To the Wonder.
What a stunning drama. With ease i could have given this drama 10s across the board, However nothing in this world is perfect. But it was very close to. It felt like i was watching a slice of life from another culture filmed as it is. It never crossed my mind that they were actors in a drama, it all felt so real. The scenery is just beautiful, i wish i could go there, it felt like there was space to breathe. I really hope it stays that way. Protected.I found it touching and could relate to the struggles to cope with the changes to life, the new rules and regulations, and restrictions. I am more than old enough.
Thank you so much to the whole team for producing such an interesting, and thoughtful drama for us all to enjoy.
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Cinematically gorgeous and a heartwarming story
Nothing much happens in this drama but it is so engaging and lovely to look at that you really don't mind.It is a simple story well told. The depictions of nomad Kazakh life set 20+ years ago are obviously appealing to jaded viewers like me, fed up with typical recycled C-dramas. There is a slight discomfort about the political implications of Chinese incursions into this region but it doesn't detract from the strong performances, beautiful scenery, and hankering for a simpler life based around community and tradition.
Let's face it, these sorts of dramas are bound to appeal to city dwellers like me. If I were actually transplanted there I would no doubt find it uncomfortable and unpleasant but on screen it looks inviting even despite the hardship.
The cast is great, the budding romance and first love theme is touching and the ending entirely fitting.
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Worth the watch
Initially, I thought this would be boring, not my typical kind of drama. To be honest it's not this typical kind of drama you have around, it's a true gem. The story was raw and authentic, and as was the romance between the actors. It was incredible to witness the borders of the countryside and how they're different from the mainstream culture you see in your usual dramas. It's defintely worth the watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Good story about love and acceptance others who are different than us.
To the Wonder is a melodrama about being human and learning to accept others for who they are regardless of their culture, language, and race.My Reviews:
1. It is a heartfelt drama with no boundaries when it comes to love and acceptance of someone different from you.
2. It is a story about human kindness that melts her heart with love and acceptance regardless of culture, language, and race.
3. The cinematography in this drama is awesome.
4. It is short and simple yet engaging.
I give it a 7.5 rating
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A masterpiece
I'm so happy I'm a curious person because I don't think I would've found this if I wasn't .This drama is quite literally one of the most beautifully made things ever. It's so beautifully written, the characters are so loveable and well crafted, it has the most beautiful cinematography. The leads have SUCH GOOD CHEMISTRY my heart fluttered every time they were on screen together. Please watch this underrated masterpiece!
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A cultural experience
As a Muslim woman living in a "Muslim" country, watching this show initially caught me off guard with the “Islamic” elements—it was a bit of a shock, honestly. They were praying, talking about Eid al-Adha... and then drinking alcohol?? That really threw me off at first!But then I reminded myself: it's just cultural differences. Everyone lives and practices their faith in their own way, and that’s okay.
This show ended up being a really unique and moving experience for me. I felt like I was living those moments right alongside the characters. I truly loved it. (Also, the male lead? Super cute. The mother SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! )
I wish they were more c-dramas about ethnic minorities.
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a hidden gem!
this is so beautiful that i’m crying while writing this. i enjoyed it so much that i didn’t want it to end. i’m so happy i came across it. the cinematrogaohy, the aesthetics, the slice of life scenes, the realism, the innocent romance, EVERYTHING about this is chefs kiss. it’s a total breath of fresh air from other cdramas. i’m used to faster paced dramas but this was able to immerse me right from the start to the end. the acting is SUPERB. i’ve added this wonderful short drama to my list of comfort cdramas <3Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Insanely breathtaking in more ways than one!
Just finished it all in one sitting and I have to leave a review immediately.Many shows can be 10/10 but not many shows will leave me reeling from how beautifully perfect it was. This show gives me the same feeling I have after finishing My Liberation Notes but a thousand times more breathtaking.
