The Untamed

Best Chinese BL Drama Ever! Everything Visual Affects To Stunts Are All Wonderfully Done! 10.0 STARS

1st I Wanted To Say How Much I Love, And Adore Wang YiBo, And Xiao Zhan So Very Much... And I Am Not Going To Lie, I Was Pretty Against Watching Any BL Stuff. Funny Story I'll Just Say This The Day I Decided I Wanted To Watch The Untamed I Was Having A Seriously Bad Day, I Wanted To Watch Something That That Would Take My Mind Off Of What Was Annoying Me, But Something I Would Not Pay To Much Attention To... So I Thought. I Watched The 1st Three Episodes The 1st Day. I COULD NOT TAKE MY EYES OR FOCUS OFF THE SCREEN. I Was So Enchanted By Xiao Zhan's Beauty, And His Handsomeness As Wei WuXian. I Was Memorized, And Taken By Wang YiBo's Beautiful, And Gorgeousness As Lan WangJi. They Both Played There Parts Accurately, And Played There Parts Very Well... I Don't Care What Anyone Says, From The Very 1st Episode I Could See, And Feel That Wang YiBo, And Xiao Zhang Were In Love With Each Other In Real Life. The Way They Look At Each Other, The Way They Look Into Each Others Eyes. That Is Love Not Friendship... Even My Husband Could See The Love They Both Have For Each Other. (If You Watch The Full Behind The Scenes, Everything Is Shown, And All Is Shown.)
Anyways This Chinese BL Drama Is 100% The Best Ever... The Story Line Is Really Good From Beginning To The Very End... Lots Of Twists, And Turns, The End Will Be A Shocker, But You Soon Will Figure That Out. All The Actors, And Actresses Did There Parts, And Played There Parts To A Tee. Yu Bin Playing The Roll As Wen Ying... All I Gotta Say Is He Had Me Laughing So Hard Sometimes, Because Of His Goofiness, But The Best Part Is When Lan WangJi... ***Don't Want To Spoil It For Anyone So You'll Just Have To Watch, And See For Yourself*** The Stunts, And Visual Affects Are So Amazing. The Music Especially The Ending Credit Song Is So Beautiful It Called WuJi And It Is Song By My Two Most Favorite Boys Wang YiBo, And Xiao Zhan. I Watched This Whole Drama In Less Then A Week... I Hate Myself For Not Watching It Sooner, But As My Husband Says Better Late Then Never. I Rather Late Then Not To Have Know Wang YiBo Or Xiao Zhan... Ever.

I Have A Kind Of Funny Story To Tell This Was Around Or Covid-19, And My Mom, And I Were At A Chinese Restaurant, A Lady Was Sitting By Herself, Long Story Short I Went To The Bathroom Came Back, And The Lady Was Sitting At Our Table, I Asked My Mom What Was Going On, She Said The Lady Didn't Want To Eat By Herself, Anyways After We Ate, She Wanted To Add Us As Friends, But Because She Was From China She Said The Government Restricted There Social Media Accounts... They Couldn't Have Facebook, And Others... At That Time I Was Not Into Chinese Drama, So She Said We Can't, Because You Know Wang YiBo, Or Xiao Zhan... I Can't Remember If She Mentioned 1 Name Or Both, But I Told Her I Had No Clue What She Was Talking About, She Gave Me A Look Like WHAT? Anyways About 6 Months Ago I Just Realized She Was Talking About Those 2 My 2 Most Favorite People In The World. Had I Known I Would Have Fallen In Love With These 2 Back Then. When She Said The Names I Could Berely Understand She Though, And Back Then I Had No Clue How To Spell Chinese Names Like I Do Now, But Trust Me, I Wish I Would Have Looked Them Up Back Then.
There's Alot More To That Story, And Why The Government Is So Strict About Social Media In China, But You Will Have To Research All That On Your Own. ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ALL THAT IS THAT ALL OF IT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED!!! THAT IS WHY ALMOST 5 YEARS LATER, AND THERE IS NO UNTAMED SEASON 2!!!

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Heartbreakingly Beautiful

Have you ever seen a series that is so well praised, and it makes you think that it is most likely overrated, so you tend to ignore it, believing it to be overrated? This was me before getting sucked into the world of MDZ without return.

