This review may contain spoilers
I really really enjoy watching series and movies but there is always this prejudice about the East Asian dramas. I came across the series after I read the novel (which I loved sooo much) in which is based. And it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. It was an amazing experience and I will explain why.STORY
I have read the book so I knew the basic story. But it made no deference nor I was bored. It doesn't matter if you know the story or not because the writers and the director made it a whole new experience. These series explore themes like what is wrong and right, if everything is what it seems etc. No one is black nor white, good nor evil but everyone has both sides like in real life. I really loved the explanation of the story when everything was reveled but they didn't show well the main villains reasons. As for the bl theme, I think because China's restrictions they couldn't show it but it wasn't needed something big. There plenty of really nice scences with looks and dialogue that shows the deep relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
ACTING/CAST
Let's be honest. I cannot imagine anyone better than Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan for the main roles. I think they are almost perfect. Great chemistry, great acting, you feel like they are the characters. I never heard or watched them before, but after the untamed I loved both of them. As for the second roles, almost everyone was really good. Maybe Jiang Cheng's actor and Jiang Yanli's actress sometimes made it a bit awkward (for the second I think it was more the character than the actress' skills.)
MUSIC/SCENERY/SPECIAL EFFECTS
But what I really loved in these series is the music, the scenery and the costumes. They are the real value of the drama. Every scene, every palace, every room it was perfect to the last detail (I loved especially Lotus Pier). The costumes has the difference in details for every sect and character. OK maybe the special effects wasn't really good, but for this needs a lot of time and effort for so many episodes. And of course, the music. I was amazed when I discovered that all the songs with lyrics was sang by the cast. I had wuji on repeat for days.
OVERALL VALUE
These series made me appreciate series with a lot of episodes. I didn't skip even 1 second, not even the titles. I fell in love with this universe and story all over again and became one of my favorite series of all time. If you like Asian historical things and fantasy is the perfect series for you. But I highly recommend them to everyone.
(English is not my first language so I am sorry for any mistakes)
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While the show is a lengthy 50 episodes it never felt like any of it was fuller or like the story was dragging at any point. The show takes you on a journey with these characters and it really develops them very well over the long length of time the show is set over. Speaking of characters I absolutely feel in love with all these characters. It was that perfect combination of good consistent writing, perfect casting, and great acting that creating one of those shows that will be remembered and live on. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo both really carry this show. Even though they had to get rid of the BL aspect of the story, they both still had a chemistry that really came through. Xiao Zhan really brings a lot of heart to this series and I dare anyone to not fall in love with him after watching this series. Wang Yibo really impressed me in this show. He is able portray so many emotions through the subtle changes while still maintaining his stoic expressions and not having many lines. The supporting cast is also absolutely incredible. This show also had some incredible villains. They stuck that right balance of evil and sad that made me want to stab them and give them a hug at the same time, especially Xue Yang. There are to many of them to talk about individually but really just know that there was no bad one in the bunch and I was extremely impressed with everyone.
The ost was beautiful and fit the show perfectly. The instrumental pieces really set a nice mood and always fit the action that was happening on screen. Also the main song from the ost is amazing I love it and have not stopped listening to it since i started watching this show.
Overall, this was just an absolute delight of a drama to watch an emotional roll coaster. With all that dramas that come out per year it's easy to watch them and then let go and never give them much thought again. The Untamed is different this is a show that leaves in impact that you remember it. You remember the world, the story, and the amazing characters and you want to revisit it. It's a show that leaves you wanted more and just wanting to go back and watch it over and over and over again.
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It was also my first time seeing Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan and I can say that they both are very good actors. Those eyes that could talk..I mean who needs lines if just by looking at both of them you'll know what it means. And when Weiying smiles, can't help but to smile too.. So cute. Thats how good they are. They look good together! I am really a fan now..Bromance at its finest...
The plot of the story is really good and the production although some scenes are not perfect but in over all it was really nice.
The soundtracks are really captivating. I just wish that I really hear Lan zhan's singing in actual when they are in the cave. That will be a great view.. Anyway, Wei Wuxian is the only one who hears it. It's for him anyway..??.
Definitely rewatching this and also the Untamed Special Edition. And also hoping to have more of their partnership in the future.
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THIS IS MASTERPIECE!!!!
you all have to watch this drama! i guaranteed this drama will blowing your mind with the chemistry, story, music, acting. you will not dissappointed! TRUST MEEEi have read the novel, and watch the drama, and watch the audio drama, and read the manhua, and watch the chibi one because i can't move on with this drama hel mee :((( love xiao zhan love yibo love their chemistry
yibo really good to imply lan zhan caharacter eventhough lan zhan doesn't speak much.
xizo zhan is really a good actor, he can make wei ying character in novel look like come out from novel because his smile
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This review may contain spoilers
beautiful harmony between the two leads
I value the two main characters a lot, both actors did an amazing job with their roles. Even though there weren't any scenes where the two "physically" got closer, I could still feel the love and connection the two has. The storyline is close to being perfect, there weren't any holes, nor where there uncomfortable plots. It shows how the writer is indeed a great one! Throughout the 50 episodes there wasn't a single minute I wasn't engaged. The monologues are long, and they have several breaks (just as many other historical dramas, I believe to keep a majestic vibe), but it was still enjoyable and fun !! I never skipped anything and didn't drop this masterpiece, so I gotta give it an overall 10.Even if you don't really like historical dramas, The Untamed is still a great drama for you. The characters are all amazing, they have depth, and the drama discusses major dilemmas of the world, with such ease.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ok so here is how I’m going to start this off. I found a thing on YouTube which made me want to watch this in the first place and the song goes so well with it, it’s insane. I’ll link it at the end. THIS IS EVERYTHING. There is so much to this than anybody can understand until you watch this. And to be clear, this isn’t a BL. I’ve been into BL dramas lately and I thought maybe this was too. But no. Yes it was based off of the novel which is a BL, and maybe I’ll read all 126 chapters of it.
