The Untamed

The Untamed is a captivating 2019 Chinese fantasy drama that is based on the BL xianxia novel "Mo Dao Zu Shi" by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The show was brought to us by Tencent Video. Look beyond its BL genre, The Untamed is a spectacle of aesthetics, cultural references, intricately woven plot, and stunning performances. The storyline follows the tale of the exceptional Wei Wuxian and the righteous Lan Wangji. It plunges the viewers into a universe of Chinese cultivation, presenting us with a world that has clans with their unique magical abilities, all seeking power and reputation. The contrasting personalities of the protagonists and their complex dynamics, combined with thrilling narratives of magic, revenge, bromance and politics, is what makes the drama an enchanting experience and more than just a fantasy series. Wei Wuxian is portrayed as a carefree, mischievous but ingenious cultivator who invents a controversial method of cultivation. Despite hardship, Wei Wuxian, with his free spirit, doesn’t fail to inject humor and warmth into situations that would otherwise be dark and gruesome. At the other end of the spectrum is Lan Wangji, the picture of rectitude, serious in demeanor, stoic but kind at heart, adhering strictly to the norms and rules of the cultivation world. However, the interactions between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, their innate understanding of each other's natures and the evolution of their relationship throughout the series is a fascinating ride, adding an otherworldly charm to the drama. The detailed world-building is another aspect that deserves commendation. With various clans such as the disciplinary Lan clan, the noble Jiang clan, and the wealth-oriented Jin clan, each are distinct, offering a vibrant divergency in culture, moral codes, principles, and cultivation methods. The imagery in The Untamed is a sight to behold, with spellbinding scenes of natural beauty alongside splendid sets. Whether it's the grandeur of the Cloud Recesses, the picturesque Lotus Pier, or the eerie Burial Mounds, it adds to the mystical ambiance and complements the overall narrative. The creators of The Untamed also took great pains to incorporate traditional Chinese elements into the series. The clothes are meticulously designed to reflect the attributes of the characters and their respective clans. You could not miss the traditional music either, particularly the versatile use of the Chinese string instrument Guqin, which plays a significant role in the storyline. A unique feature in the drama is the infusion of comedic elements. The Untamed balances suspense, action and tragedy with humorous interactions – which often startles a laugh out of the viewer amidst the narrative tension. The Untamed features a top-notch ensemble cast. The leads, Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, portraying Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji respectively, have won accolades for their heart-touching performances. The supporting cast, with characters like the revenge-driven Jiang Cheng or the cunning Jin Guangyao, have added depth to their characters, making them memorable. Despite certain censorships and deviations from the original novel, The Untamed managed to convey an alluring tale of friendships and rivalries, right and wrong, love and loss. The viewers find themselves caught in the intricate web of relationships, battle of clans, and the ups and downs of the journeys of each character. It’s worth noting that The Untamed brilliantly conveys the philosophical undertones of the narrative, touching upon themes of morality, the consequences of unchecked power, the authenticity of good and evil, and the lingering costs of war and revenge. This gives the audience a lot to ponder upon, making the drama a rich viewing experience. To sum it all up, The Untamed is more than just another fantasy series. It's a mesmerizing brew of thrill, aesthetics, humor and philosophy that leaves a lasting magical spell. It does not merely entertain; it engrosses and evokes a wide range of emotions. This is a journey worth embarking on for any fantasy, action or drama enthusiast. After watching The Untamed, the realm of Chinese dramas will never be quite the same.

The Untamed is a series categorized as a cancelled. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 50 episodes, the show debuted on 2019. The series has earned a mostly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 8.8.