WARNING! I WROTE AN ESSAY!
As an overseas avid movie/tv series fan I am pleasantly surprised that even though a lot of Chinese artistic outlets get heavily restricted those days (even if the political ideologies, philosophies, and religions of ancient China regarded tongzhi (同志) relationships as a normal facet of life), the whole cast, crew, writers, and directors did their utmost best to show deep respect towards the original author of the novel Mo Xiang Tong Chou (墨香铜臭) and her characters with their exquisite work.
The casting of all the characters was PERFECTLY DONE!
Xiao Zhan (肖战) as Wei Ying (魏婴) and Wang Yibo (王一博) as Lan Zhan (蓝湛) are what most fans of 魔道祖师 [Mo Dao Zu Shi] were imagining them to be while reading the novel! Even if they couldn't be as open about their love as in the novel the chemistry and mutual respect of Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo made it into an unforgettable cinematic experience!
We didn't need to see any in your face "kissing scenes", "confession scenes" or "cliché (and honestly boring) romantic troupes" to know that they love each other. It's all very subtle and done with good taste. Also, their love even if it is a LARGE part of the story is not what is mostly showed. There is intrigue, plot twists left and right, mystery, tragedy and many more in the script of the whole story that keeps you interested until the end.
Those outside restrictions were actually a blessing in disguise in a way because we got to see The Untamed (陈情令) in the color and shape as it is today. They knew their audience is smart enough to see those subtle hints here and there and be even more touched by them.
Not to mention that the music, costumes, and landscapes made it simply aesthetically pleasing to our senses. Those dance-like fighting scenes and amazing special effects were like a cherry on top. So sublime that on one hand, I'm very satisfied after finishing the series but also on another hand even more hungry for more of the story... but I guess that just shows me how good and smart The Untamed (陈情令) series is. Well done everyone! I hope Xiao Zhan (肖战) and Wang Yibo (王一博) gained a real friend in each other thanks to this experience.
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