mimi

When I first started watching 'The untamed' (陈情令), I knew it was based on the hugely popular Chinese danmei novel 魔道祖师 (Mo Dao Zu Shi), also known as 'The grandmaster of demon cultivation' by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. As much as I adored the show, I can’t help feeling slightly disappointed. Because at its heart, this is a love story, but the drama, due to censorship, never fully lets that love blossom onscreen. Instead, it dances around it with lingering glances, shared silences, and unspoken devotion. It’s beautiful but also a little heartbreaking, not because of what happens, but because of what’s missing. 'The untamed' had an uphill battle from the start. Due to China’s censorship laws. So instead of presenting Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as romantic partners, the show rebrands them as “soulmates” or “best friends,” and leans heavily on subtext. But here’s the surprising part, despite all the restrictions, 'The untamed' manages to remain shockingly faithful to the heart of the story. Both versions follow the same dual timeline structure. The “present” story of Wei Wuxian’s resurrection and investigation, and the “past” story of his rise and fall. Major events, like the Sunshot Campaign, the burial mounds, the Yi City arc, and the final confrontation, are intact. Wei Wuxian remains his charming, sarcastic, brilliant self, torn between doing what's right and being punished for it. Lan Wangji is still the stoic, rule-bound cultivator who slowly reveals his hidden passion and unwavering loyalty. Even secondary characters like Jiang Cheng, Wen Ning, Lan Xichen, and Jin Guangyao are faithfully adapted. At its heart, both the novel and drama explore freedom vs. tradition, personal morality vs. public perception, and the dangers of blind loyalty to rules. Wei Wuxian constantly challenges the status quo, while Lan Wangji learns to quietly rebel against it. Even with the censorship, 'The untamed' manages to capture the emotional intensity of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s relationship. Every shared glance, every moment of silent understanding, every time one steps in front of danger for the other. It’s clear what they mean to each other. And that’s a testament to the actors’ performances, especially Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, who convey a deep, believable bond without ever saying “I love you.” The biggest difference is that they don’t get together in the drama. In the novel, they are canonically in love. Lan Wangji confesses. They share kisses, cuddles, and a life together. In fact, the extras show them raising Lan Sizhui as a family. Their relationship is not just hinted at; it’s central. But in the drama, it's all subtext. No romantic confession. No kiss. No “Wei Ying” spoken in a whisper. No post-canon domesticity. The most intimate moments, like the forehead ribbon moment (symbolising intimacy), are completely removed. The drunken confession, where Lan Wangji spills his heart while drunk, is toned down. The ending, in the drama, is more open-ended. In the novel, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji walk off together into their future. For viewers who were emotionally invested in their love story (myself included), it’s frustrating. The story builds and builds, only to leave us at the end with ambiguity. They're clearly more than friends, but the show never says it. It’s not that they needed to kiss to prove their love. But a single moment of clarity, a word, a gesture, a future would have made all the difference. In the novel, Lan Wangji is much more expressive—especially in internal monologues or moments of vulnerability. We see his jealousy, his devotion, his pain. In the drama, he’s portrayed more stoically, and we miss out on some of those emotional depths unless we read between the lines. Despite my disappointment, I can’t deny that 'The untamed' is still an incredible show. It brings the world of Mo Dao Zu Shi to life with beautiful cinematography, haunting music, excellent casting, and strong emotional storytelling. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo carry the show with grace and subtlety. Their performances manage to convey a love that’s deeper than words, even if it’s never spoken aloud. And the show deserves praise for doing as much as it did under heavy restrictions. 'The untamed' is a masterclass in adaptation under constraint. It captures the spirit and soul of *Mo Dao Zu Shi, even if it can't show the romance in full. It’s beautiful, tragic, emotional, and memorable.