This is just a masterpiece. Wei Ying is just the light of my life in this. As Lan Zhan is a whole mood. The dynamic of them both and all of things around this story, it made it all.
I 10/10 recommended watching this. It starts off at a point that hooks you in, and as it ends makes you want more and more. That’s what I want in anything.
https://youtu.be/ELUYkpC2XoY
Listen to the song. I’ve been obsessed.
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Very captivating
I recently discovered this after having finished "Princess Agents" a few weeks ago. I really liked Princess agents, but I fell in love with this one. Based on the much more explicit novel "Mo Dau Zu Shi" it is in my mind, a beautiful love story. Following the characters as they are at first only at odds with each other, then grow closer day by day to establish a relationship based on respect, loyalty and a desire to defend each other against all odds, is a treat for the heart and eyes. Although censorship did not allow for the film to show any physical interaction that would blatantly indicate a homosexual relationship, the two excellent young actors were still able to put across the longing and deep love they felt for each other. I kept waiting for them to kiss, although I knew it was not to be, given the restrictions. Wang Yibo (who played Lan Wangji) in particular, having a role that required little speaking, was able with his eyes and delicate changes in facial expressions to make it obvious how much he loved and desired Wei Ying and I could feel it all. You knew Wei Ying (played by Xiao Zhan) felt the same, although he often ended a very emotional moment with a little laugh, as though his feelings were too strong for him to handle Both actors did a wonderful job. The whole movie carried you along with the intrigues and clan disputes and the scenery and costumes were beautiful. When episode 50 ended, I at first was so heartbroken at their parting that I just shut it off. Happily, I re-watched it through to the absolute end and when I heard the words "Wei Ying" and saw him turn around to smile I knew Lan Wangji had returned to him and my heart was filled with joy. Some are disappointed that they didn't show Lan Wangi at that point. I think again, because of censorship, they didn't want to show two men going off into the sunset together. I don't usually get all emotional about films, but I couldn't help it with this one. And in reality, although I have started reading the translation of the novel, with its very explicit sexual depictions, I think "The Untamed" was better without them. Some things are better left to the imagination....Was this review helpful to you?
My top C-drama and it has stayed that way for over 2 years now.
I watched this drama a pretty long time ago, but regardless, it is still holding the top spot for me. Being completely honest: the visual effects may be lackluster to some in comparison to more highly funded shows, but it definitely does not reflect negatively on the story. This story has taken quite a few forms - from a novel, to an audio drama, to a show (holding the same voice actors), to a donghua (Chinese animation) and not once have I grown tired of the main leads, the story telling or world building. This is why I gave it a good RWV rating. BUT that is partially because, although I've watched it alone at least 2 times fully, I MAINLY watch reactors. In that way - I feel that the re-watch value is up there.For anyone doubting whether to embark on this journey or not - I think that if the idea of satisfying visuals set in old China, fantasy, censored (but still sweetly portrayed) queer relationships, amazing world-building, HIGHLY lovable leads, in depth character growth, good acting and some spectacular villain stories intrigues you, you should give it a go.
On the off-chance you've watched Word of Honor or Guardian, which I highly recommend btw, I would put it like this: Guardian walked so that The Untamed could run, and The Untamed ran so that Word of Honor could become a track-star.
(and no, I hadn't watched anything and did not have any other context of the story prior to watching the series. I actually found out about it through youtube and fan-made MVs.)
This review might've made no sense, but seriously, if you are a BL fan or simply a fan of fantasy dramas, please give this one a go <3
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I'm not sure if this story is about 2 Gay boys or friendship of the two young men.
The reviews make it seemed as a LGBT drama when China against LGBG and prohibit to make such tv or movies.
One of China’s biggest and most controversial hits of last summer is now on Netflix, and you need to put your life on hold to watch it. The Untamed is part of Netflix’s new initiative to diversify its lineup with more international shows. This Chinese series has earned itself a full-blown Netflix binge weekend – we promise.
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Best of the Best
This is one of my first dramas when i started into these. Its on of the best dramas out there. The setting, the plot although a different from the novel was portrayed greatly. If there is ever a recommendation on what to watch first this will always be it.This is the best drama to start with and then you can watch others. The two main leads casted was the best, they just fit the character of WWX and LWJ. They are the heart and soul of the drama.
This is a must watch and re-watch, as i have done over 15 times now since I first got introduce to it.
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I'm a huge BL fan lol. Before I got into this drama, I read the novel, manhua and watched the donghua and love them, so I have high expectation for the drama. The start was a bit confusing for some who don't know the story, but I promise if you get passed first couple episodes, it IS worth it! I was afraid China's censorship would affect it but I have to say the writer and director did NOT disappoint. On the surface, the drama does not seem gay at all but you can see/feel the subtle hints of their feeling through the characters' interaction. And that's what made me happy, cos they found a way around the censorship to stay true to the novel (minus the H-scenes).
The cast is awesome and such eye-candy. Besides some not-so-good acting from supporting roles, the main roles delivered very well. I'm quite happy this drama introduced me to Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo cos they're great talents.
The soundtrack is so heartfelt. Each song matches the theme and characters really well. The tune is beautiful and the lyrics are so meaningful that they brought me to tears every time.
Overall, the whole drama is a rollercoaster. I laughed, smiled and cried with the series. I'd LOVE to see more of them. I keep on rewatching it and can't seem to move on to a new show. 50 eps are not enough for my thirst T_T
P/s: I highly recommend reading the novel as you can see more of the main couple's love in the extra stories. They're really fun and romantic.
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