The Dauntless Youths

I saw no one give a review

First of all, I watched this drama because of zhang kangle. But, I like Jiang Wenhuan, Chong Yibiao and Asi character.

Sum up ;
Fresh youthful vibes – The drama feels energetic and focuses on friendship, dreams, and youthful passion.

Mix of history + light fantasy – Although set in a historical background, it’s not too heavy on politics, leaning more toward adventure and camaraderie.

New but lively cast – Most actors aren’t big names, but their acting is natural, and the chemistry between the group of friends feels genuine. And Li Zhouzhao actings really delivered a mix feelings coz how's he handle the scene.

But ...

1. Some of the eps feel a little bit draggy with filler like moments, while others rush through key developments.
2. Low-budget CGI - Scenes that should look epic (battle sequences, magical elements, wide landscapes) feel cheap or unfinished. Instead of enhancing the story, the effects sometimes distract viewers. [ Reminds tht this drama shoot 5 years ago ]
3. Kunwu’s portrayal – His delivery can feel stiff or unnatural at times, which breaks immersion. Some scenes that should be intense or emotional instead feel awkward. Maybe he's still new to industry, but honestly he just looks so awkward. But his acting really improved in LOTFG
4. Shallow conflicts – Villains and obstacles often lack depth, so the stakes don’t feel that high. I can said the some of the villains so unnecessary and that Gongsun Wuyu story is unworthy.

Sum up characters -

Jiang wenhuan - a good leader, he often thought about his members esp kunwu. And i like his character. His acting might not be so good but he handled his job.

Kunwu - first thought, during their first meeting with wenhuan i just feel his character is weird. Maybe because he is portrayed as a protagonist

Chong yibiao - his look so fierce.Wiser than others, often the voice of reason. He brings balance, though his arc isn’t as fleshed out. But his betrayal so unnecessary

E shun - useless stand still character even he helped asi ( if i can choose, i choose kunwu ) He even didn't met yibiao till his last breathe

Xinjia - his character is like an entertainer of the group. A warm, supportive presence among the youths. More grounded, but doesn’t have much standout character growth.

Asi - She so loyal! The comic relief and loyal companion. Brings lighthearted moments, though sometimes feels like filler.Symbolizes friendship and loyalty in its purest form.

Gongsun wuyu - One of the supposed “big villains.” Generic and cliché in execution — power-hungry, but without depth.More noisy than dangerous, so never really scary. No wonder I hate her from day 1

Jiang wenfeng - useless. He so underdeveloped — he could have been a layered character with conflict, but ends up flat.Feels like wasted potential.

Guxi - the good helper. Strong-willed, caring, and righteous — balances the boys’ impulsiveness. One of the more likable characters, though romance arcs around her feel undercooked. Luckily she killed the stupid king

Zhong li - is he a king? Should have been a commanding political figure, but is bland and passive.Adds little tension — a “useless king” archetype.

Yiyao - Elegant and intelligent, but somewhat distant. Could have been a mysterious female ally, but her depth isn’t fully explored. Works more as supporting eye-candy than a driver of plot. Her death so unnecessary

Ning ziyu - Villain but ain't villaining? Ambitious but shallow — his plotting feels predictable.More of an annoying antagonist than a true mastermind.
...
The Dauntless Youths is a light, feel-good historical adventure with themes of friendship, loyalty, and youthful courage. But it suffers from weak acting (especially Kunwu), cheap CGI, shallow villains, and underdeveloped character arcs.

If you watch it for fun, camaraderie, and bright youthful vibes, it’s enjoyable in a casual way. But if you’re expecting epic wuxia, strong political intrigue, or polished acting/visuals, it will likely disappoint.

And if you ask romance, this drama aren't a romance drama.

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Loved Everything About The Dauntless Youths Especially the Ending Scene

If Mei ChangSu and Prince Jing Reincarnated

What’s a Chinese *Bromance* story if the first male leads aren’t rescuing one another from certain death by slavery as an introductory overture, and the second CP doesn’t want to kill each other in public on sight?

Add to that an identity-redemption sub-plot in which a seemingly incurably ill Prince authorises his doppelgänger to represent him at a foreign Royal Court - a hotbed of scheming, swift repercussions for missteps, and daily death-defying bouts with the local supernatural elements, and it’s a struggle to not keep pressing next episode.

The main leads, Kun Wu and Jiang Wen Huan saved each other, defended each other, they sacrificed themselves for each other and they loved each other beyond a shadow of a doubt.

If you’re thinking this is what it would sound like if Mei ChangSu and Prince Jing reincarnated this is exactly what crossed my mind too.

The way this drama starts out - so light and sweet and romantic and comedic, I never thought we would find ourselves at the mercy of the unpredictable, nail biting finish it becomes. I watched with rapt attention and enjoyed deeply every single minute of every single episode and I’m sorry to see The Dauntless Youths come to an end.

- Major Themes - Major Messages -
Of course there’s brotherhood, family, friendship, sacrifice, but overlaying these are bigger messages such as what defines the search for a good life; anti-imperialism; collective liberation; the self determination of women as agents of their own lives; and the sovereignty of nations on equal terms.

- The Ending -
After everything we went through the ending scene was such a beautiful balm for the spirit and I’m overjoyed they chose to end it this way. That its this kind of ending it gives us not a closed door narratively, but rather an oasis of renewal no one could’ve expected, is what makes it an even more precious gift that it ended this way.

I thought the final episode would surely decimate me but the creators understand our emotional needs at the end of this journey of characters we have grown attached to, allowing us several opportunities to see our leading couple together, happily reminiscing on the milestones that led up to them having the relationship they do, and still overflowing with love and devotion for each other.

Even the goodbyes as the surviving friends return to their homes and their own destinies are done elegantly and faithful to the nature of their relationships throughout, without leaving us feeling bereft.

- Could’ve Done Without -
My criticisms are that there are a bit too many long soliloquies of narrative exposition in the last episode and there was some wildly inappropriate music here and there at the end, but aside from that I’m giving The Dauntless Youths a perfect 8.8.

It’s also going on my re-watch list.

Big round of applause for everyone who took part in making The Dauntless Youths such a wonderful and memorable experience for us to indulge ourselves so deeply into.

Well done to both cast and crew and I’m looking forward to seeing what else the Directors and Writers of this exceptional foray into ancient homoeroticism in an ocean of more highly publicised also-rans, have for us.

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