The Untamed

You will not regret it. My heart feels full.

Give it a try and I promise you will not regret watching this show. I promise that you will definitely enjoy it.

I am definitely the type that is not the biggest fan of historical Chinese dramas. I’ve seen clips of them but could never fully commit to watching one because I felt fantasy type shows would be a waste of my time. However, I don’t know what came over me but I finally decided to give in and watch The Untamed.

I was hooked by ep 2/3. I couldn’t believe it myself but I kept clicking on the next episode and of course staying up really late and finishing all 50 episodes in 2.5 days.

Why did I love it so much?

Starting with the characters. The acting is very good. The actors in all the roles play their characters very well. Without delving too much, all characters have a wonderful development throughout the series. Honestly I’m not a very emotional individual, but when the characters feel sadness, you can really feel it too. It’s as if you are really on an adventure with Wei Ying and watch him face difficulties, make everlasting friendships and overcome obstacles.

Romance. Now I’ve heard that this is actually a BL and in all honestly it does not have any BL type scenes in this show. However, I think romance doesn’t just exist in the form of a lover. You can have romance between friends and the relationship of Wei Ying and Lan Zhan is very much that. It is a strong bromance that blossoms beautifully. While there were moments of romance with other characters, this show did not need love and typical rom-com moments to make you feel all happy and have butterflies inside. I mean Wei Ying and Lan Zhan are honestly fantastic, they make me feel as though I want to be loved/ find the type of relationship these two share.

Story. The plot is filled with twists. The story has so much flavour. Mystery, romance, comedy, friendship, trust, happiness, justice, anger and sadness. These are feelings I had when I was watching this show. It is beautifully written and the story makes sense, it feels realistic and relatable. There was never a moment I felt like something was missing or could have been done better. Especially with shows like these, 50 episodes is a lot but the story progresses really well. Down to the last second, till the end, you feel satisfied.

Visual effects are amazing in this show. I’m not surprised because Chinese dramas have always had very good visual effects. The scenery and the way the show has been filmed is beautiful. I hope to see places like these one day.

Fighting. Normally historical Chinese drams see people flying everywhere and I don’t know it can feel a bit unrealistic cause you don’t see people do that. In this show, while that does happen, the fight scenes are so so good and so interesting that you are left hooked and wanting more. I loved all the fight sequences in this show and didn’t skip any scenes.

Music. The subtlety of the music is fantastic. There is so many beautiful tunes, instrumentals that are played and only one proper OST throughout. The song is mesmerising and very fitting for the context of the characters and the show.

Finally, I want to say, with everything going on in this world, I had been feeling very down. As if I didn’t care or I won’t feel anything watching any type of tv show because I felt I had lost the magic. I’m not sure if that makes sense but I felt sort of dead inside in the sense (nothing too dark lol). It had been a while since I had watched a show that made me feel sad when it finished. Having literally just finished this show, I am here writing this review and I have to say, I feel so happy and sad at the same time that. Happy because I am so glad I got to watch a show like this. Sad because I worry that maybe it will be a while before I come across another show as good as this. I really hope to those reading this review will be convinced to watch this! Give it a try, you won’t regret it, I promise.

I really hope they make a season 2 one day!!

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Let me start with this, I am a BL fan, although I have not read the novel yet, I did watch the anime version before I start this series. As a BL fan who has been disappointed many times by all the censorship, I was a bit reluctant to start the series. But as I finished this series in 3 days, I can say that I have never watch any series as good as this. Although I heard that there are some censorship in the series, I did not feel it at all. As a BL fan, I am beyond satisfied with all the hints and bromances in the series. Although, my friend who isn’t a BL fan, watch this series and said its just normal friendship, so I think this series is watchable by normal fans too.

Story: 10
Plots are complex, interesting and not cliche. They went from innocent and happy to hellishly sad, and then turned into bitter sweet outcome very beautifully. A lot of characters got developments. Some a lot, some just a bit, but they all make sense. Characters are so layered that even the most corrupted villain in the series, Xia Yang, has got some turning point in him that made it very hard to just hate him wholeheartedly. Some character don’t have that much layers, but to be honest, their actions played major part in the story but they are just not important characters, so I don’t really care if they develop or not.

