Chinese Drama/Series
Introduction to The Untamed 陈情令
Title: The Untamed (陈情令)
Genre: Fantasy, Wuxia, Adventure, Drama, Bromance
Director: Zheng Weiwen, Chen Jialin
Production Company: Tencent Penguin Pictures, NewStyle Media
Main Cast: Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo, Meng Ziyi, Xuan Lu
Episodes: 50 (Standard Version), 20 (Special Edition)
Original Network: Tencent Video
Release Date: June 27, 2019
Overview
The Untamed (陈情令) is a Chinese fantasy drama series released in 2019, based on the popular danmei (BL – Boys’ Love) novel Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The series is set in a fictional, ancient Chinese world filled with martial arts, magic, and mystical creatures. It follows the adventures of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, two cultivators from prominent sects, as they unravel the mysteries of the past, fight against evil forces, and build a deep, emotionally complex relationship.
The show combines wuxia (martial arts), xianxia (Chinese fantasy), and mystery elements, creating a unique narrative that resonated with audiences worldwide. While the original novel had explicit romantic themes between the two male protagonists, the drama toned it down due to China’s censorship policies, focusing instead on deep friendship and brotherhood. Despite this, the chemistry between the two leads, played by Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, captivated viewers and became a driving force behind the show’s success.
The drama gained massive popularity both domestically and internationally, becoming a cultural phenomenon and achieving a wide fanbase. With its stunning cinematography, intricate plotlines, and memorable performances, The Untamed left a lasting impact on the global Chinese drama landscape.
Plot Summary
The story of The Untamed is set in a mystical world where cultivators—individuals who possess supernatural powers—uphold justice and battle evil forces. The central focus is on Wei Wuxian (Xiao Zhan), a carefree and rebellious young man from the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, and Lan Wangji (Wang Yibo), a stoic and disciplined cultivator from the Gusu Lan Sect. The two form a complex bond as they navigate through the political intrigues of the cultivation world and deal with personal struggles and tragedies.
Past and Present
The story unfolds across two timelines: one in the past, which explains Wei Wuxian’s rise and eventual fall, and one in the present, where he is resurrected 16 years after his death.
- The Past (16 Years Ago): Wei Wuxian, once a bright and promising disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, invents a new, forbidden form of cultivation called demonic cultivation. Despite his good intentions, this leads to his ostracization by the cultivation world, as people begin to fear his powers. His close bond with Lan Wangji is tested as Wei Wuxian is accused of committing heinous acts, leading to his eventual downfall and death.
- The Present (16 Years Later): Wei Wuxian is resurrected in the body of Mo Xuanyu, a disgraced and mistreated individual who seeks revenge against his enemies. Upon his return, Wei Wuxian is once again caught up in the intrigues of the cultivation world and reunites with Lan Wangji. Together, they uncover conspiracies related to past tragedies and seek justice for those wronged, all while battling dark forces that threaten the peace of the world.
As the series progresses, the plot unravels mysteries surrounding Wei Wuxian’s past, the power struggles between different sects, and the malevolent forces at work within the cultivation world. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the themes of friendship, loyalty, justice, and redemption.
Main Characters
- Wei Wuxian (Xiao Zhan)
Wei Wuxian, the protagonist of the series, is a playful, free-spirited cultivator known for his talent, wit, and rebellious nature. As a disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, Wei Wuxian is initially loved and respected, but his decision to pursue demonic cultivation marks him as an outcast. Despite being labeled a villain, Wei Wuxian is guided by his strong moral compass and his desire to protect the innocent. His journey is one of redemption, as he strives to right the wrongs of the past while navigating his complicated feelings for Lan Wangji. - Lan Wangji (Wang Yibo)
Lan Wangji, also known as Lan Zhan, is a disciplined and righteous cultivator from the Gusu Lan Sect. He embodies the principles of his sect: order, restraint, and justice. Lan Wangji is initially wary of Wei Wuxian’s unorthodox methods, but as they embark on their journey together, he becomes Wei Wuxian’s greatest ally and protector. His quiet, reserved demeanor contrasts with Wei Wuxian’s lively personality, but their bond grows deeper throughout the series, creating an emotional core that resonates with the audience. - Jiang Cheng (Wang Zhuocheng)
Jiang Cheng is Wei Wuxian’s adoptive brother and the leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect after their father’s death. His relationship with Wei Wuxian is complex—though they were once close, Jiang Cheng feels betrayed by Wei Wuxian’s choices and blames him for the downfall of their sect. Throughout the series, Jiang Cheng struggles with feelings of anger, guilt, and resentment toward his former brother. - Jin Guangyao (Zhu Zanjin)
Jin Guangyao is one of the main antagonists of The Untamed. As a manipulative and power-hungry figure, he hides his true nature behind a polite and helpful facade. His scheming plays a central role in many of the tragedies that unfold within the series, and his actions set much of the conflict into motion. - Lan Xichen (Liu Haikuan)
Lan Xichen, the elder brother of Lan Wangji and the leader of the Gusu Lan Sect, is a kind and honorable figure who serves as a mediator among the sects. His deep friendship with Jin Guangyao blinds him to Jin’s true nature, leading to significant emotional turmoil as the plot unravels. - Nie Huaisang (Ji Li)
Nie Huaisang, known as a seemingly frivolous and unambitious character, is the leader of the Qinghe Nie Sect. Though he often appears weak, his intelligence and cunning reveal themselves later in the series as he plays a significant role in uncovering the truth behind Wei Wuxian’s downfall.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, The Untamed is a story about morality, the duality of good and evil, and the gray areas that often exist between them. The series raises important questions about justice, loyalty, and the consequences of personal choices.
