's father) : what a useless, spineless, stupid, weak and annoying emperor. It was so frustrating. But at least in the end he finally admits that his not a good emperor and not a good father. But he didn't deserved that kind of redemption arc. His wife (the empress) had at least a bit of brain cells
- ML's brothers : they were annoying, but at least they were trying to scheme and the conflicts between the 3 brothers gave us some amazing eps and fighting scenes. So I gave them that. The older one was so stupid... And the emperor defending them... But the power struggle was necessary for the story, so not that much a negative point here.
2) After the deaths of the bothers and the fight of ep 30-31, the villains were boring and not interesting. The plot was just dragging, the last fighting scene wasn't that good and didn't have a big impact for me. It was useless to had the conflict with the other people (forget the name, but the clan that killed FL's mother) and even Mr. Gu to an instinct. I couldn't care less.
3) Filler episodes with boring or annoying moments to extend to 40 eps. The ones after the wedding in ep 34 for example with the leads in conflicts AGAIN was just annoying to me. FL got on my nerves in eps 35-36. From eps 33-39, I was mostly on my phone the hole time, my interest was gone and I just wanted it to end. I was at the end almost just watching 1 ep a day just to make some progress. This morning I was like today is the day, I'll finish this drama ahaha I had 3 eps left.
4) We were suppose to have a strong and intelligent FL, but she wasn't all that and annoying sometimes. I expected more, maybe I'm biased because I was watching ''A Journey to love'' at the same time and in that drama that's more of a good, strong FL for me. She kept getting kidnap and ML saved her often. When in ep 37-38 SML kidnapped her, I was like, not again... She was stupid there. I also think she wasn't that likeable sometimes, but I agree that she had her moments. Don't know why, I'm also a women, but I feel like the FLs characters are sometimes written annoying, weak or stupid in dramas, more than MLs. It wasn't actually bad here at all, she was still consider strong and had her mind, but it's a tendency I'm realizing now. I often tend to get annoy by a FL and not a ML when I watch a drama, maybe I haven't watched many dramas with the annoying kind of ML yet ahah (I know there are many out there) or maybe I did see some, but nothing comes to my mind right now.
5) I was a bit annoyed with some aspects of the relationship between the leads. Them being in conflicts, they make up, in conflicts again, than make up, ... blah blah blah, happened a few times. It was a part of their relationship and sometimes justified, but maybe they could have had it happen less.
6) I know ML is filial, but he's father treated him like shit all his life, but he was still trying to be a good son, saving him and even kinda getting along with him in ep 40. That man is trash. deserved nothing from ML.
7) ML was stubborn when he didn't want to be the crown when he was the obvious and best choice, but I didn't like how FL was trying to force him. Even less when he was finally crown prince and she didn't want to marry him and make sacrifice for him. Like girl what and she's suppose to be intelligent. Did she really not think that they would have to disbanded the Cui army if she becomes crown princess ? ML already knew it was a strong possibility. And after they got married she was mad at him for the disbanded of her family's army and what happened to her father. ML did is best to defend them and it wasn't his fault, I don't think it was justified to treat him like that. ML also exaggerated by breaking up with her after the letter her father send to the emperor. They both have faults and flaws.... I know they can't be perfect and all of that is part of the plot, but still

So, because it wasn't that good or even interesting past ep 30, filler episodes or some boring moments, the annoying characters and with comparing with others dramas I rated, I stopped my rating at 8.5/10. In general it still a good drama and has many positive points, so of course I would recommend. Also, it's my opinion, I can get annoyed by characters or bored easily, so my negative points are mostly bad things just for me.

If we talk about 2023 chinese dramas that are not modern drama, Wonderland of Love has one of the best ending in my opinion.

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Match made in heaven

When script is destined to you, it always find its way to you.........the script realised the full potential of the cast or maybe Actor/Actress saved the day.

The drama took off pretty well with brilliant strategies of main leads and their chemistry.

Supporting Characters played so well.......But after finishing the half of the drama, the whole story was dominated by politics and internal fights for power. It drifted from main cause ...it showed the dark side of palace life ......But still the supporting Characters will entertain you till the end and the chemistry of leads will keep you on hook.

Yes, It is worth watching.
It is just my opinion that 40 episodes were bit long and if you like short dramas then you have to be patient and hang on as ending is worth it.

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An idol drama that punches above its weight

First, this is an excerpt from my long-ass post about Wonderland of Love, which includes and episode watch log: https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2023/12/02/wonderland-of-love-review/

To read my FULL thoughts on it, head to the blog. Here's my short review:

What I liked

- Great chemistry between Jing Tian and Xu Kai and I really enjoyed how evenly matched they were in terms of power dynamics, especially in the first few episodes.
- The brotherhood story took a while to build up, but when it did, the impact of the angsty episodes really hit hard!
- I like that every episode moved the story forward. There were hardly any filters.
- Episode 30 and 31 really elevated the drama to fascinating heights. On the one hand, it was a very typical idol historical romance drama, and those episodes had Ripe Town vibes.
- It has a wonderfully long happy ending. I'm a softie for those and we have precious few dramas that end so happily these days.

