A Watchable drama
Its acceptable because all the struggle they faced during this whole journey but still they managed to produce a decent Watchable drama in the end. I felt the end seems very forced but apart from that i liked the whole drama.As you all know they changed the main actor in the middle so from there it's looks like a complete different type of show, i still remember the cuts of 8 and 9th Episodes looks really wierd. Accepting a new actor in the place of jisoo was not easy, But somehow Na in Woo and Kim so hyun chemistry looks very cute and interesting, so it was good watching them together atleast.
Coming to the story and screenplay, it has nothing particular to offer and looks pretty much a usual type historical drama with patriotism and politics. 20 long episode was understandable the very first they slowly and internationally creating a very hard chaotic environment and for a viewer, u will feel very complicated and tensed in the end the whole thing was messed up.
Everything was exactly happen what u expect, But it could have been a better ending. I read some comments that the end was not exactly from the original novel. Anyway happy to see kim so hyun with her cute acting which makes other things forget also hats off to the cast and crew especially the producer who not just reshoots the rest of the Episode from where jisoo left and also from beginning to the sixth.
Overall a watchable drama
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1This review may contain spoilers
Not My Type
I tried my best to write this review so pardon me if it's not the best. I'm not gonna entertain people who want to defend this show.First of all, I would like to apologize to those who love this series. This series isn't made for me and it is a chore for me to finish sadly. I tried to like it but I didn't like it from the beginning till the end. While the show has some problematic issues with disrespecting and misuse of mental health topics as well as the sexual abuse portrayed there, I don't wanna address it as many helpful reviews on Tharntype's review page has already done it anyways and mine is gonna be similar, if not the same as well. While I appreciate the writers for trying to go complex in this BL with all those mental health issues, I just think they have done it wrong and no proper research is made on it.
I wanna talk more about the storyline because I do have my problems with it. The show tried to do so much in those 12 episodes by adding more storylines and it became over complicated. Instead of having unnecessary antagonist, pointless characters like the guy who tried to be Korean and Tar's story, I would rather focus more on Tharn and Type's relationship progress. Those times spent on them could have been spent on those two. How they met, see their ups and downs in their relationship, and slowly let it develop. I also want to dive in more in Tharn and Type's character even if I dislike them both. What's the point of adding more storylines if their relationship is not fully developed in the first place?
I'm personally not a fan of their relationship. Let's start from the beginning. I find it rushed especially with how the relationship of Tharn and Type is like starting. As I have recalled, they are only roommates and I am not sure if they are even friends in the first place since it's not established there. I remember questioning Tharn on when he fell in love with Type. Did he fell in love at first sight? Moving on to journey with their relationship seeing them having sex and all those crazy tragedies and that's where I conclude that I just don't like their relationship at all. I mean, yes it's realistic for couples to fight all the time and jealousy is normal, but to add in those physical abuses is such a turn off for me. That is not a healthy relationship for sure. If you're asking which one I'm talking about, it's in episode 9 (The part where Type slapped Tharn because Type misunderstood the situation going on there) To be honest, both of them need help and are not ready to be in one yet.
All in all, I feel like the series has potential, but it's just wasted in the end. I do love the fluff moments between them and Mew and Gulf have amazing chemistry together that I can't help but squeal as well as a normal fangirl LOL. You know what I'm talking about for those who completed the series. I just couldn't bring myself to ignore what happened earlier. I don't want to go in detail with this review as my review is more of a rant haha. I don't want to rewatch it again. Instead, I'll just watch those crazy MewGulf videos together because what's not better than seeing two hot men being so cute together? UwU
As I've said earlier, everyone has a different opinion for this show. Some may love it, some may not. Sadly, my opinions went in the opposite direction of not loving it. That's all I can say about this show.
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One of the loveliest romcom ever!
When I first started this, I didn't expect to like it this much. They skillfully maintained the comedic elements from the beginning till the end.I must be in the minority who didn't dislike the FL. Actually, I loved the FL very much. Mi Kyung's nagging was actually another form of caring and showing love to people who mattered in her life. She was a devoted lover, true best friend and a passionate potato enthusiast. No way could I dislike or hate her character.
