2
catstreet
London
Initially I was on the fence about starting this; there was a lot of hype around it and I've never (successfully) watched a Chinese Drama before. But what drew me in was the promise of a beautifully great cast, an exciting story, and some wonderfully superb acting. So you'll know without even reading ahead that The Untamed very well lived up to it's expectations, but why did it?
Let's rewind a little and summarize what it is that makes The Untamed such a rare gem among a multiplicity of other dramas in the same vein. The Untamed is the live action retelling of the Chinese novel The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi), a popular sensation that's only gaining more reader fans as we speak. Though a BL in nature, it's also so much more than that, and though censorship also plays a part where the live action is concerned, the producers of the drama made sure that none of the magic that made the novel so special was lost.
At its helm are two marvellous lead actors, both who manage to bring the characters alive in a way that made them their own. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo display perfect synergy, in an undeniable chemistry that goes beyond the characters on-screen. It's obvious the series had a lot of thought put into when it came to the casting, as it goes without saying there's nobody else who would be such a perfect fit for these roles.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't struggle to summarize the plot of this epic series, especially without giving away too much context. It's simple on the surface but at the same time possesses a great scale of hidden layers that will continue to surprise and shock you as you progress throughout the series.
The Untamed follows two male characters from two different clans, both with very contrasting personalities; Wei Wuxian, outspoken and playful, and Lan Wang Ji, serious and virtuous. Though different in nature, through Wei Wuxian's persistence, the two slowly start to develop a friendship, one that transcends boundaries. When a new evil arises and threatens the peace of their world, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wang Ji both find themselves at the center of what essentially becomes an all-out war between clans.
Though this may be a theme that remains a central point, the series also manages to explore the consequences of heartache, love and loss, as well as the grey areas of villainy and an exploration in what is considered moral and the catalysts that cause us to sin. It's a compelling story that will grip you from beginning to end and doubtlessly inspire endless discussion and debate for months to come.
I cannot stress how much the plot summary doesn't really do it justice, as The Untamed is certainly an experience you have to be a part of to really get swept away. Because spoilers would make it a hell of a lot less fun to watch, all I can say is that you absolutely won't be disappointed.
I definitely recommend this for people who love cdramas, wuxia, supernatural fantasies, handsome men and beautiful women, epically choreographed battles and fans of Wang Yibo haha.
I also cannot end this without mentioning that the soundtrack is beautifully glorious and is just one of the many reasons I felt emotionally drained by the end of every episode.
Honestly, do yourself a favor and watch 2019's (and possibly of all time's) best drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the most impactful dramas I've seen in a while!
Note: It doesn't really contain spoilers of the story, but I wanted to list the trigger warnings (that may cover on various scenarios that happen) that might be important for someone to know before they jump into this series.I don't generally write reviews much, as it's hard to find the time/passion lately! But when a series or movie manages to amaze me to the point I actually WANT to scream about how much I like it, then it's hard to resist writing about it just in case somebody might be wondering whether this drama is for them.
I won't deny, this is probably one of the heaviest series I've watched in a while, as it touches on some topics that can be quite hard to take in, so firstly, here's a list of trigger warnings of the themes you can expect before you decide to take the plunge; suicide, bullying, depression, excessive violence, gore, hazing, sexual harrassment, blood, abuse, genocide, kidnapping, torture... please let me know if there's any I missed out!
This short drama has fast became one of my favorites after I binged it in two days flat (everyone who knows me is aware I usually can't concentrate on more than one ep a day of something lmao). From the outset, the cinematography and the way it was filmed and directed was absolutely captivating. The opening scene alone is uncomfortable, and subsequently sets the tone for the rest of the drama throughout, one which leads to a two-part crescendo that just rendered me speechless by the closing scene of the final episode. This paired with the phenomenal acting that had me on the edge of my seat throughout made this drama one of the most gripping, intense and exciting experiences I've had watching something in some time. The various guest appearances round out an already fantastic cast of top-class actors, all of whom impressed me immensely and only added further to my great level of immersion.
