Who is the More Tragic Lan Wangji? Book vs Drama

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[@kirishimathebakugoufanboy7689]

Can we all just agree that both versions were depressing?

[@AlvinaYunoa]

Novel is burning tho cause of them spicy chaps 🥵

[@_namjuice_]

@@AlvinaYunoa LMAO STOP THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE SAD HOURS

[@skazka9400]

Idk why but for me, the anime was more tragic

[@seoulux9312]

ミskazka I hope they post more episodes on the anime!!!

[@skazka9400]

@@seoulux9312 i heard the 3th season will be released on September ^^

[@selimsa803]

I have to disagree. First, there's the fact that if you watch the man you love kill himself in front of your very eyes, you're going to carry that image with you forever, even after he comes back. Watching him fall, hearing your own screams, remembering the feel of his hand slipping out of yours, knowing you were unable to save him. That's some heavy stuff. You are never getting that out of your head, you're never going to stop thinking "If I'd been a second quicker. If I'd held on more tightly. Etc. Etc." But also, there was something in the live action version that I think a lot of people missed. When Jiang Cheng stabbed at Wei Wuxian, his sword hit the rock outcropping directly beneath where Lan Wangji was kneeling and broke part of the rock loose. Wei Wuxian sees this, his expression changes from resignation to shock as he realizes that the rock could break off and fall, and if Lan Wangji is holding onto him, his extra weight could make them both fall. He deliberately jerks his hand out of Lan Wangji's grasp to save Lan Wangji. So Lan Wangji carries that with him as well. I thought it was a good example of ramping up the emotional stakes. The entire sequence is visual, visceral, and more immediately tragic, so it works well for a visual medium, but then if you think it through, if you remember that Lan Wangji also saw what we saw and had to live with that for sixteen years, to me, that's some pretty brutal suffering.

[@techchick14]

I agree with you. Watching the one you love die in front of you is the worst thing that could have happened. Add to the fact that WWX actually jerked his hands off LWJ's hold to save him is even more traumatizing. Also while the LanWangJi in the book always had a sliver of hope that WWX might have survived, the one in the drama knew that WWX had died and even then continued to look for him. I think that made his plight more sad.

[@hillarywin]

You’re absolutely right. The regrets he carry after Wei Ying’s death haunted him so much that he continued looking for him for 16 straight years despite being fully aware that he might never meet him again. I can’t imagine the pain he carries as his life goes on while his beloved died in front of him. And I can’t seem to move on from the Untamed regardless of having watched it several months ago. That’s when you know a show is good!

[@techchick14]

@@hillarywin me neither. And sadly none of the other shows match up to it.

[@junnafur]

I agree with you. In the drama, WWX committed suicide/protected LWJ where as in the novel he died in the cave ( I guess from lack of spiritual energy/dying slowly). Even tho LWJ was in the cave with WWX and WWX kept rejecting him, I think the heartache of watching the person you love try to commit suicide and then save you hurts so much more. Plus in the drama, WWX and LWJ had a stronger relationship prior to him being resurrected whereas in the novel, WWX admitted that he and LWJ weren’t very close when he came back. So I think drama LWJ actually suffered more... going back to watch the first episode after all that flashback really made my heart break :(

[@bluerain8563]

this is exactly what i thought about lwj in the drama ;;;; i agree with you 100%

[@jackbauer576]

Drama Lan Wangji never (officially) got a shamless husband, defiently the more tragic version. 💔💔💔

[@RoseNZieg]

when put it that way, i had to agree with you.

[@erichg9931]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Dave-mh3oi]

That is tragic 😔

[@naelyfauziyah3728]

For months I think novel LWJ is more tragic, maybe I'm bias because I start with novel, But several weeks ago, I think like this 😂😂 At least novel LWJ clearly have happy ending with shameless WWX 😂😂😂

[@hyunberry_official]

But a shameless husband in a stranger's body, not the same face and body LWJ fantasized about for 13+years. CQL WWX came back in his original hot sexy body 😁

[@naniyori16]

There’s actually another reason why the book LWJ is more tragic in my opinion. The drama briefly mentioned this in the beginning. Due to the fact that LWJ was not present during WWX’s death, he held the slight hope that perhaps he survived. So for 13 years, he played Inquiry to call for WWX’s soul; but he also ran to wherever there was chaos, hoping that WWX would be there. This is the reason why LWJ was so feared and respected by the cultivation world.

[@yarinha3844]

naniyori16 this was mentioned in the book? How interesting; I didn’t catch this when I first read it. Do you know where I can find this in the book?

[@Psychoinnocent]

Yara Almeida its not canon- its fanon that he played Inquiry for 13 years. (Well, in the Donghua, he does play it but not to talk to WWX- he does it to find out if WWX was guilty of the crime he was accused of) But in the novel, its never stated that he played Inquiry for 13 years. He possibly did, but none of the Lan sect members ever state that Lan Wangji played Inquiry frequently, beyond Sizhui stating that he was taught Inquiry and practiced it frequently (enough to be strong enough for spirits to resist answering him but not lie to him).

