The Smiling, The Proud Wanderer
The adaptation is based on a classic and would have been more mainstream if it had a well-known ensemble, but the show decided to go with rookie actors instead. There are a couple things that I appreciated, like the old school theme song and the assured sense of style that is so confidently wuxia, but it’s hard to get very far when you just don’t like the cast, especially the main lead. I really wonder how the casting process went. The episode introduced way more faces than I cared to remember, and it ended up being forgettable.
I bailed after the first five minutes thinking that the heroine didn’t seem all that appealing, but I’m so glad that I gave it a second try because this has a unique plot that I haven’t really seen before. The heroine is also cute and likeable in hindsight and grows on you with her girl-next-door image. The first episode is about her agreeing to change someone’s skin in exchange for saving a stranger’s life, which leads us to the mystery man in question.
He is hot, broody and standing at the edge off a cliff. He doesn’t move, doesn’t eat, doesn’t sleep and doesn’t jump. I mean at this point, I knew that I had to keep watching to figure out who he is and how he fits into the overall story.
Volunteers Wanted: Just a shout out that we are on the lookout for volunteers to keep this section alive. Panda Impressions was initially meant to be a place to share first impressions or talk dramas, but there are too many undiscovered dramas that need some love.
If you would like to share your thoughts on a particular drama (old or new, c-drama or k-drama), please send it to us via the ‘contact us’ form (rightmost link on the menu bar) and we’ll use it in the next post if we can. Just a paragraph or two usually works, no word count required. Thank you!
Previous <- Panda Impressions -> Next
Anonymous
I actually don't mind watching series with rookie actors or actresses, but the casting of the main lead The Smiling, The Proud Wanderer is such a miss. Not only of the miscast but the storyline jumped all over the places that you ended up not caring for anyone.
Sunny
Thank you! I had never heard of Colourful Bone but your review has made me curious. It sounds promising! Going to look for some videos and some subs now…
Anonymous
"He is hot, broody and standing at the edge off a cliff. He doesn't move, doesn't eat, doesn't sleep and doesn't jump. " => LOL …I continue watching because of these *LOL*. Too bad, the sub isnt complete yet. Love the main guy ans the girl 😀
Princess Agent
I have never seen the main actor Tong Meng Si before until Colorful Bone. I agree he is brooding and hot. By the end of the drama, he has won himself a new fan. He is really really hot!