The Untamed: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Unbreakable Bonds
This review of "The Untamed" comes a bit late, but even after multiple rewatches, no series has managed to surpass it. From the very first scene, it captivates with striking visuals and raw emotion. The story opens on a battlefield, where soldiers fight over a sinister object that seems to bring destruction to whoever possesses it. Amidst the chaos, Wei Wuxian, dressed in black, stands at the edge of a cliff, his face marked by sorrow and resignation. Across from him, Lan Wangji, clothed in white, watches in despair, unable to stop what’s about to happen. Wei Wuxian leaps, but Lan Wangji catches him at the last second, unwilling to let go. Yet before he can pull him back, Jiang Cheng delivers what seems to be a fatal blow, and Wei Wuxian falls into the void. A tragic end—or so it seems.
This intense opening leaves the audience with questions—who are these characters, what led them here, and why did it end like this? Before any answers come, the story abruptly jumps 16 years forward. That’s why I always recommend watching at least the first two or three episodes. The narrative truly begins when Wei Wuxian wakes up in a world that has moved on without him, just as confused as the audience. As he rediscovers the people and places from his past, the story takes us back in time to where it all began—when he was still carefree, surrounded by friends, and unaware of the fate that awaited him. Relationships shift, political tensions rise, and the power struggles between clans begin to take shape, setting the stage for his eventual downfall and the reputation that will haunt him: the Yiling Patriarch.
Despite its limited budget, the production quality is impressive. The costumes, particularly for Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, evolve as their characters grow, reflecting their internal changes. The sets are immersive, from the breathtaking beauty of Lotus Pier, home of the Jiang clan, to the lively streets of bustling cities. Some locations, like the Wen clan’s fortress, feel less convincing, where budget constraints become apparent, but the world-building still succeeds in making this universe feel vast and alive. CGI is a mixed bag—Wei Wuxian’s demonic cultivation and Lan Wangji’s pure energy techniques are beautifully executed, but the monsters, unfortunately, don’t receive the same treatment. Still, the story more than makes up for it. Faithful to the novel (as much as censorship allows), it builds layered characters, not just among the leads but also within the supporting cast, who often steal the spotlight. What sets *The Untamed* apart from other BL-inspired dramas is that it isn’t just about relationships; the story itself is gripping, filled with mystery, political intrigue, and shifting alliances. Unlike many series that shine only because of their romance, this one excels in every aspect.
The heart of the show, however, lies in its characters. Every role is brought to life with depth, even the villains, some of whom elicit unexpected sympathy. Xiao Zhan delivers an outstanding performance as Wei Wuxian, balancing charm, mischief, and emotional complexity. He starts as carefree and playful, but as the story progresses, he undergoes a profound transformation, shaped by tragedy into someone much darker. Wang Yibo’s portrayal of Lan Wangji is equally compelling—initially distant and restrained, his carefully controlled emotions hint at something deeper beneath the surface. His journey is just as powerful, especially after Wei Wuxian’s apparent death, which leaves him burdened with guilt and regret, emotions that become more evident upon their reunion.
Their relationship is the soul of the series. Though censorship prevents explicit romance, their bond is undeniable. It’s a slow, natural evolution, from distant acquaintances to unwavering devotion, embodying the balance of Yin and Yang in both personality and presence. Their understanding of each other transcends words, and the chemistry is so palpable that no overt gestures are needed to convey the depth of their connection.
Beyond the romance, "The Untamed" is an exceptional wuxia drama that weaves action, politics, mystery, and deeply emotional storytelling into a mesmerizing experience. It proves that love doesn’t need grand declarations or explicit scenes to be powerful. Years later, it remains unmatched, setting a standard that no other series has yet managed to surpass.
This intense opening leaves the audience with questions—who are these characters, what led them here, and why did it end like this? Before any answers come, the story abruptly jumps 16 years forward. That’s why I always recommend watching at least the first two or three episodes. The narrative truly begins when Wei Wuxian wakes up in a world that has moved on without him, just as confused as the audience. As he rediscovers the people and places from his past, the story takes us back in time to where it all began—when he was still carefree, surrounded by friends, and unaware of the fate that awaited him. Relationships shift, political tensions rise, and the power struggles between clans begin to take shape, setting the stage for his eventual downfall and the reputation that will haunt him: the Yiling Patriarch.
Despite its limited budget, the production quality is impressive. The costumes, particularly for Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, evolve as their characters grow, reflecting their internal changes. The sets are immersive, from the breathtaking beauty of Lotus Pier, home of the Jiang clan, to the lively streets of bustling cities. Some locations, like the Wen clan’s fortress, feel less convincing, where budget constraints become apparent, but the world-building still succeeds in making this universe feel vast and alive. CGI is a mixed bag—Wei Wuxian’s demonic cultivation and Lan Wangji’s pure energy techniques are beautifully executed, but the monsters, unfortunately, don’t receive the same treatment. Still, the story more than makes up for it. Faithful to the novel (as much as censorship allows), it builds layered characters, not just among the leads but also within the supporting cast, who often steal the spotlight. What sets *The Untamed* apart from other BL-inspired dramas is that it isn’t just about relationships; the story itself is gripping, filled with mystery, political intrigue, and shifting alliances. Unlike many series that shine only because of their romance, this one excels in every aspect.
The heart of the show, however, lies in its characters. Every role is brought to life with depth, even the villains, some of whom elicit unexpected sympathy. Xiao Zhan delivers an outstanding performance as Wei Wuxian, balancing charm, mischief, and emotional complexity. He starts as carefree and playful, but as the story progresses, he undergoes a profound transformation, shaped by tragedy into someone much darker. Wang Yibo’s portrayal of Lan Wangji is equally compelling—initially distant and restrained, his carefully controlled emotions hint at something deeper beneath the surface. His journey is just as powerful, especially after Wei Wuxian’s apparent death, which leaves him burdened with guilt and regret, emotions that become more evident upon their reunion.
Their relationship is the soul of the series. Though censorship prevents explicit romance, their bond is undeniable. It’s a slow, natural evolution, from distant acquaintances to unwavering devotion, embodying the balance of Yin and Yang in both personality and presence. Their understanding of each other transcends words, and the chemistry is so palpable that no overt gestures are needed to convey the depth of their connection.
Beyond the romance, "The Untamed" is an exceptional wuxia drama that weaves action, politics, mystery, and deeply emotional storytelling into a mesmerizing experience. It proves that love doesn’t need grand declarations or explicit scenes to be powerful. Years later, it remains unmatched, setting a standard that no other series has yet managed to surpass.
Was this review helpful to you?