This review is for the user who is scrolling through every comment and review to find a reason to convince them that this drama is worth their time. If you're thinking to yourself ''is this really as good as people make it out to be?'' or ''what makes it so special?'' I will try to answer to these to the best of my ability.

Before I get to explain why this is worth one's time, I I am starting off by saying that the production quality is low, they were on a budget and it shows. The costumes and wigs felt like a cheap attempt at cosplaying, the CGI was bad ( we don't talk about the dog scene in prison, if you know you know) and that can interrupt with the watching experience, as it makes the setting less immersive. Nevertheless, being someone who grew up with shows like BBC Merlin, and Xena the warrior princess, I got used to the quality soon. Besides, the storytelling is so impactful that makes you overlook the production and see it as part of the overall experience.

Concerning the acting, it added to that feeling I mentioned above about the story's flow being interrupted due to the quality, since at first I found it weak and lacking, giving the impression that the actors struggled in certain scenes to convey the emotions those said scenes required them to.However, the acting significantly improved and now I can not imagine any character being portrayed by any other actor. They all eventually embraced fully their characters and brought them to life. Not to mention the amazing chemistry between the leads that made the overall watching experience even more exceptional. Maybe the initial problem with the acting is linked to the directing, as it felt awkward to me at moments, and as a result, it affected the acting in the first few episodes.

Now back to the questions. ''What makes this drama so good?'' I hear you ask.

The storytelling. The untamed/MDZ is a compelling story with an exciting setting, an engaging plot and memorable characters combined together in a tale that ties together mystery, romance, ,supernatural, fantasy and adventure, offering a perfectly balanced narrative that is hard not to get drawn to. A story can be considered good when it knows how to develop individually elements like the plot, the setting and the characters ,which when they are brought together they create what we call a masterpiece. A fantasy setting with nuanced and complex characters in a mystery plot are the recipe to a captivating story ,and this drama is perfectly good at capturing its audience. Its pacing allows the viewer to get immersed into the world of the characters, developing an emotional connection to them and digesting easily the information that is provided about the word-building.

The show masterfully blends together themes of loss, betrayal, war, grief, change and explores how different people are affected by certain circumstances they found themselves in, giving depth to the story which makes it leave a lasting impact. The untamed is in short a masterfully done story that it evokes strong emotions to which the performance and the chemistry of the actors contributes to, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. It has the ability to make you get lost in it, making you ask for more. I recommend this drama to anyone looking for a well balanced story which incorporates so many themes into one memorable epic tale.

Now you might be wondering why I gave it a 9 and not a rating of 10 if it is such a well made drama. My issues lie with the censorship that took away from an beautiful romance, yet the bond between the mcs is so strong that even censorship is not able erase it. Moreover, I am bitter that such an amazing story did not get the high quality production it deserved (the fighting scenes and those pirouettes in the air during battles made me lose focus). Overlooking these details, the drama is a masterpiece.

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If you told me that one of the most gloriously, unapologetically queer shows I’ve watched would come from Mainland China, I would have been . . . skeptical. But here we are, and The Untamed is a thing of beauty indeed. It’s a masterclass in how to tell the story you want to tell in the face of repressive censorship, and a breath of fresh air after years of watching Asian dramas where LGBTQ+ characters, if they exist at all, tend to be marginalized or pathologized. Better yet, the protagonist is presented as not only completely comfortable with his sexuality, but as explicitly rejecting the warrior codes that define manhood through ego, status, and how aggressively one waves one’s, uhm, sword around. Also, while there is a great deal of angst in the show, virtually none of it comes from the central relationship. Love in this drama is a source of strength, not shame – something to be embraced and defended, not cast aside as weakness. While the production team may not be able to show the physical progression of the romance, they lean into the emotional beats instead, understanding that “I love yous” shown through actions are more powerful than those expressed in words. The cast's acting levels vary, technical elements can be shaky at times, and, with one exception, the female characters are much less interesting in the guys, but these are minor issues. In a world of thousands of rules, the show suggests the only one that really matters is choosing people over power. It may not stop all loss and heartache, but you’ll have others there to catch you when you fall.