Baek Ho is the smartest, handsomest dimwit in this potato universe! No matter how much he tried to look cool, in the end he ended up being silly again and again. Loved his character arc. His transition from a stern, solid and emotionless career-oriented man to a "softie sweetie" smitten with love won my heart. His cold interior and exterior were melted by the love and affection he never got as a child.
Leads' chemistry was off the charts. They've become my favorite couple. Loved their bickering, loving and caring sides. Them being friends in real life makes it feel more natural and entertaining.
The side characters were also very entertaining. They kept it all together. No character seemed extra or could be skipped. All of them were equally lovely and supportive of the MLs.
Once in a blue moon, I got to enjoy a romcom without nitpicking little details and fully indulging myself in the laughter and fluffiness of the characters, and it was that kind of drama. Not complicated, no murder mystery, pure comedy and romance as the cherry on top! Delicious ^o^
Overall, if you are looking for a brainless and enjoyable light romcom, then this is definitely for you
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1Everything but a Yakuza romance!
I dived into this as a Yakuza romance enthusiast, expecting the angst and romance to have me swooning. But what I got was a watered-down hotchpotch family drama without the thrill.Just after finishing "Lover's Revenge" and this drama, I realized that the FL, Konno Ayaka, chose two dramas with the SAME timid, lovely, easy to trample with and "mommy issues" personality in the same year. Felt like her character was teleported from the previous drama to this, no change, same old "help me" puppy eyes with "this world can't have another innocent person like me" face.
The storyline was mid, acting was okay, side characters are nonexistent in a way that they don't intrigue you at all, just some cartoons popping up here and there. The Yakuza ML was more of a office worker than a leader so won't be seeing him fighting, but some occasional glare fights and mostly (99.999%) being diabetic sweet to the FL.
This was a Yakuza romance without the Yakuza part. It means, you ordered chicken soup without the chicken, but it was still okay as it "got the flavor", so you ended up finishing the bowl. But you will definitely not order this again.
Personally I wouldn't recommend, but do check it out if you are really interested as everyone got different tastes. If you don't like this, just want to let you know, you've been warned.
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This review may contain spoilers
Literally What
Where is this drama going I thought this was going to be like an overthrow your way to the top kind of drama but literally nothing could’ve told me what direction it would go in. From the attack to the random hacker friend l, who I still don’t even know where he came from, and now a unconscious murder mystery like just stop. everybody’s acting in this ranges from decent-great however the FL is an outlier. for example the scene in ep 4 where she’s getting on the elevator was just really bad. idk what’s going onWas this review helpful to you?
VERY CRUCIAL PART THAT ALL XIANXIA, WUXIA, XUANHUAN NEED FOR THEM TO HAVE A PROPER CONCLUSION
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT MANY XIANXIA AND WUXIA NEEDED TO COMPLETE THEIR ENDS. I HOPE IN FUTURE SCREENWRITERS COULD LEARN THIS ND IMPLEMENT IN THEIR OWN SERIES IF NEEDEDThe marriage scene how jxn said to xw that it's their marriage they can have it anyway they want... Imo they must have celebrated it again next time with everyone around... When she expressed to XIE WEI that I have seen you completely I might even know you better than yourself I have seen your darkness your struggles your light your care now I will slowly and properly teach you how to love properly and receive it... This convo was so much needed from JXN to Xw. If someone is not rating it 10 idk I can only think that they aren't SOKP LOVERS
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The movie also deals with fame and power and looks at the influences of drugs, sex and cosmetic procedures. The themes this movie deals with are highly controversial and I believe that is why many people don't enjoy this film. Before I get too far into the review, it is really important to note that there are a significant amount of sex scenes in this movie. Seriously do not watch it if you are not mature enough to appreciate their importance to the plot development.