- Morality and Power: One of the central themes of the series is the relationship between power and morality. Wei Wuxian’s development of demonic cultivation, while initially well-intentioned, ultimately leads to his downfall. The series questions whether the ends justify the means and explores the fine line between heroism and villainy.
- Brotherhood and Loyalty: The deep bond between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is one of the emotional pillars of the series. Though their relationship is platonic in the drama, it is marked by loyalty, trust, and unwavering support. Their mutual respect and devotion to each other exemplify the theme of brotherhood and how personal connections transcend societal expectations.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Wei Wuxian’s journey is one of redemption. His resurrection allows him a second chance to seek justice for past wrongs and mend broken relationships, particularly with Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng. The theme of forgiveness is also central to the series, as many characters must confront their own mistakes and seek reconciliation.
- Social Hierarchy and Prejudice: The series critiques the rigid social hierarchies within the cultivation world. Characters from less prestigious sects or with lower social status are often marginalized or mistreated, and Wei Wuxian’s rise to power challenges these hierarchies. The show explores how prejudice and power dynamics shape the events of the story.
- Fate and Free Will: Throughout the series, characters struggle with the tension between fate and free will. While many characters believe that their destinies are predetermined, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji both challenge this notion by making choices that defy societal expectations and bring about unexpected outcomes.
Cinematography, Production, and Music
One of the standout features of The Untamed is its stunning cinematography. The use of breathtaking landscapes, intricate set designs, and well-choreographed fight scenes creates a visually captivating experience for viewers. The costume design is also noteworthy, with each sect represented by distinct clothing that reflects their values and traditions.
The series is rich in traditional Chinese culture, with a focus on music, calligraphy, and martial arts. Lan Wangji’s use of the guqin, a traditional Chinese string instrument, adds a layer of authenticity to the character and to the series’ mystical world. The music in The Untamed, particularly the opening theme “Wu Ji” (无羁), became iconic and played a major role in setting the tone for the series.
The special effects used in the series, especially for the supernatural and battle sequences, were praised for their quality. However, much of the appeal lies in the strong character development and the emotional depth of the story, rather than reliance on spectacle.
Global Popularity and Cultural Impact
The Untamed achieved widespread success not only in China but also internationally, particularly in Southeast Asia, South Korea, Japan, and even parts of Europe and North America. The series was made available on platforms like Netflix, which significantly contributed to its global reach.
The drama’s fanbase, known as the “Untamed Family,” became a global phenomenon. Fans appreciated the series for its compelling storytelling, the chemistry between the leads, and its exploration of deep emotional and philosophical themes. The show’s popularity also led to spinoffs, merchandise, fan conventions, and concert tours featuring the cast.
The series also sparked a resurgence of interest in the wuxia and xianxia genres, leading to an increased production of similar fantasy dramas in China. Additionally, The Untamed played a role in further mainstreaming danmei-inspired media, as its success demonstrated that even toned-down adaptations of BL novels could achieve massive popularity.
Conclusion
The Untamed (陈情令) is a landmark series in Chinese television, known for its captivating story, complex characters, and rich cultural elements. Its exploration of morality, friendship, and redemption, along with its stunning production quality, has earned it a place as one of the most beloved and influential Chinese dramas of recent years. With its global fanbase and lasting impact, The Untamed continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment for viewers around the world.