The Untamed

As good as it probably could have been, given censorship

Foreword:
I should preface this by saying that before I first watched this show — long ago, actually, and have only just now gotten around to writing a review — I didn't know any of the main actors. To most, that may not be much of a problem but the amount of people I see nowadays calling this show popular only because of the two main leads makes me feel like it's a necessary disclaimer. I knew of Wang Yibo due to his time in UNIQ and only vaguely recognized Xiao Zhan from other dramas. Therefore, I went into this knowing almost nothing about their careers or abilities.

I think it is also pertinent to add that this is my first review on this site so I don't exactly know the etiquette around writing these. But I'll make my case as best as I can.


Story - 8/10:
For me, the plotline of The Untamed and the overarching Mo Dao Zu Shi franchise is very very strong. On the surface, it is about Wei Wuxian and his struggle with the evil: both inside him and around him. It knits politics and morality together in a painstaking and heart wrenching little blanket that you just wanna curl up and cry on. And don't get me started on the tragedies that happen. one after another after another. I don't cry very easily. I cried like a baby during this show. Let me just say this: don't get attached to anyone. For your own sake.

The pacing is slow but it's a necessary evil. There's a lot going on and a lot of years to cover. There are a lot of mysteries to solve and a whole ensemble cast of people with storylines that need to be resolved. I think the show's weakest point is the fact that the timeskip seems wholly unnecessary. If it were shot chronologically, it would be less confusing and literally nothing would change.

(Spoilers in this paragraph, skip if necessary) I also think the decision to reveal Wei Wuxian's swapped golden core weakened the story a little. I didn't realize it until watching the donghua but that final reveal could have been so gutwrenching. Instead, it fell short since the audience already knew.

And finally, I'll talk about the "bromance". I'm sure we all know what The Untamed was supposed to be. Of course, censorship couldn't let it be so. I think the authors of the script did a good job of maintaining the "relationship" between the two main leads in a way that wouldn't set off the anti-gay screeners but would also appease the fans: most of which probably came from the main novel. I love how tastefully their love story developed: though it was heavily censored, it was made clear that they had feelings for one another. Though part of that is due to Wang and Xiao's amazing acting, which I will talk about in the next section.

Some other minor nitpicks:
- There are so many names for each character that it was really confusing at first
- What the heck is the difference between the Stygian Tiger Seal and the ... Yin amulet? see I don't even know the names I just know they're both bad and are related somehow why is this so confusing
- Why does the "happy ending" not really feel like a happy ending. Everyone is dead and crying, Samantha. How is that satisfying. (half joking)
- Maybe I'm just slow but the "timeskip" timeline and "current" timeline were difficult to distinguish from one another. Especially when we jumped back to the present after the long and drawn-out timeskip.
- sausage fest. there are no "main" women at all. (yes, jiang yanli does NOT count as a main. i'm sorry but it's true.) I know this is technically a BL but it would be nice to see a badass woman that can fight and actually survive through the night. please.


Cast - 9/10:
Let me just say that I became a MASSIVE Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan fan after this. The two male leads did a great job of reading in-between the lines, sending one another loaded looks and just generally being so comfortable around one another that I couldn't help but feel the romantic implications despite censorship trying so hard to hide it. They quite honestly carry this entire show on their back and that's why the producers were able to get away with a second version of the show, based entirely around Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's relationship (yes, I watched the whole thing right after finishing this version and yes, I loved it as well).

Xiao Zhan is so great. I don't even know what to say. His smile is so sweet and I could tell he really connected with his character. Sometimes I wondered if he was just acting in front of the camera or reading lines as himself in a costume. I had doubts about Wang Yibo going into this. I knew he was an idol and I knew he had been in other dramas prior to this but I still had my reservations. But he absolutely blew me away. His microexpressions are on point. His character was so obviously in love that my heart honestly stuttered sometimes. (Get you a man who looks at you the way Lan Wa...)

