The Untamed (2019)

I have not watched a REALLY good drama in FOREVER.

First off a few things:
* I'm not familiar with the cast, at all
* I've never watched similar dramas, in which there are two male "soulmates"
* I've never seen the anime, manga, or read the books.

I did enjoy this drama though, the plot was so intriguing. I loved the mystery behind the whole series. After the flashback scenes are over, I kind of guessed the villain at the end of this drama. However, we were still trying to figure out the motive. I thought the cast and acting was great. The cast did a great job, the interactions were great. I even liked the interactions with the 2nd generation of cultivators. As mentioned, I never read the novel but our two male leads kept me captivated. WWX was so funny, outgoing, arrogant and cocky, on the other hand LWJ is quiet, reserved and cool. They're like polar opposites, but somehow it works.

Although, I had the sound on mute most of the times (I was trying to watch at 2am while fiancee was sleeping lol), the score was beautiful from the times I had the sound on.

Overall, I really enjoyed the drama. If you're like me and stumbled across this drama, but saw this was "boy love" do not fear. Due to China being super "conservative" there are no intimate scenes between our male leads. If you watch this drama w/o reading about the whole sexuality thing, you would just think there's really strong bromances in this drama. Each group had their little pairings.

I would totally go for a sequel, or even spin-offs with the original cast making appearances.

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I am in love

I am speechless. I am a big fan of fantasy works and this is my first venture into chinese dramas and xianxia. My teenager fangirl that used to have issues letting go of The Lord of The Rings is suddenly re-awakened and I do not know how to express my excitement over this. Perhaps it is the needed escapism during the pandemic (at least where I am from it is still raging).

Yes it sucks that China has censorship, but I guess all of us went into it knowing what we were going to get and the fact thatthe leads have such chesmistry, their long gazes, the longing and love for my is quite clear and beautiful and I find it sooo hard to understand someone who watches this and thinks Lan Zhan and Wei Ying are just friends. The love is there. <3

The story is great and any flaws be it technical or in script become irrelevant because of how captivating these characters are. It was a hell of a ride. I admit the 'outside world' influenced me a bit because as I went into my usual research about the actors I ran into the events of Xiao Zhan being cancelled and it made me sad for him.

One of the things I love about dramas be it from Korea or China is the amount of behind the scenes content we are given and I am a sucker for honest friendships formed during these productions. Being part of something that was as massive as The Untamed and changed careers and create a whole trend of so many BL novels being adapted now...would probably forge the type of friendship I remember The Fellowship of The Ring developing and it makes me (silly) sad to think a misguided situation may have affected these actors in such a way.

However sticking to the Fantasy part of it, there is no heartache to be had, no bitterseet feelings, just love.

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BAWLING WTF

I have never, in my ENTIRE life, sobbed over a show or movie. I’m currently writing this after finishing the final episode and I am BAWLING my eyes out. Heart thumping, nose so congested I can’t breathe, tears endlessly falling … like wtf, this isn’t normal. The last few minutes just made me realize all of a sudden that this was the END end of this story and I couldn’t take it. I am so overwhelmed. I was so genuinely distraught for a few minutes that LWJ and WWX would go their separate ways and that would be that. That’s when I started crying. Like, that’s it? They’re gonna do this to us after LWJ basically devoted his entire life to WWX the last however many episodes??? After he came to terms with his own morality and beliefs to therefore take WWX’s side through and through? And why would WWX not just stay with him??? BRO I STARTED CRYINGGG. Then LWJ heard the bamboo flute and came back, saying, “Wei Ying,” and they don’t show his face but we see WWX’s smile and UGHHH I began BAWLINGGGG WTFFFFF. Can’t do this. This is the most beautifully written and showcased relationship I have ever seen be portrayed between two people in any medium. The fact that it’s all without any physicality, but so much heartfelt trust, support, care, etc. is what makes it work in that if they did show any physicality, it would seem cheap. I don’t need that. I don’t want it. Their looks at each other are enough. I know everyone says this but I didn’t get it until I saw it myself. I can’t even put this into words. The censorship of this show is why I never wanted to watch it because I never saw the point, but now I blame people who made me think this show was a BL. It’s not. It’s a love story about family, friends, and even more, but the love is so unadulterated and pure. It’s a story about right and wrong, class structure, family dynamics, turning a good person into a villain (except not really), and so many other deep, thoughtful themes. Calling it a BL is limiting. It’s a drama, a mystery, an action story, a love story, etc. And at the end of the day, it’s truly the relationship between WWX and LWJ that makes this show, and I have to give it up to the actors, because they breathe the life into these characters and their scenes together. No one else could have done it. Their understanding of these characters, their portrayal in every possible way—it’s outstanding. I am so utterly impressed and enchanted with their performances. Everything about these two leads makes me gloss over the entire Coffin Town episodes (lmao, it was bad, it was the first time I sped up the scenes for this entire show). I don’t know how I will ever recover from this. I didn’t think I’d like this show because I’ve tried wuxias before and it never worked out. But this is the exception. I’m kicking myself for not watching this when it originally aired, but I’m so glad I watched it now. I’m already reading the book and honestly? I’m very glad I watched the show first. I already love the changes the show chose to take. Again, I think the innocent yet intense beauty of the subliminal (though, not really) love between WWX and LWJ in the show is doubled in power because they rely on facial expressions, voice tones, character conversations and motives in order to display their relationship, which they do so so so beautifully. I never thought I’d prefer it, but here we are. Everything about this show is gorgeous, my goodness. Don’t even get me started on the music. Even the sound editing is flawless.

