They needed the actress for her height and smallness due to Sang Zhi being sick as a child and underdeveloped.…
No, in the opening the scene Sang Zhi is 17. They flash back to when she is 14 and meets DJX for the first time when he comes home with Sang Yan. She is small for her age because she was a sickly child and underdeveloped. He agrees to talk with Sang Yan about visiting her school. Sang Yan refuses to do it and DJX goes instead, which turns out to be what is best for Sang Zhi as she begins to take school seriously, so her parents don't find out.
The actress who plays the 14 year old Sang Zhi was 11 at the time. The actress has played Zhao Lu Si's younger version in two other dramas. Unfortunately, the actress is getting too old to play Zhao Lu Si any more.
Up to which episode does the FL's mother act cruelly? I've only gotten to episode 5 and I can't stand it anymoreðŸ˜
Actually, the mother gets toned down a great deal during the later half of the first season. There is one scene in the second season that is a little hard to take, but is quite necessary to make NN realize what she must do as she is the only one who can do it. The ending scenes are just wonderful, especially between NN and her mother.
Also, there is a scene where you can see that the mother and daughter are quite similar in character.
It's weird with the age gap especially showing young age & the ML doesn't change. They should have picked…
Actually, it is spot on that DJX is the same actor from beginning to end. DJX is at the age of majority, 18, an adult at 19.. As humans, we are basically full grown by 18. How much changing in his physique would DJX have from 19 to 27, not much. It is only through our hairstyles and clothing that you can really tell the difference peoples ages.
On the other hand, Zhao Lu Si could not play her 14-year-old self (even though she has played 14/15 year olds in other dramas). She would not have been able to "grow in height" during the first temporal node. Throughout most of the drama Sang Zhi is technically a child on the social level as she cannot get married until episode 25 when she officially turns 20. Thus, this is why she talks like a child and acts like child throughout most of the drama. I have to admit that I found the baby voice annoying as well and had to turn off the sound. However, I finally understand why she speaks like that throughout most of the drama.
This is an age of consent social commentary and cautionary tale drama. When she is 14 (age of consent with no restrictions), the drama says even though DJX is 19, he could be mistaken for Sang Zhi's dad. The drama says that if 14 and 19 year olds are going to be together then they must take into consideration their height and maturity level. At 17, she is still a child, but she has now grown up in height, but she still is not at the same maturity level as DJX.
When she is 19, she is the age of consent and the age of majority, but is not of marriageable age. Love O2O (written by the same author and director) explains that Chinese women are still children until they are of marriageable age. Yet, they are old enough to consent, thus, the cautionary tale.
It's weird that the actor playing ML doesnt change throughout the years and the FL acting like a kid and speaking…
Actually, it is spot on that DJX is the same actor from beginning to end. DJX is at the age of majority, 18, an adult at 19.. As humans, we are basically full grown by 18. How much changing in his physique would DJX have from 19 to 27, not much. It is only through our hairstyles and clothing that you can really tell the difference peoples ages.
On the other hand, Zhao Lu Si could not play her 14-year-old self (even though she has played 14/15 year olds in other dramas). She would not have been able to "grow in height" during the first temporal node. Throughout most of the drama Sang Zhi is technically a child on the social level as she cannot get married until episode 25 when she officially turns 20. Thus, this is why she talks like a child and acts like child throughout most of the drama. I have to admit that I found the baby voice annoying as well and had to turn off the sound. However, I finally understand why she speaks like that throughout most of the drama.
This is an age of consent social commentary and cautionary tale drama. When she is 14 (age of consent with no restrictions), the drama says even though DJX is 19, he could be mistaken for Sang Zhi's dad. The drama says that if 14 and 19 year olds are going to be together then they must take into consideration their height and maturity level. At 17, she is still a child, but she has now grown up in height, but she still is not at the same maturity level as DJX.
When she is 19, she is the age of consent and the age of majority, but is not of marriageable age. Love O2O (written by the same author and director) explains that Chinese women are still children until they are of marriageable age. Yet, they are old enough to consent, thus, the cautionary tale.
