I have a very low attention span. Here are my thoughts.
The issue with me and dramas is that I usually lose interest after a few episodes. When I heard of The Untamed, I was hesitant. I heard it was based on a really good BL novel (though the BL elements are only hinted for the sake of censorship in the drama), and I was interested, but the hesitance was still there because it was 50 EPISODES LONG. But I gave it a try. A few episodes in, I was waiting for the slope: the moment I'd put it on hold or drop it because of my low attention span. Ten episodes in, it never came.The story is what made me stay. It's such a refreshing take on historical drama. The plot is unlike anything I've read/watched/heard of before. It gets a bit rocky because of a flashback portion that takes up majority of the episodes, but even so, I was hooked. Episode after episode, I watched, eager to learn more. The characters were complex, interesting, and entertaining. The bond between Wuxian and Wangji was amazing. I cared for a lot of them, I cried for a lot of them, I screamed at some of them, I felt my blood boil at some of them. That's when you know it's good. Some dramas nowadays, you could care less about some characters. But this drama gave its characters so much depth that I really ended up caring for everyone, even some of the "villains".
The acting is superb. Everyone delivered some amazing performances. I have not, admittedly, read the novel/read the comic/watched the anime, but I have a strong feeling that the main cast is simply perfect. They really did their roles well. The music was good. Although not too noticeable in some parts, when it comes to the front, it definitely does it job well. The production value is high: the costumes are amazing, the stunts are very well done (though the flying does make me laugh sometimes), and some CGI moments were a hit or miss, but they mostly hit the right or decent spot. I wouldn't put the rewatch value as too high. You do get attached to the characters with the length of the story, but I don't think I'll be rewatching. There's so much detail that I don't think I would need to revisit this any time soon.
Overall, an amazing drama. This experience has even pushed me to go ahead and read the novel! For those hesitating, give it 5 or 6 episodes. Try it out. It's good :)
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The first thing is this: I apologize for my bad English, I’m not a national speaker.
The second thing: I really didn’t expect The Untamed will be so amazing. I entered to the story line with zero expectations and I left the story with tears on my cheeks and absolutely amazed.
The story line takes place in the historical China, and to make things worse, there is a pinch of fantasy. And this is true you must get used to on fantasy in this kind of Asian drama. But if you do it, you will love it. I swear. This historical drama is different from the other dramas, it isn’t klasical story line from kingdom, where main topics are fights for throne and unwanted marriages, The Untamed describes place which is more harsh. That’s why this is more interesting. Combination with fantasy is even better! (Yah, I love it.)
Characters and perfomances of actors are the most important point in this drama. This will enthuse you. Especially Xiao Zhan and Wang Yi Bo. I really admire them, they acted in wonderful way, and what is really surprising, is fact both are from Asian music groups. Yi Bo is a member of UNIQ, this isn’t so much surprising, many members are popular because of their acting. For Xiao Zhan, I didn‘t know his group X NINE and also I didn’t know him.
I don't understand this fact, they both are from groups and they both are singers and they both… act so well. Historical dramas are one of the hardest for acting, mainly because of expressions and evolutions of characters. But still their amazing acting was really unexpected. It was perfect and… really wonderful. I bow. And I know I will bow for long time because this is phenomenal.
Also I have a note for LGBT relationship between them which is so gentle and nice. In my opinion their relationship isn’t the main point of this drama, but it is really great and it is so magical bonus for full story line.
The main part of their relationship is primarily strong friendship with each other (which is perfect), there is only a little bit of romance (which looks beautiful and this is the thing I really love). But still I am surprised Asian companies allowed them to acting something in this genre, it’s not habit. That’s a reason why this is a fresh change for drama world. Asian dramas don’t often focuse on LGBT relationships (yeah, exceptions exist and I know many of them, I know, but it isn’t so popular... but this is only my humble opinion). I’m really glad for that they weren't afraid to add LGBT relationship (okay, clearly – they weren’t afraid made a live action for Mo Dao Zu Shi novel). They added it to this drama and it was really fresh and normal. This nonchalance is one of my reasons why I am so happy for this serial. Relationships and orientations are all normal, different sexual orientations aren’t something weird. It’s perfect, thank you for that.
How I said before, this part of drama was so cool. It was subtle, gentle, not exaggerated. That’s why I don’t want to watch anime adaptation. But I want to read a novel because I want to know the first story. What should I say more? It is perfection to watching their friendship with a pinch of romance.
When I will not count Lan Zhan and Wei, I must admit I really admire two another characters.
The first of them is Wen Ning, wonderful character, who maybe I will admire for a long time. The second character is Sizhui, he is so much nice.
