The Untamed (2019)

My favourite series of all time

I first watched the anime (grand master of demonic cultivation) which wasn't completed yet so I read the manga of same name... Also not completed.... I was dying of curiosity so I read the novel (mo dao zhu shi) and then I came to know about the show.... I have re watched it several times... I do hate that china is homophobic but the best of bl and gl comes from their.... So the novel is classified yaoi, the manga/Anime is shounen ai and the show is bromance... Still the show is my favourite coz of it's amazing acting and flow of thing which they altered perfectly... Recently I figured out one of the final twist was foreshadowed in the very first episode.... Which I missed all this times( focus on the fans) ... Yeah so don't miss this for the world 😌

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I am not sure where to begin. To start, if you like fantasy, love, loyalty, family dynamics, action, suspense, adventure, mythology, megalomaniacs, or psychopath’s, you should watch The Untamed. If you slow paced action, simplistic story lines, or two-dimensional characters, you might want to look elsewhere. The Untamed is a complicated action packed romp of Wuxia that will leave you in tears and begging for more.

STORY: This show is about Wei Wuxian, an orphan who grows up in the Yunmeng Jian Sec as a brother with the sect leader’s children. This is based off of the book Mo Dao Zu Shi and due to censors, some parts of the book are not included but there is no mistaking, the main relationship in the show is between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, the second son in the Gusu Lan sect. What plays out on the screen is so incredibly beautiful and poignant, it is breathtaking. The two spend their time fighting for justice and truth and a clear conscience. The genius of the show is the very first episode starts in the middle of the story of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. When you meet Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and Jiang Cheng in the very first scene, it becomes a tantalizing bait to ensure the unsuspecting audience just keeps on watching.

CHARACTERS:
Wei Wuxian is played by Sean Xiao just masterfully. He is just the right amount of playful, intense, loving, and flirty; a perfect foil to Wang Yibo’s version of Lan Wangji. These two just have chemistry in spades and it is probably the most entertaining couple I’ve had the pleasure of watching in a long time. But it doesn’t stop there. I read an article recently that said that Lan Wangji was a bit wooden, but I disagree. He had to be the polar opposite of Wei Wuxan and Wang Yibo did an INCREDIBLE job pulling off such an interesting character. He spoke so much with his eyes, that he must have practiced for weeks to get them just right.

The characters grow exponentially with Wei Wuxian’s two siblings, the loving Yanli (Lulu Xuan) and the combative but family-oriented Jiang Cheng (Marius Wang). There are the Wen siblings of Qing and Ning (Zoey Meng and Paul Yu) and several other family groups of various dysfunctional dynamics. Add a few psychopath bad guys, some weird monsters, a token female or two, and you’ve got yourself a cast that delivers large amounts of fun and excitement for 50 jam packed episodes.

I held off watching this show for almost a year (I prefer binge watching to waiting for things to come out). I’m also not a big fan of playing a favorite, but there is a reason why this was one of the most popular c-dramas in 2019. Truth be told, the only reason I’m not giving it a 10 is because of the lack of well-developed female characters. Outside of that flaw, this show is 100% perfection from the vicious sword fighting to the bunny metaphor (you’ll love it……I promise).

MUSIC:
Within one week of starting this show, I downloaded all of Lin Hai’s soundtrack for The Untamed and the duet sung between Xean Xiao and Wang Yibo. I have not been moved by a soundtrack so much since my last John Williams download. Certainly, this is one of the best soundtracks I have ever heard for any drama. If you like good music, you can always watch the show just for all the awesome flute and zither pieces (and every time you hear the songs, they remind you of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji…..sigh).

RE-WATCH VALUE:
As I write this, I’m on the 3rd time through watching. I’m still addicted. Hopefully, there is a cure and I can move on to finish Eternal Love of Dream soon or anything else for that matter. So re-watch at your own discretion and if you are addicted like me…..well, you can’t say that I didn’t warn you.

OVERALL:
The Untamed is just perfect. Its more than a love story, more than adventure, and more than I can describe in just one review (so I’ll write an article or two later on). I tried to avoid spoilers in this review but if any of you are hesitating the only thing off putting in the show might be the violence (it gets a little bloody in spots and I have to admit there was a few things I didn’t think I’d see on TV like cutting off of tongues and branding). If you have some time and tissues (I cried), then snuggle up and watch The Untamed.

Lire davantage

A timeless and majestic series

Edit: Dec. 29, 2022

Watching The Untamed again just before this year ends was definitely the best decision I have ever made. Up to this day, I still cannot find a Chinese drama to top this series. It's just too fucking good. TO more edits may come to this review as I rewatch again in the latter years. Just posting and pushing the narrative to watch this damn series if you haven't already


Feb 26, 2021

THE UNTAMED IS ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT WELL WRITTEN CHINESE DRAMA IN HISTORY. There is not a single episode wasted. Although it might 50 episodes long, I am still craving for a second season. The chemistry between the two male leads are superior. It is unfortunate that they couldn’t add the romantic scenes due to censorship. However, the constant gaze and choice of words of Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan are superior into expressing their love and care for each other.

