Fear not, Bromance is just a beard for BL in The Untamed - the romance is there!

I have watched so many dramas over the years but no matter how much I loved the stories and its characters, I have never felt compelled to write a review in hopes of trying to convince others to watch a show until now. If you are unsure whether you will enjoy watching The Untamed, please give it a chance. I was hesitant to watch this show at first because costume/historical dramas full of sword fighting are just not my cup of tea. I am a confirmed romance junkie that favors lighthearted rom com dramas but all the rave reviews I kept seeing for this show piqued my curiosity.

After reading that due to censorship there were only very subtle hints at a romance between the two main characters and a heavy reliance on symbolism to convey their love, I was worried that the show would be unable to convince me of their feelings for each other without offering up a single kiss or obvious show of skinship. My fears were proved wrong and as the show progressed, I became completely engrossed in their story.

The drama starts off slow but steady (albeit somewhat confusing at times - I had to read recaps off the internet after each of the earlier episodes to make sure I was following along correctly) with the introduction of numerous characters and events that are all necessary to piecing together and understanding the backstory leading up to the opening scene of episode 1. The pacing in the first half of the drama can drag a bit and feel somewhat uneven and uneventful but if you can stick it out, the second half more than makes up for it. By the time I reached the 16-year time skip, I was fully invested in the story and could not bear to tear my eyes away for the remainder of the show.

The story of The Untamed unfolds slowly across 50 episodes that span almost two decades but that time is used wisely to carefully craft the storyline of our two main characters, as well as to develop various arcs for the other characters whose own stories and fates sent me on an emotional roller coaster. Even now at the end of their journey, I find it hard to let go of this show that was so much more than just a love story. It is not a candy coated HEA fairy tale, but it is replete with self-discovery, personal growth, sacrifice and loss that will tug at your heartstrings.

The drama combines stellar acting by both protagonists and villains and pairs it together with an incredible OST that will immerse you in the world of clans and cultivation. The result is an epic tale that delivers to the viewer an equally extraordinary romance that manages to make other love stories pale by comparison. The Untamed is an unforgettable drama that I know I will revisit again and again, and I hope one day to find another show that will touch my heart like this one did.

Lees verder