Acting/casts: 9
Xiao Zhan is the perfect Wei WuXian. I can never imagine someone else could have played him as good as XZ. Everything is just too perfect to describe in words. Very smooth and natural acting from ep.1, literally flawless. Actually one of my most feared thing in BL-based series, is that the “UKE” is too girly. XZ’s Wei WuXian is by no mean girly, very manly even, but still has that cute and lovable feelings going on.

YiBo as Lan WangJi is a good cast too. Although he was a bit awkward at first, he quickly adapt to the role. And to be honest, Lan WangJi is very difficult to play as human face don’t have the blushing effect or angry symbol like in the drawing. Everything must be convey through the eyes alone, and he did it impressively good. And he is the fastest to adapt to fighting scene, able to fly on the string and still look super cool.

Other casts are good, but not that impressive. Although their acting skills are good, maybe its the makeup or the clothing that made some male character looks too girly than they should be. And the acting in fighting scenes are just so bad that I can’t find enough bias in me to bring myself to give it a 10. Although, luckily all characters develop good fighting skills later on. (Really, the first 10 episode’s fight scenes are hideous)

Musics: 10
Well, I have been sleeping and waking up with this WuJi song in my head for a whole week, unable to shake it off, make me think about what I have watched all day until I can’t take it anymore and came here to write review. The songs are beautiful, and every songs are perfectly timed to raise more feelings in the scenes.

Rewatch: 9
I give it a 9 because I was so impressed I rewatch it immediately after I finished it, but find myself skipping through the hideous fight scene in the first 10 ep. I would say, the story is worth a rewatch, but probably not immediately. Because the story is that good I find myself unable to move on from it and keep thinking like I want to rewatch it, I really want to rewatch it.

Overall: 9.5
Definitely a series I would recommend. I am desperately trying to find a translated version of the novel to ease my thirst to rewatch the series (and probably going to rewatch it after I finished the novel). I just wish there would be a sequel that focus on Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi ASAP

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So, I had just caved to everyone's suggestions and fell into a spiral of obsession as I finished the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi. The plot and characters have a depth that you rarely find in any story, and a conspiracy that unfolds throughout the novel that is so compelling, I literally could not put it down. I am sad that they censored some of the content as there is actually very few chapters with any kind of skinship in the book, but it does not matter because even completely removed, the story is FLAWLESS. I was worried because the book is not told chronologically as it is in the drama, but it was a necessary decision. I mean I have never read a book and then watched an adaptation and felt no ounce of disappointment whatsoever before. It's perfect. The casting is perfect, the acting is perfect, the main characters are perfect (sans some character changes in Wei WuXian but it doesn't matter because Xiao Chen is my LOVE), everything is perfect. Any changes made to the story held value and did not at all take away from my enjoyment of the series. It will rip your heart out and put it back together leaving you wanting more. It was my gateway drug to all other asian dramas, and I have to actively fight the urge to rewatch it on a daily basis because there's so many other stories! Am I sad that the romance is removed for my personal enjoyment? Yes. But if doing that brings MXTX's brilliant writing to more viewers' faces than I wholeheartedly support that decision. GO WATCH IT NOW!!! You will not regret it.

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Lovely friend relationship

I've realy love it this series.
Very Good visual, special effect, story and acting.

The story is really good, completed with politic, comedy, bromance, love, family, tragedy, friendship, cultivation, zombie, black magic.

sincerity and sacrifice of family members and friends, looks beautiful in this drama.

For 1st time, I am not really understand with the story. I am began to understand the storyline in ep 6.

My favorite episodes are 33rd and 46th, I can't hold my tears, it's really hurt, but the relationship between lead male actors is very lovely. Too sweet but to hurt.

Actually this drama series based on comic. But I don't read the comic yet. And when I watch this series until finish, I don' t realized this story based on LGBT comic. Because this drama don't show it anything scene about that. Only show sweet , sincere, and lovely relationship between friend and family. And I love it.