I think the only think barring me from giving this section a 9.5-10/10 was the fact that some of the supporting actors didn't feel... right? I know this was the first major production for a lot of these actors and none of them had really had experience prior to The Untamed, but I could tell. And that's not good. For some scenes in particular (and for a few actors in particular), I could feel the disingenuity and it just felt forced. Those scenes were few and far between and, like I said before, the two male leads were outstanding enough that it didn't really bother me all that much. It just took me out of the emotions of the scene for a few seconds and I dreaded seeing them come back onscreen.


Music - 10/10:
Ho.ly.crap. This music. I should probably warn you that I'm just a sucker in general for traditional sounds and instrumentation. The thing that drew me to The Untamed/Mo Dao Zu Shi in the first place was the fact that musical cultivation played a big role in the story. The soundtrack has both the regular instrumental background tracks but there are also character songs, many of which are actually sung by the actor that plays that character. Some personal favorites are Lan Wangji's character song and Xue Yang's character song.

I still listen to the soundtrack regularly. I barely know any mandarin yet I could probably sing you Wuji and Bu Wang from memory. Overall, these tracks are the perfect accompaniment to the story. Mournful and oppressive when the time calls for it, playful and lilting whenever Wei Wuxian is fooling around, and it always feels full. A beautiful and simple soundtrack fitted perfectly to the show.


Rewatch Value - 7.5/10:
The lowest of the bunch. Honestly, I should probably give this one a higher rating considering I've rewatched The Untamed probably about three times in full already. But I think I'm just an outlier.

The show is LONG and the tragedy never really ends. It is a very heavy story and I can understand why some people just don't want to put up with it again. It's not a happy-go-lucky story that's fun to watch over and over again. I'd also say that after a while, the shock value of the plot loses its... well, shock value.

The genius of the story is its ability to conceal and reveal, hiding villains and plotpoints in plain sight and revealing them at the times that would garner the most reaction out of the characters and, subsequently, us as viewers. To a person rewatching, who knows all the twists and turns, it probably won't be as exciting. (It's precisely why I can never rewatch crime or mystery dramas/movies. The excitement you got while watching it the first time just isn't there anymore. The suspense was the whole fun of it.)

But if you loved the romance, the character relationships, the fight scenes, the cinematography: welcome to rewatch hell. I said previously that I've watched it three times in full. Yeah, in full, but I've skimmed through it so many more times than that. The emotional moments hit HARD especially when you know how it's going to end and the character moments are, in my opinion, the highlight. It's not a fun rewatch, not by anyone's standards, but it's beautiful.


Overall 9/10:
I was originally going to give it an overall 8.5/10, but I just couldn't. This show made me fall in love with the Xianxia genre, two amazing new actors, and introduced me to a soundtrack that would carry me through a large part of quarantine. This show is not perfect but it has cemented itself as a staple for both the BL genre and the Xianxia genre. It is credited for skyrocketing the careers of two talented actors—both of which have become household names. I will say it's not a perfect show but it is definitely worth the hype it's gotten.


Final Word:
If you're about to watch or have already started, just keep pushing through. I dropped this show a few episodes in when I first started and then continued after I saw clips on Twitter a friend of mine posted and man, am I glad I did. I'll admit, it can get slow at times, and it's definitely a confusing plotline. But, let's be honest, most of us aren't here for plot.

If you can loosen up a little and embrace the confusion for a short while until each arc is resolved, you'll love this show. If you're just here for the gays then you'll definitely love this show.

I definitely wrote too much and no one's gonna read all that but I just love this show so much. I'm quite literally obsessed. Please watch this show.

