As someone who has been watching BL shows for years now, this is is the best one I have watched so far, and yet it isn’t even a BL. You don’t need kissing and 18+ scenes to make a good boys love story! The untamed is, of course, based on a BL novel. But thanks to chinese censorship, it has been altered to make a ‘bromance’ story. However, the love is definitely still there ans you can tell that the people who worked on this series are telling the story as a love story. I am going to be rating this drama as a drama, rather than comparing it to the novel. (However, I would definitely reccomend reading the novel!)

Story:
I think the story is told very well! It is a very long drama, with 50 episodes. I am used to watching much shorter series, so I was expecting each episode to be very dragged out. But every minute of the drama is part of the story, and no time is wasted! The story is captivating, and you grow an emotional attachment to the characters. Garunteed, by the time you finish this drama, you will have a favourite and a deep opinion on every single character.
My only complaint with the story telling is the first two episodes. The story is being told, and then it is put on hold for a long time. By the time you get back to that part of the story, you have most likely forgotten what has happened at the start of the story (if it is your first time watching it. unlike me, who has rewatched it countlessly haha). they could’ve avoided this, but i do understand why it was told like that. it adds dramatic effect and makes sense in a wag. you can always watch the first two episodes again if you forget haha.

Acting/Cast:
Amazing!!!!! Cannot stress this enough. I love all of the actors so so much. The cast have my heart. The actors did an incredible job playing their roles. A lot of story can be told just by the expressions of characters. I sometimes get that uncomfortable feeling when you can see past an actor’s character on screen. But they all did perfectly! Even the extras steal the show lol. I would particularly like to praise Wang Yibo, who plays Lan Zhan. A character who walks around with a blank face but has a lot of emotional complexity can’t be an easy role to fulfil. You can also see how much wei wuxian ans lan wangji care for each other. The love is THERE. Xiao Zhan ans Wang Yibo said screw censorship

Music:
Without spoiling anything, there are two specific songs that stand out in this drama’s soundtrack. One is the main theme, which you will figure out why, and the other is a big part of a certain scene that beings me to tears even THINKING about it. If you love it when a drama effects you emotionally like that, you have come to right drama.

Rewatch Value:
I have watches this drama 5 times during quarantine and I think that speaks for itself. Especially when there is a lot of ground to cover, you will discover things you missed the last time you watched it every time. There is a lot of symbolism and cute stuff hehe

Overall:
Definitely worth watching!! Even just as a casual watcher, you will enjoy this drama. If you end up being sucked into the fandom, don’t say I didn’t warn you. :)