[@Lia21Louph]

The reason he always appear wherever chaos is, I do think so because he was looking for wwx soul, his ghost or his reborn (there is chances wwx will posessed another body), but he also did it to live up to his and wwx promise to protect the weak (when wwx still study in Gusu).. Btw I think both LWJ in novel and drama is tragic on their different way of suffering. In the end it still LWJ in the novel that got his happy ending stated clearly (wwx confession and the fact both of them got to be together) 🥰🥰❤

[@luigivampa7724]

Hey, that words of yours really make sense. I do agree with you.

[@ikuyakirishima2733]

Oh my heart TnT

[@yueguang2166]

"Writers are so cruel. They just aim to make characters suffer as much as they can." Ah yessss, that's true.😂

[@penelopenavarro2195]

This is a fact cuz it's definitely no fun if its all just consistent. Gotta put some spice on stories too.

[@seekingcrimsonrain]

Especially this drama, where almost all of the characters have suffered some sort of trauma. With the exception of Lan Jingyi, Lil Apple, and the rabbits.

[@niigo-celeste]

As a writer I can confirm this 🤭

[@patriciaramos6655]

Anda we enjoy every bit of It xD

[@blubeagle55]

Writer's rule #1: Kill all your darlings. :)

[@watchingmars]

i feel like both are tragic in their own beautiful ways and i just can’t choose.

[@aps_me3783]

"you 33 old man are so useless.." that got me laughing so hard for 3 min 😂😂😂😂.

[@reda9960]

Same

[@EmeraldRoseDragon]

To be fair, Lan XiChen did pull them out of seclusion. Doubtful anyone of them had fought in decades, going against a twenty something war veteran/hero even though he was injured, no contest.

[@abbymelcoffee1813]

Me too! But to be fair LZ was written in the book as the Geniously talented of his generation, so it made sense to me those elders lose to him.

[@sickleweed3270]

I used to think Book Lan Wangji was the more tragic figure because his affections/friendship for Wei Wuxian were mostly unacknowledged, whereas in the drama at least he got to enjoy a good, close relationship with WWX before his death. However, I'm beginning to think now in terms of the emotional pain and suffering and guilt Lan Wangji felt, both versions are the same and just as tragic. The heart-wrenching feeling of not having done enough to save the one he loved was most likely the same regardless of what kind of relationship he had with WWX beforehand or whether or not he saw him die, and therefore he probably suffered equally in both versions. I think he wanted to find WWX's soul just because he still wanted to keep him by his side, even after death. Drama LWJ was not settled either because he spent that decade and a half looking for WWX's soul (Jiang Cheng pointed it out in the 2nd episode). I don't even want to think what would've happened if Wei Ying never came back. It's just too unbearably sad a thought and makes me want to cry.

[@hitomi2oo710]

Agree TT_TT

[@tailor31415]

I don't agree about wanting to keep his soul by his side. lwj isn't an obsessive creep - if wwx's soul was free to reincarnate, he would have wanted that to happen. he played inquiry in the fanon interpretation because he wanted to make sure wwx's soul wasn't trapped somewhere. Jiang Cheng doesn't say anything about a soul in the drama ep 2, he says lwj has been "looking for somebody" - because wwx's body was never found, so lwj (and he) looked for the 16 years for the body because it was likely taken by someone for nefarious purposes.

[@sickleweed3270]

@@tailor31415 I don't see LWJ wanting to find and keep WWX's soul by his side as him being an obsessive creep, but more to protect it so it's actually a very sweet and loving gesture. JC didn't mention soul in particular but I inferred that LWJ was looking for WWX's soul because he was playing Inquiry to seek it during the 16 years; at the same time, I think it's completely reasonable he was also looking for the body as you mentioned since they never found it. Basically LWJ was looking for WWX in any form he can find him. To me that's even more beautiful.

[@lesleyyang1139]

So true!

[@chebelme]

@@sickleweed3270 Lan WangJi was actually very guilty of what happened to WWX Coz although he was by his side during the battle, he wasn't fully convinced that WWX was innocent. LWJ said it himself in the drama that he had regrets that's why he tried his best to look for WWX.

[@mariam9664]

I agree Book Lan Wangji is more tragic. The way Wei Wuxian meets his demise in the book is much like the way Lan wang Ji's own mother did. People often tend to overlook this point in his past but I think it had a much similar effect on him as a child and having to live through similar pain again is so heartbreaking. He didn't understand what happened to her, why she disappeared, but he still held on to the belief that she might be coming back.

[@angiem5072]

This comment right here. I didn't even think about that. That makes so much sense.

[@PolarThestral]