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I have watched several Chinese dramas (such as Yanxi Palace, The Dragon Sabre and Heavenly Sword, Rise of Phoenixes, Eternal Love) and I find The Untamed very intriguing and the story draws you into the characters. The Untamed is the best C-Drama that I have watched so far. The storyline is uncommon, the characters are engaging, the music is soothing and pleasant. Overall, I enjoyed watching this particular C-Drama that does not involve having a villainous woman being evil to another woman because they like the same guy or because she wants to be the empress. I am sick and tired to watch Chinese period dramas that always involve a man being the object of interests of many jealous women. The Untamed has a refreshing storyline that focuses on brotherhood/clan loyalty/friendship. I know that a lot of people said it's based on BL novel but when I watched it (without knowing it's based on a BL novel), I did not think it was BL or gay at all. I never read the novel so I don't have any expectations or over fantasizing on them being together as a couple. To me, they are loyal friends like sworn brothers type of relationship. So don't be afraid to watch it if you are scared to see any BL scenes. I am sure the Chinese censorship would not approve the series if it does.

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Perfect

I can't even describe the love I have for this story. It's the most beautiful drama I've ever seen. The characters are well characterized and the bond between the two leading actors is so strong and deep that in several moments you feel your heart beat faster. It is a very empathetic story and it is wonderful to see the evolutions of the characters who grow up but always remain true to themselves. Wei Ying's purity moved me, Lan WangJi's deep loyalty moved me. I just wish it weren't 50 episodes but 100. I miss everything and would like to go back to relive this adventure with them for the first time. I recommend everyone to see it because it is an empathic, compelling and very deep story and then the relationship between them is so beautiful that you perceive it gently at all times. Fantastic actors who put their emotions at our disposal. I developed a kind of addiction and now I'm reviewing it all over again.

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I cannot begin to express how amazing this drama is. The acting, the wardrobe, the set design, the music; it was all wonderful! The book that this drama is based on shows the intimate love between the main characters, but the drama shows the emotional love. Because of China's censorship, they technically aren't supposed to be a couple, but the actors do such a great job of expressing love between the characters through their eyes and body language that I honestly don't even notice that they never actually confessed.
I've watched a lot of BL and bromance dramas, but this one is a contender for my favorite. I highly recommend you check it out, even though it's really long, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't going to write a review for this, but after rewatching it for the third time I realized that it deserves to be talked about.

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Ah damn. Where do i start...
I have watched this drama abt 3-4 times and i cant get over this drama. If u watch this you may be stuck with wthis drama for a long time.

The story was awesome also acting..
They choose perfect guys to act this drama.
Also the music is so pretty.

But.. Im sad tho.. Why they end this drama like that.. I mean it made me so happy but so sad at the same time.. If they could flip the camera around and so us... I would give this drama 10/10. If u watched this drama u kno what i mean..

Oh well anyway.. This drama is awesome..
Waiting for season 2.. I hope there is second season.. Pls.. Pls.. Please i need my second season..

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I started watching "The Untamed" some time ago. Many people wrote that they fell in love with this drama. I was very curious about her. I never thought it would be my favorite story. I've watched hundreds of dramas, but none have captured my heart like this. I watched the whole in a fairly short time. Thank you so much for translating them. I fell in love with this drama. The acting and the actors themselves were perfectly matched. There were a few shortcomings but with such a plot they were almost imperceptible. As for the plot, it is different from the animated or novel version. Reading novels or watching anime, I noticed some scenes I didn't like. Although they differ in details, the plot is brilliant. The scenery is beautiful, it pleases the eye very much. I also missed the romance between Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan a bit. I liked these couple in the novel so I was hoping that this live version will also have this relationship. Unfortunately it wasn't but I wasn't disappointed. There were no "unambiguous" overtones. The ending made me very sad, I honestly thought it would be different. This is also good if it is known about the continuation of the drama, but if not then such ending saddens my heart, because Wei Wuxian goes the same way Lan Zhan. Not extending. Drama was on my list at number 1. I fell in love with her completely. Never seen such a good and moving drama. I regret that there will be no continuation (although who knows). It gives 10/10 although I would like more. Ending: I Love so much The Untamed. I Love Sean Xiao and Wang Yi Bo

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If you're tired of cliche and romance heavy plot, then this is the drama for you

If you're tired of cliche and romance heavy plot, then this is the drama for you. It sill start off a bit confusing in the first few episodes, but the story is worth the wait.

