The Untamed (2019)

A classic that stands out amongst other excellent dramas

There are some dramas that are excellent and popular in their time but end up being forgotten soon enough. This series, however, has the makings of one of those classics that can well get remade again and again with room for a different interpretation or emphasis on different things, kind of like some of Louis Cha's novels that have been repeatedly made into new series. The complexity of the plot, the intertwining of the plot and subplots, together with the nuances in characterization make this a series that truly stands out.

There are some series or movies that become famous because of the stars, and there are actors who become huge stars because of a particular series or movie. But this is one of those instances in which it works both ways. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo have become really famous because of the series, but, at the same time, it would be hard to imagine anyone else playing the two main characters. It is one of those series where, if there is a remake years down the road, people are going to look back and say that it can't match up to the Xiao Zhan/Wang Yibo pairing.

The series is adapted from a novel with strong BL elements, but it does not tell the story simply for the sake of showing the relationship between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. This distinguishes it from a lot of BL series in which the relationship between the main characters take primacy over all else. For instance, the attention paid to Wei Wuxian's relationship with Jiang Chen and Jian Yanli (more like siblings to him although he isn't really an adopted son in the family) also makes the story really moving. Although I see commenters who don't seem to see the depth of Jiang Chen's brotherly love for Wei Wuxian, the series actually portrays Jiang Chen's emotions with nuance. Sure, there may be resentment because of some misunderstandings and even a bit of jealousy, but even when Jiang Chen seems determined to kill Wei Wuxian, he still doesn't hate Wei Wuxian thoroughly. When Wei Wuxian is able to fall off the cliff, Jiang Chen seems to hate him enough to want to stab him to death, but he ends up stabbing the rocky cliff instead (it's rather hard to miss his target, so he probably couldn't bring himself to end Wei Wuxian's life at that crucial moment). From the start, even when they are on good terms, Jiang Chen's bark is worse than his bite, and he is very harsh with his words when talking to Wei Wuxian. But he really cares about Wei Wuxian--even after the Jiang Sect is exterminated and he seems to blame Wei Wuxian for it, he still has enough trust that Wei Wuxian will not turn evil and *pretends* to fall out with him when other sects are out for Wei Wuxian's blood.

The brotherly relationship between Jiang Chen and Wei Wuxian is a nice contrast to the relationship between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. In a way, the feelings between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji cannot simply be bromance. Although Lan Wangji usually maintains a cold and emotionless exterior, his feelings are shown quite early on through his brother (who seems to be able to read his mind), through how he keeps everything related to Wei Wuxian, including Wei's favorite wine (which is contraband in his sect). On Wei Wuxian's part, he also quite early on seems to like to get Lan Wangji's attention and be close to him, trying to talk to him when others try to avoid him out of fear. He also asks Jiang Yanli at one point about what it's like to "like" someone (who else could be be referring to?). He just doesn't seem to realize how much Lan Wangji loves him. Then there's also the symbolism of Lan Wangji's headband, which he is not supposed to let anyone but his beloved touch.

Perhaps in the future, in a more open-minded world, we will have a remake that showcases the censored BL more. But the censoring of the BL elements isn't necessary a bad thing. Of course, if everything else remains the same, it would be at least a bit better if the love between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had a chance to be shown more clearly. Yet, the series seems to do better than the novel (which I have read only snippets of) in showing the emotional bond between the two characters, and the relationship is more romantic with the sexual aspects taken out. (I can totally do without softcore-porn scenes although I would appreciate a clear portrayal of them as a couple rather than "confidantes".)

The Untamed has often been compared to Word of Honor, which is also one of my favorites. But Word of Honor really doesn't come close in terms of developing a good story with a range of complex characters with interesting development. What Word of Honor does better is passing and bypassing the censors simultaneously, but I think this strategy probably started with The Untamed and is pushed further in Word of Honor.

Lire davantage

Just Masterpiece

I am pretty sure that i couldn't find anything better than this ever ever ever in my lifetime💛🌼✨🔥😍For the two things i couldn't find a proper word ,firstly to describe how it was❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️and then when i realize that it's going to end soon💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔i had finished ths drama a year back but i really feel like it was yesterday...i came to write a review bcoz i thought like nobody should miss ths magical drama✨💛i hope atleast just a few ppl will watch ths drama after come across my review..#Go for it..Thank me later🌸💛

Lire davantage

Must watch for anyone getting into cdrama!

Although this isn’t my first Chinese drama, it’s one I actually stuck to and watched entirely through. The Untamed blew any expectations I had away. I don’t watch many cdramas but this got me addicted so I watch other shows like it now.
The story can be intimidating at first, but it has fifty episodes to explain the plot line. I really liked it, as the story gave importance to all characters, both side and mains, even the “villains.”
The acting was definitely a surprise. I know the actors aren’t the most famous (at the time) and experienced, but their acting surprised me. You can tell how genuine and heartfelt they were to their characters, especially Xiao Zhan! He shocked me at some parts, where he looked like he was actually in pain. I’m also a fan of Wang Zhuocheng and Song Jiyang’s amazing acting in this.
Lastly, the music was also a surprise. I first watched the animation, so the music was already in my mind. But they did a great job to keep the music fitting to their characters without being exact copies.
Overall, (sorry for the long review) I really enjoyed this show. The sfx and cgi isn’t anything Hollywood style, but it wasn’t too distracting to me. But the amazing acting and characters is a 10/10. Please watch the Untamed! It definitely didn’t feel like 50 episodes in the end. Just to warn anyone, it’s an emotional rollercoaster! I was laughing, smiling and crying.