I agree the book is sadder. However, the character has a different struggle. The show is heartbreaking too. Book - LZ is tortured by the knowledge that he left WWX willingly. He decided to get punished while WWX was still alive. It was a bad decision. He was unable to protect WWX because of that punishment. He is tortured by a question: could I have saved WWX? He never saw the body so it's unclear what happened and he's also tortured by hoping for the return that everyone else fears. Plus, the last time LZ saw WWX, WWX was crazed and telling LZ to get lost. WWX was 100% in the dark about LZ's feelings in the book at the the time of his death. He thought LZ hated him and was trying to capture him to punish him. There's an emotional distance between them caused by this misunderstanding of LZ's heart. WWX never knew someone loved him in the book whereas he's sane enough to know LZ wanted to save him in the show. Show - LZ knows he couldn't save WWX, he was there and "failed" to save him. Actually, I think WWX let go of LZ's hand to save LZ because JC was making the rock unstable with his sword (beneath LZ). Ouch. The affection between them is obvious and WWX doesn't resent fighting with LZ nor does he think LZ hates him. I don't think there's the same basic misunderstanding of LZ's heart which makes the show less tragic. Also, WWX doesn't change bodies in the show. In the book LZ literally could ONLY reognise him from the song, his face was different so there was no way to take off the mask and immediately confirm WWX's identity. I like that they changed that in the show. However, his recognition of WWX has more weight in the books because WWX lost his body. LZ is further tortured in the book because there's no nice reunion where they immeditaley talk about the past and settle some regrets. I loved that scene in the show but it immediately eased some of LZ's strain. In the book, WWX tries to escape from LZ or gropes him to try and disgust him. He doesn't admit who he is. This must be torturous for LZ. LZ has to go along with this game and hide his affection even after waiting 13 years for a reunion. He doesn't ever complain. Erghhhhh. It's so sad. They are both sad but the book doesn't stop turning the screw until really late in the story.

[@apukihaedy2850]

I'm not crying, you are! yeah I completely agree, honestly after sobbing my heart out while reading the novel when it came to the show I was a little more comforted by the fact that LZ and WWX got more time and interactions together in his first life and got to avoid some of the misunderstandings in their relationship. But yeah, I'm all down for angsty book content.

[@leidybach982]

The book Lan Zhan definitely suffered more because he was trying everything he can to save Wu Xian even turn his back to his own sect and on the book Wei keep telling him to go away and he keeps giving his spiritual power to him even in this situation and then the elders saw this and knew that he loved Wei and his uncle went mad and then sht go down and they take him away and hurt him and lock him up far away from his loved one just to find out later that all the things he go through to save him was useless and almost everyone around him was so happy for it! Is just too cruel, and then when Wu Xian came back he didn't remember all the things he has done and play with his feeling once more, was just too much imo

[@thanhlan3732]

LWJ's parents' backstory made a whole lot of sense why the uncle desperately tried to keep LWJ away from WWX. It felt like LWJ Was repeating his father's mistake.

[@Tomodachi91ve]

@@thanhlan3732 I didn't understand very well LWJ's parents story in the drama. Can you please tell me about it on how it is in the novel?

[@thanhlan3732]

@@Tomodachi91ve I read parts of the novel...but skipped around because I started reading after watching the show so I was distracted. I don't know whether the book is different from the drama (I think it's the same), but in the drama, WLJ's brother told WWX about their parents: their father fell in love with their mother, but she somehow killed his teacher (their father's teacher). The drama did not make it clear but reading between the lines, I think their mother did not come from an illustrious background, maybe herself practicing questionable cultivation methods. Obviously this would have ended any prospect of them becoming a couple but their father was so in love that he brought her back to Cloud Recess (probably against her will) and married her (despite the whole Lan Clan's protest). His intention was clear: he could not bare to see her killed by the Lan Clan (to avenge their teacher's death) so he married her to protect her, yet at the same time he was so guilt stricken for having married his teacher's killer that he also sealed himself off from the world as penance. WLJ's uncle then took over Cloud Recess and raised the two brothers. To the uncle WWX is similar to WLJ's mother: an evil doer, a bad influence. WWJ has always been so outstanding and upstanding that the uncle could not bare to see history repeats itself. At one point WLJ told his brother he wanted to bring someone back to Cloud Recess and hide that person there..again the goal is to protect that person. And it also explains why WLJ desperately wanted to pull WWX away from the demonic path because he did not want WWX to become everyone's enemy and be cast away or locked up like his mother.

[@Tomodachi91ve]

@@thanhlan3732 Thank you for this, I will read the novel to see if there is more information about Lanzhan's mother u.u I think there is more to it than the drama shows, since she looked like a loving mother in the drama, and they do not specify how or why did she died.

[@abbymelcoffee1813]

If I remember correctly, the book never mentioned anything about LWJ's parents. The whole parent part in the drama was added by the screenwriter, not in the original novel at all.

[@sadnessnsorrow]

In the book, there is this sort of recurring thing of "I'm here" between lan wangji and wei wuxian. I've always connected that back to the point that Lan wangji was never able to be there for wei wuxian every time he is in great peril re; "losing" his golden core, being thrown in the burial mounds, loss of respect, nightless city, and his death. Although it's not a HUGE plot point or anything, it's a very subtle gesture of lan wangji's love for him. I agree that lan wangji in CQL being present when wei wuxian dies looses a bit of that yearning and the reasons for inquiring. just the thought of not being by their side, losing them, and forever left to wonder if things could've changed if only you were there phhewww the pain

[@swindlerlnoko2363]

Yes... That "I'm here" thing... I cried every single time that happened... Like how Wei Ying realizing Lan Zhan was always there for him, even when he went to the dark side after his "rebirth", and getting scared of Lan Zhan leaving him and Lan Zhan making up for the times he couldn't be beside Wei Ying in his past life and always reassuring him that he's there for him.... TT

[@tiaaaron3278]

The drama has that "The feeling of sticking to the single-log bridge until it is dark is indeed not bad" instead. Way more poetic than the novel.