But back to Wei and Lan Zhan again. In my opinion, Wei is a great person who manages to sacrifice himself for everyone in every situation. And his character which fights with evil... yah, that is very, very good. I love these types of characters in books or dramas. Lan Zhan is similar to Wei, he has so many life principles in his head. They both of them have experienced a lot and it’s wonderful watching it.
Every moment of this drama is amazing, there isn’t anything what was bad or awful. I really recommend it, maybe I discovered my new nostalgic thing in my life. I have same opinion like my opinion on Yona of the Dawn, so it… really will be my favorite thing.
Camera work is also absolutely great, good job!
Only thing I can say is this: This drama have a so long past story line. And although it’s really good for depicting characters and their past, I wanted to get back to present because I really wanted to know what will happen. But that’s everything. The past was really nice, but also too long. However, it can be forgiven.
The actors are great, really great, their characters in real life are so amazing and I admire them a lot. I have a depression because of this. Thank you so much for this drama!
"I’m not afraid of death. I just don’t want to die." – Wei
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This review may contain spoilers
I've regretted snobbing this drama for so long.
TO THE PERSON WHO IS WONDERING WHETHER THEY SHOULD WATCH THIS, PLEASE DO!It was such a shame. I've been seeing this drama before it was launched and I didn't even sneak peeked into it. For a year? Why? Because yes, I love Wang Yibo as an idol, but I have a prejudice into idol-actors. Also, I'm not so much into BL even though I have long been a cdrama fan, and even a long-time cnovel reader.
But damn, it feels so good to be proven wrong. First, the story was so damn good. The adventure is what really made this stand. The plot is truly complex that it will really run through your head like they are real people. The BL elements felt like so embedded in the story that you crave for more. It's not just an embellishment, and not even an issue. That actually, I've fallen into this hellhole of BL romance now. Truly, took me to a whole new world.
First, let's talk about Xiao Zhan. I've watched OME and I know he's brilliant, but I didn't became so obsessed to his character until he became Wei Wuxian. It felt like I actually feel the feeling of a producers after seeing XZ and realizing, damn boy this is the WWX we've been looking for. He is so amazing that it saddened me to know the controversies (that he has no fault of) after this. But I completely understand the fame. Because in this drama, you will fall for WWX first before falling deeper for LWJ.
Wang Yibo. Oh my god. All his microexpressions are on point. That even though he just moves maybe 10% of his facial muscles, you can actually feel his love. His concern. His passion. He really exudes the Lan Wangji vibe.
What's amazing in this drama is the rewatchability. Because of the intricate plot, it will be a different experience in every rewatch. You will focus on the levels of truth and the witholding of facts. The story is so great that spoilers didn't matter. It was about understanding why there are levels of truth in this story.
Every plant was paid off in a completely right pace. And you're just actually waiting for them to know and understand everything.
Soundtrack. Wuji has devastated me viscerally. Everytime I hear about it, I just want to cry.
Now, I'm so sorry for being late. CQL has celebrated its 1st anniversary just as I've concluded watching it, and I really regret not knowing CQL earlier. But I'm glad that now I finally watched this.
And upon seeing the earlier reviews, I know it will take a long time for me to get over this. God knows I don't want to get over this.
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This review may contain spoilers
ok, I'm not a fan of C dramas, especially xianxia one.I'm a reader of the novel, and I'm having so much doubt about the live action as I don't think any actor can pull wei wuxian and lan wangji role, as a complicated role they are.
but, I'm so wrong, xiao zhan and wang yibo did excellent job! we couldn't ask for better actor!
it may be confusing af at first, but keep going on and at some point you'll get hooked without no return point.
the original novel is BL but worry not, the drama is only deep friendship / bromance, so it won't get uncomfortable.
I recommend this drama to my male friend, and they're fine with it, and totally love the story.
I won't make a long comment as there are so many already, what I want to say is:
GO WATCH THE UNTAMED!!!
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Lives up to all the reveiws
This was my second drama to watch. My first reaction to it was...what the hell am I watching? My second reaction was who the heck is this drama's visual/special effects supervisor - and why did they hire him/her -I think a child could do better? My third reaction was - bawling my eyes out. Fourth reaction was - oh my God! Why have I been missing these drama's and where have they been all my life! I'm not a huge fan of long series as I have the attention span of a 'flea' but this one kept me fixated. Xiao Zhan's acting was so intense - and how he managed to remember all those lines?! If there was anything like the Oscars in China - I sure hope he won it as he took me as the viewer on one hell of a ride.Was this review helpful to you?
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The main leads have very good chemistry both on and off screen. It is a bit confusing at first because of all the sects and families but once you start understanding everything, it's heartbreaking to see what everyone goes through.
