For better or for worse, my first Cdrama
Everything in this drama is stunning: world-building, costumes, setting, characters, actors, LZ's/WW's waist O_OMy 2 favorite things, which is hard because everything is precious: 1) Lan Zhan ('s: posture, face and loyalty), and 2) WangXian song (lives in my mind rent-free 24/7)
Reason why objectively is a 9.5 (but let's be honest, it is a 100/10 drama nonetheless): 1) I still find Chinese (Mandarin?) a bit hard to listen to, no idea if because of that it seems that it was dubbed because sometimes the voice + the mouth didn't connect; and 2) the structure of this "summary" is very disjointed, since this is my 1st time watching TU many things didn't make any sense, one moment LZ is telling WW his Clan was burned down and then WW is joking, what. Or there were many names mentioned I've never heard/saw before. Or in ep18 or something a couple of which seems to be important people get their story (a blind guy + a guy in black robes who was using him) but since I've never seen them before, their story wasn't impactful for me.
Starting TU now, still have 50 episodes ahead but I am already missing them ^_^
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A Streamlined Portrait of Wei Wuxian & Lan Wangji’s Unspoken Bond
The Untamed Special Edition offers a more streamlined, emotionally focused take on the beloved series—it's a kind of "greatest hits" that zooms in on the heart of the relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. This version trims the original 50 episodes down to 20, cutting into the elaborate world-building, political intrigue, and rich ensemble cast that fans often praise.What shines through in this cut is the emotional core. Moments of lingering looks, subtle interactions, and the poignant unsaid all take center stage. If your priority is the chemistry and emotional arc between the two leads, this version delivers with crystal clarity—but at the expense of context. As one viewer put it, the abridged edition "focuses more on Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian interactions" and even tweaks the ending for added emotional impact.
However, for those who fell in love with the broader mythology, intricate plotlines, and ensemble dynamics of The Untamed, this Special Edition may feel too light—many of the side characters and narrative threads that add depth to the story are noticeably absent.
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Beautifully
This series is beautiful in every way. the characters and storyline are perfectly set. The actor's chemistry is amazing. This is close to the book and was a great action, character growth, and chemistry. The only down part was that it was censored without the real beauty of it being BL. It is sad that China is still living in the dark ages and censored anything of BL. This would be a 10 easily if they allowed for it to be fully shown and shown the right way with the beauty of BL. The bromance was nice, but you always felt you were missing the true BL of even a tender kiss would have made all the difference. The two main actors were amazing playing the characters and you felt the growth and development of their love. The books are even better. Please China grow up and stop censoring the BL world and welcome it.Was this review helpful to you?
It was the best drama of all time.
When I first started watching the drama, the first 3 episodes were kinda funny and somewhat a little boring. The very first time I saw LWJ (Yibo) I said to myself, gees why he looks so angry and I didn't have a good impression of Yibo at that time because I didn't know who Yibo was and I haven't read the novel too. I kept on watching, and the more eps I watched the more I am hooked to the drama and both LWJ and WY. Then I started reading the novel, and a lot of BL parts in the novel, were not display in the drama I guess it was because of the censorship, but I was amazed how the screenwriter changed those parts to the best ways to bypass the censorship and still allowing to see and feel the love between 2 males were there. Your feeling of love for them flows right through your heart while watching. It was very touching of their sweetness gestures to each other. I was so hooked with the 2 males leads and re-watched the drama 12 times, 2 times fully re-watched so that I can compare the drama and the novel, 10 re-watched most of the parts that have 2 male leads interacting.
The rest of the team were so great, everyone of them portrayed their characters so well done.
After watching the Untamed, I became their fan. Everyday I'm looking and waiting for their new dramas, tv shows to watch.
Music: "Won’t forget", I cried the 1st few times listening to the song. The song is great written and Yibo’s voice so fitted to the song and meaning.
I am still hooked, and now re-watching the special edition for the 3rd time.