Rewatching after developing my frontal lobe I really cannot get past the age gap. I'm friends with kids 5 years…
You're right we are not the same person we were at 19 and 24. However, when it comes to social interactions and dating, they are definitely on the same trajectory. He was not allowed to date or do fun things in college or high school as he was working all the time in order to pay the bills. He missed out on playing sports, hanging out with girls, and basically just enjoying life. That's why the scene where he is playing basketball with her friends is so important, he now has time to do the things that he never got to do while at college. It's just with people who are younger than him. Now, he also has time and money to date. So socially-emotionally they are on the same page. jmo
When he finally does propose to her she is 22 and he is 27. Now, I am assuming that they will wait a while to get married. So what is the big deal?
The ML looks charismatic so that everywhere he goes he draws attention and people comment about him. But somehow…
Did you understand why she wanted her brother Sang Yan to go instead of her parents? If her brother went, then she wouldn't get in as much trouble than if parents went. Since you didn't watch all of the drama, then you do not understand why DJX went in the first place instead of Sang Yan. Sang Yan refused to go even after DJX talked with him about it.
Now, actually by having DJX go, this makes Sang Zhi take school more seriously, so that her parents would not find out about DJX going instead. This "lie" actually made Sang Zhi a better person in the end. So I have to disagree with you.
Short Circuit, you have every right to disagree with me and to offer a different perspective. However, please stop saying that posters who see the drama in a different way are wrong or twisted. This is why people who don't like a drama never write or give opinions because they are attacked for it.
Also, I feel you are trying to explain my interpretation and do not understand what I am saying. That is on me as I must not be making myself clear enough through my writing. I write to learn, so I will explain it.
1. You say there is no second couple in the drama. If there is, then they are only comrades or brothers, not lovers. You are right, but only because this is a censored danmei. However, I also have to disagree with you. Here is why. JGY and LXC are foils for the two main characters. A literary foil is a character(s), subplot, or setting that contrasts with another—usually the protagonist—to highlight specific traits, values, or motivations. Originating from the practice of backing gems with metal foil to increase their brilliance, a foil makes the main character’s qualities shine more brightly. Their story serves as a moral lesson of not what to do and makes the two main characters' story "shine more brightly". What is worse an incestuous killer or a guy who practices demonic cultivation that he uses for good? Juxtapose the villain and hero and the people who "love" and protect them. Notice at the end, the main characters are off on their separate journeys. The atmosphere is one of happiness and love. Just prior to that, you have the ending of the other two with the big reveal or confession of who the villain is and why. One dies and the other goes into isolation. If the two were just comrades (by the way comrades is a slang term for homosexuality in Chinese culture), LXC could mourn openly or not at all due to the severity of JGY's crimes. Just saying why hide in isolation? Wasn't the killing of JGY justified?
2. As for the women, I do not understand what you are trying to say. My comment strictly said that I did not like how women were portrayed in this drama. I didn't say that the screenwriters (two of them women) were trying to make a grand statement about women.
3. You have stated that there is no pda in the novel between the two until the very last chapters (I disagree) and the big confession is the climax of the novel. Since the drama already has the two as friends, then there is no need for a big confession at the end. However, since JGY and LXC are the foils for our main characters, a big reveal and confession are needed. Hence the strange interaction between them at the end of the drama which can be left to the viewer's interpretation. The same with the chemistry between the two main leads. Notice I wrote, for me in front of my comment judging WYB's acting. You found his acting spot on. You explained it as that his character is cold and aloof. You're right his character is meant to be cold and aloof. Yet, there are ways to humanize a cold, aloof person without coming off as stiff, unnatural, and very weak. For me, that is what WYB's acting came off as (I blame the director), and it really affected my enjoyment of the drama. You have the right to disagree.
4. Danmei uses male love as a plot device to explore women's sexuality and identity. In danmei, women can see themselves as either of the two men involved. In the drama, the relationship between LWJ and WWX is equal. Even though LWJ is given the stereotypical characteristics of a man and WWX is given the stereotypical characteristics of a woman, both men support each other through weal and woe. By the end, no one in the relationship has more power than the other. There is no top or bottom. LWJ supports WWX's practice of demonic cultivation and helps him manage the anger and madness that is inside him through music and love. All women want lovers (whoever they are) who will support them in whatever they decide to do. I love this message and can get behind it. The message I didn't like was that of the foils.
