Wrong Carriage, Right Groom (2023)

Love lots for Ao Rui Peng and Tian Xi Wei as the main couple leads ♥

I love it especially the main couple, Li Yuhu (Tian Xi Wei) and Qi Tianlei (Ao Rui Peng). They're so cute and lovely together ♡
This is a light romcom and have a happy ending, with Ao Rui Peng and Tian Xi Wei as the main leads, I really like them both. Their cute, sweet and funny moments always makes me giggle ♡
Both first and second couples have the chemistry with their own love story. Thus, the story is good the way it is, I still enjoyed watching it until their happily ever after ♡
Anyway, Wrong Carriage, Right Groom suits the whole story. The accident turned out to be their fated love. It's all about like they're having the opposite personalities and attitudes but still got attracted with each other, so the two couples had matches together perfectly. Li Yuhu is the kind of girl that Qi Tianlei actually needs. While Du Bingyan is the kind of girl that General Yuan Buqu really needs. That's why, the accidentally switching the two brides and grooms are just RIGHT and DESTINED to happen ♡

It didn't annoy me that much coz the only thing that's annoying is Ke Shizao! So the story is really not annoying for me, unlike to those negative reviewers who have very high expectations in just a light drama lmao
I don't care about the haters and their own negative reviews here, this is just a light romcom drama with a happy ending, my goodness! Shame on them who are taking everything seriously and expecting too much, pwe!

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Slapstick romantic comedy, simple plot, mindless enjoyment

While I watched the entire drama, I felt that I was more hyped to catch each episode earlier in the series, and the enthusiasm fell off as the story progressed. Overall, I still found it enjoyable to watch at the end of the day after work but it might not be for everyone and it's certainly not something I'm always in the mood to watch.

Story - While the classic case of mix-up is always fun to run with, about 1/4 way through I feel it was already fairly predictable how things would unfold. The bad guys are not overly complex nor their motives very clear other than they're. just. bad. people. I'm also not entirely sure how one of the couples ended up taking a liking to each other, like "when...how...?"

Acting - I was not blown away by the acting, nor was I overly disappointed in them. It got the job done, but I won't be going out of my way to follow their other works. Sometimes it was a bit cheesy but I think it was the style and feel of the drama in general

Music - Did not make an impression. I watched every episode and still have to think hard to remember OST or melody from this drama

Rewatch - No. Once is enough. It was not bad but don't need to rewatch, it would be too boring.

Overall - This is the type of show I don't mind watching if I've had a rough day or am just tired and want something mindless (simple plot, simple characters) to watch. Mostly humor, the bad guys get kicked by karma, angst if any is light and brief and quickly soothed over. It works as a lighthearted little story to take your mind off things. But if I'm in the mood for a deeper more satisfying story, if I want acting that immerses me in the story and characters that I feel invested in, this drama would fall way short of expectations

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A fateful mistake which later translates as Heaven's will and redirection—Match made in Heaven!

Sometimes, things works out unexpectedly and everyone finds their rightful match - Qi Tian Lei

This drama got it all right for me. I used to think that this story possesses all the good traits I'm searching for in a drama. However, upon a broader and closer look, I later found out that this production was initially created with overflowing positivity and I'm glad they were able to expound that by reducing the problematic and ridiculous scenes (not that it has plenty to start everything with anyways). It's a story that is full of fun, healthy and admirable moments from the Main leads and the side characters.

I also wanna talk about the efficient utilization of all the characters. This production created multiple pairings that they successfully pulled through till the very end; Which is extremely rare because most of 'extra' couplings are typically left out to focus more on the Main Leads. But for this drama, I have never, even once, felt like they were left out. They were able to create this sequence of events that allowed the characters to shine on their own without getting neglected.

Another thing that truly impacted my watch experience is the actors/actresses effortless chemistry. Everyone fits perfectly with their characters that I never felt awkward watching them. I feel like they all communicated well during the filming that it resonates through their acting performances. Everyone is on the right track executing what is expected of them without feeling any uncertainty simply because they were able to enter their characters flawlessly without inhibitions of whether they're doing it right or not. In short, they have achieved the confidence and comfortability they need to execute their roles perfectly and effortlessly.

Surprisingly, this Production Team was able to deliver intricately in terms of the story line, costumes, designs, settings (filming location) and almost every little details and aspects of the drama you can think of; which is uncommon for an Idol drama. Story line is well constructed and polished, Costumes looked stunning and truly compliments and accentuates each characters beauty, status and personality, designs and settings of each scene is well-themed and greatly decorated to fit the mood. Just watching all those details will make you realise that this is a product of countless sleepless nights, abundant ideas and suggestions, good communication and hardwork from all the people who worked hard in front and behind the scene. Considering all that... the Budget and funding must have been great to make this happen. /Grins/

The only thing that made me feel bad about this drama is the custom of Fixed-forced marriages in the primeval times and the brutal scheming the people has to go through simply because there are individuals who are so ambitious and cunning they will do anything to achieve their goals. Speaking about that, I honestly think that they did excellent in executing those sequences very well. The vicious character remained extremely hateful and I love how they sticked with that till the very end. Kudos to Patrick Quan for delivering above and beyond!