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This one is pure Magic

Fair warning if you are here for just a wuxia drama, then you may not like it but if you are here for BL, this is the one.

I watched this around the time it officially released but wanted to write a review after watching other Chinese bl drama adaptations. This won't be a professional review because a lot of people have already done that.

Most people might have seen others gushing about this drama and honestly if I am allowed to, I will definitely rant for hours about this as well. It is not without reason. It has been two years and of all the bl adapted dramas there is, CQL is still the best yet. I lost count on how many times I've re-watched it.

The best thing about this is that the plot and romance go hand in hand. Even if not seen on the BL point of view the plot is still good. If you are new to this the first few episodes will probably confuse you very much, it was for me so I dropped it ( a decision I still regret) and picked it up again.
One of those better budgeted productions, so looks decent. It's not technically amazing or anything but it doesn't matter because you wouldn't be looking at anything else other than the main CP. They are my favorite couple and the ML is one of my most favourite characters. They are just perfect, casting wise and acting wise. They make everything worth it and more.
There is no other annoying, unwanted hetero romantic subplots for the sake of censorship (I am eternally grateful to the makers for that). You can feel exactly what the two leads relationship actually is even if a lot toned down. The other characters are also done well.
The story is almost (95%) similar to the og novel and did complete justice to it. The ending is open and ambiguous, again for censorship sake but not very disappointing.
This was a game changer because it successfully adapted a danmei without loosing its core elements even through censorship.

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Oh... Oh this is actually happening. You're here too?! I don't think a person on this planet hasn't heard or seen something about this show. Whether you know it or not... Well... here goes nothing.


I wasn't ready!!!! I WASN'T FUCKING READY!!!! "Oh you came out the gate with profanity...." You're damn right I did!! What? .... What.....?!?! WHHHHHAAAATTTTTT DO I DO WITH MY LIFE NOW?!?!?! How can you.... I just.... *deep breath*

Okay let's start from the beginning.... I, (LIKE MANY OTHERS!!!!) saw this show and our first words were "There is no way this show is 50 episodes good"

Bro... (I call everyone this, chill) ------ I hate it here. The first 3 to 4 episodes, I had to get my roommate to take the remote from me because it was awful. I'm sorry. I spent roughly a month and a half trying to make it but always cut it off from episode 1 or 2. But, with the promise of MULTIPLE PEOPLE, "it gets soooo much better!!" These bitches.... knew my life was going to change looooong before I did. Because once I got past the cringe parts of the first few episodes, I wanted to fist fight time and sleep. I didn't want to stop. There are soooo many people who I relate to and they relate to me when we all agree this seems to be how everyone starts out with this show. "There's no way this can be 50 episodes good".... by episode 5, without even knowing the rest of the show we all say "well never mind" cuz it proved up HELLA wrong!

"I lost 50 pounds using Jenny Craig"
Biiiiiiitch I gained 200 pounds stress eating watching The Untamed and it was worth every moment. Lol

Okay that was dramatic but I swear if you see this show or have seen it, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Y'all, this isn't even my kind of show. If you've known me long enough, I do NOT like historical dramas, movies, books, etc. Especially fantasy ones. They just... were never my thing. I could never get into them and they annoyed me because they all felt like cardboard cutouts. Always the same.
The Untamed called me by my full name and said "BET"

While it starts off extremely confusing, it does make sense later. It's the one thing I couldn't get passed and why other's needed to tell me to hang in there. I hate slow starts, I hate cringe, and I being confused more than any thing and how it starts off was all of those, so you can't blame me for shutting it off so many times.
Can we just talk about Jiang Cheng (Jiang Wanyin) for a second though? This show is not short on villains at all. Every episode is a hell of a ride but this fucker... From episode 1 we see the kind of person he is. Even with all the bad guys, I still think I hate him the most. Yep Yep Yep -_-


Now can we talk about the loves of my life now? Because I can talk ALL DAY on these men!! They are *chef's kiss* THE FUCKING LOYALTY!!!!