Thankfully the drama is not all violence, blood and abuse, as between the heavy scenes there is also dashes of light humor to break the tension, for the most part thanks to Koo Kyo Hwan's character Han Ho Yeol, who buddies up with Jung Hae In's soft-hearted character Ahn Joon Ho in order to track down and bring back soldiers who have deserted the military for various reasons. And this is the majority of the structure it follows, with each episode focusing on their various expeditions all while it slowly and gradually builds to a fantastic yet shocking climax.
I have to admit that although 6 episodes is a perfect length for the story it told, I still do find myself hankering for more, especially after thoroughly enjoying the duo dynamic between both the main leads as well as their various hijinks. Personally I can hold out hoping for a spin-off or a second season, but even if that doesn't materialize, I am happy to have encountered such a well-written masterpiece, which I hope many other people will also be able to appreciate!
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This drama is something special. It's not just your regular slice of life romantic drama, it really sucks you in from the first episode and then makes you fall in love with all the characters, again and again. The casting for this drama was spectacular. I was rather surprised to learn that this was Se Jeong's first acting role. I was never one for the Produce 101 series but I didn't realize she was actually a kpop idol haha. Either way, she really knocked it out of the park! It kind of reminded me of my girl Eunji when I first saw her in Reply 1997. She's got that spunk, for real. I can't wait to see her again in another series someday.
That brings me to our main attraction, ofc, Jung Hyun. Boy am I happy this guy got a lead role. He clearly deserves a thousand more, and I hope this has really opened everyone's eyes to just how talented he is. I loved his portrayal of the cocky, sweet, kind-hearted but mischievous Tae Woon, and he really made the show what it was. I think Tae Woon was the reason I continued watching episode after episode (I'll admit, I'm kind of in love with him.) The supporting cast were just as fabulous, with rising stars Dong Yoon and Ji Hoon. I also adore Park Se Wan and after seeing her refreshing role in Radiant Office, I'm eager to also catch another one of her roles sometime! Even though I loved to hate the arrogant douche that was Hee Chan, he really made that character his own.
The story was entertaining; maybe a little too surreal, but let's be honest, its kdrama. Although it didn't particularly 'break the mould,' I think it knew exactly what it wanted to be and where it wanted its story to end up. I completed the drama feeling pretty damn satisfied for the most part.
Although I can't really say much about the music, (if I'm honest I was far too engaged with what was happening to even really take much notice), I still really loved the instrumental track and felt really pumped whenever I heard it. It really went with the theme and the setting of the drama too. I feel like a couple of the tracks (the ones I did remember) also helped to really tug those emotional heartstrings, because there were a number of times I would find myself with tears flowing down my cheeks. That might have had a little something to do with the beautiful chemistry between our fabulous main leads though.
Now, anyone who knows me, knows I don't rewatch things very often. Dramas, movies, shows, I just never really bother, nor enjoy it. But I think I would rewatch this a thousand times, if only to see that overwhelmingly sexy smile of Jung Hyun's over and over. Because really, if anything, that's a reason enough to dip your toes into this brilliant series.
I still am gonna go all out and say I'd love a one off special, but I know that's wishful thinking lmao.
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One of the main things that drew me in about this drama is most likely the cast, who although at the time I hadn't heard or seen in anything else, immediately drew me in with their fantastic acting and brilliant cast chemistry. This would be the drama that produced my love for the bands CN Blue and F.T Island, as well as a new found interest in Jang Geun Suk.
The story, although highly unrealistic, was funny in all the right places and easy to appreciate and really get attached to. The relationships between all the characters were adorably cute, including that of Jeremy (Hong Ki) and Shin-woo (Yong Hwa). Park Shin Hye, although an actress that is to this day much discussed, played the role of Gom Min Nam fantastically, and I applaud her for her performance in this drama.
Though I'd not heard much Korean music besides that of Boys over Flowers, I loved hearing performances from all of the cast members, especially the classically cute solo performance from Shin-woo.
If you have yet to dive into the world of You're Beautiful, don't hesitate as this may just be the next drama you fall in love with! It still to this day has an incredibly special place in my heart :)
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