[@TrishMilburn]

I think you're right, though I will say that the moment that Wei Wuxian wrenched his arm free of Lan Wangji's hold in order to protect him from Jiang Cheng's sword, thus falling to his death right in front of Lan Wangji was heart-wrenching. LW had tried so hard to hold onto WW, even though he was injured and bleeding. The look of utter devastation on LW's face as WW fell is a credit to Wang Yibo's acting. On a lighter note, I cracked up at the part of your video that had LW's 13/16-year resting bitch face. But so true.

[@ubu8]

After learning that yibo thought as if it was his motorbike to nail that painful expression I can't unsee wwx falling as yibo's motorbike falling

[@babiluv97]

@@ubu8 nope if I'm not wrong, the motorcycle thing was actually a fan-made content. Actually, the director shouted to him "he is your wei ying" when filming the scene

[@loeyjaemjen]

I totally agree that Book Lan Wangji had a more tragic story. Because in WWX's first life, he didn't get to enjoy his time with him he always had to control his emotions because of his family's beliefs and people's beliefs. The only time he lost control was in Phoenix Mountain and wwx doesn't even know that it's lwj... not knowing what happened to the love of your life and remembering his last words to you were "Get Lost"... yeah...

[@valeriyav2149]

in the novel the most painful part for me was misunderstanding and miscommunication between wei yin and lan zhan. in the drama they both realize their feelings for each other, even without saying it out loud, so it's actually made it much more bearable for me. novel lan zhan had thought his love is not mutual. he confessed and received "get lost" in return (only because wei ying wasn't in his mind at the moment and didn't remember anything). so even after wei ying came back and did all this flirting push-and-pull, lan zhan thought he is not serious/just being playful, but still was willing to endure it to stay with him and protect him. even their first night together ended up in misunderstanding as wei ying had already realized his feelings but thought lan zhan doesn't feel the same so wei ying felt like he used lan zhan. while lan zhan thought wei ying is intimate with him only out of gratitude. it's painful. book wei ying is much more oblivious. however, happy ending is more satisfying in the novel. the censorship allowed only subtlety and hints for happy end in the drama. still, i think both stories have happy end suitable for their versions.

[@newname3718]

Drama version: ohhhh noooo this is so sad. Book: it's that kind of sadness that you can't cry out. The book version of LZ when wwx was gone, makes you think what if wwx never return, it makes ppl actually worry about him. He probably will be the obedient one, cultivate until the highest rank and die just like that under the lightning strikes.

[@harmony137]

A great way of putting it! That's so true. The drama was sad, it was hurtful. But the book was full on depressing and dark. What he must be feeling in the book is something we can't even imagine. It's honestly very brutal in a soundless kind of way, not the "WEI YING!!!" kind of way.

[@gamer3d147]

New name out of all comments I liked yours the most lmao. It’s so true. The book sadness was sadder for me but I couldn’t cry, but I was straight up sobbing in the drama...

[@tiaaaron3278]

Drama >>>> novel At least when it comes to Lan Zhan

[@saratfkh8227]

I sobbed in both like I never even cry but this story sheeeesh I fckn bawled my eyes out

[@h.i.m.3200]

*[mini analysis essay in the comment--sorry, not sorry!]* I can't say who's the most tragic since I haven't read the novel, but I just wanted to share my thoughts before watching the video. I realize the drama combined multiple events into that one battle where WWX falls so I'll just be talking about how the drama drew LWJ's grief, loss, and regret and made his actions make sense even with those changes (as someone who's not familiar with the original story and so looks at this objectively). There's a very clear trajectory for his character that shows his torment after WWX's "death". Before the battle, the way things were going, WWX and LWJ were two separate units who were getting further and further away from each other. If you think about it, while LWJ never abandoned WWX outright the way JC callously did, he never was able to completely support him and back him up 100%. Even when the other sects were criticizing LWJ and he obviously disagreed with them, he rarely made actual statements to refute them. His strongest/loudest action was leaving the hall when those sect leaders disparaged WWX, which is better than non-action but still weak. LWJ, in essence, helped WWX nearly as little as JC did (although they had different opinions on the whole situation). And WWX saw that too; he never thought to depend on LWJ's support. One scene that struck me as the culmination of that was in ep 29 when LWJ visits WWX, where LWJ asks WWX if he was willing to continue on this dangerous path. WWX believes he'd manage while LWJ remains doubtful. The gap between them is highlighted when Ah Yuan asks if LWJ was going to come visit again and WWX finally answers that he thinks not. Then he says, "In this world, everyone has their own things to do, their own paths to walk. Who cares about the crowded, broad road? I insist on walking down the single-plank bridge up to its dark end." (Viki trans.) It can't get clearer than that and LWJ hears it, too. After all, a single-plank bridge is one where people can only walk in single file and not too many people at once. It's a very lonely path. So during the battle, when he loses his sister too, after having lost the very people he was determined to protect, after realizing there was no hope and no "bright future that is easy to go on", he completely gives up. He throws away the Yin Tiger Seal that represented his single-plank bridge, his alternative path, and stands on the edge of the abyss, even with LWJ calling for him not to. All this happens in front of LWJ's eyes and WWX still lets himself fall, even as LWJ calls his name. LWJ had still been fighting for WWX's sake and protecting him--he hadn't give up but WWX already had. He was still there but WWX could see no future. Then, when WWX forced his hand out of LWJ's grip so the rock beneath him wouldn't break, LWJ stands there looking bereft and lost while WWX closes his eyes, welcoming oblivion. That's honestly heartbreaking and traumatic. I won't say much more on the second half of the story, but how all this changes LWJ is clear in that, after finding him again, he never leaves WWX's side. He is much more decisive on which side he wants to stand on with a much stronger faith in WWX's actions. His older brother asks him if he trusts WWX that much and LWJ says he trusts him fully. WWX and LWJ become the "other" against the other side as a unit, and LWJ makes his unwavering support of WWX clear in every action and statement. So even if we hadn't see the aftermath of that battle and signs of LWJ's loss and grief, the transformation in his attitude rings very loud. I've lost someone close to me years ago and I still think, if only time goes back, if only I had a second chance, I'll be better and I would treat them better. I see that in LWJ's actions.