The cast was great especially the chemistry between the two male leads Xiao Zhan and Wang Yi Bo and I think that is the reason I've become so immersed in watching the drama. I've been watching dramas from as early as I can remember and for the 25 yrs I've watched television, this series really stood out for me and it's been unforgettable since. The story could have been explained a bit better but overall I think it's still solid as is.

Watch it. You won't regret.

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Series that you should not miss. Watch it!!!

When I first watched this series, I only knew that it is popular. I know only it is from BL novel. So I am kind of interested how can the producers can make BL series in China, the country which strictly control about this type of relationship”

Surprisingly, I do not feel about BL at all, but It focuses on the beautiful friendship between 2 persons. It is like we found one true friend who we can depend on either when we are sad or happy.

I really enjoy the whole 50 episodes and did not press fast forward like I usually do for some series. After I finished the Series and started checking on Behind the Scene. I was very impressed more on how they can turn from the awkward moment then they first met to be very closed friend during they shoot this series together. I strongly recommend whoever have not watched it yet. Please do!! You won’t regret it.

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It's So Very Good

So basically this show is really good, and here's why. First is the characters. Wei Ying is such an enjoyable main character. He never comes off as annoying to the audience despite annoying every character in the show. He's the most selfless person on the show and does things because he believes they're the right things to do. He literally leaves his perfectly fine life so he can live with the outcasts and give them a home. So when he attacks the rest of the characters, nobody watching believes he is in the wrong. Meanwhile, Lan Zhan is the perfect love interest for him. Their time together is great not only because their personalities are complete opposites, but because also because of the subtle ways they show they really care for one another. Those are the parts where the show is at its best. When it takes time to develop the relationship between the two leads. The actors have great chemistry and really give it all in their performances. The other side characters serve their roles. Shi Jie is the saint who never does any wrong and ultimately has to die for the plot reasons :(. Jiang Cheng is the sibling that always hates on Wei Ying but ultimately is completely justified in his actions, even if it makes him seem like a terrible person. The other side characters are not very important really, mostly just one-dimensional people who love to hate on Wei Wuxian.

So I would say the biggest weakness of this show is the plot. It's certainly still good, but some parts go by pretty slow. Like many Chinese dramas, this one didn't really pick up until about episode 15. The previous episodes all serve to set the characters and the setting before everything goes down. The part immediately after Wei Ying comes back to life also dragged a bit. I just remember not being very interested when they went underground into a tomb for blades. One last part that was slightly underwhelming was the finale, which is a shame. The build up was fine but at the end they basically just ended up talking in the temple while the evil henchman dude dug a hole. Then it was over pretty quickly. But the reveal that the little Nie guy was behind it all was pretty good, even if it was a very last second thing.

One last thing about this show is that the music in it is just amazing. It's one of the only shows/movies where the music actually plays a role in the plot. I feel like I should mention it because even though they basically play a bunch of variations of WuJi, it's still so good and never gets old.

It's just a really good drama.

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It was so good, soo good, sooo good! I cant emphasise how much I loved it, it was always in my recommendation as it is super popular show but I was not in the mood to watch it because it has like 50 episodes plus I have never watched Chinese dramas esp historical, was a bit sceptical because I don't watch BL anime or dramas, so I just walked past it every time it came in my recommendation, but I had nothing to do so at last I thought I should just casually watch the first episode and then... boom I WAS HOOKED I watched the whole series in like 2 days, I loved it so much. This drama deserves all the love and praise it is getting. Actors did a great job in conveying emotions esp Main characters and supporting characters also did great, story was a bit hard to follow esp in later episodes but you can increase playback speed if it gets too lengthy for your taste, Music is awesome esp the main theme song.. Ending was pretty satisfying, prop ups to all the actors, production team, director and everyone who contributed to this marvellous season. It definitely is worth a watch.. *Just watch it guys*!!

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