The music is such a great indicator in Helter Skelter. If something bad is going to happen, you can tell by the music. There is only one piece of music I thought was inappropriately placed but I won't mention anything as it will spoil the movie.
I've watched it twice so far and the only reason it hasn't been more is because I have other commitments. I can honestly not fault any aspect of this movie. Maybe you might have a different opinion to me but you'll never know if you don't give it a chance.
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Too much too soon
This drama started out so promising. The ML dramatically entered the scene and acting amazing well in the role of the anti-hero. And then suddenly, he turned into a lover boy who follows the FL around and begs her to marry him.This just doesn't make sense.
I am waiting for more episodes to see if there is anything else to look forward to.
Acting from both ML & FL: very good, especially ML in the beginning.
Saw up to 24 today. And it's unbelievable! The young princess even fell in love with the older king! And the General fell in love with the older Prince just because he built a temple for her???? They kill off the main villain of the story: the older prince. And we still have 10 more episodes to go. WTH? At least it's consistent with the way this drama has been going: abrupt changes in personality/kungfu skills/etc ...
Anything goes .... I wouldn't be surprise if the writers make arbitrary decisions to turn this wild ride into a tragedy at the end.
I will finish it because there isn't anything else to watch until November 1.
I am going to have to go with my low rating because the plot is just sooooooo fake and cringy sometimes. It doesn't make sense either. Why change the ending of the book?
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KISS Me or KILL Me
Since the pilot trailer was released I thought finally GMMTV is gonna do something different, mature and something really dark. So my expectations were really different from what they served. I do have to agree with the fact it wasn't nothing like what I had expected but it was good in their usual way.First of all I have talk about the Director Jojo, whose idea's are different from the usual GMMTV directors. This guy likes to take risks, try to show something different. His overall works are good but his ending for the show's are kinda questionable because it will divide the audience in two parts. But yeah, I do wanna appreciate his works, they are enjoyable in their own way.
The Heart Killers is a enjoyable drama. Yes, it has many plot holes. A lot of the things doesn't make sense. There wasn't enough seriousness in the characters of Hitmen. It has many flaws but I liked the drama overall. It had comedy, emotions and love. Somehow the audience will be able to connect with the characters. And I guess that what mattered to me the most. It wasn't a entire stupid story afterall. It was kind of a drama you watch for once and you feel good. No, it wasn't a masterpiece neither a trash but a feel good drama with comforting character's. Well that's what I feel.
First and Khaotung both are great actors, they did an amazing job. But Joong and Dunk stole everyone's heart especially MINE. I have to confess this, I know Joong and Dunk since 2022 through their first drama Star and Sky: Star in my Mind. But I never liked them because of their acting. I was never interested in them either. Before watching this drama I had no expectations from them. I thought they are gonna do their usual thing. But they proved me wrong, they literally made me their fan. They just killed it. Their acting has improved a lot, yes they still need to do better. Like we can't compare their acting skills with FirstKhao yet or anytime soon but they were better this time. I was waiting every week just to see them and only them. They stole the show, so hat's off to JoongDunk aka FadelStyle.
There might be many reasons not to watch this drama but I'm gonna give only one reason to watch it. You guys have to watch it for Style and his crop tops!
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This review may contain spoilers
Hei-Bai Feng Xi, a match made in heaven!
Who Rules The World (WRTW) is a Wuxia drama with all those things a Wuxia should have. This drama follows Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi, two great martial artists who travel the world and ultimately join forces with those who wish to conquer the world in order to make it a better place.Who Rules The World is based on Qing Ling Yue's (倾泠月) novel of the same name, "Qie Shi Tian Xia" ((=且试天下). In 2007, this was one of the best-selling novels. This play contains numerous aspects, all of which are in such perfect proportion that none bear upon another, and none feels extraneous.
As I have said, this drama revolves around the Hei-Bai Feng Xi pair. Hei is the Chinese word for black, whereas Bai is the Chinese word for white. They may be identified by the colour of their clothes, which match their names.