Wei Wuxian’s selflessness and braveness are something that are hard to find these days. The 16 year of separation due to his death was painful to watch. Can you imagine losing your partner for 16 years? Lan Zhan was strong to handle that. Also, taking care of their “adoptive child” Wen Yuan. Lan Zhan was like a single dad for 16 years. And when Wei Wuxian came back, Lan Zhan cherishes him even more. He is always there for Wei Wuxian even if everyone is against him.

Wen Ning, I love you so much. You are the best best friend ever!! Your loyalty to Wei Wuxian is superior. I am sad that you died in an unjustifiable way. But I am happy you came back as a fierce corpse. Maybe when you reach afterlife, you will see your sister Wen Qing again.

ANYWAYS WATCH THE UNTAMED IF YALL HAVENT THIS IS SUPERIOR. ONE OF MY ULTIMATE FAVOURITE CHINESE DRAMA!!!

Lire davantage

I can't say enough how much I love this drama. I just wish it was longer! Started out confusing because of so many characters, and the CGI could be better but the story trumps all of the flaws the drama could have. Its very meaty as it has everything: romance, revenge, family, tragedy, friendship, politics, melodrama, comedy, all the genres you can think of, this one has it. This drama kept me at the edge of my seat and the fighting scenes and cinematography were magnificent. The romantic subtext between the two male leads was palpable as the actors were able to portray their emotions through tonal nuances and facial expressions. The rest of the cast, even the secondary ones have the acting chops to support the drama.

Lire davantage

It's epic

I had watched it more than once.. I love everything about it.. In my opinion its a masterpiece.. The story, the cast, the music, the costumes, i have no complains.. And i will rewatch it again.. After watching the drama i watched all the bts and donghua, audio.. I read the novel.. Wei wuxian and lanzhan both of them are already rooted deep in my heart.. I really love this drama because its sweet at the same time intense.. I love how wei wuxian play both his before and after death roles in way perfect manners.. Love how he transform in his role...This is the only drama i had binged watched in a very short time..

Lire davantage

An unforgettable experience.

If there's one BL (ok, bromance because the country is home of phobic) I would always recommend, it's this one. It's everything and more.

First, the characters are perfectly cast. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo embodied their characters so well. They became their characters. The same goes to the supporting cast.

Second, as with most danmeis, the story is extremely complex and creative. It's very interesting and you're always at the edge of your seat.

Third, the chemistry is palpable. There is absolutely zero explicit scenes but it's still romantic. Their gazes, hand touches, and their obvious attraction can't be subdued by all the censorship in the world.

Next, the music. The songs are unforgettable. WUJI is legendary. The mere first 3 notes of the opening song bring me to tears. Hell, the mere sight of that lotus brings me to tears.

Overall, it's a masterpiece. The only criticism I have is the CGI. Some scenes were rough.

Please watch this, everyone. Bear with the names, bear with the confusion. Trust me. By ep 5, you would want to binge all 50 episodes.

Lire davantage

definitely worth the watch

this show is absolutely amazing. honestly, i was a bit iffy before starting it as i hadnt ever really taken much interest in chinese dramas previously but THE STORY IS INCREDIBLE. it is so hard to dislike any character as they are so well written. every single character has depth and flaws and i count that as a win its own. the two main leads wei wuxian and lan wangji were played by xiao zhan and wang yibo who did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.

i will say however, the only faults i had with the show was that since they had a low budget the special effects were not as good as they could have been. the first two episodes start off a bit confusing but the story starts coming together around ep 3. after that, its just a rollercoaster of emotions.

the overall concept does raise interesting societal questions too. 'what is black? what is white? who is right? who is wrong?' it highlights societal judgement and views. and makes you really ponder, people might not always be as simple as they seem. there is a lot we dont know about the thoughts and morality of the people we choose to judge. people who are outcasts and looked down upon, may unexpectedly have the sweetest hearts.

after finishing the show, i even read the book to get an even better in depth idea of the characters. which is something that has never happened before. overall, if you have time and are looking for a heart wrenching story filled with plot twists, this is a must watch. i became quite a fan of this show.

Lire davantage

A GEM

It is one of the best drama that I have ever seen!
The storyline and the relationship between the characters is just phenomenal. From great casting to acting to character development to cinematography to the soundtracks, everything was on point. Each character has really played its role well in all honesty to the storyline. I never realized that it was 50 episodes long. Each episode keeps you on hook. This has really done all the justice to the novel, regardless the restrictions on showing BL scenes in China. I promise that you will never regret watching it. I hope there will be a season 2. This drama deserves all the love.

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