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My friend successfully pulled me into this series

I still remember clearly the day this series was airing. I saw so many best-cut moments posted on fan pages all over Facebook. At first, I ignored them because I assumed it was just a bromance-themed drama with no real romantic moments. Honestly, I almost skipped it entirely.

Then, one day, a friend of mine—who’s a huge fan of Chinese novels—recommended it to me. She didn’t say much, but somehow she piqued my curiosity. So I gave it a shot and watched the first episode. At first, it was a bit complex for me—the language, the terms they used, and the intricate relationships among the characters were hard to grasp.

But soon, I was completely hooked. I couldn’t skip a single moment. I started to understand the hidden meanings, the emotions, and the tragedies woven into the story. Every episode was meaningful and never felt like filler.

Like I said, the first episode was confusing at first. But once you finish the entire series and go back to rewatch that first episode, it hits completely differently. You’ll see everything in a new light.

I usually hate bromance stories—but this one? It’s the first and only one I truly love. And I absolutely recommend it to all of you.

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A unique and fantastic journey

This show was simply amazing. Everything from the story, to the acting, to the action and the music were top notch.

One of my favorite things about The Untamed was the unique choice of martial arts showcased, having the main characters not strictly using swords.


Spoilers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I had to nitpick the only complaints I have out of the entire 50-episode show were the abrupt deaths of Yanli and Weng Qing (really heart breaking and not even on screen which I guess I am thankful for); as well as the lack of a satisfactory ending for the real main villain of the show.

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One word for this series MASTERPIECE PERFECTION (actually 2words)😅 i finished it in 5 days and at first i was like 50 eps that's a lot but now i can't get enough of them how the fuck am i supposed to go back to my normal boring life after spending my whole past week night and morning with them😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 my heart can't take it anymore
Now i believe the people that said one u watch this series you realize no other bl series can get to half performance of this peice of art
Im so sadd now what am i gonna do without them they really grow on me😭😭😭😭😭(sorry eng is not my first lg so there's a lot of mistakes)

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The Best, if not? THE BEST!!!

**Rating: 100%**

*The Untamed* is a masterpiece of production, delivering an impressive blend of high-quality visuals, music, and storytelling. The production value is undeniably one of the finest, with no shortcuts taken. The series captures the essence of nature and its importance to the overall narrative, beautifully reflecting its themes of harmony and balance. Each scene is meticulously crafted, showcasing the grandeur and subtle beauty of the natural world, which serves as a powerful backdrop to the events that unfold.

The storyline itself is nothing short of extraordinary. It weaves together elements of intrigue, power struggles, and deep emotional connections. Words such as "excellent," "magnificent," "powerful," and "intense" barely scratch the surface when describing the plot. Each episode pulls you deeper into a complex web of relationships and moral dilemmas. The narrative structure is intricately detailed, with each event contributing meaningfully to the overall arc. It's a story that offers profound realizations and valuable life lessons, resonating on both personal and philosophical levels.

One of the most impressive aspects of *The Untamed* is its cast. The actors deliver stellar performances, fully embodying their characters with nuance and depth. Each actor brings a unique presence to their role, making their characters not only memorable but also relatable, despite the fantastical elements of the story. The chemistry between the leads, in particular, is magnetic, elevating the emotional stakes of the series.

Visually, *The Untamed* is stunning. The special effects are top-tier, adding a layer of magic and wonder to the production without ever feeling excessive. The Visual FX enhances the already rich atmosphere, contributing to a sense of immersion that captivates the viewer. From the breathtaking fight sequences to the more subtle uses of magic and spiritual energy, the effects are seamlessly integrated, offering a fascinating and polished visual experience.

The soundtrack deserves special mention as well. The music is a fundamental component of the series, beautifully underscoring the emotional and dramatic moments. It does more than just complement the scenes—it elevates them. The compositions are perfectly suited to the tone and themes of the plot, making the series even more powerful. Music is woven into the fabric of the story, almost as if it’s another character, guiding the audience through the emotional highs and lows of the journey.