What I didn't like

- While Ah-Ying is written as a kickass female heroine, and she was in the first few episodes, she needed to be rescued way too much, which undermines her kickass status.
- The pathetic villains with poor motivation. Young Master and Lady Gu are not that much of an antagonistic challenge to our leads and are mere annoyances. I found Sun Jing a more effective bad guy but when he left the stage, our new antogonists could not pick up the slack. It didn't help that the acting was not fantastic either. I found our two Li princes a little better in the villain department but they were also not very bright villains and never felt like a real threat either.
- Episodes 30 and 31 showed that the writers and production could elevate the drama to become something so much more, so it's a pity they never went there completely or reached those heights again.
- The political intrigue/palace drama bits were not, er, sophisticated. It was silly and simplistic at times and probably would not fly in the real world.
- I really wished they had made Xu Kai and Jing Tian less pretty in the drama. For goodness sakes, at least tan Xu Kai a bit so that I could believe that he spent a decade in a deserted border outpost. In a sea of scruffy and dusty soldiers, Shiqi and Ah-Ying's unreal beauty and polished looks stood out like a sore thumb. For the first few episodes, I couldn't stop wondering if someone had slapped crazy filters on Xu Kai because he looked an anime character.
- The drama had a "too clean" look. The sets were too polished and so obviously shot at Hengdian it took me out of the show sometimes. The streets were too clean, the soldiers' uniform was looked too new, bright and shiny ... I felt that this drama needed a liberal layer of dirt so that I could buy that it is real.

Seeing how long the "What I didn't like" list is, you are probably wondering, oh noes, she doesn't like this drama! Bu no, I really enjoyed the heck out of it. It's the rare drama that I will rewatch on a moody day when I need cheering up. There are precious few of them.

I mean, it is certainly no Ripe Town or even Dream of Splendor, so lower your expectations. It is a typical idol drama with many spinning, hair-and-cloak-flying shots of our couple looking gorgeous as they stare into each other's eyes.

However, it was very entertaining, fluffy, feel-good and romantic. And yet, it had surprising moments of depth that took me by surprise. It is just a pity that it wasn't sustained throughout its 40-episode run, but I enjoyed Show for what it was: Pure entertainment.

The pathetic villains, plot holes, convenient solutions definitely diminished what could've been a really, really good show. But I laughed, teared up with this couple and it cheered me up immensely at a time when I needed it. 😍 When I watched the show, I just had my first bout of COVID after avoiding it the entire pandemic, my sense of taste and smell was gone and I was miserable. On top of that I was dealing with adulting issues. I desperately wanted something happy to watch and Wonderland was what I needed.

Whether you will enjoy Wonderland of Love depends on how far you can ignore its flaws and go along with the story. It is also best for people who like the drama's tropes: brotherhood and star-crossed lovers.

If you can't do both you will probably not enjoy it at all 😆 I am a sucker for bromance and will watch any drama with that trope.

All in all, Wonderland helped me turn off my brain and have a good time. 😆 And I love it for that.

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Wonderland Power Couple

Finally a good series for XK. I've watched two misses he was in and knew if only the story was good enough, he could have a better shot at winning. Though far from perfect, the story did carry itself and our leads had wonderful chemistry hence I dubbed them the Wonderland Power Couple.

Pros: I think XK is one of those actors that can have chemistry with a pet rock. Not to take away from JT as she nailed her character as well. But XK has the ability to go from deadly to smoldering gaze in a heartbeat. Their love story was epic because it began from competitors to confidants to lovers and the transitions were nice. I also loved their sidekicks Taozi, Ear, PY, the brothers in arms, her dad, Consort Xiao, the kid, general Han (another immortal that got sent off a cliff harpooned but reappeared to save the day) and even LYN with his guest magician appearance.

The only real villain was Sun Jiang; once his arc ended it was only dumb villains. The ending was overly dramatic but nicely done. I love all of the fight scenes. Fight scenes for me, make a show extra special and this one had plenty. The ultimate "big bad" was nothing to cry home about. But what was done extremely well were the deaths of ML's brothers in arms; that was prolonged agony on the audience as well as the FL's fake death as both sets took at least two episodes. Those two moments in the drama broke your heart and made you cry but they were done exceptionally well and made for the ending that much sweeter. Sets, costumes, and a few OSTs were memorable.

Cons: The father and brothers were dumb villains as well as Ms. Gu and batshit crazy LCF. I ffw'd them as much as possible. I also didn't like how the FL threw tantrums and blamed ML for shit that wasn't his fault even when he came up with solutions to help matters. It made her seem like a child. She and her father pushed him to be CP; but she still wanted to marry him, keep the Cui army from disbanding, etc, as they were knowing full well what the dumb as nails king was like. Even in the second to last episode before her miraculous revival, the king was willing to believe the corrupt minister over his own son that had been instrumental in every war and strategy success for the kingdom. It hurt my head watching that stupidity.

This series would have been much better if it was only 25 or 30 episodes long, where you didn't have to deal with the stupidity of the useless loser villains that just made a mess of virtually everything. ML could be CP and marry FL and not have the rest of that garbage happen. It's like logic fell apart after the real villain was killed. Even father and son reconciling felt off because father was a hot mess. I spent a lot of time ffwing and just watching for the leads and the good guys.

Would I recommend? Despite the second later half being a mess; the leads and most of their friends pulled off a very watchable series. I hope XK gets even better scripts in the future as do the others.

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