I didn't know much about ethnic minorities in China before this but the show was extremely educational about the customs and traditions of the Kazakhs in Northeast China. But not in a "tribal" kind of ways that western shows sometimes portray minorities. Every characters had depths and are so relatable that we could see the parallel of their lives to ours even though their language, cultures and costumes are different. And this was an INSANE thing to achieve in just 8 episodes less than 40 minutes!!!
The acting is *chef kiss*, somehow everyone are so authentic and real. But I really have to give it to Ma Yili as Zhang Fengxia, she is a complicated, colourful, compassionate and everytime she is on screen i am completely speechless.
Don't even get me started on the landscape! OMG!!! Imagine falling in love, dancing, singing and just spend days with your love ones in such beautiful greenery🤯
Finally, the show is again reminding me of the connection native people have to their land. We see the impact of capitalism in expropriating the resources and also how these actions could damage the environment for the animals and natives.
The show is absolutely perfect for me, great cinematography, beautiful everything and all wrapped in respectful potrayals of their main subjects ❤️. A definitive must watch again and again
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This review may contain spoilers
Slice of life in a different world (from mine)
I decided to watch this drama because of Ma Yi Li. I watched her in a few other dramas and she was great. She was the only one I knew in this drama and decided to go ahead nonetheless. I must say that I was glad I did because I loved this short series dearly.What I Loved About It:
- The cinematography was, to me, breath-taking. I liked the different shots of the scenery, the people, the animals...
- The acting was very good because it was very natural.
- "Oh my gosh, camels!" was my thought and I found it so amusing because it featured a slice of life which was so different from my own.
- There was a bit of a plot and romance and just plenty of small and biggish things going on in this place.
- It showed me a vastly different world from what I know and I felt intrigued and enlightened.
- I liked the romance between the Wen Xiu and Batay. They looked good together and I was glad that they were sincere about each other.
- A fairly happy ending in the end.
- Lessons -- Life happens. Choices have to be made in the spur of the moment or not but "time heals (?)" ... Life goes on. No matter where we are, we are just trying to make things work out (for us).
What I Didn't Like So Much:
- The scumbag in the form of Gao Xiao Liang made me detest him greatly. He was immoral and manipulative. He was a liar and a cheater. I hate such people.
- The death of Snowshoe turned out to be immensely sad. The whole scene tore me apart.
Overall, I am delighted to generously give this drama a 10/10. I truly enjoyed it and found this production full of heart. I highly recommend this drama! :o)
<3
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Discover the Nomadic Life of Ethnic Kazakhs in Xinjiang
A mini-series about the nomadic life of ethnic Kazakhs in Xinjiang’s Altay region. It features stunning cinematography and breathtaking landscapes. Batay and Wenxiu’s heartwarming romance portrays life, love, and heartbreak.Note: The series has 8 episodes, and although the first 4 are slow, it becomes more interesting from episode 4 onwards. The male lead, Yu Shi, who plays Batay won my heart, he’s such a hottie✨
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What Do You Think About Civilization and Modernisation?
Civilization has impacted the world, transforming even the time-honored traditions that once brought comfort to people. While we can commend those who are open-minded enough to adapt to change, we must also acknowledge the struggles of those who find it challenging to abandon the familiar ways of their past. For those who have clung to these traditions since childhood, is it fair to blame them for their reluctance to let go?It's been almost a year since I downloaded this drama. Came close to deleting it many times but I am glad I did not. I enjoyed every scene, every episode.
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Best mini cdrama
The drama is very refreshing to watch, the ml's acting is really great, the chemistry, the slow burn, perfect.The ending is an open ending which is a bit sad, but definitly worth watching.
There are some scenes that carries a lot of emotions, his love confession, when he has to save her from her frightened horse. The overall landscape of Xinjiang is beautiful, a breathe of fresh air from all the cdrama filming in big cities like Beijing or Chongqing.
I also have to note that seeing minority ethnic groups in cdramas like Kazakh and Mongolian was really nice.
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