Until now only this series that I don't get bored of watching over and over again. And every time I watch it even though you already know the story, I still feel various kinds of feelings of joy, sadness, pain, disappointment. Amazed by the story and acting of the cast

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Amazing

It has been awhile since I last watched anything in the Xianxia genre (I was crazy about it back in my teenage years), but I decided to watch The Untamed during the lockdown in early 2020 (I'm in the process of moving my reviews to MDL). Though I wasn’t familiar with the original material, I quickly looked it up because to be honest, I got confused and overwhelmed by so many things going on and so many characters appearing all at once in the first couple of episodes. Once I got that sorted and we got into the long flashback, I was basically hooked on the series before I even got into episode 5. The Untamed is complicated, massive, hilarious, as well as sweet and tear jerking at times, not to mention I’m so in love with their costumes, swords, sets, the beautiful scenery, and the music.

I also have massive appreciation for this series for the clever way they adapted to stay true to the original materials, while still adhering to the strict Chinese censorship regulations.

I love this drama, however, there are some really glaring issues that stood out for me, some of them are pretty much what happens in c-dramas in general though, such as the audio, I understand that c-dramas are dubbed, but I do find it bothersome when a big scene sounds "empty", things like footsteps don't match (they have the same sound for footsteps on concrete and footsteps on wooden floor for example), etc. Slow mo shots are also jaggy, which indicates that they didn't shoot it on a higher frame rate and just slow it down in post. Then there is the jumping the 180 line back and forth, which is very jarring and doesn't make a lot of sense. The other thing that I didn't quite like also was the treatment of the female characters, I get that it's what happened in the novel, but still, most of the female characters were killed off. In saying that, this is one of the best historical c-dramas I've watched in a long time, so I'm still quite happy for having watched it.

This series definitely re-ignited my love for the Xianxia genre. If you’re looking for intense dramas, complex storylines, beautiful costumes, and strong bonds, I’d definitely recommend this series. Also, aside from the original novel, there is also the manhua, donghua (the artwork for this is insane!!), audio drama, the 20 episode special edition, as well as 2 spin off movies to date (I love them too btw).

I know a lot of people have re-watched this so many times, but I'm really not someone who like to re-watch stuff, I couldn't even finish watching the special edition, because it was basically re-watching the drama to me.

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Technically not a BL, but still romantic

The Untamed is a compelling story about clan rivalry and intrigue, friendships and maybe a little bit more than friendships.

Lanzhan and Wuxian have a wonderful chemistry in the show. The Untamed is not a BL because of censorship laws in China. However, there are plenty of scenes that hint at a romantic relationship between the two so I’ve compiled a list of all the times where I thought there was something more here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/21/all-the-romantic-scenes-in-the-untamed-although-its-technically-not-a-bl/

What I like most about The Untamed is that it delves into the psyche of key characters and devotes great attention to their background stories. Especially the villains, who were very well-constructed. The audience not only connects with these characters, but is able to relate to their pain, regardless of the evil they have done.

In fact, Untamed makes the point that there are no truly evil people in this universe. Just people who have made poor choices because they thought these choices would make them happier people, only for it to result in their eventual ruin.

Read my full review here (mild spoilers): https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/21/the-untamed-2019/

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One milion stars for this drama !

I wish I could place this drama in the first place in all the existing charts. I wish Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo could win all the awards, marry each other and live happily ever after :). I am kidding now, but I'm also serious... I just love this drama and the cast. I am so in love that I can't get over it. I am watching and rewatching the drama and WangXian moments, on every media channel on the earth. I made a Weibo account for them, a WeTV subscription and I am think I am also learning chinese :). This drama is a masterpiece, a truly work of art, there was no even a second of boredom and I was hooked from the beginning till the end. The chemistry between the leads was so special, like a burning flame! I love them, Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo were just perfects in their roles, perfects togheter, too perfects for this world ... In the end, the best words for me: "I'm sorry. Thank you." #theuntamed forever