[@tiaaaron3278]

Drama-LWJ was more tragic.

[@priyankasingh-wl5co]

Plz try reading this book It's from LuvLaws and she gives us such a beautiful view of LWG's point of view

[@shibahi]

I think the scene of LWJ taking WWX out of the Nightless City and defended him against the Lan clan is THE most important scene for LWJ's character in the novel, so I really mourned the change of that scene in the drama. and it's not even the confession that was important, it was the act of him fighting against of his own clan members for what he believed in. they did replace it with him defending the abandoned Burial Mounds against the Jin clan and Su She, but of course the impact is much less and I felt like it stripped an important layer from LWJ's character I too did think that WWX's death should not happen off camera for the drama version, so I expected them to film all 3 scenes: Nightless City battle, Lan clan and the cave (sans love confession of course), and WWX's explicit death at Burial Mounds. but in hindsight this is much more costly and would have dragged the flashback out to at least 1 more ep. mashing everything into in one Nightless City battle was the more economical choice for the drama. it is really a pity

[@PrinceDuCiel7]

I think it would have been better if they had explicitly stated he was protecting Wen Yuan, while injured from his ordeal. Not just protecting an empty cave. I really did not get Why they had him do that.

[@kikotsukino1629]

Totally agree to this, this is actually one change I didn't really appreciate, it really did stripped away an important layer from LWJ's character in the live action when compared to the novel ;_; in the novel I was touched by his actions, whereas in the live action I was just "...... ok......"

[@1wingedangel597]

Yes would have loved to have seen Lan Wangji fight against his own clan to protect Wei WuXian. That would have been EPIC. But oh well. We can always go back to the novel lol love The Untamed btw. Worth watching.

[@tiaaaron3278]

To me, it didn't make a difference. He was still going against the 'good' guys for the wrong person. In the novel, he had this frustrating love for WWX and it just felt odd reading him fighting his clan members for a guy who wasn't that affectionate to him. The novel version didn't make him complex. Just kinda pathetic.

[@gamer3d147]

XC exactly... I’m watching it again and I’m still upset they didn’t show that part... it was truly one of my favorite parts of the story, it doesn’t even need the confession to make it powerful

[@jessjess7749]

Actually I was thinking about this too. From storytelling purposes it makes more sense to me to have one battle and see the death of MC on screen. But in terms of LWJ and even WWX character development, the book makes much more sense. The reason he got the punishment in the drama seems less justified and definitely does not have the same impact. When WWX learns of the reason for the scars in the book, for the first time he realizes the feelings LWJ has for him. I also think the book LWJ is more tragic, although my heart aches for both of them. I have a feeling there is something truly satisfying in knowing, that after the suffering there is happy ending. I guess everyone really loves this, tragic lover waits for his love in despair for a long time, when in the end the wait pays off and they get to live their happy days.

[@tiaaaron3278]

That's not really character development for them in books, at least not for Lan Zhan. He was and remained the same. Honestly, Wei Wuxian's persistent point of view makes Lan Zhan kinda flat and pathetic in the novel. He doesn't have a character. In the drama, his cage is more tragic. Lan Zhan is a three-dimensional character in the show as we see his anguish, we see his happiness, we learn all these subtle emotions. Also his bond with WWX is far more believable and fleshed out.

[@user-ps4rg5tk6l]

@@tiaaaron3278 Actually, I have to disagree, I do think that Lan Wangji did have character development. He goes from this teenager that suppresses his feelings too much to someone who begins to take action for the ones he loves. We can tell he suffered and was having conflicting feelings in whether he should support Wei Wuxian or remain loyal to his sect rules. And when he went to save Wei Wuxian at Burial Mounds, sometime before his death, we can tell he regrets not being there for Wei Wuxian and when he finally decided on something, it was already too late as Wei Wuxian was already out of his mind (Not like crazy, but no longer differentiated reality from fantasy). After Wei Wuxian comes back, we can see he is less strict. He is more caring, doesn't mind Wei Wuxian's jokes, and even begins to break GusuLan's sects rules (As he drinks knowingly more than once). Though I do agree that the book made him seem like the only character he has is to love Wei Wuxian, but that's because we get everything from WWX's pov. With further examination, we can tell he is very much like the drama. Ah sorry, I wrote too much.