I definitely recommend a rewatch (you will) since you can get all those tiny details you missed the first time and you will be surprised at how neatly everything comes together.
The OST is incredible as well, must listen to every song on Spotify!
If you end up falling in love with this, good news is you can get a lot of BTS content, concerts and a lot more. Just you see how obsessed everyone became!
Literally made an account just to leave a review for this drama, you definitely have to watch it! Promise you you won't regret it!
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Cast: Phenomenal. Every. Single. Actor. Was incredible to the point where it was as if they were meant to play their role. I honestly can’t get over how good the cast is, and it makes me really sad knowing that they won’t all be together again for anymore future shows. I just gotta support them individually now????
Soundtrack/music: I’m really sad because I didn’t realize how much I LOVE the soundtrack until after I finished the show. Don’t get me wrong - I recognized how good the music was, I just didn’t realize it to the full extent. Most - if not all - of the characters have their own songs, but I’m upset because I never really focused on that while watching. It’s so much fun going back to rewatch scenes/episodes and recognizing all of the music. I highly recommend searching up the songs on YouTube - the entire soundtrack has been translated...and when I tell you the lyrics are so beautiful, I mean it. It’s crazy how much emotion was put into every single song. I’ll definitely keep listening to the entire soundtrack frequently.
Rewatch value: ...You guys probably know what my answer is???? I would definitely rewatch it - and am going to. You don’t know how hard it was for me not to restart it after the last episode...I literally had to go out of my room???? It’s such a good show that deserves to be rewatched over and over and over again.
I’ll be honest - when I first saw that there were 50 episodes, I never thought I’d finish it because I have a really bad habit of dropping things in the middle (I get bored easily). However, not only did I watch the entire show - I finished it in 3 days. I can’t even tell you how much sleep I lost, but it was a significant amount. A lot of people are probably put off by the fact that a good portion of the show is just backstory - I’ll be honest, I was hesitant on watching because of that simple reason - but when it came time to jump back to the present I was really sad to see the past go...which is strange because I was counting down the episodes (until it went back to the present) in the beginning????
Overall: WATCH. THIS. SHOW. I kid you not - you will be missing out on *such* an incredible experience, and I really would have regretted not watching it. A lot of people are put off by the fact that it originated from a BL novel, but there’s not really any of that in this show...at the most it would be called “bromance”, but even that might be too much considering China’s censorship laws. While it may have probably been an awkward concept in the beginning for some actors (depending on their beliefs), you can really see how they all bond together, and all have such beautiful relationships with one another.
P.S. I’m sorry for such a long review...but I just had to say it: this show will make you adore even the enemies. Some of their backstories are so tragic that you just can’t help but feel love and pity for them???????? It’s truly amazing how the director (and everyone involved) was able to garner so many emotions from the audience????????????
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Soaring Swordsmen Sweeping Saga Stalwart Support Singular Sorrow & Longing Surpassed 8.7
The Untamed is wonderful and exciting. At times it's warm and at times it is so beautifully sad. We follow Wei Wu Xian over many years, particularly his exploits with Lan Wan Ji. They are the most promising youth - two of the best fighters and strongest opponents around.Stick with it. It's confusing. We get a condensed intro in ep1 and then jump 16 years back to the beginning of the tale. The story meanders forward from there. TU has a couple of time jumps backward and forward. I went back later (approaching mid-show) and rewatched the first 20 minutes or so, which helped tremendously.
At the very beginning, Wu Xian(“WeiX”) is mischievous and ebullient, and always getting into trouble. Wan Ji (“LanZ” - Wei Wu Xian calls him “Lan Zahn”) and WeiX meet at Cloud Recesses. LanZ, as one of the Lan Clan, resides there and on site they have a finishing school, of sorts, for young men.
These two are complete opposites. WeiX keeps making friendly overtures to LanZ, which irritates the solitary LanZ greatly. WeiX is a fun, friendly joker and an overall class clown. LanZ rarely talks. Always drinking, WeiX has an easy affability about him. LanZ is serious, studious, never breaks the rules, and NEVER drinks, as prohibition is one of the Lan Clan's 3000 decrees. Yes, three-thousand. WeiX knows all about them. He's had to copy them 💯×💯s of times and he's often being punished. Never-a-hair-out-of-place LanZ was never punished, until he met WeiX.
A threat from the Wen Clan arises. All the other clans are concerned, resulting in WeiX and LanZ going on a quest together. One thing leads to another and they end up in many scrapes along the way. They eventually form a bond that's closer than brothers, though we have to wait until nearly the end to see the depths of the impassive LanZ's devotion to his friend. Still waters run deep, so frozen waters might have a torrent underneath their icy surface.