I hope this helps you see what I am saying. You don't have to agree with me.
Can someone please explain how did Ning get captured by the Qingfeng stronghold ?? They were saved by granny Kangs…
It would appear that granny Kang's sacrifice was for nothing, and Ning is captured by the Qingfeng stronghold as a plot arc. They said she was walking around the streets of Lin'an looking for Chang yu, and they grabbed her. They didn't realize who she was until the Sui guy mentioned that she was related to Wu'an.
I’m struggling with this — I keep falling asleep during the episodes and have to go back to rewatch what I…
You are not the only one. I made it to episode 24 and have to take a break from it or drop it completely. For me, it is just a mash up of all the popular dramas from the last couple of years (POB, TD, LLtG, B, etc.). Nothing new watched it before.
Viewers focus on the relationship between WWX and LWJ because they are the main characters. In the novel they are lovers. In the drama, they are just friends and spiritual brothers. For me, the chemistry between the two is non existent (WYB's acting is the reason). Their relationship is just window dressing to appease the audience. However, the writers do manage to include a great deal of homosexual symbolism into the drama for this couple (the rabbits, the two bottles of alcohol, the two chickens, etc.
The real story is told through the villains and the people who love them. There is a second couple in this drama (JGY and LXC). They act as foils for the main couple and can do and be anything. They can be tainted whereas the heroes cannot. It is their story that portrays the true message of the drama about homosexuality and thus why the drama could be aired, not because they made WWX and LWJ platonic. This message began in the second to the last episode and finished in the last episode.
The portrayal of women also allows this drama to be aired. Women in this drama are play things and baby makers. They have no real power in the sects and were hidden away in the mountains, a house, a cave, etc. The one "strong" woman (WWX's adopted mother) is portrayed as a witch with a b. Which was quite common in Chinese dramas from 2010 to 2019. She is eventually killed off protecting her family which is what all good women should do. The same with the other women of "power" (the sister and Wen Qing). How the sister dies is just plain silly and weakens the story.
So while I can appreciate the cultural significance of this drama for its time, I can't get behind its message on women and homosexuality as portrayed by the second couple.
Most viewers do not understand danmei stories. They believe them to be stories about the love between males. This is wrong. They are actually stories about women exploring their sexuality and identity through men. Male love is just a plot device. In this danmei, LXJ is the man and WWX is the female. If you want a true male love story adapted from a yaoi story (the Thai version of a danmei), the Thai drama Bad Buddy is the best example. China and Thailand have two very different opinions on homosexuality. It shows through their dramas.
This is a scholarly opinion on The Untamed. I hope this helps. If you did not like the drama, it is okay. Not every drama is for everyone. For me, I found the message quite interesting to say the least.
Episode 19 is where, for me, it started to go off the deep end with some moments before that, so you're not the…
Glad I could help. If I have to see one more drunk girl scene and hear the words, "Does it hurt," and "Don't be afraid; I'm here." I'm going to scream.
For me, the only way this could turn into a good drama is if this is actually a parody on more recent historical dramas POB, etc.
Thanks for having the courage to share this because all the reviews are like 10 and I started to doubt around episode 10.
I was loving this drama, but I'm stalled at ep 19. The opening episodes had an original, engaging storyline, but…
Episode 19 is where, for me, it started to go off the deep end with some moments before that, so you're not the only one. Right now I am on episode 22 and starting to struggle to finish. jmo.
also can we please stop making 15yo FL and marrying them off like it's the normal thing to do? ling buyi is 21…
There was actually supposed to be 10 more episodes, but they cut it to 56. I agree with you. Eps. 54 and 55 were pointless. Otherwise, I thought they handled the mirror story structure very well, and the social commentary was wonderful. Season 2 for me had a very different feel, I still haven't figured out what made it different.
also can we please stop making 15yo FL and marrying them off like it's the normal thing to do? ling buyi is 21…
What you have just commented on, they do in the second season. This drama agrees with you that 15 year olds are not ready for marriage. They actually do not get married until she is 21. This drama is a social commentary on teenage marriages. None of the women are married off until they turn 18 or they don't get married.