[@tiaaaron3278]

@@user-ps4rg5tk6l Whatever he had in the novel, he had a thousand fold in the drama. He was just a far better character in the drama. In the novel, where everything is from Wei Wuxian's point of view, Lan Zhan ends up being vague and cryptic, most of his development happens off pages because the author clearly likes to focus on WWX. Lan Zhan isn't a satisfying character. Even donghua, the one adaptation that tries to be as faithful as it can, changes Lan Zhan's character because he's not fleshed out enough. The drama made him complex. His relationship with WWX had an organic development. He grew and learnt think outside the box and we see it all. He grows to loosen a bit and make freinds. Despite the lack of sexual content, Wei Wuxian was clearly his soulmate and love. His grief was also better shown. His guilt, rage and sadness are all justified. In the novel, he's just obsessed with a douche bag who never cared about him so the guilt he feels over WWX is pretty much unjustified.

[@cramelot2078]

I definitely agree that the book Lan Zhan had a more tragic story laid out before him. Not only tragic, but also heartbreaking. I am a firm believer that, even though due to content restrictions the drama had to change more of the love scenes, the drama still held out they were soulmates and lovers. However, certain scenes from the book were changed that caused Lan Zhan heartbreak - the confusing kiss in the woods or the night after they (dot dot dot) when neither had made their feelings and thoughts totally clear are the biggest ones that spring to mind. Wei Wuxian had to be told by Lan Zhan’s brother just how he felt and Lan Zhan was dealing with the feeling of one sided and tragic love even after he got Wei Wuxian back, whereas the drama cuts some of that out or downplays it. Just some more food for thought and PLEASE continue videos like this because, as someone who reads the books and watches the shows, I found your discussion fascinating.

[@7Mushrooms7]

What is the dot dot dot? lol

[@SunJamzee]

You made some really good points. I appreciate that. I also agree that it's the book Lan Zhan. I think he out ways drama Lan Zhan 80% on tragedy. What I really like about drama Lan Zhan over book LZ is that he shows much more expression and actually reacts to things rather than have a complete stone face.

[@SunJamzee]

@@7Mushrooms7 There's a scene in the book later on where they get drunk and mess around. If you haven't read the book yet I would highly recommend it! Here is the link(because I REALLY want you to read it): exiledrebelsscanlations.com/grandmaster-of-demonic-cultivation/

[@ivevei]

I agree

[@Psychoinnocent]

Jamzee Sun I have to counter that- Wang Yibo is very good at showing subtle expressions (or rather he learned and managed to go from big expressions to subtler ones), but Lan Zhan in the novel is also very expressive! You just have to pay attention- Wei Wuxian, as the POV narrator will glance over it, so we, as the audience, do as well. But there are actions and subtle things that LWJ does that make it clear how he’s feeling. Teen Lan Wangji especially- he was a hotheaded proud teen, who matured into a young adult who just wanted to protect the person he loved. His jealousy with Mian Mian, his teasing of Wei Wuxian (“what does it say?” “I don’t know.”), little character changes that WWX notices but doesn’t think about, etc.

[@mswasabi9702]

You are right that's why I was so into Lan Zhan character, not because extremely gorgeous because you feel the pain, sad,angry, slightly happy and slightly jealous. Wang Yibo portrait the expression so much that you were glued to it. If it had someone else I would not have continued. Wang Yibo acting was on point it's action speaks louder than words, now that's acting at age who just turned 22. However, wwx character realized how much pain he was which made him say "thank you and sorry, also realized nothing matters what's happening in the world just being with your loved one it's enough. Yes, wwx character was smart, witty, clever, gullible, naive, cheerful, lovable, and playful but dense at same time. Loosing your loved one it's not easy like Wangji's mother and then your partner before your eyes, so much that the ending was perfect where finally wangji decided to stay with wwx. Also it doesn't explain couple things like where is grand-master? How did Wen Chao evil older brother died, oh he's the one who broke or crippled Lan Zhan. Yeah, he was more abused then anyone yet still looking elegant and poise. I never watch drama twice but I did with untamed somehow I'm so untamed, lol. Wang Yibo should win award for his acting.

[@lockmeinurheart333]

I'd have to agree. Drama!Wangji had a smiling Wuxian "sacrificing" himself to ensure his safety while Book!Wangji's last moments with his Wuxian were of the latter telling him to "scram" as he poured his spiritual power AND heart out to him. 😭 Also, I was feeling the "pain" with the points you were sharing and while I was weighing the pain, you said, "there was no internet", the pain all vanished 🤣

[@dianrahayuningsih8084]

Kate丽儿 THIS

[@pandesitomomai1589]

" there was no internet " vanished me too 😂😂😂

[@kikotsukino1629]

This! This is why I wish they didn't change that scene at all, I mean the fact to have that scene where Lan Zhan was present when Wei Ying fell down the cliff and supposedly died (but didn't in the drama) really revealed to me that I won't get what I want to see in the live action sadly

[@Lia21Louph]

I crack when I see it is my netflix time 🤣🤣

[@tiaaaron3278]

@@kikotsukino1629 Maybe you should accept the novel version is very disrespectful of Lan Zhan's character and treats him like trash. Lan Zhan has no reason to love WWX in the novel. His so called love is entirely unconvincing. It was the drama that made them believable and beautiful. Lan Zhan is a far better character and more interesting guy.

