A PHENOMENAL SERIES THAT DESERVES REWATCHING

This was my first Chinese BL drama adaptation, and as an introduction to the genre 'The Untamed'/CQL was incredible! The chemistry between the main leads was so evident in their actions and facial expressions, and the intricately-designed costumes and well-choreographed fight scenes were amazing to watch. I wish the ending wasn't so open-ended, though.

Story - I'm so thankful to novel fans for insisting that the drama be a faithful adaptation (there were rumors of a love triangle between the two main male leads and Wen Qing). Wei Ying and Lan Zhan are truly 'soulmates'/zhiji and they won't let anyone forget it, lol.

Acting - Despite it being their first time to lead a drama (and a BL adapation at that), Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo both did an amazing job. When a certain main character died protecting him, you could really see and *feel* Wei Wuxian's heart break onscreen. And despite his seemingly-stoic personality, Wang Yibo managed to insert a softness in Lan Wangji's character when it was most needed—like bringing contraband into Cloud Recesses just to make his Wei Ying smile (in front of his brother, THE SECT LEADER, no less).

Music - How many times do I have to listen to the theme song "Wuji" before I get tired of it? At least 13 years, to match how many years Lan Zhan waited for his Wei Ying to come back. It only gets better when you watch the live rendition sung by Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo. My other personal favorites are "Bu Wang" (Lan Wangji's character song) sung by Wang Yibo and "Qu Jin Chen Qing" (Wei Wuxian's character song) sung by Xiao Zhan.

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I AM NEVER COMING DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN

The Chinese BL drama race of 2021 is off to an *incredible* start with "Word of Honor"/SHL.

Story/Production - Majority of the episodes were pretty good in terms of costumes and set design, though the CG was a bit of a letdown at times. I do wish we had gotten more episodes overall, like another big battle and more exposition towards the end (it felt like the last few eps were a bit rushed and I swear I thought I skipped an episode between 30 and 31 because the plot just jumps off from nothing), but this was possibly due to budget constraints (supposedly there were originally plans for 45 episodes instead of the final lineup of 36). Fair warning, episodes 32 and 35 broke my heart. Like, A LOT. I'm really glad Youku released that special episode 37 (yes we get a Happy Ever After), or else the official ending would have left me sobbing for hours. A huge round of applause for the scriptwriter and directors/producers and staff for their hard work—it definitely paid off!

Acting - The chemistry between the main leads AND the second couple pairing were incredibly well done: Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing's flirt game was off the roof, and Gu Xiang and Cao Weining were so adorable together. Zhang Zhehan really brought his A-game and showed his industry experience in Zhou Zishu's more subtle emotional moments (that drunk confession scene in episode 34 kills me every single time), while Gong Jun's raw talent and ability to pull of multiple personalities (crazy chief? flirtatious philanthropist? loyal subordinate? bloodthirsty warrior? check, check, check, and CHECK).

Music - I absolutely love the opening theme song "Tian Wen" and the ending theme song "Tian Ya Ke" (sung by Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun!!!), they're both incredibly emotional, and so meaningful after I looked up the english lyrics translations. My other favorites would have to be "Gu Meng" sung by Zhang Zhehan, an absolute masterpiece especially when he performs it live; and "Wu Ti" by Hu Xia, the OST that prepares me for heartbreaking moments every time I hear the first notes being played in a scene.

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