The untamed

I was looking for some Mandarin-language TV show to improve my Chinese, and I stumbled across the Untamed. The actors seemed okay, the scenography was cool and I started watching. However, after just a few episodes, I was so into the story. The relationships between the characters are beautiful, and the story keeps on getting more and more sad but I couldn't stop watching. I really liked the Lan Zhan and Wei Ying relationship. The way Wei WuXian says "Lan Zhan" in the beginning is so enthusiastic and kind of annoying, however - at the end of the series it becomes so gentle and caring. Ironically, the reason I started watching this TV show was just to improve my Chinese. But now I want to improve my Chinese BECAUSE of this series.

From the perspective of a novel fan, "The Untamed" truly surpassed my expectations as the live adaptations of Mo Dao Zhushi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation). The synopsis: A fantasy story set in ancient China about two young idealistic paladins who found themselves entangled in a bloody rebellion against an evil clan. One became a powerful demonologist and died tragically, until a strange event reunited these two friends years later. They joined force to solve the mystery behind a series of deaths, but unexpectedly uncovered a sinister conspiracy and many startling revelations about each other.

"The Untamed" brought this fantasy world to life with visually stunning scenery and set design, outstanding soundtrack, great plot and character development, as well as a team of talented new actors (major bonus points for giving us a parade of eye candies). I was a bit turned off by the substandard CGI...but I get that it's not a big budget production and funding must had been tight after the studio caught on fire.

So what made "The Untamed" the biggest runaway hit of 2019 in the world of Chinese television? It has a well written script with a perfect balance between comedy and drama, as well as action and intrigue. I'm also very impressed by how the screen writers managed to fill some of the original novel's plot holes and reorganize the timeline to make the story less confusing. However, it's not flawless and some episodes had issues with pacing. For example, the first two episodes were bogged down by too many subplots and flashbacks at times. The last episode also had several repetitive and out of order sequences that felt like fillers before the final scene (nevertheless it's still a pretty good finale).

Here's another element that made this a truly binge-worthy series. The casting directors of "The Untamed" did a superb job finding two talented lead actors who also had outstanding chemistry together on screen. Xiao Zhan is the perfect embodiment of the playful, dark, and passionate Wei Wuxian. He captivated audiences from the very first scene and was the main reason that kept me going pass the first two confusing episodes. Then there's the interesting casting choice for our second lead character...It's hard to picture a vibrant 21-year-old pop artist/TV host portraying the stoic and graceful Lan Wanji, but Wang Yibo's ability to convey a plethora of emotions with few words and very subtle expressions cemented his status as an up and coming actor. It goes without saying that directors Zheng Weiwen and Chen Jialin played a huge part in these actors' remarkable performance.

It's also important to mention that "The Untamed " has one of the most well-rounded supporting roles with their own stories and character arcs. Their relationships with the protagonists were pivotal in the story's central themes: the fine line between good versus evil and the enduring love that exists between siblings, friends, and adopted families. There were talented supporting actors who were outstanding from the start while the rest took some time to get into their characters. Nevertheless, it's a pleasure to watch these young actors bring out the best in each other as the series goes on. Although there were some comically bad villains, but the screen writers managed to redeem themselves by creating complex antagonists with motivations and perspectives tht we can all relate in real life.

Overall I recommend giving "The Untamed" a whirl even if you are not familiar with Chinese costume drama. You'll be rewarded with a thoroughly unique and entertaining viewing experience once you get over the heavy makeup and over-the-top choreography typical of traditional martial art series. So grab a couple of your fun loving friends (group reactions and comments will be a blast, I guarantee), sit back and enjoy the 50-episode fantasy adventure that is "The Untamed".

Trust me when I say this series is the most perfect blend of fantasy, subtle romance and family drama. Everything about this series has me wanting to rewatch it more than a few times. From the actors Xiao Zhan and Wang YiBo to the cinematography, the costumes, the sets and amazing soundtracks. This series brings me so much joy to watch!

Would highly recommend this series to anyone that wants to appreciate a good Chinese drama.

