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THE Chinese inspired BL series that opened the genre for thoses that followed.
This review of The Untamed is quite late, since it's been a while since I saw it and rewatched it, but I wanted to do a review for the simple reason that this series has still - to this date - never been surpassed.So, I must say that the first scene is quite striking and sets the pace of the series.
We discover a battlefield, soldiers who fight among themselves to obtain an object with an evil aura which passes from hand to hand.
And then, in the midst of this chaos, a young man, Wei Wuxian - dressed completely in black - who stands with his back to the edge of a cliff, his face filled with pain and abandonment, who sheds a tear as he faces to the battlefield but also to another young man, Lan Wangji - dressed completely in white - who faces him with a face twisted with fear and despair.
Inevitably, as the tone of the scene announces, Wei Wuxian jumps off the cliff but Lan Wangji manages to catch up with him in extremis, the emotions that the two characters have at this moment is terrible, one accepts death as the only way out - according to him - but the other fiercely refuses to let that happen.
Unfortunately, Jiang Cheng quickly ends the terrible scene by piercing - it would seem - with his sword Wei Wuxian who falls into the void.
We understand that he dies.
This is when the audience may seem perplexed.
What is happening ? Who is who ? Why do the characters act like this ? How did they get there ?
Then without warning, we find ourselves 16 years later, so I RECOMMEND everyone to see at least the first two or three episodes. Quite simply because the first two episodes show us Wei Wuxian, who wakes up 16 years later after the heartbreaking scene of his death, just as confused as the audience at why he came back from the dead. And we discover the world - or rather he rediscovers the world - that he had left years before and which continued without him.
After the first two episodes in present time, we go back 16 years earlier, where it all started, with the characters having different relationships, that of clan politics, and then also their personalities which are less harsh and intense than that of the future.
We find out how Wei Wuxian got his nickname "Yiling Laozu" (Patriarch of Yiling), why he is reviled by everyone and more.
To talk about the production and the script, I must say that in terms of production, they did very well when they had very little.
The costumes of each clan and of our two protagonists are very beautiful, especially I appreciate that their style evolves while they themselves change and grow.
The sets, like that of the Jiang clan who reside at "Lotus of Yungmeng" is magnificent, a beauty, the colors, the spaces, the objects, the decorations and above all the location - on stilts.
There are many sets like this, in the mountains and forests, but also those in cities where the shopping streets are full of liveliness and color.
On the other hand, some sets, like that of the Wen clan are passable, we can see that the production tried to give the maximum to create a great universe and an impression of grandiosity, but it was obvious that the ground for example, which was supposed to be black volcanic rock is just a set.
The special effects are also different, when it comes to personal powers like Wei Wuxian's demonic cultivation or Lan Wangjii's pure energy cultivation, are very well done, the CGI is really good. But when it comes to monsters, it's a different story, you can tell it's built very cheaply and the CGI is the poor one.
As for the script, from what I understand it's very similar to the novel and it respects the work of the author - as much as the censorship allows. The characters have all been written to show that they have several layers, and not only the main ones but also the secondary ones which often shine.
The plot is really interesting and we enter quickly - after the first two episodes for some - in the story. Unlike other Chinese BL-inspired series that shine only because of their characters or the overall story, here the series - the only one so far - manages to shine thanks to both.
Of course, there are plot holes, some things they haven't explained, but overall it's really mysterious and addictive. We have the mystery of the first scene (death one), then what happens 16 years later and then we find out what happened before - and other mysteries - and how it affects everything when we go back again 16 years later. The questions and the investigation keep us in suspense, the "villains" follow one another and meet, sometimes they are linked or even used among themselves for their objectives.
For the characters, I'm not going to lie, as I said earlier, all are well embodied even the bad guys with whom for some we even end up feeling empathy.
Wei Wuxian for starters, I must say that Xiao Zhan did a phenomenal job, his performance is really versatile and shows that this actor can play all kinds of roles. His character is deep, he's mischivious but also serious - when he needs to be, he's cunning, playful, charming, intelligent, teasing, lovable and then gradually his character evolves and changes over the trials he undergoes and - of an event - which changes him deep within him into a darker version of himself, I'll let you discover it.
Lan Wangji, played by Wang Yibo, shows a rather strict and withdrawn face from the start, he is someone who obeys the rules and has a strong sense of justice and order, but despite his cold appearance, he displays rare emotions - at the beginning - which show that it is only a facade, and that he is sensitive. His character also undergoes many changes throughout the series, especially after Wei Wuxian's death, which plagues him with guilt and regret, which explains his display of many feelings after Wei Wuxian's return from the dead - mostly due to the fact that he hadn't been able to confess.
This review is already long so I won't mention all the characters but some really shine.
The relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is really the highlight of the series, it transports us to different feelings, we see the friendship that begins and then turns into love - even if because of the censorship we cannot say it, and not only do they evolve individually but also together to find a rhythm that reflects the theme of Ying and Yang very well (hence their white and black clothing), as they end up literally moving as one, each protecting and caring for the other one, supporting and understanding each other without the need for words, the evolution and chemistry is just off the charts. It's not forced, it's really slow and smooth, very realistic.
It's really a great series, the first which introduced me to the world of Chinese BL and which has since held its title high because it still not can be surpassed - we will see the productions of 2022 - and therefore I have it recommend not only for fans of BL, who show that you don't need to have sex scenes for characters to show the extent of their love, but also for those who like the wuxia and action genre, with manipulations and twists throughout the series, until the last minute, suspense and mysteries (detective too) and a lot of action. Not to mention characters that are memorable.
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So I've been avoiding The Untamed for a while even though it is top rated on MDL. I'm glad I picked it up because this was such a delight. I've seen a few wuxia shows, and this is my favourite. Although they didn't do anything pathbreaking, what they put together was absolutely amazing.
Why you should watch:
1. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are the best soulmates ever and despite the censorship considerations you can absolutely feel their love. Also if you're not into BL or trying to avoid this because of the BL, please rest assured that this can be interpreted as a bromance.
2. Wei Wuxian (portrayed so well by Xiao Zhan) is a charming character whose choices are often different from the norm. You feel for him as he goes from being popular to becoming a public enemy. His friendship, loyalty and love for his clan members and others he meets along the journey was truly heartwarming.
3. Although the show toned down the controversial nature of Wei Wuxian and his path, its still a story about a man who strays from the norm and practices things which are considered 'evil' from the popular perspective. There are interesting questions about right and wrong, black and white.
4. The opposition to Wei Wuxian is also very interesting, in the beginning we only see pure evil being portrayed by the Wen clan leader, however once they are taken down you no longer get a clear view of what's on the good or bad side. There are questions about public perceptions and how strong they can get and how different it might be from reality.
5. All the cute boys! The whole cast is beautiful. Although none of them are experienced actors, they did a fairly good job and unless you're really picky you'll enjoy their performance.
What you may not like:
1. The production value isn't the highest so there are some issues. The costumes aren't the best, CGI isn't the best, editing isn't the best etc.
2. The opening two episodes are rather confusing because the timeline opens at the middle of the story and then theres a flashback to 16 years earlier.
3. If you want a romance between a man and a woman, none of it in this show.
4. The plot gets fairly heavy and heartbreaking in the middle, if you are looking for fluff this might be too much.
Overall I suggest everyone to watch this beautiful story with the cutest characters.
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Overall this is a must-watch for the acting, beauty and the music! Truly suggest!
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BECAUSE OF THIS DRAMA, I READ THE NOVEL AND WOOWWW IT'S REALLY GREATTTT. ALL IS PERFECT. I WILL NEVER FORGET WEI YING AND LAN ZHAN..
THIS IS THE FIRST BL CHINESE I WATCH.
WANG YIBO AND XIAO ZHAN, DON'T FORGET I'M ONE OF YOUR FANS NOW
..................................................................................................................................................
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This review may contain spoilers
i really want to share my thought on this.TT-TT I CAN'T REALLY HATE ANYONE IN HERE
i thought WWX, JGY, and XY kinda have almost the same background story.
all 3 of them have a very sad pass, WWX and XY barely survive as a kid, JGY cary all the anger and pain all by him self through his whole life. and in the end 3 of them have someone who trusted them with their whole heart. WWX have LWJ, JGY have LXC, even XY have XXC. but this what i think made their life turn out to be different in the end.
- WWX as a kid he lucky JFM got his back, he has JC and shijie too who love him so much and take care each other like real siblings do. he grow up having a family around him and someone who look for him for 13 years even after the whole world turn their back agains him. shijie and LWJ trusted him, while JC i really think he just angry about things he let happen to WWX. so lucky this one turn out to be the good one and it end well for WWX
- JGY no one look at him until his 2 sworn bother. he held to much hatred towards his own father and just his own life overall. everyone was like being nice to him just because the position he got and throw him under the bus when he's no longer useful. so he kinda need to secure the thrown he sat on bcs he don't want to be step by anyone again (he must be tired dealing with this through his whole life). i can't blame LXC to trust him that much in the end he is the only person that JGY don't wanna hurt. i mean look at LWJ, he also trust who all the people thought as a bad guy.