Hei Feng Xi is the Foundain Abode's Head and one of the Four Gentries. Bai Feng Xi is a Tianshuang sect heroine who is characterized in the drama as "as beautiful as she is lethal." Both are unrivaled in skill and beauty. Bai Feng Xi is unrestrained and carefree, whereas Hei Feng Xi is exquisite and indifferent. Even though everyone believes they are rivals for greatness, they are actually quite good friends, and wherever Bai Feng Xi is, Hei Feng Xi will be there too. Although, they are described as opposite attracts, they feel quite similar, like inseperable sides of a single coin.
However, in reality, both Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi are the prince and princess of Yongzhou and Qingzhou, Feng Lanxi and Feng Xiyun, respectively. While Bai Feng Xi's family is aware of her dual identities, Hei Feng Xi had to feign illness and learn martial arts in secret. Bai Feng Xi studied martial arts because she was uninterested in politics and desired to live a carefree life. Feng Lanxi, initially, began practising martial arts to protect himself, but his goal evolved from saving the people to eventually ruling the world.
Feng Qiwu is the Chief of the Feng family and one of Yongzhou's Ministers. She assists Lanxi in managing his two identities and concealing the truth from Lanxi's father, the Lord of Yongzhou. She had a crush on Lanxi initially, but it faded as she realised Lanxi's love for Fengxi.
Huang Chao is Jizhou's heir. He is also a member of the Four Gentries. He is almost usually accompanied by Yu Wuyuan, the Finest of the Four Gentries. He also intends to rule the globe with the assistance of Yu Wuyuan.
Things I enjoyed:
I absolutely like how Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi are created equal and how they keep that throughout the show. It was believable and impressive. Also, many amazing elements in this drama left me speechless, such as the meanings of the characters' names. Lanxi, for example, literally means "breath of orchid." This is significant since the orchids in this state flowered around the time Lanxi was born. He even made Bai Fengxi an orchid garden. The novel's author, who was sadly not there for the drama's screenplay, deserves all credit for this.
Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi were excellent choices for the roles! They nailed it with their acting abilities and did not disappoint me in the least. This drama provided them with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their versatility in portraying a wide variety of emotions, which they did admirably. Despite her background in rom-coms, Lusi was able to play the serious side of her role and successfully drew the audience to herself. Yang Yang in a historical drama was something I was hoping to witness. He was excellent at portraying both the elegant Hei Feng Xi and the mysterious Feng Lan Xi. One of his strongest strengths is his ability to blend emotions of his character and make them memorable.
Many recognisable faces appear in the supporting cast, including Xuan Lu, Leon Lai, and Lui Rui Lin. If you've seen at least one of their dramas, you'll know that they're the best supporting actors a Wuxia drama can offer!
To be honest, the characters of Yang Yang and Lusi appeared to me to be brother and sister at first. At one point, I even shipped Bai Fengxi with Qiwu, who had such a deep relationship with each other that he seemed to be a third wheel in a scene with them and Lanxi! But I was confident that these two outstanding actors could sort out their connection over time, and I was not wrong. Their chemistry is one of the greatest I've witnessed in C-drama land to date.
Of course, I enjoyed the romance here as well. This was one of the sweetest and most endearing love stories I've ever seen. I like how they are portrayed as partners rather than lovers, with whom you can talk about everything. I like how they support one another throughout the show. Of course, the relationship was typical, but there were no unneeded misunderstandings, immature outbursts, or jealousy. Their love was shown without altering their genuine personalities, which is exactly as it should be!
I was also pleased to see the FL and SFL form a friendship rather than a love rivalry. I'm relieved that they didn't add a love triangle. That may have taken the pleasure out of the presentation by emphasising the romantic aspect and making the proportion of the elements in this imbalanced. The cinematography and choreography were both fantastic. This show features some impressive battle sequences that will leave you awestruck. Despite being jerky at the beginning, the CGI and editing were mostly good.
