No story has stayed longer than Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's "Mo Dao Zu Shi" in my Heart
It's been six years since I've watched it, so recently, I've decided to give it a rewatch. Despite the *very* corny CGI and low production value (it gets better after the first three episodes), this story is one that has managed to make itself at home in my heart. Wei Wuxian will forever be a character that I really do love.
Anyhow, I think the greatest reason to watch "The Untamed" is its intricate storyline. Mo Xiang Tong Xiu and the screenwriters who adapted her work are really geniuses when it comes to characterization. There is not a single character I have forgotten from this drama over the past six years, and each—including the side characters— have their own unique challenges, motivations, and growth. I have never seen another drama with such consistent and alive characters, even when considering "Nirvana in Fire" and "Joy of Life." Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, Jin Guangyao, Lan Wangji— all of them are characters I relate to, hurt for, and love.
Each actor brings their character to life wonderfully too. Zhu Zanjin as Jin Guangyao is one of the most memorable performances from a lesser-known actor I have had the pleasure of watching in C-drama, and Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian is immaculate casting. I could tell the actors really loved this project and set, which is always wonderful : )
The stellar development of characters naturally indicates an intricate plot. "The Untamed" manages to cleverly sneak in so many often tragic themes and questions about our everyday lives despite the characters being from a fantastical world far from ours. Do we trust the individual or the group? What is really morality? How do we navigate the world around us and its people despite the obstacles?
I actually don't find the changes from the novel to be overly jarring for novel fans who are deciding whether to watch this. The themes and the essence of the characters are the same even if the romance is toned down (even so, I'd say the connotation is definitely present and it doesn't take a perspicacious eye to tell). More attention is given to the female characters which I think actually better develops why Jiang Yanli was so important to Wei Wuxian. I will say some changes in the semantics of cultivation/events do occur, and while they didn't bother me too much, it isn't completely authentic to the novel.
Given that, I don't have much more to say besides give it a try. I know it's censored and hard to find with good subtitles, but I've heard that Rakuten Viki has a decent translation : )
Anyhow, I think the greatest reason to watch "The Untamed" is its intricate storyline. Mo Xiang Tong Xiu and the screenwriters who adapted her work are really geniuses when it comes to characterization. There is not a single character I have forgotten from this drama over the past six years, and each—including the side characters— have their own unique challenges, motivations, and growth. I have never seen another drama with such consistent and alive characters, even when considering "Nirvana in Fire" and "Joy of Life." Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, Jin Guangyao, Lan Wangji— all of them are characters I relate to, hurt for, and love.
Each actor brings their character to life wonderfully too. Zhu Zanjin as Jin Guangyao is one of the most memorable performances from a lesser-known actor I have had the pleasure of watching in C-drama, and Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian is immaculate casting. I could tell the actors really loved this project and set, which is always wonderful : )
The stellar development of characters naturally indicates an intricate plot. "The Untamed" manages to cleverly sneak in so many often tragic themes and questions about our everyday lives despite the characters being from a fantastical world far from ours. Do we trust the individual or the group? What is really morality? How do we navigate the world around us and its people despite the obstacles?
I actually don't find the changes from the novel to be overly jarring for novel fans who are deciding whether to watch this. The themes and the essence of the characters are the same even if the romance is toned down (even so, I'd say the connotation is definitely present and it doesn't take a perspicacious eye to tell). More attention is given to the female characters which I think actually better develops why Jiang Yanli was so important to Wei Wuxian. I will say some changes in the semantics of cultivation/events do occur, and while they didn't bother me too much, it isn't completely authentic to the novel.
Given that, I don't have much more to say besides give it a try. I know it's censored and hard to find with good subtitles, but I've heard that Rakuten Viki has a decent translation : )
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