Also, if you don't watch the second half then you will miss the big reveal as the second half is General Ling's story.
Just finished this drama several days ago and I'm glad that others enjoyed it. However, while I can appreciate this drama for its cultural value for its time, I found its portrayal of women and message about homosexuality quite interesting to say the least and not in a good way.
Keep going. What you have pointed out is the point of the first 14 episodes. How fake and phony everyone is.
Yes, she is trying to impress SHM's mother, but because she is not rich, like the other girls, her hair and makeup are off just a tad. In the next episode, she will start to do even more to look like the part of the social elite, like a fake shine in the hair. It gets to the point where you don't know where the real her begins.
The actress who plays the 14 year old Sang Zhi was 11 at the time. The actress has played Zhao Lu Si's younger version in two other dramas. Unfortunately, the actress is getting too old to play Zhao Lu Si any more.
Also, there is a scene where you can see that the mother and daughter are quite similar in character.
On the other hand, Zhao Lu Si could not play her 14-year-old self (even though she has played 14/15 year olds in other dramas). She would not have been able to "grow in height" during the first temporal node. Throughout most of the drama Sang Zhi is technically a child on the social level as she cannot get married until episode 25 when she officially turns 20. Thus, this is why she talks like a child and acts like child throughout most of the drama. I have to admit that I found the baby voice annoying as well and had to turn off the sound. However, I finally understand why she speaks like that throughout most of the drama.
This is an age of consent social commentary and cautionary tale drama. When she is 14 (age of consent with no restrictions), the drama says even though DJX is 19, he could be mistaken for Sang Zhi's dad. The drama says that if 14 and 19 year olds are going to be together then they must take into consideration their height and maturity level. At 17, she is still a child, but she has now grown up in height, but she still is not at the same maturity level as DJX.
When she is 19, she is the age of consent and the age of majority, but is not of marriageable age. Love O2O (written by the same author and director) explains that Chinese women are still children until they are of marriageable age. Yet, they are old enough to consent, thus, the cautionary tale.
Hope this helps.
On the other hand, Zhao Lu Si could not play her 14-year-old self (even though she has played 14/15 year olds in other dramas). She would not have been able to "grow in height" during the first temporal node. Throughout most of the drama Sang Zhi is technically a child on the social level as she cannot get married until episode 25 when she officially turns 20. Thus, this is why she talks like a child and acts like child throughout most of the drama. I have to admit that I found the baby voice annoying as well and had to turn off the sound. However, I finally understand why she speaks like that throughout most of the drama.
This is an age of consent social commentary and cautionary tale drama. When she is 14 (age of consent with no restrictions), the drama says even though DJX is 19, he could be mistaken for Sang Zhi's dad. The drama says that if 14 and 19 year olds are going to be together then they must take into consideration their height and maturity level. At 17, she is still a child, but she has now grown up in height, but she still is not at the same maturity level as DJX.
When she is 19, she is the age of consent and the age of majority, but is not of marriageable age. Love O2O (written by the same author and director) explains that Chinese women are still children until they are of marriageable age. Yet, they are old enough to consent, thus, the cautionary tale.
Hope this helps.
When he finally does propose to her she is 22 and he is 27. Now, I am assuming that they will wait a while to get married. So what is the big deal?
Now, actually by having DJX go, this makes Sang Zhi take school more seriously, so that her parents would not find out about DJX going instead. This "lie" actually made Sang Zhi a better person in the end. So I have to disagree with you.
Also, I feel you are trying to explain my interpretation and do not understand what I am saying. That is on me as I must not be making myself clear enough through my writing. I write to learn, so I will explain it.
1. You say there is no second couple in the drama. If there is, then they are only comrades or brothers, not lovers. You are right, but only because this is a censored danmei. However, I also have to disagree with you. Here is why. JGY and LXC are foils for the two main characters. A literary foil is a character(s), subplot, or setting that contrasts with another—usually the protagonist—to highlight specific traits, values, or motivations. Originating from the practice of backing gems with metal foil to increase their brilliance, a foil makes the main character’s qualities shine more brightly. Their story serves as a moral lesson of not what to do and makes the two main characters' story "shine more brightly". What is worse an incestuous killer or a guy who practices demonic cultivation that he uses for good? Juxtapose the villain and hero and the people who "love" and protect them. Notice at the end, the main characters are off on their separate journeys. The atmosphere is one of happiness and love. Just prior to that, you have the ending of the other two with the big reveal or confession of who the villain is and why. One dies and the other goes into isolation. If the two were just comrades (by the way comrades is a slang term for homosexuality in Chinese culture), LXC could mourn openly or not at all due to the severity of JGY's crimes. Just saying why hide in isolation? Wasn't the killing of JGY justified?