Things I didn't quite like or enjoy:
I was a little bewildered at the start because I hadn't read the novel and didn't know about the Empryean Token or the six states of Dadong. They should have been explained briefly in the first episode. For me, the last 2-3 episodes felt hurried, and the fight with the main antagonist seemed to be cut short. Some sections in between the drama felt disjointed, making it difficult to follow the main arc.
The revelation scene that Bai Feng Xi was the Feng Xiyun princess was a letdown because it didn't produce the expected effects and explotions. Even Lanxi didn't appear startled! Although the main villain was decently portrayed, there should have been more time for him to develop so that we, the viewers, could better comprehend him.
That's all.
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It is definitely well-deserved in my opinion.Therefore, my review is not for the purpose of persuasion, but I would like to discuss, why I LOVE this drama.
Story: First of all, I love that the general premise of the story was the perspective of a public defender and not the elite prosecution side. Many may not want the court proceedings but it has a lot of heart that I felt it’s not the cases the writer wants us to understand, but something beyond it and she wants is to understand the other side of the coin, “the voice” not only victim but the accused. It felt more humane, conscientious and will make one think the other side of a person. What something viewed as a good thing cannot be necessarily feel the right thing. I gave the story a 10 not because it’s a perfect story, it has some issues on legal aspects, however, it does a brilliant way of grasping and playing my emotions on different levels while maintaining an excellent pace that every minute counts as every character’s story unfolds. For a while I saw myself giggling, then a moment after, I’m holding my breath because of the suspense and before I knew it, I found that I cried before the credits roll. I love how the writer made little things significant and how will it matter as the story progresses. I think the fantasy element of the drama was interesting enough, but what I love most here was the message the writer would like to deliver – the spirit of forgiveness as an attribute of the strong people, and revenge will only make one weak and pitiful. She delivered it well, it made me felt good, best, sad, and worst of the characters.
Taking side on the characters, again, the writer did a great job of putting not only the leads but almost everyone of equal importance that make the story more engaging and for the viewers to love most of them. I love all the characters here perhaps the right word was I became attached to them., even the villain, I feel bad for him in the end. Majority of the characters are flawed- which is realistic, the good thing is, they eventually develop and grow as mature person that made the story even better.
For the romance, woooahhh.. Let’s all squeal for I’m sold for the noona-dongsaeng pairing the moment I had seen the first episode. I don’t have any indifference on age-gap because the leads carried on their acting well, chemistry was very evident, it’s very easy to root for them as a couple. The ending, – one of the best out there.
Acting/Cast: Lee Bo Young was excellent, Lee Jong Suk too and Yoon Sang Hyun of course, this drama made me a fan of them. The couple looked so great and comfortable with each other on screen. As I said, I love all of the characters, not only they are written well, they are convincing too, how I wish every side characters I will see the next drama after this will be the as adorable as them. Oh well.
Music: Echo by Every Sing Day was very fitting on the ending credits, it’s may favorite soundtrack as well as Why Did You Just Came Now by Jung Yup. When it’s time for suspense there’s a good instrumental played that can increase the tension of the scene.
Rewatch Value: I rarely rewatch and the more that it a suspense-drama, the more I like it, everything was fresh and clear in my memory so far, therefore, not likely soon.
Overall: I loved this drama, it has a compelling story with an unusual fantasy element, great characters, excellent acting, will grip your heart like no other, has very good ending and most of all, it delivered an inspiring message for its viewers.
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Why they're atypical
I love how the drama shows us the good, its bad, how the good becomes bad and how the bad can be turned back into good.It poses and answers a poignant question- shd we follow our dreams or make our dreams a reality? There doesn't seem to be much difference between the two but the drama highlights that barely visible difference and gives us a convincing solution to it.
Entire credit goes to the team of the writer-director duo for spinning an exciting and exhilarating tale around a simple, wafer-thin concept. Any mistakes in handling- screenplay or narration- could have turned this into a weak, melodramatic bowl of cold, soggy noodles.