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Great Xiao Zhan / Wang Yibo Condensed Version of the Original Series
Having watched the original 50 episode series on Netflix , I really enjoyed this condensed version. The episodes are 60min long versus 45min in the original. I am not sure how Tencent landed on 20 episodes but they cut about 17.5 hours out which is apparent from the cuts between scenes. If you haven't watched the full length version, it might not be as obvious. While it's still a censored series, this version feels like a real BL series (even with the deletion of the final scene) because it focuses entirely on the two male characters Lan Zhan and Wei Ying and their relationship. This special edition will be my go - to for rewatching The Untamed. My only complaint is that the Tencent English sub for this special edition is nowhere as good as Netflix's for the full length series which is why I only gave this series a score of 9.Was this review helpful to you?
The Untamed shows the beautiful relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan.
The Untamed is a Chinese fantasy drama adapted from Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s novel Mo Dao Zu Shi. It follows Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, two cultivators who uncover dark secrets in their world while forming a deep, enduring bond.The show stands out for its intricate plot, emotional depth, and strong chemistry between the leads. The world-building — full of sect rivalries, moral conflicts, and haunting pasts — keeps you hooked. Visually, it’s rich and atmospheric, with elegant costumes and music that linger.
Despite some pacing issues and censorship constraints, The Untamed shines through its sincerity and layered storytelling. It’s a mix of mystery, friendship, and redemption — more about what’s felt than what’s said.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is seriously a must-watch drama!
This is seriously a must-watch movie!STORY was a bit rushed. It was not a surprise there since the Original Drama has 50 episodes. It's amazing how they were able to cut it down to just 20! But still, the timeline here was more organized. It helped me understand some confusing parts of the Original Drama. Although, I couldn't say this Special Edition is focusing mainly on WWX and LWJ. Because they still edited some scenes that (for me) were really important in their (WWX & LWJ's) character development and scenes that made them grow closer to each other.
ACTING/CAST was superb! I couldn't get over how each actor played their roles. You can seriously see the difference between Xiao Zhan's acting before his golden core was transferred and after it was transferred. The shift gave me goosebumps! Wang Yibo's subtle acting is highly commendable as well. His eyes are so expressive. Totally fits LWJ's aura XD
MUSIC. Period. I don't have anything more to say. Chef's kiss! Wu Ji is on repeat in my mind. Help me. XD
I am definitely rewatching this. But I'm on the fence about whether to rewatch the Original Drama or this Special Edition. I'm spending hours on YT watching behind-the-scenes clips of The Untamed. Finished the anime and novel already. Now, I'm reading the manhua. I guess it'll be a never-ending cycle after getting hooked on this gem!
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This review may contain spoilers
The best idea for The Untamed
I think this drama is very best for me. Actually, I think this movie is not fake. Like they don’t have a lot of magic .. they use to fight a lot more than use 灵力 and one more think I love this drama because of they use Wei WuXuan sleep or die for 16 years but other not old🤣🤣 i thought that this 16 years Lan QiRen already die or white hair but not. Although I very admire the Director and writer this drama is very best drama ever than I watched before. That’s one more thing I want to talk about is I hope you can make a more season for Jiang Cheng , Jiang YanLi and Wei WuXuan. I want to know when Wei WuXuan die How many time he fine his corpseWas this review helpful to you?
Honestly speaking, I wouldn't call it a masterpiece unlike to what I often see from comments. The story has flaws and the actions wasn't that good. The first three episodes were confusing and boring so I thought I should just skip - since the only thing that made me curious about the story is WXX's past which they shown on the first episode. So I skipped and watched. I decided to watch the "special" series first since it's shorter. I must say that, the best part of this drama is only up to the last part of the long flashback - WXX's past story was so addicting. It made me hooked so I decided to watch the full series (50 episodes).
I kept rewatching those flashback episodes again and again and again. I even read the novel to see the difference.
However, I still can't rewatch the episodes that came after that flashback. I feel like the writing became less intriguin and the plot was all over the place. It was boring, cringy and cliche. I couldn't help but think that the rest of the story was made only for fan service - same with the novel.
I honestly wish that the series was only about WXX's past. Those 30 episodes of flashback was worthy enough for a 10 despite its flaws - maybe could even pass for a movie.
But nevertheless I really didn't expect to get hooked to the series.
The actors did a good job. I wouldn't say their acting is perfect but they really gave life to the characters. Xiao Zhan have moments where his acting was real good. Some moments it was just so-so and some moments it wasn't really good.