Overall, *The Untamed* stands as a truly exceptional piece of television. The combination of top-quality production, compelling performances, stunning visual effects, and an evocative soundtrack creates a captivating viewing experience. It is not only a visual and auditory feast but also a deeply meaningful story that leaves a lasting impression. The lessons it imparts, the emotions it evokes, and the world it builds all contribute to making *The Untamed* one of the best series in recent years. Simply put, it is remarkable in every aspect.

This is a show that sets the bar high for future productions, and it rightfully earns its place as a standout in the fantasy genre. It’s not just great—it’s the best!

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Exploring the themes of The Untamed (looking beyond the BL / Bromance)

This review is way overdue. I've just watched it the second time and appreciate it even more.

I'm not going to talk about the BL / Bromance aspects of it, not because I don't love it, but because I think it's already well covered by all the other reviews and comments. Instead, I would urge non-BL / Bromance fans to look past the production value and nominally BL / Bromance label of this drama and appreciate the well-crafted story that has intricately woven themes of morality, good vs. evil, and exploration of various human psyches. (NOTE: All quotes are paraphrased from memory because I'm lazy..)

Good vs. Evil - The oldest theme in human history, and as of late, we've certainly seen more explorations of dubious morality. Obviously the biggest representative of this is Wei Wuxian, our 'anti-villain' / 'hero.' From WWX stepping in to help various peers during the campaign against Wens, to when he saved the Wens, there's a constant question of what is good vs. evil. Sure, Wen Ruohan and Wen Chao are pretty standard 'bad guys', but they are not the primary plot point. Instead, the more important plot point was the treatment of the Wens after the fact. And subsequently, WWX himself. The drama / novel is constantly questioning what is right and what is wrong, and you can see the gradual descent into gray morality through the lens of the righteous Lan Zhan's interactions with WWX. The other aspect of this is that everything is always multifaceted. At the end of the day, no one is fully good or evil. A person can be good to one person, and evil to another. Jin Guangyao's speech at the end sheds a lot of light on this theme. He's done many terrible things, but the one thing he's never done is intentionally harm Lan Xichen, because he truly does love / respect him.

Righteousness - From the top of the hierarchy to the bottom, every single person beats their chests in righteousness. Obviously, the biggest commentary on this is that all these people scream righteousness when it's convenient for them. They leveraged WWX's abilities when it was in their favor, and screamed righteousness when it wasn't. But what I love more about this story is that *every* character has made mistakes over this, including WWX. The cultivation public screaming righteousness over killing WWX is ironic, but what's more subtle is the commentary on WWX's own mistakes in righteousness. Although it's certainly not his fault that the Wens decided to massacre his sect, and it's not his intent to have murdered Jin Zixuan, the fact is that he might have been a cause. This was mirrored in his remark to Wen Zhuliu, the core-shattering bodyguard of Wen Chao's, when he asked the latter, 'Why does your desire to repay kindness [to the Wens] require other innocents to pay?' Even though Wen Zhuliu stays by Wen Chao's side in a righteous desire to repay a kindness, his actions do bring harm to other innocents. Another foil to all of this is of course the story of Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan. They were the epitome of righteous and upstanding, and certainly no one (sane) can blame them for the tragedy that unfolded. Yet reality is a bitter world and this drama showcased very well that your intent to do good will not always be repaid in kindness.

Mob justice - The is extremely critical given China's cultural background. China, and other Asian countries, is a very community -oriented and also hierarchical culture. Deference is woven into the language itself, and so the impact of peer judgment, pressure, and the stakes of position in hierarchy are greatly heightened. Throughout the drama, you constantly see random side characters or strangers making comments. Part of it is to give way to narration and share information with the audience while keeping them fully immersed, but part of it is to illustrate the toxicity and lethality of the mob mentality. Wen Qing's farewell to him basically sum it up. "Whether or not you actually cast the curse is no longer important. They've already determined you to be the perpetrator. It doesn't matter if you even have evidence that you're *not* the perpetrator. They'll find an excuse anyway." The lesson here is that opinions, especially those of a mob, can have very real and very drastic consequences.

Cycle of power, corruption of power - Although the first half of the drama consists of the battle agains the Wens, who are your typical bad, the more important conflict is what follows. And I love that they portray the multiple cycles of power here, and show that it isn't just one person, or one clan, but the position that ultimately 'corrupts'. And they showcase this not just through the 'viillain's like Wen family and Jin Guangyao, but a little bit through WWX himself. Although WWX's intentions were always pretty good and certainly more fair than the other two's, the fact is that he also grew too confident in his ability to control a situation.

