The Untamed (2019)

Definitely my favourite Chinese drama.
I found the beginning a little slow and sometimes confusing (because of the amount of stuff happening and all the names of the characters), but I kept watching and then I became addicted with it. This drama got me into danmei novels.

It's true that some points of the plot are different from the original one of the novel (see for example the 13/16 years), but it didn't bother me that much apart from the censorship.

Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo are great actors, they were able to convey the relationship the main characters have in the novel even with the different plot. Xiao Zhan is the perfect Wei Wuxian and I found especially exciting how Wang Yibo was able to show Lan Wangji's emotions through micro-expressions and movements of his body.
The side-actors were very good too. Zhu Zanjin was able to make me hate his character (no offense to him though) and Ji Li is a perfect Nie Huaisang.

p.s. the characters are all dubbed by chinese "voice actors", so when you listen to the characters talking you're actually not listening to the actors you see on the screen

The OSTs are so good I made a playlist especially for this drama, especially the main theme.

Read More

forgive everybody Wei Wuxian and everybody deserves love and not everybody are evil.

This drama was very good and incredible, like xiao zhan acting was very great and i love it so much even wang yi bo acting was good too. I was surprised by the love of wei wuxian in fact he risked his life to save his brother but his brother was doing bad things to him but wei wuxian still loved his brother. wei wuxian actually went through a lot, people used to hate him for no reason thinking he was a murderer but he wasn't, because he didn't have his golden core. He deserved a lot of forgiveness from everyone because he didn't deserve that and he deserved a lot of hugs and love too.

Read More

A special gem that will stays in my heart 4ever

It's 2021 and I'm still here enjoying The Untamed for the nth time. I couldn't count how many times I have watched The Untamed and it's so incredible that all the emotions remain the same so I decided to write a review on the drama gave me experiences that i haven't had for such a long time.
I got to know The Untamed from Thailand concert, after it had finished airing. XiaoZhan's smile really draw me in and the duet of the song Wuji with XiaoZhan & Wang Yibo at the concert started my days with The Untamed. I started watching The Untamed while reading the original novel at the same time and I have to say, the writers of both did excellent job to bring us the audience this wonderful story. The plot, acting of the casts, chemistry of two main leads and music are main reasons I've been so in love with The Untamed until now. XiaoZhan & Wand Yibo are Wei Wuxian & Lan Wangji came out from the book, I love their cute interactions, feel their pains & wish to have such a special person in my life like they have each other. This drama is not just about boylove but so much more profound with family love, friendship, soulmate and morality values in life. Talking about the music, whenever I hear any song in the OST album, I can visualize that exact scene in the drama so hat off to Lin Hai laosi. The adaptation made some changes comparing the the original story because of censorship in China but did not really affect the whole story.
Thank you The Untamed for coming to my life!

Read More

Forever #1 !!!

I watched this drama on Viki but it is available on Youtube. Let me tell you exactly why you will consider this #1.

Graphics:
I never really changed the resolution when watching but it was always clear and bright. The clothing they wore was always beautiful especially Lan's Family clothing and when Wei Ying's. I never once was disappointing in their clothing choices, Infact if anything i watched this because of the clothes and the actors. Also had lovely lighting.

Music:
From the sound of the flute to the sound of the 9 stringed zither to the voices of Xiao Zhan's and Wang Yibo. I was always longing to hear the music. I even downloaded the song onto my phone and promised myself to learn the piano and play Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan song.

Story and Plot:
I never once skipped any part, My eye's were always wide open. I never once yawned or felt annoyed because you can't miss any detail. It wasn't lacking in anything. Every episode had a story. Never once did it feel dragging. I wish that the drama could never end. I only had 2 things i wanted to see more of. I wanted to know Wei Yings past a little better and the ending was great but they could have shown Lan Zhan face but we all knew He called Wei ying at the end and you could see his figure in Wei Ying eyes.

Rewatch :

Since the first time i watched it. I have watched it 10 times or more in only 8 months. Usually i would never do that but i continuously come back for the BL? Bromance? Whatever you wanna call it.

When i first saw the cast and i didn't see romance i was skeptical and skipped it because i am a romantic nerd but as the saying goes "Don't judge a book by its cover". To all those people who are like me don't do it. I promise you won't regret it. Even if you dont like Boy romance or friendship it was not mostly about that. The story line had betrayal, death, rising to the top and plummeting to the bottom and lack of trust by the persons who are closest to you...
10/10

Read More

I absolutely became obsessed with this show. In all honesty, the first few minutes of the show was rather boring to me because I don't really like historical genres of pure wu xia/xian xia very much, but then I found out it was based off of a BL novel so I had to give it a second chance. And...it turned out to be really great. It definitely is one of the best BL based cdramas I have ever seen. But, technically speaking, the drama isn't made to be BL but as a "bromance". And let me tell you. please don't make that stop you from watching it!!! The intimacy shown, the cuteness between the couple shown, the unspoken cues of lovey-dovey vibes and flirting are all there and more. It is sort of like a don't-ask-don't-tell vibe since there has to be censorship on what the story can show to its audience, it being a Chinese drama and all. Like I said, it is CLEARLY there! That's why I agree with some people when they say that the producing company was playing with fire (with the gov) with the interaction and development between the CP. But if you are here for the heavy clear-cut BL, then this isn't that.