- XY.... this one just.. TT-TT he have no one.... NO ONE.. until a blind guy named XXC save him from dying. and this blind one end up trusting him and be on his side. so XY end up having someone who trust him but didn't know who he is, and XY know once XXC know, it will all be over. this XXC really did ignore all the sign a-qing ever said to him, just like LWJ and LXC ignore everything the world said about WWX and JGY. XXC really did trust XY, and he is the only one XY ever had (he knew a-qing only stick around for XXC and never trust him). and in the end after XXC knew it all, he back to the point he have no one. striking XXC with his words, he didn't want to physically hurt XXC, but he saying everything that could possibly hurt XXC because XXC no longer trust him and hurt him by words as well. he was taking revenge for that but he never thought his words really gonna drive XXC to his death.
...
this series really thought us how important human connection didn't it? how having someone who love you and you love could save your whole life. imagine WWX didn't have JFM who pick him up from the street. he gonna turn out to be like XY wouldn't he?
-WWX he never fool/fake anything towards him self, his fam, and LWJ, he always try to be true to him self, his act was sincere towards everyone as well, i think that's why LZ trust him as well.
-JGY fools everyone, putting a mask every time he face someone. but if it's true what he said, he never fake anything in front of LXC (he just didn't tell him things) his smile and feeling was sincere towards LXC, and that sincere feeling really did reach LXC that's why he trusted him till the very end.
-XY this one fool everyone and fool him self. he never know what is wrong or right, he only know what was agains is right for him. even after receiving kindness from XXC, he won't admit to him self that he was fond to it. what he knew is he need to use XXC. for XXC what they have are manipulative and it's purpose was to hurt him(XXC). he took all the trust he every given and kill him self, and it's backfire to XY who can only admit to him self after XXC really dead.
...
this i only realized after done watching the series, ready the novels, and watch/listen to all the OST from the drama. the lyrics contains each carachter's feelings and mind.
..
kudos to this drama. all the cast and people who work hard to finished this drama.
for real u guys who didn't see their official MV and songs, go search for it.
K im talking to much..go watch if you haven't... or go re-watch^^
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not for me
I knew this is not for me the moment i saw men flying on their swords, or spewing fire through the fingertips, and stone statues angrily walking around... I think you gotta be a certain age to fully enjoy this fantasy world - wuxia i think they call it.These being said, i totally understand the hype around this drama: its strongest point is undoubtedly the acting. All actors/ actresses are young and handsome, the plot is there, some inspirational moments happen too...
The special effects are top notch! In fact, the entire production is fantabulous!
Still, my fav dramas have to lie to me more convincingly.
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The story is engaging and you keep wanting to know what's next. It had so many beautiful messages. All the actors are really good, and portray the characters perfectly.
what to say about the leads, their chemistry was so beautiful, best bromance ever.???? The actors had killed it with their performances ????????
It was the most cherished bonding I have ever watched???? The way their friendship gradually developed from being just 2 opposite poles to relying on each other, taking care of each other, protecting each other, even giving up their reputation & ready to cut ties with the entire world just to stay by each others' side took my heart away ????
Thank you team Chén Qíng Lìng for choosing such a beautiful story and also depicting it so mesmerizingly. Thanks to all crew members whom were behind the scenes, u guys worked really hard to get us such a delightful series .
I have already watched it many times and still like to rewatch it ????
Highly Recommend ????
Love From India
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Friendship,
they should make a season 2!! what we need was Wei Wu Xian more backstory like who was he parents? How did he end up on the street? and end up with Jiang Clan?we needed Lan Zhan backstory as well
I would love a season 2 but I don’t think that would happen but it was good what is left on!! I loved when Wei Ying went crazy that so funny to watch but brutal at the same time
I wanted to see more Lan Xi Chen and Jin Guang Yao chemistry that would be funny to watch and I what I love about this that there wasn’t a female lead here
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Yin and Yang
Where there is light, there is dark. Good and evil. Yin and Yang.This series is really good, though like every other series or movie... definitely not comparable to the books. Took me some time to start this series because I felt that 50 episodes was abit too long.
All the characters did a wonderful job breathing life into this series. The 2 male leads do make an adorable couple together, a real yin and yang. It was really great to see the little parts of intimacy between the 2. They were definitely well casted. If I were to give an absolute wild guess..... Xiao Zhan (Wei Wu Xian) would most likely be the softer side (or one can say the "female side") while Wang YiBo (Lan Zhan) would be the dominant one. =) Even for the evil character, Meng Yao / Jin Guangyao, was casted beautifully. That guy played his role of a double faced evil man awesomely that until now I so hate seeing his twisted smile. If you actually watch carefully, there are more than just the 2 male leads as pairs. The most tragic pair was - in my opinion - Xiao XingChen and Song Lan. But I really love watching all the pairs there is.
The music paired for this entire series is remarkable, beautiful and sad. Depending on the song and the time, it matches so beautifully.
I would recommend watching this, preferably before you read the books. Unless you want to subconsciously end up comparing both the book and the series.
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