I love how everyone has more to offer than they seem to be giving. Through its multi-layered characters, well thought out script and gripping narration, the atypical family keeps the audience guessing and hooked without ever going down the lanes of melodrama or thriller. Powerpacked performances by the cast, especially Park So Yi as the wonderful Bok I Na, elevate the story to another level completely. They've totally owned their characters and immersed themselves in the drama.
Despite dealing with several modern themes like Bulimia, Insomnia, Addiction or Depression, and despite the shadow of Parasite looming over some portions of the narrative and the taking, the atypical family appears light hearted and soothing. This is thankfully a drama that focuses on healthy ways of getting healthy right from the beginning. Although, those maybe the issues being shown on the surface, there is also a bigger question being addressed- what do human beings strive for? What is their ultimate need?
The drama subtly provides the answer to it as a running underlying theme in all the episodes and through intelligently worded dialogues wherever necessary.
It's a beautiful interpretation of life that translates just as beautifully to the screen.
Find your interpretation. Find your dreams. Find your happiness.
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This review may contain spoilers
Spoiler free review! I was really excited for this drama, I waited so long for this to air and I wasn't expecting anything amazing but I was hoping It would have been at least decent but what did we get? well.. uh.. this
characters:
Eh, main characters were pretty basic. Eun Sang was extremely boring to watch I'm pretty sure she is number 1 on my most boring characters list but just wow such a boring character, basically no personality at all whatsoever so I was really annoyed when watching her.. supporting characters were actually a lot better than the main characters I began to only watch this for the supporting characters because they had a lot more personality and were actually interesting to watch! So if you're expecting really well developed main characters then don't bother, BUT I did really like watching Kim Tans mom Eun Sangs mom, they were hilarious.
story:
It was decent I guess nothing amazing It' basically rich guy poor girl with a lot of drama I can't really say anything more because It would be a spoiler
overall:
I was really disappointed in this I would not rewatch or recommend this to anyone looking for something interesting to watch It's basically boys over flowers 2.. expect boys over flowers was actually better and I didn't really like that much at all! the main characters were really badly developed and It was just basically a cliche show with really cliche main characters .. But amazing eye candy and nice filming locations I'm pretty sure this had a high budget.
notes:
This is my personal opinion on the show
this is my first review so It's not great
My English is really bad please mind that
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There's no.. -oomph- or manliness at all from Yo and frankly, I don't watch BL to see het.
Okay. Other than how I don't like the character dynamics/story-line - The script is nothing special and there are absolutely no lines that hooked me. I honestly can not remember a single line any one said whereas, I can't forget at least half a dozen lines in SOTUS) I'm going to give the actors some kudos because they're just going off the script and they did well with what they had, but the main characters were nothing special and therefore I can only shrug.
I can only say, don't waste your time watching this.
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An epic, over-hyped as bl and undermined as an idol drama
It is hard to describe and review The Untamed.- It is adapted from a danmei novel (mdzs), but it is not a bl drama per se.
- Its cast consists new young actors mostly in their 20s then, with no veteran actors, but it is not an idol drama.
- It is produced as a web series with a limited budget and web viewers in mind, but its popularity is at an unprecedented scale.
- It received rave critical reviews domestically and globally for its strong plot, well-developed characters, incorporation of Chinese cultural elements, but antis continue to bash the drama.
- Some people simply shun or dismiss this drama as only a bl idol drama with young candy eyed idol cast that simply can’t act.
- Some diehard novel fans find this drama a lousy adaptation because of the toned down bl and gore.
* Transcendence of danmei novel into a critical production *
While this drama is adapted from a danmei novel, the two male leads are portrayed as soulmates in the drama, and the "soul" of this drama is not on their relationship (more on the “soul” later). That said, the chemistry between the two male leads is top notch - strong brotherhood, with some queer subtle for the experienced bl enthusiasts. The toned down bl and gore is not just because of censorship but the difficulty of portraying some of those gore details in live action, compared to in the novel or anime. I would add that the censorship transcends the danmei novel into a critical production, that brought more people especially international viewers to read the novel and the writer’s other novels.