Lire davantage

I'm so grateful to Netflix for picking up this excellent series. I spent my professional career producing TV in Los Angeles, and The Untamed ranks up there with the greatest adaptations of any novel, including Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings -- The Untamed has all the fan fave elements of all those other adaptations, with a delicious Sino flavor. The casting was right on the money... all the actors were excellent and profoundly moving. The two main stars are beautiful and charismatic. The music was spectacular. I've just downloaded the soundtrack on Spotify. The only dip in my enthusiasm came from the "scary monsters' that were portrayed in a mediocre way. Really wish they'd gone exclusively with CGI rather than mechanical mixed with some CGI. Over all though, I'm happy to be watching the entire series for a second time. I'm eager for Netflix or Amazon Prime to provide their American audiences with more Chinese dramas like this. Gee... I sure hope Netflix reads this!

Lire davantage

CAN NOT MOVE ON

I already watch this film five times since September 20, actually i already downloaded this film on january 20..
but after play the first episode, i close it soonest because i dont have "click" with this film.
BUTTTTTT this film make me "addict" with !!!!!!! OMG, this film truly A MASTERPIECE.
I can not move on from this film until now...
XC and WY made the best pairing couple that we will be remember for many years and years to go..
hopefully chinese film industry will produce film that make us feel this feeling..
others film were good, but this film the best and no replacement...
thank you for the director, producer, WYXC and other actor and actress that gave us this kind of feeling...
i love watching film but this is the first time i can not move on to other film because of you THE UNTAMED.

Lire davantage

Unforgetable

I previously dropped this drama at episode 9 because the story just didn't seem to hold. However, over spring break, I was bored and decided to watch this drama again. Who knew I was HOOKED to it. This drama definitely deserved the hype from 2019. Sad how I didn't hear about this drama in 2019 due to some family issues that brought me down.

The acting of the main leads is phenomenal. The CGI work is MEH but who cares... when you have two awesome leads. The chemistry is amazing. The supporting cast are all truly amazing. This really is a masterpiece. I finished on March 31, 2021. I don't usually watch older dramas, but I can't stop thinking about this drama. It's always in my head and every single time I'm on Youtube, a fan edit pops up.... ugh the pain....

Lire davantage

"There isn't a clear line between right and wrong".

The Untamed was a 2019 Chinese television series adapted from the xianxia novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, starring Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo. It follows the adventures of two soulmate cultivators who travel to solve a series of mysteries that link to a tragic event in the past.

I am prefacing my review by stating that I have not read the novel or viewed other adaptations of this story and am solely basing my review off the television series as a whole.

Due to censorship laws in China this drama contains hidden subtext that portrays implicit feelings and ideas of love between the two main leads. This means that the romance is implied, but not announced explicitly. For many potential viewers this can be a deal breaker when selecting a new series to watch. For me personally, the show did a phenomenal job in overcoming the censorship hurdles to give us an eloquent love story.

The Untamed explores themes of love and betrayal; good and evil, while still managing to give us a strong plot, well-rounded characters, and elaborate clothing and makeup. It's easy to become immersed in the series with its stellar cast and pleasing soundtrack (OST). I highly recommend the Untamed as a must watch series for all new viewers and I most certainly encourage rewatching it for those who have already seen it.

Lire davantage

The untamed is definitely my most favorite drama of 2019 so far and I can tell it will remain one of my all time favorites as well. The plot is amazing and it keeps you hooked from beginning to the end. Though the actors are all mostly rookies but they are definitely incredibly talented and well suited for their roles. It is cherry on the top that they are all extremely good looking as well. The makers did a great job of portraying the beautiful relationship of WWX and LWJ inspite of the censorship. Though they labeled it as 'bromance', but anyone could tell what the two of them have is far beyond simple bromance. And the most amazing fact in this drama is that the other characters are all very well rounded as well. We can somehow relate to even the so called villains of the story. The music is amazing and very apt for every situation. I am in love with Wuji and other character songs. I rarely watch Dramas with so many episodes but for this one I actually crave for more and I am actually having withdrawal symptoms since the drama ended. I keep rewatching it and can't really move on. So overall I can tell that this drama is most definitely a highly recommended watch. Just give it a try and I think you won't regret.

Lire davantage

Best consumed with a heavy serving of fandom on the side

Additional rating: Fandom: 10/10 stars

If I'd watched this alone, I don't know if I would have made it past the first few episodes because I would have been too focused on trying to figure out the plot. I recommend finding an episode recap online that you like, and don't worry about getting spoiled on the plot. It's actually better to know what's going to happen because it frees you to focus on the unspoken love story and the heart of the fandom. I also recommend a WangXian-focused episode guide (https://trensu.tumblr.com/post/190720141603/wangxiantics-the-unofficial-untamed-episode). This is an express track to understanding the fandom and key moments that would be missed if just watching solo.

Lire davantage

A GEM & MAGNIFICENT

As you can see, this show came out a year ago. I haven't watched it. I saw it on Viki, with high ratings, but never watched it. I have read the description, but still didn't watch it. After many long hours of dramas, I decided to give the Untamed a try. And let me tell you, best decision of my life. I felt like I got my heart all back together, and when you watch this you can never let go. Now I understood the ratings and why it was so hyped up. I agree that this show is the best one I've ever watched in my whole life. Nothing can compare to the untamed. And now I turned into a fan, and might go crazy, but if they plan to do another season, I wouldn't mind watching it. But, the thing is if they do another season, it has to be better and really updated from the first season. It shouldn't go downhill, in acting, or in story plots. I feel like we've seen everything there is need to be seen. But, they kind of left us on a cliffhanger. I have a strong gut feeling that there's someone else involved in the problems or else, why would that have happened, you know? But BEST DRAMA EVER and I'm sad too say bye to the 50 eps I watched. The flashback is really helpful, so I recommend you to not skip it! If you're a new watcher enjoy! :)

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