His acting at first as a funny WXX wasn't really that good. You can tell he was just really trying to act something he's not used to. When he's angry - you cannot see any anger in his eyes.
But during his siege or rebellion, his acting was at it's best. He was really good in showing WWX's hatred, frustrations, pain, regret and hopelessness.
WYB - was also good. I think his characer is also hard to portray cuz he doesn't have many lines and LZ doesn't show many emotions. If played by someone else, his character will definitely look boring and cringy to watch. Although I did get bored or lost interest on LZ later on, cuz WXX took all of my attention.
I also love that they gave more scenes for the Senior sister and the siblings relationship. So you can understand why WXX love them so much.
Some people hate Wen Qing's addition scenes but imo it worked a lot - it is hard to get attached to her in the novel cuz she only appear a few times so I couldn't really feel WWX's desvatation upon their death. But in the drama, they came more human to me, it let me get attached to her and her Wen sect. So seeing how kind they were, how normal they were compared to the evil Wens made it really painful seeing what happens to them.
I did enjoyed the 30 episodes of this drama, enough to get me hooked and watch it over and over again and glad that I gave it a try.
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What truly makes this edition shine is how it deepens the connection between the two leads. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo deliver performances that feel timeless — their chemistry is subtle yet undeniable, built not on grand gestures but on silence, trust, and unspoken understanding. Every glance between them tells a story; every shared moment lingers long after the scene fades.
The cinematography remains breathtaking — misty mountains, flowing robes, and glowing nightscapes that turn every frame into a painting. The music, both haunting and elegant, enhances the sense of destiny and melancholy that defines the world of cultivation.
The storytelling feels tighter in the Special Edition, cutting unnecessary details while preserving emotional continuity. It allows the relationship between the characters — their pain, growth, and redemption — to take center stage.
“The Untamed Special Edition” isn’t just a condensed version; it’s a love letter to the original, crafted with care and reverence. It reminds us why this story captured hearts around the world — not only for its fantasy and beauty, but for its honesty about human bonds, choices, and the courage to love freely in a world that forbids it.
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This review may contain spoilers
ANOTHER WAY TO REWATCH on heavy focus with our main leads
Mar. 13 , 2024I actually did not know that this version exists until I was on my rewatching moment with The Untamed and I stumbled upon this version.
Needless to say, I definitely loved this version as well. The focus towards Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian is just chef's kiss. The fact that the subtle change in the ending really made this version so good.
As someone who loves The Untamed. I heavily vouch to not watch this special version cut and watch the original version. As this has made so much cut regarding very important details and back stories. IF YOU HAVENT THE ORIGINAL YET. However, if you are like me and love to rewatch series over and over again. Then this special version is perfect for you. It is much easier to watch given how compressed it is as well.
CHEERS !!
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A Condensed Masterpiece That Deepens the Soul of the Original
“The Untamed Special Edition” takes an already beloved epic and distills it into something even more focused and emotionally potent. It’s not merely a shorter version of the original — it’s a reimagining that brings the bond between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji into sharper, more intimate light. The result is a narrative that flows like music — precise, poetic, and profoundly moving.Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo once again deliver extraordinary performances. Xiao Zhan’s Wei Wuxian radiates warmth and tragedy, a man who laughs through pain and defies the world with compassion. Wang Yibo’s Lan Wangji, quiet yet unyielding, becomes his emotional anchor — steadfast where the world falters. Their connection is portrayed with restraint and sincerity, proof that the most powerful love stories often need no words at all.
The pacing of the Special Edition is impeccable. By removing excess subplots, the story gains clarity and emotional weight. Each scene feels deliberate — every glance, every silence charged with meaning. The tragedy and tenderness between the two leads take center stage, giving their journey an almost spiritual purity.
Visually, it remains breathtaking. Misty mountains, flowing robes, and delicate music form a world that feels timeless. The editing enhances rather than diminishes the beauty of the original, creating a seamless rhythm between action, stillness, and reflection.
What makes “The Untamed Special Edition” so special is its devotion to emotion. It doesn’t aim to replace the original — it refines it, transforming an epic into an elegy.
Elegant, heartfelt, and unforgettable, this version reminds us that true stories of love and loyalty don’t fade — they simply echo more softly, but forever.
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