Lastly, I wanna say that I enjoyed this drama so much and I'm really happy to have watched this after stumbling upon dramas that are good but doesn't fully satisfy my expectations.

Story - 10, The conflicts, plot twists and turn of events are smoothly executed, explained and most importantly wasn't over done. I feel like they were able to follow through the original script that's why everything effortlessly fell onto its proper places in accordance to how it was written. I would describe this a smooth sailing and well-constructed drama.

Acting/Cast - 10, Perfection! Oh wow! I don't even know where to start. Everyone has performed and executed their own roles very well—exemplery even. I don't think I have been this satisfied of a production's casts for such a long time. Every single one of them did great that I became speechless right now. I'm just overflowing with praises and compliments for each one of the casts. P.S. This is definitely one of my Fave Tian Xi Wei drama right behind New Life Begins.

Music - 10, I love the soft tone yet fun, playful and exciting opening theme of this drama which truly fits its genre and vibe. + The use of background music and sound is really good as well. The editor and sound engineers must have paid a good amount of attention to it because it was able to elevate the whole mood of the scenes they are used in.

Rewatch Value - 10, One of the dramas I can and will confidently recommend to people. It's just so good that I feel excited to let people know how much I enjoyed watching this drama.

Overall - 10, Well deserved! The whole production is a Chef's kiss and I never even once felt bored and/or conflicted watching it. It's a combination of people crafting their best works to put them together to create this one enjoyable and great drama. I'm just full of good words for this production overall. Extremely satisfied!

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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"Wrong Carriage, Right Groom" is a charming and easy-to-follow drama. Even though the couples initially marry the wrong people, it becomes evident that they were meant for each other. Both pairs fall deeply in love and have no desire to switch back. The villain's identity is clear from the start, leaving no room for surprises. The plot is straightforward, and the ending unfolds as expected.

Both Li Yuhu (Tian Xiwei) and Du Bingyan (Bai Bingke) have weddings scheduled for the same day. However, they get caught in a storm and seek refuge in a temple. After the rain subsides, and having their veils switched, they are mistakenly led to the wrong carriages, ending up in the wrong destinations. Initially reluctant brides, they decide to conceal their true identities and plan an escape. To their surprise, they find themselves falling in love with the men they were never meant for and they them.

The plot follows a predictable path, featuring a detestable antagonist and his accomplices. From a logical standpoint, there are moments of inconsistency and naivety. Notably, the antagonist manages to evade justice right under everyone's nose. In terms of acting, the entire cast delivers commendable performances, with Tian Xiwei standing out and Patrick Quan as Ke Shizhao the villain lagging behind -- he brazenly writes on his face, "I am the bad guy" -- with his robotic facial expressions. Nonetheless, the drama offers a simple and enjoyable viewing experience.

My Verdict

While not groundbreaking, this drama has its merits. With endearing side couples, a bit of romance, some light action, a wise mentor who guides both pairs, a straightforward plot, and beloved characters, it's suitable for a family audience.

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I can say this is a stress reliever drama.

Well after watching this drama, Master Liu must be the writer of their story together with his wife. It's amazing how almost all of the important characters have connections with each other because of Master Liu.
You won't get bored watching this drama because there's a lot of characters and each character has their own story. Every actor portrays their characters well.
If you are a cdrama fan who loves seeing the main leads always wins against the villains then, you got the right drama for you. No need to worry at all because as I said this is a stress reliever drama.
Although the drama ended good, all got their best ending but I still wish there will be season 2 wherein the story will be about their next generation.

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Expected a cute historical rom-com but received a mediocre plot

This drama supposedly tells the story of two brides who accidentally swap their carriages but the wrong husband at first turns out to be their Mr. Right in the end. At first glance Wrong Carriage, Right Groom has a very interesting concept however the execution of it is bad. I thought this drama was going to be a cute historical rom-com about how the brides fall in love with the grooms and go through ups and downs together but unfortunately that part was wrapped up within the first few episodes and the majority of the rest of the drama was filled with the villain and side characters.
The screen time is mostly about one main couple who has some cute moments together and the evil guy who constantly tries to ruin their fun for no reason. The second couple is cute but unfortunately doesn't get that much screen time in comparison to the first. And there are too many side couples thrown into the mix for such a short drama (read below the short info about the all couples).

POSITIVE:
- Likeable and well developed characters.
- Great chemistry of the three couples with the most screen time.
- Cute romance.
- Great acting.
- Set designs and costumes are beautiful.