After a few episodes in, I got too obsessed while waiting for episodes to come out and picked up the book translation and started reading. That really enhanced the drama for me. It allowed me to understand a lot of the underlying things that weren't clearly explained in the drama. I would definitely recommend picking up the book but BE WARNED, there are explicit scenes in the book. Both materials have a romance vibe but they show it in different ways. I feel like the drama is more romantic than the book, probably because of the censorship. The book is more out in the open when the relationship establishes whereas the drama is more of a jump from "we are friends like soulmates" to "we're an old couple that needs no additional spice because we've been there and done that". But, one of the reasons why I think the drama is so successful is because the original content isn't just about the romance between the CP, but it's about their world. Themes about their world like of what's right, what's wrong, and the greyness that exists in people and situations that appear in the book are shown in this drama very well. The drama does a really great job in keeping with the original content. Given that it can't be 100% the same, but I would give it a good 80% towards it being a great rendition of the book.

The actors were great. I didn't really feel any out-of-place acting in this drama. Given that most of the actors in here are not that experienced, but in my opinion, they still did an excellent job. Some of the acting was more of a get-used-to-it-and-you-will-get-it-later type acting. The actors selected, in my opinion, really matched the roles very well, especially the main CP. I was iffy of Wang Yi Bo at the beginning of the drama because of the role of Lan Wang Ji being, from what I saw, a very hard to portray character (relying mostly on facial/bodily performances and very little verbal expression) but like I said, his acting is more of a get-used-to-it-and-you'll-get-it vibe. I absolutely adore Xiao Zhan's portrayal of Wei Wu Xian. The personality is a little different from what I got from the book, but it matched up to the drama so well. I honestly, liked his Wei Wu Xian more than the book's Wei Wu Xian but the differences are pretty nuance elements.

Personally, there were only two pieces of disappointments that I would note. One, obviously it being a censored drama, some of my favorite moments from the book got cut from the drama. A lot of the highlight moments did get portrayed in the drama though, I'll give you that which was a very important reason of why it was so good. They didn't really stray from the original content. Rearranging, yes but straying, no. Specifically, there were two moments that I really wished they would have added it in there and both happened in the 16-years-later segment. I thought both those scenes were very important because one scene provided input on the acceptance of the CP's relationship by others in the don't-ask-don't-tell type scenario and the other scene was the CP's own unspoken but very clear declaration to the world that "this man is mine" or "this is the most important person to me" declaration. Plus, this declaration scene I mentioned, to me was a scene that paired with another scene. By not showing this "declaration" scene , there was no explanation as to the "why" of what happened in the paired scene that did make it into the drama.
The second disappointment is the ending. Don't get me wrong, the ending wasn't bad. I AM content with the ending but as a first reaction, I was disappointed because I sorta wanted just a tad more than what the very very last scene provided. You will get what I mean if you watch it. With a closer inspection of the ending scene, you will find a lot of reasons to appreciate how it was done. Of course, that is IMO from the details that I caught sight of.
But these disappoints were definitely washed away when I watched the last 4 or 5 episodes because like I said, there is a high level of intimacy portrayed by the CP in this drama. Like I mentioned, near the end, it's more of like they are already a couple. An old couple that has been through so much together that their simple behaviors signify so much and there attraction towards each other is very clearly spoken through those interactions. The intimacy level shown at the end of this drama, really just blew me away and made me say, " I don't care anymore, I love all of it!"

Final evaluation after my first time through...
-1 It being a censored drama but that's not really the drama's fault at all...the world just needs more time to accept all forms of love and even more time to get rid of any discrimination and distaste.
+1 Script was great
+1 Script was a close rendition to the original story
+1 Even though it was a "bromance", didn't stick in a girl to create romance and left it to the story to create the underlying romantic vibe.
+1 Set and music was pretty on point for the most part
+10 Actors can act!
+100 Hot guys! Cute guys galore! d=(≧∇≦)=b
+1000 The CP had chemistry and were cute guys that can act! (▰˘v˘▰)

...coming from a fujo (☆▽☆)...10,000 points to The Untamed!
100% recommend!!! 100% recommend!!! 100% recommend!!!

