Apple Eye
Epic Lovestory with Life Lessons
I never thought I would binge-watch a wuxia drama without romance or kissing, but the enthusiastic reviews made me do it and now I’m totally captivated.
This series is an adaptation from BL novel “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation/Mo Dao Zhushi". I recommend reading the novel to get a better insight in the characters of the male leads, their mutual love and inspiration. Moreover it leads to a better understanding of the messages in this story,
* There’s no good or evil, black or white.
* People who seem flawless can be wrong. Those who won’t follow the rules can be right.
* It doesn’t help to explain things, sometimes the world just needs a target.
* Stay true to your heart.
That is “The Untamed” in a nutshell, an epic lovestory with life lessons.
Synopsis
This is a fantasy story set in ancient China about two young martial heroes who are soul mates but completely opposite in character. In flashbacks we see them as antagonistic students attending the same class but very soon entangled in a bloody power struggle between the clans. One is the typically charming bad boy who can’t abide by the rules. Due to his impulsive actions, and his tendency to fight and save everyone, Wei Wuxian becomes an infamous demonologist.
The other, Lan Wangji, is the serene and shining example of wuxia manhood. He seems allergic to Wei Wuxian who gets him out of balance every time they meet, but he ends up completely lost and untamed himself, when Wei Wuxian tragically dies before his very eyes.
In retrospect Lan Wangji understands that his friend was right, and the others wrong, and he’s full of regrets.
For mysterious reasons Wei Wuxian's soul is invited into the body of another young man 16 years later and the friends get reunited. They join forces to solve the mystery behind the evil events in their past, uncovering a sinister conspiracy and stunning revelations about each other.
The Good
“The Untamed” creates a fantasy world with a beautiful scenery, soundtrack, strong plot and brilliant characters . Xiao Zhan is the perfect choice for the flippant, dark and passionate Wei Wuxian. The way he can smile, or cry in front of a camera is amazing. In the novel the character Lan Wangji is described as the typical Tsundere, impressive, large and powerfully built, so I was surprised to see young idol/dancer Wang Yibo getting the part, but he really rises above himself here. Although he has few lines in the script, his acting is very natural, with subtle micro-expressions, and beautiful chemistry with Xiao Zhan.
The Bad
It’s almost common in cdrama, needless repetitions, underdeveloped CGI, unsynchronized flute playing. It took me six episodes to get into the story, also it is difficult to get all the names and clans right. Unfortunately the last episode was filled with several flashbacks before the final scene got me by surprise. It's needless to say, I prefer the ending in the novel version.
Overall
However this is still an outstanding adaptation of the novel, even better at times if you look at the philosophy part. It left me full of emotions, ready to rewatch everything all over again. The leading couple made me laugh, cry, and support their love that is unspoken in the series, but oozing from the screen. WangXian4Ever!
This series is an adaptation from BL novel “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation/Mo Dao Zhushi". I recommend reading the novel to get a better insight in the characters of the male leads, their mutual love and inspiration. Moreover it leads to a better understanding of the messages in this story,
* There’s no good or evil, black or white.
* People who seem flawless can be wrong. Those who won’t follow the rules can be right.
* It doesn’t help to explain things, sometimes the world just needs a target.
* Stay true to your heart.
That is “The Untamed” in a nutshell, an epic lovestory with life lessons.
Synopsis
This is a fantasy story set in ancient China about two young martial heroes who are soul mates but completely opposite in character. In flashbacks we see them as antagonistic students attending the same class but very soon entangled in a bloody power struggle between the clans. One is the typically charming bad boy who can’t abide by the rules. Due to his impulsive actions, and his tendency to fight and save everyone, Wei Wuxian becomes an infamous demonologist.
The other, Lan Wangji, is the serene and shining example of wuxia manhood. He seems allergic to Wei Wuxian who gets him out of balance every time they meet, but he ends up completely lost and untamed himself, when Wei Wuxian tragically dies before his very eyes.
In retrospect Lan Wangji understands that his friend was right, and the others wrong, and he’s full of regrets.
For mysterious reasons Wei Wuxian's soul is invited into the body of another young man 16 years later and the friends get reunited. They join forces to solve the mystery behind the evil events in their past, uncovering a sinister conspiracy and stunning revelations about each other.
The Good
“The Untamed” creates a fantasy world with a beautiful scenery, soundtrack, strong plot and brilliant characters . Xiao Zhan is the perfect choice for the flippant, dark and passionate Wei Wuxian. The way he can smile, or cry in front of a camera is amazing. In the novel the character Lan Wangji is described as the typical Tsundere, impressive, large and powerfully built, so I was surprised to see young idol/dancer Wang Yibo getting the part, but he really rises above himself here. Although he has few lines in the script, his acting is very natural, with subtle micro-expressions, and beautiful chemistry with Xiao Zhan.
The Bad
It’s almost common in cdrama, needless repetitions, underdeveloped CGI, unsynchronized flute playing. It took me six episodes to get into the story, also it is difficult to get all the names and clans right. Unfortunately the last episode was filled with several flashbacks before the final scene got me by surprise. It's needless to say, I prefer the ending in the novel version.
Overall
However this is still an outstanding adaptation of the novel, even better at times if you look at the philosophy part. It left me full of emotions, ready to rewatch everything all over again. The leading couple made me laugh, cry, and support their love that is unspoken in the series, but oozing from the screen. WangXian4Ever!
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