NEGATIVE:
- Couples fall in love with each other within the first few episodes (too instant love for me without any proper built up).
- Nothing unexpected ever happens. The way the drama is edited shows all characters discussing what they will do before they do it. This ruins it for me as it takes out any sort of suspense. If I already know the bad guy will try to poison them and that the good guy already knows and will do such and such, what's the point of even watching how it unfolds when I'm already being told that.
- Plot is underdeveloped. I felt like boring conflicts were created and things were thrown in so that there was something for the characters to do. But it had no real purpose.
- Too much screen time on the evil guy and his boring schemes.
- Too much screen time on two of the side couples (an older guy with an immature girl and an evil guy with an evil maid).
- Not really the rom-com feel I expected as most of the screen time is about the boring plot.

COUPLES:
1st couple - rich, scholar-type male who pretends to be sick and a bubbly martial artist girl (the main focus of the story),
2nd couple - military general and a quiet, intelligent girl (not enough episodes for them, in some episodes the characters are totally missing and their story gets forgotten.)
3rd couple - soldier and a princess (prominent later in the drama for a few episodes).
4th couple - evil guy and evil maid (too much screen time and super weird relationship, totally unnecessary).
5th couple - married older guy and his immature wife (prominent for a few episodes, I couldn't stand the wife, totally unnecessary story).
+ two very short side couples that are just there for a short bit.

OVERALL:
It's an ok story to watch to pass the time or if you've had a long day and want to unwind. The drama could have been great.. but it's not. Wasted potential. Some episodes are funny and engaging, others super slow and boring. Plot is very weak and the only reason I finished the drama was for the actors (and for the sake of seeing the end really).

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A fluffy period rom-com that is a pale imitation of the original

This show is a remake of the 2000 original of the same name which some considered a classic. We shall review this show on its own merits first, but we shall run some comparisons towards the end so that we can reference the scoring.

Let’s have a look at this show from a 2023 perspective. The show has good production value, and a decent cast. There are technically 2 main couples (plus a couple of secondary ones) but the 1OTP consisting of Tian Xi Wei and Ao Rui Peng is clearly the primary couple. They are on screen about 60% of the time and their plotline is the A-plot. Oddly enough, the 2OTP is more interesting and have more depth, yet they are relegated to a support role. This would not be a big problem but for the fact that Tian is not well suited to this role. While Tian has starred in several period dramas including the highly rated New Life Begins. Her typical role is a cute, sassy girl, but this show calls on her to be a well-trained martial artist and she just doesn’t pull it off. The closest she got is awkward brashness. The few fighting scenes were obvious done by her stunt double. This makes her character a bit lopsided and feels simple minded. The 1ML is a more rounded character. He is very intelligent but also a skilful fighter. This makes this pairing even more uneven. They have their sweet moments but hardly the ideal “accidental” pairing which is the raison d’etre of the show.

On the other hand, the second pairing of Bai Bing Ke and Zhao Shun Ran do truly complement each other. Zhao’s textbook portrayal of a general is solid and he has the gravitas for this role. Bai’s role is completely different from Tian’s. While she is supposed to be a high born lady, she also has a pin sharp intellect, well versed in many subjects including the art of war and a quick learner to boot. Theirs is a perfect marriage of brain and brawn. While 1ML seems to spend more time explaining the plot to the 1FL and rescuing her from self-infected troubles. I know that’s how the script is written but I can’t help but wonder what will happen if 1ML marries 2FL? That will be one power couple!

Overall, the show is a low angst, watchable rom-com. It is low angst because the show has this propensity of dismantling its own tension. All the antagonist's machinations against our leads are foiled by chance or by our clever 1ML or 2FL in quick succession. The script painted him as an evil mastermind but he is made to look impotent. It got to the point that we'd assume our leads will win regardless. Another issue is plots that were once fresh are now considered cliché. This turns the show into a “mealtime” show. You don’t need to pay it much attention while doing other things.

In the end, this show is a fluffy, watchable period rom-com that is on par with many other recent ones. Everything is acceptable but hardly memorable. There is nothing wrong with that except this is supposed to be a remake of the 2000 original. From that perspective, a quick comparison is warranted.

It is obvious from the start that the plot is the same, and they have replicated many scenes as well. We can see the similarities as well as deviations. Unfortunately, what is missing are scenes and dialogues that gave the original its depth yet they padded this version out from 20 to 24 eps. Can't say that this helps the pacing. The OG characters do felt more nuanced and animated. There are more skinship in the original and they are also more passionate. This surprised me. The modern version looks and feels generic and sanitised. If this is what modern interpretation means, then we have gone backwards. If this was a stand-alone drama, I might have scored it a little higher but it really doesn't do justice to the original.

If you are interested, the original series is available on YouTube with English sub.

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