arosequartz
The Great Ruler is part of the same universe and series as Battle Through the Heavens (Fights Break Sphere), Martial Universe (Wu Dong Qian Kun). BTTH and WDQK to my understanding are set on a lower plane, while The Great Ruler is set on a larger and higher plane in this universe.
Warning: Episodes are slow and build up background and context until we hit episode 21-22 that's when the plot begins to drive!
Warning 2: The show's writing lacks character depth. It makes the characters pretty static but don't blame the actors, blame the script.
Warning 3: Scenes are jumping all over the place! The director lacks in organization, so just skip the jumping around and stick to the main plot.
Having said all that, the show's actually pretty great once you get passed the 22 episode mark. The underlying plotline is good, keeps the adventure going, and yes, the characters finally begin to develop. So far, the main characters have no problem communicating, it keeps small misunderstandings from blowing up into unfortunate circumstances, which is something to cherish in dramas these days.
Majority of the female characters are actually stronger and more powerful than our male lead. Especially Luo Li and Jiu You, who help Mu Chen on his mission (the one we finally hit after episodes 21-22). This is a flipped dynamic that's incredibly refreshing! For once, the hero learns and grows with help from his peers instead of automatically becoming all one and powerful. Our female lead is incredibly stoic, especially at the beginning, but there's a reason for that so give her a chance and don't jump all over her for being a "bad" character. Being stoic and impassive IS her character.
These actors are young, as they should be at the beginning. Who knows what the director has planned for them when they grow up, but they're doing well and I'm actually impressed despite their young age. This drama isn't going to mind blow you but it's here for when you need to turn your brain off, respectfully. Give it a chance, and enjoy the spiritual energy and action scenes, the special effects and CGI aren't bad either. Happy viewing!
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I recommend you read the book (translated in English by Exiled Rebels, any other is stolen) or at least looking into character profiles, or something that will give you context before watching the show. Of course, you can still watch the show beginning as a blank slate, but there are some things the show just doesn't give context to that will be easy to understand if you read the book first. Having said that, let's get into the review!
The Untamed is a live action adaption of the BL novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. So far, the director has done a wonderful job staying to the original content. Despite changing a few details here and there, they haven't at all strayed from the main plot line. The actors are very impressive, they portray their characters perfectly, which only adds to the emotional baggage as you get closer to the ending of the past arc before switching back to the present. This show begins with 2 episodes in the present arc, and sure, you'll be confused, but then we switch to the past arc and everything is explained, up until episode 33 and whoosh we're back to the present arc!
The CGI is the best I've ever seen in any of China's shows so far, and there's great chemistry between our two protagonists. Due to censorship, the show won't be as explicit as the novel or audio drama, but let me tell you THE PINING IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE! They don't let the audience down. It's a wonderful show, filled with fantasy, mystery, horror, and even a dash of romance including the obviously there pining! This is a drama you won't regret!
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Delve into the constant war of money, politics, and power vs. actually being a good doctor to save lives between Godae and Doldam Hospital. This show outlines the political wars in the political world like no other, and gives you a fine line of what's right and wrong, but it's the grey area that lies within the characters. The character depth is phenomenal!
Master Kim (Teacher Kim) is a doctor who left the grand white walls of Godae Hospital and now works in a much more small and older Doldam Hospital, choosing to save lives over money and power. Throughout each season, the main couples are surgeons he takes under his wing and guides them in his tsundere roundabout way through their personal hardships and obstacles they must face, along with other supporting characters.
These characters are not going to be your immediate favorites when you first meet them. Each of them go through mass changes of growth and learning in Doldam Hospital where they learn who they are and where they stand and what it means to be a good doctor. At the end of each season you'll find yourself grinning.
The "romantic" in the title is a little misleading. The romance in both seasons are subplots than the overall arching storyline. But it's the overarching storyline that keeps you watching, you'll be on the edge of your seat wanting to know how it all ends, who'll end up on top, a realistic look at good vs. evil.
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