Self-serving bias and hypocrisy - This is laughably apparent in all the mob justice mentality. And WWX of course directly pointed all of this out in his monologue atop the roofs of Nightless City. When someone used underhanded tactics to surprise attack him, and then he in return killed the person, the mob once again cried injustice. And he remarks through angry tears, "Why do you not ask who instigated this?" and goes on to finally remark, "Oh I understand now. If you attack me, it's justice. If I in return defend myself by attacking back, it's a crime." Some more subtle moments reflecting this theme, are when Jin Guangshan makes up excuses to retain Xue Yang's life. "Who personally saw him commit these crimes, hm?" which is a stark contrast to when they were persecuting the remnants of the Wen clan, and said "Just because no one saw them commit the crimes, doesn't mean they didn't!" And of course reiterated in WWX's monologue where he snubbed to an outspoken bystander, "Well if you're claiming I can't prove I'm not the perpetrator, what about you? What evidence do you have that you're not the perpetrator?"

Difference in human psyches - What I love most about the drama / story is how well fleshed out all the characters are. WWX's character is most obvious to us, given he's the main. However, Lan Zhan's gradual development of his morals through his understanding of and interactions with WWX is brilliantly gradual. Given his personality, you can fully see how his mind works. And this isn't limited to the 'good' guys. Both Jin Guangyao and Xue Yang, although they can be considered villains, are disturbingly real in their motivations and way of thinking. Both of them clearly lack a form of empathy and value their own well-being entirely over those of others. While they are irrational, we can see how they formed their logical basis for making all the decisions they did.

Privilege - Privilege is also a huge theme here, as highlighted by Jin Guangyao's speech at the end. Both him and Su She were not born to privilege, and so way people treated them from the get go were different. For Jin Guangyao, even though he shares the same father as Jin Zixuan, one son was favored and the other was kicked down the stairs. Even if this doesn't excuse any of them of their crimes, the fact remains that they had to endure more hardships than people like Jin Zixuan and the Lan brothers. Any respect, they had to claw to keep. And of course, a bit more subtle relation here is WWX's usage of the demonic arts. Ultimately, the theme here is, if people have the ability to choose, who wouldn't choose the 'proper' path? Who in their right mind would intentionally choose the criminal path?

Satisfaction with the unknown - Finally, there is a lesson in letting go of the need to know everything. You're never going to find all the answers in life, and a lot of times, you're not going to know a person completely.

Honestly, there are so many good lessons and examples here, but I'm trying not to write an analysis essay here. While I *love* the romance and relationship development between Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian, I think focusing on just that is grossly undervaluing the drama. I've not really seen another drama with such a good balance of characters, story plotline, and story themes.

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Wei Wuxian's Smile Haunts Me

The Untamed isn't just another drama I binged on a whim. It burrowed under my skin and stayed there, lingering like the echoes of Wei Wuxian's carefree laugh. This Chinese fantasy series, based on the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, completely captivated me with its blend of action, romance, and the fight against societal expectations.

Wei Wuxian, the sunshine incarnate with a mischievous streak, stole my heart from the get-go. His unorthodox methods clashed beautifully with Lan Wangji's stoic righteousness, yet somehow, their bond deepened with each episode. Let me tell you, the actors portraying these two deserve awards for their ability to convey volumes with a single glance or a brush of their hands. Forget cheesy confessions, their love story unfolded in a symphony of unspoken emotions.

But The Untamed isn't just about the leads. The supporting characters, from the Jiang siblings to the tragic duo of Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan, added layers of complexity to the narrative. The story delved into themes of forgiveness, the emptiness of vengeance, and the courage it takes to be yourself in a judgmental world. It made me laugh, cry, and rage alongside the characters, completely invested in their fates.

Admittedly, the first few episodes felt like climbing a small mountain, but trust me, the view from the top is breathtaking. Once the story kicks in, it's a whirlwind of political intrigue, fantastical creatures, and fight scenes that left me breathless. The soundtrack deserves a standing ovation too, each piece perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the scene.