2. As for the women, I do not understand what you are trying to say. My comment strictly said that I did not like how women were portrayed in this drama. I didn't say that the screenwriters (two of them women) were trying to make a grand statement about women.
3. You have stated that there is no pda in the novel between the two until the very last chapters (I disagree) and the big confession is the climax of the novel. Since the drama already has the two as friends, then there is no need for a big confession at the end. However, since JGY and LXC are the foils for our main characters, a big reveal and confession are needed. Hence the strange interaction between them at the end of the drama which can be left to the viewer's interpretation. The same with the chemistry between the two main leads. Notice I wrote, for me in front of my comment judging WYB's acting. You found his acting spot on. You explained it as that his character is cold and aloof. You're right his character is meant to be cold and aloof. Yet, there are ways to humanize a cold, aloof person without coming off as stiff, unnatural, and very weak. For me, that is what WYB's acting came off as (I blame the director), and it really affected my enjoyment of the drama. You have the right to disagree.
4. Danmei uses male love as a plot device to explore women's sexuality and identity. In danmei, women can see themselves as either of the two men involved. In the drama, the relationship between LWJ and WWX is equal. Even though LWJ is given the stereotypical characteristics of a man and WWX is given the stereotypical characteristics of a woman, both men support each other through weal and woe. By the end, no one in the relationship has more power than the other. There is no top or bottom. LWJ supports WWX's practice of demonic cultivation and helps him manage the anger and madness that is inside him through music and love. All women want lovers (whoever they are) who will support them in whatever they decide to do. I love this message and can get behind it. The message I didn't like was that of the foils.
I hope this helps you see what I am saying. You don't have to agree with me.
Since I don't know how far you are I don't want to spoil anything for you.
The real story is told through the villains and the people who love them. There is a second couple in this drama (JGY and LXC). They act as foils for the main couple and can do and be anything. They can be tainted whereas the heroes cannot. It is their story that portrays the true message of the drama about homosexuality and thus why the drama could be aired, not because they made WWX and LWJ platonic. This message began in the second to the last episode and finished in the last episode.
The portrayal of women also allows this drama to be aired. Women in this drama are play things and baby makers. They have no real power in the sects and were hidden away in the mountains, a house, a cave, etc. The one "strong" woman (WWX's adopted mother) is portrayed as a witch with a b. Which was quite common in Chinese dramas from 2010 to 2019. She is eventually killed off protecting her family which is what all good women should do. The same with the other women of "power" (the sister and Wen Qing). How the sister dies is just plain silly and weakens the story.
So while I can appreciate the cultural significance of this drama for its time, I can't get behind its message on women and homosexuality as portrayed by the second couple.
Most viewers do not understand danmei stories. They believe them to be stories about the love between males. This is wrong. They are actually stories about women exploring their sexuality and identity through men. Male love is just a plot device. In this danmei, LXJ is the man and WWX is the female. If you want a true male love story adapted from a yaoi story (the Thai version of a danmei), the Thai drama Bad Buddy is the best example. China and Thailand have two very different opinions on homosexuality. It shows through their dramas.
This is a scholarly opinion on The Untamed. I hope this helps. If you did not like the drama, it is okay. Not every drama is for everyone. For me, I found the message quite interesting to say the least.
Happy drama watching.
For me, the only way this could turn into a good drama is if this is actually a parody on more recent historical dramas POB, etc.
Thanks for having the courage to share this because all the reviews are like 10 and I started to doubt around episode 10.
Happy drama watching!
Happy drama watching.
Also, if you don't watch the second half then you will miss the big reveal as the second half is General Ling's story.
Happy drama watching!