If you don't love me like Lan Zhan loves Wei Wuxian, you don't love me at all. I want someone who looks at me like Lan Zhan looks at Wei Wuxian.

I said what I said and I'll say it again, WITH MY WHOLE CHEST!! While I know this story is *their* story, I really feel like the actors made it more powerful. I feel like if they had set anyone else in these characters, it wouldn't be nearly as powerful as it is with Sean Xiao and Wang Yi Bo. I won't apologize for feeling this way either. Their chemistry MADE this show what it is. No one can take their places. Lol I will scream this from the rooftops and can go on and on about them and how much Lan Zhan did for Wuxian (can't tell me that man doesn't love TF outta him).
Moving on!

Y'all... I'ma tell you my all time favorite characters. Wen Ning (Paul Yu) and Ah Qing (Chen Zhuo Xuan) -- they were clearly sie characters but they fully stole the show. Their parts no matter how small, they dominated the show.

I think I would actually fight someone for Wen Ning, and I'm not even kidding. The man is so adorable and pure. He just wanted to help. He didn't deserve all the bullshit he was put through. He didn't deserve to be left alone and on the outside all the time. Like, I get they were trying to "protect" him most of the time, but I personally would have kept him by me all the time and fought anyone that messed with him. Lol He is a soft badass marshmallow who should be protected at all costs. Lol

Now about A-Qing, her part was so freaking small but she stole the show hands down.

She was so damn precious!!! I wanted more screen time for her. Lol She was one of those rare characters that even though they were annoying af, you can't help but to love them to death. Chen Zhuo Xuan played her in such a way that years from now on your deathbed, I'm sure you'll remember her..... or maybe that's just me. But she will stick even harder after you find out her story. Bruh, I fucking cried. That's the one spoiler I will give. I fucking cried.

Now there were many other characters I loved and disliked but I realize this is turning into it's own mini book and if you have stuck around this long, I thank you. If you haven't seen this -- please give it a shot. It really is amazing. Everything is amazing. The characters, actors, music, settings, just. roguherguherouhbgeriuhbirluevhieruhguer UGHHHH I LOVE IT!!!! lol
If you have seen this.... please fangirl with me.

That being said though, fuck you Xue Yang!! I hate you! You psychotic dick! Even if you ARE hot...

Also before I go I want to talk about that ending. I can't NOT talk about it. Bruh... what the fuck happened in that temple? The "bad guy" can go fucking ROT somewhere, I don't give a damn about his history or anything when he tried the "sympathy" card (as he did through the whole show) -- he can eat shit. but at the very end the "WATCH OUT!!!" from that unexpected character... left me confused af. Was he not the coward everyone was? I loved him all through the show up till that point. Like... It totally left me mind blown and confused. It never gave us a clear answer either!!! So I'm just left looking at the screen like "holy shit, what just happened!?" and also left me wondering so much more. Like I feel like everything is a lie. Lol This is why I have trust issues!!!

Also sick of seeing Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxia parting ways, gosh damn it, if they don't just sit the fuck down and raise that kid, I'ma scream my head off.
Now I'm emotional all over again. I really will wrap this up now. Lol I'm sorry this is so long. I just have a ton of feelings. I'm sobbing that this is actually over. I wish it could go on forever lol. Like I'm glad but I miss them already. I want to forget it all and watch it again.... but I'll just remember and watch it again and again.... and again.... and again. Lol

How did this show make YOU feel?

(( Also side note: I included a lot of gifs to go with this review but MDL doesn't support gifs in reviews. If you'd like to see, you can check out my review on my blog ^_^))

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Deserves the praise but definitely has room to improve

Note: I watched this back in early 2020 but am only writing the review now. Excuse me for any mistakes I might make about story elements as I might have remembered incorrectly.

The Untamed is one of the more ambitious Chinese dramas I've watched. It pushes the boundaries of what is accepted in broadcast and, I think, does it in a way that has broken barriers for dramas coming after it. For that alone it deserves high praises, but I will talk a bit about what I think makes The Untamed fall short from being one of the best dramas I've seen.