Read More

A Complete Drama

Story ~ This drama may not be a bl contrary to the novel it is from but the chemistry between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan is honestly very heart warming and beautiful.
The story is really well, I watched it when it came out while the rating were really low from fans of the novel but watching this show really is a good decision. The number of episodes seem like a lot but it is needed, the plot can be complex to understand and it helps settings backgrounds and introducing the characters well. This show will take you on an adventure between action, battles with powers with friendships and love.
-> The storyline is well-paced, exciting and balanced, setting a solid foundation for the show to build upon.

Acting ~ I really have to applause both Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo for their incredible acting. Zhan is bringing Wei Wuxian's joyful, playful and lively personality to life, he is easy to like and understand. Yibo had a more complex characters to play, Lan Zhan shows less emotion, and tougher personality but the way he succeed to convey with his eyes is amazing
I could talk about Yu Bin who played Wen Ning, who needed to act two personality, a very lovely and weak sweet boy but also a strong and though man who is loyal in both aspect.

Music ~As a musician I have to say, I deeply fell in love with Wuxian, this melody is beautiful and means so much for both Lan Zhan and Wei Ying

Rewatch Value ~ As I writing this, it is the end of December 2021. Years after the drama was released and when i first watched it. I have watched this drama so many times I have count; I really enjoyed the story, the characters and all the details and efforts the Directors put into this drama.

Overall is a 10/10 - this drama will touch you.

Read More

This series is my happiness.

Having read Mo Dao Zu Shi, I knew the series would have to adapt to the censorship that comes with Chinese media. But, to be honest the series was more than i could have ever expected. In my opinion, there is a certain harshness to the book series. The gentle tone of the series really added to its beauty for me. The show is truly beautiful. The scenery, the costumes, the music were all just stunning.
The two males leads were stunning as well both visiually and talent wise.
Xiao Zhan was charming and funny as Wei Wuxian(Wei Ying), he was pretty spot on. His emotional scenes were heartbreaking. A wonderful actor to play a wonderful character.
Wang Yibo really took the prize for me though (I may be biased as a huge fan of Lan Wangji) with his portrayal of Lan Wangji (Lan Zhan). Lan Wangji was the silent inner turmoil type in the novels, so i knew it would be a challenge. Yibo expressed that inner pain, love, loss, longing, ect with only glances perfectly. I was really impressed and captivated by his ability to express so much with so little dialogue.
The whole cast was a treat really, i have zero complaints.
Its a beautiful heart-wrenching story.
The novel was wonderful, the series was such a nice surprise. It took the limitations put on it and created a incandescently beautiful story of true soulmates. It almost made me appreciate the story more and fall more in love with it. ??

Read More

BEAUTIFUL STORY AND CHARACTERS

I don't normally rate dramas I watched but this drama really took my heart by storm! No words can really describe how beautiful the story was portrayed in this drama. I watch it 2 years later than the date it was released, and I regret jumping onto the drama late. But I can see myself always coming back to relive this drama multiple times. It's that good!

Plotline:
I think this is a Chinese drama for those that are new to the Chinese traditional outfits/wuxia dramas. The first 10 episodes really started slow and I remember when I first watch it out of curiosity, I wasn't really hooked on it yet. BUT! It started to pick up the pace really well from episodes 13-14. So for those that are maybe having second thoughts watching the first few episodes, hang in there!! It will be worth all your time later on.

Characters:
As for the main leads, I can never praise them enough for their portrayal of the characters in the story. They really chose well for the casts this time. The emotions that Xiao Zhan (Wei Wu Xian) and Wang Yibo (Wang Ji) showed throughout the episodes touched my heart greatly. And yes, some might be wondering if there is BL? From my personal perspective and coming from a Chinese background, I can say it only shows the minimum for a BL show (due to censorship from China as well). But you can't miss it because they have the typical long staring scenes between the main leads and what everyone likes to call bromance moments (which can also be seen as lover moments HAHA). But really, I like the BL but the story is the one that made me stayed and cheered for all the characters in this drama.

Rewatch Value:
10 out of 10 is rewatchable! For those that love wuxia dramas and in the findings of a good story, this is the one for you! I rewatched the first few episodes and so many things now made more sense to me given I have finished the drama.

This has been a really long review and for those that do read it, thank you! Hope you will enjoy it as much as I have!

Read More

Good Drama, Good Acting, All Good!!!

I love this Drama so much!! This drama is really very Good. I Watched this More than 2x, I like the acting of all the cast. I really like the main character who wears black clothes. I hope this drama will have a season 2.
All the artists played their roles very well, I'm grateful and happy for that. The chemistry between the players is absolutely perfect. From episode 1 to episode 50 I think it's perfect, this drama is not boring so I can watch it again and again. Ahh I really like the male lead, I also really like the relationship he has with his older sister. I hope he and his older sister can meet again in another drama. The Untamed, you really are my favorite drama!