* Big story on ugliness of society *
Beyond the candy bl-idol outer layer, at its core (“soul”), this drama depicts the ugliness of society, the struggles to uphold justice and the growing up journey of the key characters. It delivers powerful messages and quotable lines on society norms, the oppression one faced in going against society, how people often surface judge, how hypocritical nobles manipulate society norms for selfish power hungry causes, good vs evil, weak vs strong.
* Well developed multi-dimensional characters *
As a drama with ensemble cast, The Untamed has many characters, each with his own distinct complex traits, story and purpose. While the evil deeds they did are unpardonable, the key antagonists didn’t do evil for evil sake. The mistreatments they experienced as kids shaped their values and they did show their compassionate sides to those who respect and care for them. While there is no female lead, there are two endearing female characters: the best martial sister (shijie) who may appear gentle, but can really go all out and fight back to protect her brother, and the no-nonsense, courageous and righteous Wen Qing who unconditionally care for her brother and help others within her means.
* Passionate, determined, youthful cast with empathy portrayal *
The actors were selected based on their fit for the characters and their performance did not disappoint. This bunch of passionate, determined youths put in their hearts and souls to bring to life the many iconic and complex characters and their heartbreaking stories. Unconstrained by professional technical acting methods which they lacked, and under the guidance of the directors, their empathy portrayals allow the viewers to resonate with their characters. Remember the Empathy technique used by Wei Ying to experience A-Qing’s and Nie Mingjue’s past encounters? The cast’s empathy portrayal of such complex multi-dimensional characters make this drama and its characters both iconic and endearing, so much so that there are still many memes on the characters circulating in social media.
* Music and Chinese cultural elements *
In this drama, music is not mere bgm. Besides intrinsic depiction of each character via the character songs (pay attention to the lyrics), music is also a powerful tool that can both kill (Chord Assassination) and heal (Song of Clarity, Unrestrained), and introduces Chinese musical instruments - guqin (7-stringed zither) and flute. Just recently, in Jan 2022, "Moscow Metro News” published an article about how The Untamed promotes Chinese "guqin" culture in Moscow. Besides music, there are also tons of Chinese cultural elements infused in the drama, from the invitation cards, maple, lotus, cranes to the Tiger Seal, masks etc.
* Other aesthetics *
The CGI is bad, but the actual location filming such as at the Cloud Recesses and Yunmeng Lake and the elaborate 3000+ custom-made costumes and accessories make up for those awful CGI.
* Rewarding rewatch(es) *
There are a lot of details in each scene, including background objects such as the maple tree, crane, moon etc, that convey deeper hidden messages and backstories of the plot and characters. See spoilers in comments. Each rewatch not only re-rips one apart but also rewards with new understanding of the details that went into the production.
* Overall verdict *
In short, there’s so much depth at its core, beneath its pleasing aesthetics (casts, costumes, sets, OSTs). Censorship transcends the mdzs novel into a critical drama on Chinese culture, martial arts, sorcery, mystery, adventure, clan rivalry, power manipulations, society norms, kinships, friendships, good vs evil, weak vs strong, music that heals and kills, laughters, tears, angsts. Thanks to censorship, the re-focus on the multi-dimensional characters, empathy portrayal, strong plot, quotable lines, music and Chinese cultural elements make The Untamed an epic drama, in a class of its own.
Put aside preconceptions of bl, novel adaptations, young inexperienced idol actors, and watch this sincere, compelling production with an open heart and mind, and be awesomely charmed by an epic masterpiece that unfolds, and that creeps and stays in your heart for a long time to come.
“At best, you’re the untamed hero; at worst, you offend people wherever you go.” - by the novel MDZS writer
P/S: This is a drama that touched me immensely, and the only drama to-date i rated a perfect 10, as it got me so invested, surfing for analysis videos/articles related to the drama, noting down the quotable lines and set me thinking a lot.
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