Sure, with 50 episodes, there were moments where the pacing lulled. But those moments were easily overshadowed by the emotional core of the story and the beauty of the world they created.

If you're searching for a drama that breaks the romance mold, throws in a healthy dose of fantasy, and delivers a powerful message, then The Untamed is for you. Just be prepared to fall in love with Wei Wuxian's smile, even as it breaks your heart a little.

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Little predictable but has an effect to suck us into it

I started watching this show because my friend's circle hyped it up, they even mentioned about novel and bl aspect of the show. i had though time watching ep 1- 20 episodes, i pushed myself to not skip few episodes; once it past ep 20 i started to enjoy the show and looking forward for next one.

Cons:
1) CGI and lighting issues; even if your casual viewer, u will definitely notice the issues in scenes.
2) Music instruments syn, u can easily notice hand moments are not in syn with music playing in background.
3) Too much focus on some storylines than others. I personally didn't like the way they tried to white wash wei wuxian compare to novel/ anime.

Pros:
1) Plot : For 50 episodes series it really surprised me how their no one episode which felt like filler, every episode had its' purpose to add character development or story progression. It's thought provocative, how everything should not be taken at it's face value.
2) Acting by both leads, it took time for me to settle like 10 episodes but once i did, i was able to connect to their character. Even supporting characters like ghost general, Jin Guangyao really did well; few of them are lacking but we can see their effort.
3)Music, it soothing esp main ost as well entire album.
4) Main leads chemistry and relationship in series. Both production and acting teams had done extraordinary job in whatever extent they can within their set of boundaries to deliver romance part of the relationship and at times they walked on thin line.

At the end of day, i would recommend this series for others and even re-watch if time permits.

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A drama that will remain in your heart

I chanced upon this drama by pure luck (came across a post on my ig explore page when I don't even watch dramas). As a fan of BL and childhood love for wuxia, I decided to give it a go. It did not hurt one bit that the actors and actresses were all so gorgeous (the main actors, ofc, but I was also a little in love with Xue Yang). I started with minimal interest, confusion, and wondering, "wHeN kIsS?" as I had no idea about censorship then.

Then it transformed into something I did not expect. We open the scene with Wei Ying's death sixteen years ago, and then his confusing interactions with Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan (and other 'minor' characters) sixteen years later where he wakes up in another person's body. The 16-year flashback introduces these characters and lays out the plot. It was very intriguing and I was curious to know what led to the death of his shijie whom he loves very much. I wanted to know what led to such a strained hateful relationship between Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng. I wanted to know how this kid became the grandmaster of demonic cultivation. This is why I continued on with the drama. Watching their familial love and the development of Wei Ying's relationship with Lan Zhan, the story takes a turn for the worse. I do not want to spoil the story so all I will say is that I bawled my eyes out throughout the rest of the flashback, and some more after.

I might receive flak for this, but I actually do not mind that they remove the very explicit scenes from the novel (although against their will hahah). In the novel, I feel like the relationship between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan turn explicit or physical relatively fast (the licking scene felt rushed and awkward in my opinion). The slow realisation of Lan Zhan's love for Wei Ying was more realistic. That being said, I'd have paid to see these men hug, hold hands, or something more physical than eye contact (which I loved but come on). I had to cling on to every fainting episode and that ONE piggyback scene to see ANY physical contact.

When it comes to acting, I can't see anyone else other than Sean Xiao playing Wei Ying. His smile is what does it for me. It just has that natural playfulness that the character embodies. Wang Yibo plays a decent Lan Zhan. He does not have many lines but manages to pull us all in with his eyes. Notable mentions: Zhang Jing Tong (Madam Yu), Wang Haoxuan (Xue Yang), Zhu Zan Jin (Jin Guangy Yao).

I never expected to fall in love with this drama, but I fell hard. I completed this drama last week within 5-6 days, and I still watch some scenes. The drama portrays each significant character and their background perfectly. You are privy to their intimate moments and thoughts. The drama builds these up right up to the devastating death scenes. Putting aside the BL, the plot of this story is great enough for any wuxia lovers to watch. It's 2021, tbh. The love between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan is pure and beautiful. If you are tolerant, the hints of BL should not be an issue.

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