[@nemethboroka6091]

12:02 Fun fact: The producers told LWJ to pretend like his motorbike/mobile is crashed/lost

[@lyrahazel2079]

😂😂 ok that will ruin my mood if i ever watch that scene again for sure

[@user-dw2ub9rg3k]

@@lyrahazel2079 Well, I don't think he was imagining his motorbike while actually performing the scene, lol Probably just caught the idea:)

[@aliahmawaddahwarahmaamili112]

that's not true, just a joke:)

[@nuva9658]

Even if it's not true, it makes sense cuz yibo definitely Loves his bike more than anything lol

[@Chadult]

I definitely had the same question and my conclusion is/was, book Wangji is more tragic. Though the drama follows the book pretty closely, I don't think they did justice to how much remorse and guilt Wangji felt in those 16 (or 13) years without Wei Ying. What I mean is, he decided too late to step up and protect him and he was not even there by his side when he died. He basically got to confess on Wuxian's death bed but never got an answer. Also, in the book, to me, the feeling of Wangji missing Wuxian and being afraid of losing him again is heavier. The bunny lantern scene (in the drama), where Wangji stares at Wuxian with so much emotion in his eyes was beautiful. That's the type of affectionate scene I was hoping to see more of. They sadly left out Inquiry too, which is one of my favourite part of the WangXian angst. I think drama!Wangji is amazing but some of the deepest, saddest parts of his undying love that give that special nuance to his character were left out (I know, I know, censorship and all). That said, I adore both versions. Congrats on the 20k! :D

[@andream5462]

I agree so much with this

[@noursamir3821]

Yes that what I think do . probably if people watched here and there they would think it is really about LWJ/WY but when u watch the whole thing the drama kinda was about WWY life and what he went through. Even though they showed how much LWJ cared about him and all specially after his return but it was equally important to show what he went through as a person So close to WY who watch him dies before his own eyes and how he dealt with that .. This would have added more depth to his character .

[@7Mushrooms7]

@@noursamir3821 I haven't read the novel yet but know the gist of what happens and sorry if I say something wrong about the novel as I haven't read yet except for some chapters. I think that the thing is that though we see them falling in love with each other in the drama before WWX death, because of the whole censorship thing we don't really see much (except for some subtle clues) that LWJ loves WWX in a romantic way, so we don't see him suffering from "unrequited love". In the beginning we could actually argue that it was WWX that was loving LWJ in an unrequited way given how fixated he seemed to be in LWJ and being with him and LWJ rejecting him (which could be due to LWJ not wanting to show his feelings for WWX and trying to run away from temptation). Then when WWX loses his core and everything, we see LWJ going after WWX but in the drama if one doesn't pay attention to the romantic subtext, one could think that it was just LWJ trying to save a good friend (we know it's much more than that, of course). Then after the rebirth, we don't see WWX teasing LWJ like in the novel for obvious reasons, so we don't get to witness LWJ not knowing if he could trust that his love would be reciprocated or not like in the novel. In that matter after the rebirth it seems like they're both falling in love with each other mutually even more without that LWJ dilemma. Also, the drama doesn't really show us much of why LWJ was punished so badly. They don't really show us him at Burial Mounds saving the kid nor tell us that he was bed ridden front he whips, just that he took 300 whips (which is of course brutal too) and that he was in reclusion for 3 years. For obvious reasons they don't show us LWJ drunk and burning his chest with that thing, but the directors gave us the hint by showing us that scar. So there's that. I love the way the drama depicted their relationship though even with the censorship and I could feel so much love and care from the way they looked at each other and cared for each other. Another thing is that the drama show us WWX being hated yes, but not with such intensity and fear, so we don't see LWJ hearing the fake horrific things about his lover. At some point his brother knows he's alive and also Lan LWJ brother and other people, but no one truly comes for him. Sorry for the long comment.

[@harmony137]

My thought exactly. The weight of his pain and his overall character was indeed stripped off some layers. Fortunately, we have a very talented and thoughtful actor like Yibo who really seem to have tried his best in delivering the character's depth of emotion, so it was still spectacular. I couldn't even imagine what a disaster it might be if someone else played it.

[@tiaaaron3278]

Am I the only one who's not so hot on book version of Lan Zhan? He's sadder and more angsty but not better to more likable than the show version. In fact, the book version is kinda silly in his one-sided affection. I wish the book had focused more on his point of view, that's so lacking in the books. The show version clearly feels remorse and sadness and feels he hasn't done enough. He also wasn't treated like garbage.

[@chermaynech]

I’m probably one of the few who thinks the drama LWJ suffers no less, if not more than the novel version. Both versions show certain ambiguity in the sense that no one has ever found Wei Ying’s remains or spirit. The pain of not knowing what become of Wei Ying’s spirit is what LWJ has to go through in both the novel and the drama. First of all, to see Wei Ying’s utter despair during his final moments and being unable to help/save him actually bridges LWJ’s confession scene neatly where he regretted not standing by WY in Nevernight. It shows the toll it takes on LWJ all these years having witnessed the tragedy personally. Now the next question for LWJ on which scenario is more devastating; not knowing what led to Wei Ying’s death/not being by his side during his final moments or watching WY wrench himself free from his grip and fall to his death. I personally think the latter would wreck me totally if I were LWJ. Seeing the person you love dies in front of your eyes in a very tragic manner is enough to haunt you for the rest of your life. I lost my father recently and I missed him by a few hours. The grief of not being able to say goodbye was unbearable but that was still not as devastating as watching my grandmother (who raised me up) died right before my eyes. I could never forget that final scene and probably LWJ would have felt the same too.