Tragedy occurs while the clans are fighting and WeiX is blamed. Thus starts his unraveling of the mystery surrounding events that lead up to the "current day."
{The show is based on author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's novel, Mo Dao Zu Sho. The two protagonists become lovers in his book, but that was stripped from the TV series. (🇨🇳 isn't the only country with censorship 'issues,' btw. Most of the world is censored.) This, understandably, upset the gay community. Said "Oligarchy" is what it intends to be. They don't care a whiff about feelings or individual rights. We are hypocritical to be "ho-hum" about that ruling Party's steamrolling, censorship monolith when Google, or the NBA want to get in bed with them, or when Nike or Apple want to slice mfg costs by employing near-free manpower to compile their uber pricey items at the establishment's no-impromptu-inspection-allowed factories. That hierarchy controls everything - most of all information. This allows them free reign to eradicate human rights: It's well documented. They don't tolerate religions either, and the rumors of what happens to prisoners makes many horror pics look TAME. (If you're still with me, the reason I don't use the name of this country is because I will be censored.) Just sayin, if we are missing something the censorship machine took away, we should empathize with our fellow humans, stand up for the rights of all, and not tolerate any bully censors. It's all permanently interlocked, and not a pick-and-choose situation. Censorship will always be more damaging than freedom of expression. Let the (respectful) dialogue flow. Commercial over.}
There's a heavy fantasy element to the show. The swordsmen fly through the air. They cast magic spells, make talismans, and musical instruments are used for magic as well. Some of the fantasy elements are key to the story. It is much like Flying Tiger Crouching Dragon. The fantasy is cool, but the feel is of a sweeping saga, not simply a fantasy piece.
The characters are well developed. Their humanity, and otherwise, is the centerpiece of the story. Despite the changes enforced on the storyline, the union between the two protagonists and their respect for each other is what endures once the final episode's credits scroll by. It's easy to infer that their bond goes beyond mere friendship. Even the hetero relationships in UT are virtually platonic by Western standards. There is no closer relationship depicted in the show, and it is breathtaking.
Every element shines (except for a couple of the special effects. One monster was very poorly done). There's 50 episodes. It's alot; too much for me to binge watch. Eventually I went to watching a couple of episodes a week, which was perfect.
However you choose to watch, just choose to watch this stunning piece of art. It is truly magnificent.
IMHO...
🎬9 🤔7 🎭9 ⚡8 🌞 7
Age 13+
Written 9/2/21
ps. 5/28/24 ~>>
Asia remains extremely conservative when it comes to sexuality across the board. But, I've recently seen 5 or 6 🇨🇳shows that depict either a gay man, a gay romance, lighthearted “gay” joking between men, or other gay-related content that is evidence of a major attitude shift.
“Today, the 🇨🇳government's approach to LGBT rights has been described as "ambivalent", "fickle", and as being "no approval; no disapproval; no promotion". There is much resistance from conservative elements of the government, as various LGBT events have been banned in recent years. Since the late 2010s, authorities have avoided showing homosexual relationships on public television, as well as showing effeminate men in general.” Wiki. Their record on human rights, in general, is even worse.
In order of ~lite & trite~ to ~heavy & serious~ you may also like:
Love Between Fairy & Devil 8.9;
Once upon a time in Linglian Mountain 7.5;
Overlord 8.4,
Douluo Continent 9.4;
Handsome Siblings 8.7;
Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
Eternal Love 8.3,
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6;
Under the Power 8.6,
The Rebel Princess 9.1,
The Sword and the Brocade 8.6 (in ancient Chinese opera style),
Love and Redemption 10,
The Rise of Phoenixes 9
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Lovely show with a great story ☺
Hahaha at first I checked this out because a lot of other people were tweeting about it but it's actually really good.One thing I can say about it though is that the timeline got kind of wonky after a few episodes. I was confused when they transitioned from the present to the past without any indicator of when it was going to go back to the present and without working seamlessly enough in my opinion. It is addicting though, even when I was so confused about it I managed to finish it all and I really liked it!
WYB and XZ's acting in the series really managed to elevate the acting into a whole 'nother level and ZZJ managed to perfectly deliver the balance between a good sworn brother to ZWJ with a rotten core to anybody else. Also one of the best parts here for me was the Yi City Arc. WHX may sometimes act exaggeratedly but SJY really acted well with him!
Another note is that you should really watch this on Youtube or WeTV... because the subtitles on Netflix... hahaha it's abysmal and it won't really help you on remembering the different titles each character holds and can somewhat affect your viewing experience. The OST for this drama is REALLY good. I would recommend you to listen to it even if you aren't familiar with the drama but don't watch the subtitles because it's full of spoilers!
The reason I gave low rewatch value is because I never rewatch shows... so yeah
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