Read More

YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT !! BEST DRAMA EVER

The Untamed is a live action adaption of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's book, Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation- most loosely but commonly translated. And I will say, I'm biased to the live action adaption as I came upon that first, but it did not disappoint as many reviews said. I found it on Netflix, and the only thing I'd say is not 10/10 about it is plot. There are quite a few loose ends and plot-holes, and sometimes it's kinda draggy or doesn't entirely make sense, but the story is still so engaging and well-portrayed! It's a must rewatch because the first time around, I'll admit, I was very confused. But the second time, everything was so worth it. All the amazing little details in The Untamed are endless, and the only thing I regret is not finding it sooner.

ACTING AND CAST. OH MY GOODNESS. My review on this part will be kinda biased now because I have become such a big Xiao Fei Xia (Xiao Zhan's fanbase). Xiao Zhan as an actor who only really started in 2016 after being a graphic designer for so long, I literally have no words to embody his talent with. The emotions are so raw, on-point, spectacular, GROUNDBREAKING, Oscar-Award winning,, I could go on and on. You really feel so close to Wei Wuxian and his relations, and the sadder of the scenes are so tear-jerking, and I give a big credit of that to Xiao Zhan's legendary acting. This goes the same for Wang Yibo! Yibo's emotions are portrayed so well in this much colder character that is Lan Wangji, the micro-facial expressions, the little smiles, it's all so perfect. This cast overall is on the newer side of the acting industry, yet everything is pulled off so flawlessly. Lines are delivered beautifully, there's no sense of that beginner awkwardness, and ITS JUST AMAZING.

And now, the second-best to the cast and acting, THE SOUNDTRACK. Lin Hai and his music production is just so- *chef's kiss*. The chinoiserie music album of character songs, as well as Wuji, sung by cast members (YES XIAO ZHAN AND YIBO SANG WUJI), and other talented singers, is also so tear-jerking and heart-warming all at the same time. It's a shame the character songs of separate characters (except for Yi Nan Ping, Jiang Yanli/Shijie's character song) were not played in the drama, but the orchestral traditional music composed by Lin Hai just wraps the whole drama together perfectly, and adds a whole other layer of emotion to it.

Overall, 1000/10! Only gave a 9/10 on story for those few reasons I mentioned, but if I could give higher on the other things I would lmao. Totally worth watching 10 times or more, as you discover new things and meanings each time. Also, the angst. Both comforting and cry worthy. Please watch it!!

Read More

A Masterpiece

Story
The storyline was well written and executed perfectly though if it's your first time you may not understand the first two episodes. Every storyline by different clans was so intriguing and I like the fact that all the supporting actors were able to own their storylines well.
I will rate the story a 9/10. The only reason I did not give 10/10 is because of the first two episodes as it was difficult to grasp the storyline at first.

Acting
Wow, the two main leads were superb, not to mention just too handsome. What I like the most is that all the supporting cast were so great that you can't even skip any episode.
I will rate the acting 10/10

Music
All I can say is the main music theme brings all the emotions and resonates deep inside your heart. I could sing the Wuji song every word without ever speaking a Chinese word.
This is a 10/10

Re-watch Value
Since last year I keep on re-watching especially those first episodes where you wouldn't have thought much of but when rewatching you just get so emotions. It's actually hard to watch other dramas after this because the benchmark will be so high. The only drama that gave me this feeling in my book of Chinese drama was Eternal Love but still, it never got me to this obsession.
I will rate it 10/10

Overall
Overall I will rate it a 9.5/10

Read More

Perfection

This show deserves all the hype and then some, it is fantastic. The fact that they adapted it so well even though they had to cut out the overt homosexuality of it is incredible. Now, here is the review.
Story:
This has one of the most interesting storylines in a drama that I've ever watched. Like there are 50 fudging episodes all about an hour long and I was not bored once. It is important to note that this is based on a book, a gay romance book in particular, so of course it would be totally interesting but this elevated it. This is a drama you cannot watch in a single day, even if you binge, but it is worth the hours.

Acting/Charecter:
Phenomenal acting by all parties but my faves are Wei Wuxian and his sister. I sobbed like a baby in some of the scenes in this show, the actors were really able to get me emotional with their performances. As for charecters, my favourites were Wei Wuxian, his sister, and the brother sister duo. My least favourite, villains excluded, was Wei Wuxian's brother. Specifically in the second half of the show. He just annoyed me a few too many times.

Soundtrack:
Gorgeous, beautiful, stunning. It is one of the best tv show OST's ever.

Rewatch ability:
While it is a phenomenal show, it is not rewatchable. It is simply too long and has too many twists for, in my opinion, it to be enjoyable a second time. However, don't let this discourage you from watching it the first time.

Overall:
One of the best Cdramas I've ever seen and, even though it came out a few years ago, it is truly a must watch if you are into Asian media. Please watch this, I promise you that you will like it.

Read More