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A Slightly Flawed Must-Watch

I will say, The Untamed is an extremely beautiful and well-written series. I am not normally the type to watch long series, but this series has a deep plot and characterisation that keeps you entertained and curious throughout the episodes. That, I will give them.
Most, if not all, characters are memorable and they all have their own beginnings and endings throughout the series. The background and costume design is absolutely stunning, and you can see how much time and work went into creating this series. Some complain about the CGI used, but I have personally seen far worse.
My only gripe with this series are various plot points + cultural aspects of the series that I personally disagree with. These may be minor to most, but I still feel the need to mention them, as they brought down the score for me.

First, the censorship of several queer relationships which were present in the source material.
Second, almost all major female characters die. These include: Wen Qing, Jiang Yanli, Yu Ziyuan, Qin Su, and Ah Qing. On top of that, aren't Wen Qing and Jiang Yanli cultivators? We only get to see Wen Qing do something badass, while Jiang Yanli dies in the most "women in refrigerators" way possible.
Third, and I admit I'm being petty here, but the Yi City Arc felt somewhat out of place. By this point, we know Xue Yang, but have most likely already forgotten who Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan are. Their story felt weirdly rushed ad slightly unsatisfying by the end.
Fourth, also petty, Meng Yao is absolutely demonised for killing his father. It is absolutely horrible how he orchestrated the murders of so many people, but the series seems to put most of the weight on the patricide. Personally, I feel that Meng Yao was completely justified in murdering his father.

I felt that I needed to provide reasons as to why my score was lower than perfect. This series is really good, and definitely worth watching, but has some minor flaws I felt dragged my score down.

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THIS IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY

I love this drama so much..I had never watvhed a cdrama before this but wow..its so amazing. theyre relationship is just so genuine and natural. the music is SO HELLA GOOD. ah i just love it. Ive seen some people complain about the fact that even though its a BL story theres no actuall like romance or even a hug, but i think that actually adds to the amazing thing with this drama, it manages to show their feelings for one another and all the love through everything else and that gives it a whole other feeling than just oh theyblove eachother, now kissss XD Amazing drama 10/10 will absolutely watch again

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Even though some of the storyline deviated from the novel, it is still one of the well done novel adapted drama that I've ever watched. The story is as strong as in the novel, even the changed plot is still in accordance with the context of the original. The acting is not perfect but it still carried out the characters as I imagined them when I read the novel. The actors and actresses are a blessing and the voice actors are simply magnificent. The music, oh the music. It's like, even if all of my expectations failed I'd probably watched this for the music alone (and the actors. Xiao Zhan's visual as Wei Wuxian is captivating) . Overall, this drama is a must watch whether you are a novel fan or not. and don't worry about the bl part if you're not really into it. They're removing that aspect of the novel in the drama. The novel fans also don't need to be discouraged either, it's still thoroughly enjoyable because the actors of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's chemistry is top notch. Their bond is still palpable and obvious without being too intrusive. Their non romance relationship in the drama is sweeter actually as I am not really a fan of the sex scenes in the novel. Their relationship intended for the drama flows more smoothly with the changed plot. It's really sweet and nice. Must watch.

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Will i think i started my review when we tv app accidentally passed on my wall. I never have interest on downloading apps but app apps catches my attention so i tried downloading it. When i open it,of couse i saw picture of different drama series and but what really interest me was the picture of this two cute people of the drama series The Untamed. Since i love fantasy movie or drama series so it was my top priority to watch.. at first it doesnt interest me but as i go on watching i felt im hooked to it and love it and gives me reason to watched it again and again and again.. sooo many times..Why i love this drama series its because of the story of each cast.. actually all the cast are all good. In short the story of The Untamed changes my life perspective. Specially to the mean lead cast Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan. .. This drama series inspires me so much.. Hope there is still part 2 on this. Happy anniversary the Untamed. And i would to extend my congratulations to all the people behind the success of this drama from the crew to the directors and to the cast.. you all guys deserve a big big applouse..

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