The Untamed

I can't remember seeing tv series that afected me so much. I don't know if that is because of the different style (Chinese movies have a unique approach to the viewers) or because of the drama plot itself but it was so good. The first few episodes I've struggled with because there was so much information I had hard time remembering and a lot of names which I couldn't remember but after a few episodes it was easier for me to watch. I think the most interesting thing about the drama were the characters and their development through the episodes. There was a hidden message behind every scene which I found absolutely fascinating. The two main leads executed their roles perfectly. I was captivated by Wang Yibo's performance as Lan Zhan. To have a few lines and to have to count on the facial expressions it's the most difficult role to play. Good job! Abou the plot - it was interesting, it touched very powerful and meaningful themes such as family relationships, brotherhood and even love. Some the scenes in the series were one of the most romantic things I have ever watched, even though there were only hints. I found that approach very powerful. The costumes were great, the atmosphere was like a fairytale, the OST was perfect. And yes, after 30th episode when everything started to come to place I cried a lot and I'm not a movie crier at all. Every little detail moved me and after the last episode I can't stop thinking about that drama.

I have no idea why this came up as a recommended title for me on Netflix, but I am so glad it did. I've never shown an interest in non-English titles, let alone those in Chinese, and I almost gave it a pass. I'm now blessing my lack of impulse control. I was charmed almost immediately, even if the first two episodes left me pretty much completely lost. I was still mesmerized. Sticking with it, I was able to piece together the story, and I enjoyed it tremendously.

The lavish scenery, the music, the sets and costumes create a fascinating world, but the actors are enchanting beyond belief, and they sell this story like they were born for it. They all play their characters with an earnestness that makes the heart squeeze. Seeing the two leads bond throughout the series is a joy to watch, even throughout the emotionally wrenching periods of turmoil that drive the plot and the mysteries. There is something wholly profound, almost deliriously romantic in a way, about their relationship and how it deepens and evolves.

Whenever the mischievous Wei WuXian smiles, it feels like sunshine bursting from the screen. When we finally see the ridiculously stoic Lan WanJi smile, it's breathtaking for all its quiet honesty. It leaves you sorely wanting more.

It's not exactly perfect, though, this series. The effects are frankly sometimes silly. But it doesn't matter, with a story this captivating. The often fast dialogue can be tough to catch via the subtitles, but you do follow the gist. One serious negative is how the story treats the women on the whole. For any other series, it would be a deal-breaker for me. But I was otherwise so completely taken by the series that I can look past that. What I love about the series outweighs the negatives so much that I have no hesitation to give it a ten. It's earned that ten from me.

This series was actually more of an experience, and I intend to go through it again. I'm not ready to let go.

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.

Literally the most amazing drama. I cried, laughed and fell completely in love with the entire cast. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable and they're such amazing actors that they completely brought the characters to life. 50 episodes, 44m each is definitely NOT enough, I was left wanting even more considering I binged this show and finished it within 3 days. 10/10 recommend and I lowkey want amnesia so I can rewatch everything.

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.