The untamed

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.

I'll admit that I've never read the original story, or seen the animated series, so I was going into this completely blind (basically; all I knew about the series before I watched it was all the guys have long, luxurious hair and fight each other graceful with swords whilst flying through the air... Oh, that and the fact the main two characters are in love...), but I have to say it really exceeded my expectations in many aspects!

I don't think I'm the only one who'll say that the first few episodes are a bit confusing to get into (especially when you're not familiar with the source material) which makes them drag just a little bit. But I'd say if you're feeling this way at the start, definitely try to stick with it! The story continues to get more interesting and intense, as well as things get explained as it goes on! And the characters all go through some really great development through the 50 episodes, which makes them more relatable!

As far as complaints go; my main issue is with some of the ways scenes are filmed and framed, particularly in very emotional scenes... It wasn't necessarily bad or too jarring, but it did pull you away from the immersion a little bit! The cgi isn't the best, but that's to be expected considering this didn't have a massive budget... It wasn't too bad to pull you out of the story, though, so I'd say it wasn't too big of an issue!

The biggest thing I'll commend the series on is something I imagine everyone has already said: that being the handling of the relationship between characters, particularly the main two! It's no secret that this is based on an lgbt ('bl') novel, and that China have strict censorship laws that don't allow depictions of that on screen. However, the producers and scriptwriters really were able to develop a believable and touching dynamic between the two main characters throughout the span of the series in subtle and well done ways! And more than that, the other friendships and relationships of the series were made believable and touching too!

Overall; it's an emotionally invested and well made drama, with some pretty decent acting on the most part and a bunch of really engaging and interesting characters!

It's a 9 out of 10 but only because it breaks my heart due to content regulations it can be exactly like the original source. I still think they did and amazing job adapting the script to make it GP friendly. I started the series, and once I started it was really hard to stop. The acting by both main actors, really reflects the original characters, Wang Yi bo totally nailed Lang Wangji, and Xiao Zan left me speechless, he delivered.

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.

This drama started off slow for me but the story really came together. Just be patient as the story is unfolding. The two leading characters did an amazing job portraying their emotions. The Main character Wei Wuxian has the most beautiful smile. He is such a talented actor. I love their chemistry. There are so many twist and turn in the drama. The beautiful music really pulls at your heart strings. I cannot say enough good things about it. Clearly the world feels the same as this drama has been trending for quite some time now and have launched the two leads into super stardom. The loyalty between the two main characters is beautiful. One of the best drama I have ever watched and I have watched a lot of drama. I am completely obsessed and have been following their careers since watching it. Even after watching it so many times, I am still picking up new tidbits. Kudos to the cast and crew of The Untamed. What a masterpiece.