DiggingIt

This is not a pissing contest. You can live in denial all you want. This is definitely borrowing from Pride and Prejudice. And so what? Why is that negative? I would have liked to do a compare and contrast. Is there a Chinese novel by a Chinese author that shares the same premise as Pride and Prejudice? One that pre-dates 1796-1797? If so, I'd like to know (I mean that sincerely so I can read it in translation if possible). Have you read any Jane Austen novels? You may find them quite enjoyable.

No, I don't have a misunderstanding. And I don't need to be told by some online twit that my views are not valid! There have been many great films that borrow stories from other sources that audiences enjoy globally! I also noted that I'm committed to finishing this drama to see where it goes. I would have liked to see a Chinese interpretation of Pride & Prejudice and I believe have the right to be disappointed! Clueless is a contemporary interpretation of JA's Emma. Magnificent Seven is a classic western taking the story from Seven Samurai. The list is quite long. All great storytelling!

I was right about one other thing...these are increasingly dark times!

I've read quite a few comments and the reviews for this show. Why is there so little mention that this is a Chinese drama version of Pride and Prejudice? Albeit loosely based. I was excited to see what looks like the first Netflix production of a Chinese drama. Most 2024 C-dramas were unwatchable and I cancelled iQiyi. Watched the first 6 episodes last night. I'm disappointed that they have strayed from the original story of Pride and Prejudice. But I'm committed to completing this drama. The beauty of all Jane Austen novels is that it shows the inequity of women's roles and lives in late-18th English society. Women depended on good marriages for social standing and economic security. Failure to do so had dire consequences for women and sometimes their families. Not too different from Chinese societies from any dynasty! Her novels have been made into countless films and episodic TV series in period and contemporary settings. Am I pointing out the obvious or is this something we can't mention for some weird political reason? After all, we are living in increasingly dark times.

This has been at best, a frustratingly entertaining dramedy. Although the emperor's threat makes me wonder if he's planning a big chop for XD. I mean wouldn't that be worse than death for our leading couple? Fear not, everything will be resolved within 1-2 episodes.

I don't think anyone will ever accuse Chinese dramas to be overtly too sexual. Nor am I suggesting that they do so. But I do believe that his no kissing clause as an actor, especially in romance dramas, is a major disservice to the stories. I don't want to know about his personal life. His refusal is in fact inserting his personal life into the story. I've made excuses for actors or movies that I so desperately want to be good when in fact they were not. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith comes to mind! It was a difficult thing to admit having been a lifelong Star Wars fan. It's exasperating when a declaration of love is followed by no more than a hug or a kiss on the forehead. Why not just shake hands! For the love of god, long passionate kisses are not sinful. He need not bring the trust issues of his marriage into his work. If actors from the early days of cinema (ie. silent era) can do so, I think Allen Ren can afford to go a little method. One of the best cinematic romances of the 20th century is Brief Encounter made in England in 1945. Even they managed to have a few kissing scenes. They were beautiful, sweet, and heartbreaking. Good actors understand their job is to service the story first and foremost. Or am I expecting too much? I think Allen Ren has demonstrated some impressive acting in spite of a few unfortunate drama choices. I see a lot of potential for growth. I know he can be better.

Is this another no kissing Allen Ren drama? I'll pass if this is true.

Everyone seems to value relationships in this drama. They seem to watch out for one another. I find the evil eunuch Qin Luan absolutely delicious. He’s always in the midst of a full pledge panic! For someone so powerful, he is surrounded by some major incompetence! I love the unintentional camp.

Leo Wu got to me! The Fei Liu Effect was strong and I feel dirty for it. I agree with your points. Just want to add that this is a noticeable improvement from the same director for Ashes of Love (AOL). Except I could use some real love scenes. I know China is conservative. But you can't show a magnificent shirtless Leo and give us nothing more! The parrot scene is just as bad a cover as the flower blossoming from AOL during the love act. It felt like a 6th grade sex education video.

