Apple Eye

‘Even BBC’ ? Do you mean I should listen to the authority of the BBC? This comment says it all. I don’t know if I’m capable to explain it, but I’ll try. This exactly proofs the difference between someone who’s been raised in the free world and someone who’s been brought up in the belief that state authorities know best. People in the freeworld don’t need official state media to think, they think for themselves. They form different opinions, and it doesn’t matter. Let’s agree to disagree. Vive La Difference, in politics too.

I’m not discussing politics here, and this actress shouldn’t have either if she’s in a Disney movie.
If she likes to be an activist, or at best a diplomat carrying messages for the CCP while living in the USA, so be it, but don’t pollute Disney.

Viki has put the 1998 series online with English subs, My Fair Princess. Definitely gonna rewatch :P

You're right, I will.

It's very clear the voices are dubbed, out of sync to boot. I don't like voice dubbing in general, too old fashioned, same with the never ending accidental kisses. All this has been done for ages, and better.

For how long can I watch this, trying to push myself through the pain barrier of accidental kisses, voice dubbing, out of sync editing #idk I used to like the actors.

Nana is so good here, and I like her kisses too, Sung Hoon could have been an orange for that matter that she's kissing, but still looking sexy thanks to her. That wide angle camera though, is making me dizzy.

Thanks for the thorough review, I just saw the movie and I totally agree with the things you mention here. Concerning the follow up of this series, maybe the makers will follow the continuing story from the manga series ? idk

The best account to follow is Suibian Subs on Tumblr. There you can find other BL novels, mangas, audio dramas that are fansubbed. Follow https://suibiansubs.tumblr.com.
Below the Trouble shooting page you'll also find a link to a Discord server where you can download series, admire fan art and chat with other fans. Enjoy!

This is a great article. Any drama that breaks with stereotypes gets bonus points from me.

I loved Just Between Lovers. The male lead isn’t the usual rich, nasty tempered, or cold man. He is very intense, a tragic anti-hero, disturbed by heavy melancholy. Also the female lead isn’t the typical poor, bubbly girl. She’s a total introvert, maybe she was a sassy teenager once, but now she’s a Plain Jane suffering from parentification. It’s wonderful to see how damaged people manage to develop feelings, let alone romantic feelings for each other.

The Japanese drama series you mention here seem interesting too. Have you seen Ossan's Love? I found this series another fine example of non-cliche drama, with the biggest anti-hero of all. Funny too, how he becomes the heartthrob of males and females alike, for no other reason than the admiring stares he gets at the men's restroom :P

I think I'm totally in the mood now for watching your recommendations.

Interesting concept, the boyband effect, somebody could write a paper on it.

The Untamed made me an instant fan. I started to read the novel, fanfics, seeing the donga, manga, hearing the audio drama with English fansubs. Long story short, I don’t do this with other drama, with or without pretty boys.

The real question should be ‘What Is The Untamed’s Secret of Success ?’ Is it the BL theme that gives female fans the hots without other female “competition” or thinking too much about their own sexual feelings? Or is The Untamed more than just a sum of social psychological theories, like I tend to believe? To name a few Unique Selling Points...

1 ...this life action version is based on a bestseller, the well written novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, with beautiful characters that are really fleshed out. The story is written in a way you can see the movie in your mind, with great story arcs, subplots, a sound closure. What a difference compared to other prefab scripts with copy pasted storylines;
2 ...the producer was a fan herself, she spent 3 years on this project, using complete character cards for the casting. The result was a fresh and original cast with great chemistry;
3 ...just like the producers of Game Of Thrones, The Untamed team could lean on the inspiration, experience of earlier productions, anime artists, the manga, the audio series, resulting in a sophisticated production of a well-seasoned Hong Kong director;
4 ...the pressure of Chinese censorship usually leads to BL stories that are downsized to bromance. This time, it didn't happen. The love between the boys is definitely not platonic, it is shown in details, deftly weaved around the story, intense, they just don't kiss;
5 ... The Untamed is based on a novel in the "Yaoi" BL genre, it means some scenes are graphic, but romantic as well. There’s always this stoic, aristocratic (top) character who loves his energetic, lower born (bottom) partner, against his will in the beginning, but later on passionately. I can imagine this "Pride and Prejudice" trope is very appealing to the 70 percent female audience.

Now the boyband effect, I agree The Untamed studio uses the same strategies as boybands. Earning money with aftersales like the fan meetings, a concert tour with the cast, product endorsements by cast members.

The male leads ARE pop idols, they already had a sound fan base. Being part of a boyband means no romantic relationships, at least not in the open. I guess their bosses wouldn’t be that strict if they weren’t absolutely sure that fans will drop these boys as soon as some real lover shows up. I wouldn’t be surprised if they know exactly the age and preferences of the fans. Entertainment means business, they have to know our dreams in order to sell them.

On the contrary, almost all Chinese young actors who are pushed forward as idols to earn money with ads and commercials have gone through standard plastic surgery, double eyelids, higher nose bridge, pointed chin.

For example idol actor Wang Yibo ranks second on the list of most marketable faces, perhaps because he doesn’t have a natural face:
http://www.bestchinanews.com/Entertainment/15789.html

Normal Chinese youths are copying the hallyu trend right now: https://www.dragonsocial.net/blog/chinese-plastic-surgery-trends-you-need-to-know-about/

Kudos. That’s one thorough review. I’m currently watching this drama, so I don’t have my final opinion yet, but so far I see what you mean. I loved the female lead in Protect The Boss. Yes, she has become older with plastic surgery and all, but then I realize I haven’t seen a natural face in ages. Especially those young Chinese male idols seem to have a contract to change their eyelids and noses before they even get a role...

He reminds me of Lee Seung Gi, when playing the mean male lead in Mr. Fox and Miss Rose. Finally a natural looking actor, without plastic surgery.

Your comment is a great rantalysis that deserves to be put in a review.

Glad to read that Chinese learn to appreciate non main stream faces as well. Perhaps because this is the younger generation that likes fashion? Popular fashion models in Paris, Italy are out of the ordinary too.

A roman nose doesn't have to be hooked, just high bridged, and it seems to be the newest plastic fashion among Thai and Korean male actors.
Luo Yun Xi has a natural high bridged nose btw https://imgur.com/QAPjSgk

I love your review, thank you

Definitely, it's a miracle we still know how humans look like when we look into the mirror. Before we know it we'll consider ourselves the aliens, and the actors the human race

It's funny, American idol-actors automatically have a caucasian look, but they also use plastic surgery, like square face shapes, to make their eyes and lips more prominent, and actresses like their nose smaller, slimmer.

What worries me is that we, the audience, are getting used to all these plastic features, it's The New Normal.

Take f.e. this self-test. Write down 10 idol-actors, 5 male, 5 female, then check out if they have rounder eyes, double eyelids, whiter skin, Roman nose, pointed chin....enough said.