Story:
It's strong and character-driven, and explores a lot of interesting themes such as the distinction between good and evil, personal responsiblity, and self-sacrifice, in considerable depth. A qualm I had with it, though, would be its pacing. Certain scenes lasted entirely too long, and things only pick up at around episode 20. For an already 50 epsiode-long drama, a slow start could turn away a lot of audiences.

Acting/Cast:
I would have been harsher here if not for the fact that most of the cast were rookies, and for their experience did relatively well. The performances that stood out most to me were Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian (of course) and Song Jiyang as Xiao Xingchen. They both have a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to their upcoming works (hoping Song Jiyang gets a lead role someday)! Wang Yibo's performance sort of fluctuated but there is definitely significant improvement towards the end. Wang Zhuocheng and Wang Haoxuan's scenes were difficult to watch... which is a little bit painful considering Jiang Cheng is my favourite character, but again, they're rookies, so I'll cut them some slack.

The casting was done fairly well. I can't speak for the novel fanbase who have their own opinions but I do think Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian and Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji had a solid amount of chemistry and fit their roles fairly well. I appreciate that they cast rookies, too, as rocky as some scenes were.

Music:
I didn't pay too much attention to the music but it's definitely memorable. I can hear the main soundtracks in my head on cue, so I suppose they've done their job there. It set the mood fairly well, and considering both leads play instruments it's probably more important than I've given it credit for.

Overall, The Untamed is worth a watch but definitely not perfect. There's some slowness, amateur acting, and low-budget CGI you'd have to sit through, but the story is rich and the characters sympathetic, so ultimately I would say it's worth a try!

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It’s Got It All & It Achieves It All. Highly Recommend!

This was akin to the old epics. Magnificent and beautifully told in every possible way. I sobbed. Man, I sobbed. Not every drama conveys the depths of emotions so that you can feel it in a scene even when the characters themselves are not being emotional. Even more so, not every drama can convey the depths of sadness in someone’s soul, even as they are smiling. It’s a skill when a drama can get you to feel and not just feel, but REALLY feel. Feel it like it was your own. That they are you and you are them. It’s that sobering of emotion that you get in a once in a lifetime drama. It leaves something with you that you never ever forget. A profound feeling that will stay with you forever.

The first time I watched this drama, I binged it in two days. All 50 episodes. And that surprised no one more than me. It’s like a good book you can’t put down. Can you imagine that? It’s such a long series and yet it never feels long. Although 40 minutes long, each episode is over in the blink of an eye. They are that gripping and entrancing. The story is told in such a way that all the right storytelling devices come at all the right times. Nothing overstays it’s welcome and everything is utilised in the most effective ways. Scenes flow expertly, one into the other and even the non-cliffhanger endings are as enticing as the cliffhanger ones. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next each time. So much so, I started at 11am on the first day and was surprised to see that it was 4am by the time I looked up again. After getting some rest, I resumed watching and again, did not stop until I completed the entire series at 1am that night.

My words can never do enough justice to convey just how good this truly is. They are not enough to paint the merits of the incredible feat of this drama. Some dramas are to be experienced and this is one of them. Some dramas are just special and you feel it as soon as you start watching. I will forever recommend this drama. Far and wide. I will shout it from the rooftops and never stop singing its praises.

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Wonderful adaptation

It's my first BL drama and was unsure about watching it. The first couple of episodes were confusing and the CGI in the opening fight scene was just laughable... However, I'm so happy I stuck with it because after the first 10 episodes or so, it just kept getting better and better.

I liked how the bond between WWX and LWJ developed over the episodes and how they cared for each other. The two leads were amazing in the roles and the chemistry between them was palpable. I was invested in the characters so much that even when the plot/storyline was somewhat slow in parts, I stayed interested...waiting for the leads to pull me back in again.

I highly recommend watching this...in fact, I ended up re-watching this a couple of times! The OST is beautiful.

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I finished the anime way back in 2021, read the novel in 2022, and finally gave The Untamed Drama a try this year. I was so glad I did! I cried a bucket after I finished. Perfection at its finest!
The STORY had a way of pulling people's interest. It was a great mix of mystery, action, bromance, and comedy. They have these lessons or sayings that could pique your realizations about life in general.
And the ACTORS- I'm speechless. They nailed acting their characters really well. Special mention to the ones who played WWX (his change when his core was transferred and had to resort to his own cultivation was really apparent, seriously, amazing amazing actor!), LWJ (it's the soft expressions that got me all gooey <3), and Meng Yao (he really made me hate the character even stronger xD).
The MUSIC also got me hooked more. To the point, I had to play Wu Ji on the piano. Their OSTs are living rent-free on my mind, and I have no complaints.
I'll definitely rewatch this gem. Thank you for bringing these characters to life!

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