If that is true, sounds like smoke & mirrors...what is the real reason? What hot blooded 21 year old male wouldn't enjoy love scenes with Dilraba? I am inclined to believe there are others more than willing to take the risk! The rated G love scenes were a bit too much to bear. I guess that makes me a pervert!

It’s because of the Fei Liu effect. There something forbidden about it. Intellectually, A Sun is hot! Emotionally, I feel dirty. Life is not fair! We’ll be lucky to get something beyond a forehead kiss!

The mustaches resembled 1980s Magnum PI. Was starting to wonder if there was a van with a bubble window parked outside the Xu Mansion!

I seriously doubt it’s the lack of bilingual Chinese. Like most things, it’s about money. Chinese production companies don’t budget for it. They’re notorious for spending little for promotion. Maybe the exorbitant prices paid to top tier actors leave little for things such as subtitles. Korean dramas are just better at reaching international audiences. There’s consistency at least.

I really like this drama from the first episode. But the snail pace of the subtitles is unbearable. I rather enjoy watching dramas while on air. The anticipation is part of the fun! But Chinese dramas are exceptionally bad with subtitles! The language disparity alone is bad enough. But to suffer through incomplete subtitles is one too many slaps in the face to the international audience. Most of us have made exceptions for Viki due to subtitles are provided by volunteers. But if you’re paying a subscription, it is fair to expect your product to meet certain standards. I don’t think it’s too much to expect episodes are subtitled at 100%. This drama has episodes sitting at 80-97% for 1-2 weeks. New episodes take about 1 week to reach 80%. This ruins the entire viewing experience. This may not be an issue for those with the time and inclination for repeat viewing. I care about quality. I feel I have made concessions with overlooking voice dubbing where Chinese dramas are concerned. At this point, I can use VPN and watch all raw videos from a Chinese site and miss about the same amount of nuance.

I have stopped watching some good dramas because of subtitles delay and quality. It’s exasperating! I don’t have the same issues with Korean dramas. I’m just tired of chasing after dramas that don’t give a shit about their audience. I don’t mean in the fandom sense. I’m not talking about creative control. It’s much like the book and film where the title says it all...He’s Just Not That Into You. That’s how I interpret my relationship with Chinese dramas. It sucks that this is the lasting impression I have with this drama. I actually find Kenny Lin to be an exceptional actor.

And what’s with incomplete subs? Ep 6 is at 88% today up from 74% yesterday! I feel bad for complaining since Viki uses volunteers. These production companies just don’t appear to take the international market seriously. Subtitles are not exactly difficult to add. It’s not a literary translation of a novel! Just budget for it!

The romantic in me prefers that she stayed true to her love. Ji Chong deserves better as well. It would be hell to live knowing you were someone’s second choice. There’s truth to cliches such as the heart wants what it wants.

Well, he does have heightened senses and abnormally strong fighting abilities. Outside of that, the censors killed all supernatural wolf elements. I too am also disappointed! Make it a curse or something, anything! Hate it when politics get in the way of storytelling!

After reading Li Qin’s comments, my immediate thought was...if you’re not having fun with it, you’re not doing it right! Haha

I find most Chinese dramas easily dated and The Wolf, with the three years delay in airing, has not escaped this fate. HOWEVER, it has not in any way damper my enjoyment. I am rather digging Darren Wang as Prince Bo/Wolf Boy. His physical appearance is a welcomed departure from pretty idol boys. Not that he resembles a wolf physically, but the stark contrast to Xiao Zhan and all the other male characters, lends credibility to his outer worldliness as a man and warrior.

I would be interested to see a director’s cut someday. It would be interesting to see all the supernatural wolf elements and violence butchered by Chinese censors.

Tanning salons have come a long way. I haven’t seen an orange tan in almost 20 years...at least not in California. I can’t and won’t speak for Trump. But his orange tan is a trademark...of sorts.

...and they’re not made to look vampire white either! Does that count as diversity?