I have just finished watching this epic on Netflix and, in short, I have to say it is well worth sticking with it, as ultimately it is hugely rewarding on so many levels. Looking at a show like this with a western sensibility, we have to talk of some elephants wandering around the room. Firstly the era in which this drama takes place means the depiction of strong class and social positioning, showing a degree of respect and politeness rarely seen in the west, except perhaps in the 18th century. The mannerisms and dress take some getting used to. The viewer must also get used to the fact that everyone has at least two names: given name, courtesy name, and sometimes a formal name. All the major characters belong to one of five clans. Secondly the pacing of this series is likely to be difficult for a generation with a short attention span and a video-game paced expectation. This series has many periods of long glances, involved speeches and lengthy exposition. Sometimes it's difficult to know why some characters get so upset over things that are apparently so trivial. These social orders are strict indeed. Then we spot that there are fifty one-hour episodes, a daunting thought, but more of that later. I would advise checking out more knowledgable reviewers to gain more insight into the clans and the people in them. I cannot speak to the original novel. I have searched but cannot locate an English translation. Much is made of the relationship between the two male leads and, by all accounts, this is much more explicit in the novel. Nonetheless it became clear to me early on that there was attraction between the two that was more than just brotherly love. The story begins with events leading to the death of Wei Wuxian (aka Wei Ying and the Yiling Patriarch). After this we are taken on a lengthy flashback detailing the development of the friendship between Wei Wuxian, the demonic cultivator, and noble and intriguing Lan Zhan (also Lan Wangji and Lord Hanguang). We learn how Wei Wuxian is framed for misdeeds and killings he did not really do. Some years after his death Wei Wuxian is revived by illegal means, is reunited with Lan Zhan and they embark on an investigation as to who is behind all the feuding and the discredit of Wei Wuxian, although this has been hinted to the viewer already. Many of the confusions of earlier episodes begin to get resolved; you will easily find spoilers elsewhere if you want them. Suffice to say the final half-dozen episodes reveal a great deal and the end is satisfying. The spectacular scenery, stunning costume design and and decidedly attractive cast make this whole journey unique and exciting. I have found the animated version online and have started watching that too. The two leading actors, Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian and Wang Yibo as Lan Zhan, are mega-stars, across east Asia these days and they appear together on all kinds of tv shows (see YouTube). The intensity of their performances, coupled with the nuanced nods to more than just a bromance is enjoyable and skilfully done in a climate of censorship. I can thoroughly recommend this, although it is unlikely that many westerners will commit to a fifty episode series and that is a shame. There is much to discover about a very different society and we could all learn much from it.

At first, I almost gave up after the first few episodes, but I'm so glad I gave this series a chance. Fifty episodes later, I'm still obsessing over not only the two lead characters but also the actors who embodied them. I haven't read the novel nor seen the anime version, so there were no expectations going in. I won't go into the story as so many others have already done so. I'll just provide my opinion only.

The various plot lines held no big secrets--predictable and routine for a xianxia story with often long drawn scenes which didn't make sense nor push the plot through. The CGI was under par but did the job. What held it together and won me over was the ever so strong chemistry between the two leads, supported by a very talented supporting cast. The BL arc didn't hit me until I did my research. I initially interpreted it simply as brotherhood love, strong friendship and bonding between soulmates (not in the romantic sense) that has been written in so many wuxia novels that came before this one. Then after reading reviews and other info, I had to go back and rewatch episodes to pick up on what really was happening. The longing gazes, the tortured internal conflicts, the array of emotions unspoken but seen through the slightest smile or nod or simple act...these little crumbs spoke volumes if you understand what's going on. Rematching and looking for these clues were Eureka! moments for me. I actually really appreciated the fact that, due to censorship or not, the production portrayed this aspect of BL so subtlety and poetically, unlike the in-your-face presentations that would leave nothing to the imagination. Bravo! The actor who portrayed the "ultimate villain and mastermind" behind the plot deserved his own shout-out...his acting was at once convincing yet heartrending! The emotions in which his portrayal evoked literally gave me a vertigo spin.

Here's wishing much success to the two leads in their professional and private lives!! I can't get enough of seeing them together. Don't let the haters win.