[@gingermintrose]

Definitely the book Lang Wangji. I watched the drama first and it compelled me to read the novel, which blew me away. What made the book Lan Wangji endearing and haunting is associated with the missing details of his final death. I think it is also largely enhanced by the fandom that created a series of analysis/music/poem/ expounding the "longing" and "searching" for the loss of We Wuxian. This fandom is the type to immerse themselves in everything MDZS, in audio, Donghua and/or manhua. Take as an example the ending song of MDZS anime, where the lyric spoke of Lang Wanji perpetual longing and never giving up. Playing "inquiry" with his guqin: "Over the mountains, across the seas, Under the moon, frost sweeps over my zither ....Years go by, who still remembers these unrequited feelings?" It is heartbreaking and nevertheless, we want the heartache to continue, to share the burden of Lan Wanji's yearning of those 13 years.

[@tiaaaron3278]

If the fanbase have to fill in the large gaps with their fanfiction, then your character is probably underwritten. Book-Lan Zhan in a nutshell.

[@miralawliet874]

I'd rather the content I watch give me a proper characterization than having to rely on fanfiction. That's the drama version of Lan Zhan is better.

[@wyrmbooty]

Uncertainty is worse than horrifying certainty. Book Lan Wangji definitely had it worse, completely agree with you. He is such an incredibly compelling character, and I can never decide who I love more, him or Wei Wuxian, who is an incredible character for different reasons.

[@ryochan9438]

wei didnt die he Commit suicide which is the worse think to know about your loved one that they were this broken and you didnt help them also he cant be 100% that wei did pass cuz he fall b4 like this but still lived

[@wyrmbooty]

@@ryochan9438 He didn't commit suicide in the novel, actually! But I agree with you.

[@ryochan9438]

@@wyrmbooty i mean in the drama

[@chavalehc]

Book LW, definitely. I watched the show and then read the book and LW's story from the book's perspective was so much more emotional. When I started the show I had no idea it was from a BL novel and had to soon stop and google after one too many longing glances to make sure I wasn't going insane. The fact that he didn't even understand LW's feelings until so late was much clearer in the books and I wish a little more of that had made it into the show. I'm not sure how but they did such a good job of making it a non-obvious obvious romance that I'm sure they could have managed it. Also I'm thinking they probably changed the time gap so that they could use slightly older kids for the 'next gen' in the tv show, 16 year olds instead of 13 year olds. Not a huge difference for the plot but a big difference in casting.

[@Lia21Louph]

Me too, I've gotten to know that it was from BL novel after I watched the show and feel relieved that it wasn't just an ilussion in my head 🤣🤣 then I start reading the novel, and rewatch the drama too just to see the changes in every gaze LZ gives WWX 🥰🥰 But I've gotten to know this drama after watching the trailer romantic comedy version so I have impression that this must have romantic feelings to it 🤣🤣

[@Psychoinnocent]

Chavaleh I mean, in the novel, the next gen kids are 14/turns 15 throughout the novel (Jin Ling), 15-16 (Jingyi), and 16-17 (Sizhui). Sizhui is confirmed to be the oldest (as A-Yuan was 3 in the burial mounds, and since there was almost a year from LWJ meeting A-Yuan to Jin Ling’s month celebration, he probably close to 4.) So really, what CQL changed in terms of Junior ages was changing them to 20, 19, and 17-18. Which isnt a Bad thing per se but Sizhui really shouldnt be considered a junior at 20, because ancient chinese customs and stuff. But that’s nitpicking lmao

[@tiaaaron3278]

The show intentionally made Wei Wuxian more affectionate toward Lan Zhan because the whole thing was made a bromance.

[@tashamrothlin3695]

When I watched the drama I thought that LWJ found A-Yuan before the Nightless City battle. It looked like he heard about Wen Ning, WQ, and the other Wen clan members' execution (or was there for it - WN later thanks him for speaking for them) and went to find WWX. Instead, he finds A-Yuan and gets him to safety... which is why he arrives at Nightless City too late to stop WWX and everything that happened. The reason I think he found A-Yuan first was because when he rushes into the Demon Slaughtering cave he calls WWX's name as if he expects him to be there, he is dressed in blue, and he does not seem injured. In a later flashback, we see him dressed in white, with the same injuries from Nightless City, keeping Jin Guangyao and company from sacking the Burial Mounds. As Jin Guangyao is leaving, he smirks and remarks that LWJ's uncle is here... and it is pretty clear that LWJ's uncle is going to whisk him back to Gusu to receive punishment... not let him get cleaned up, changed, and go back to Burial Mounds to find A-Yuan. I found this part of the drama tragic because it is clear that WWX regained his ability to move and rushed out of Burial Mounds, not realizing A-Yuan was there. If LWJ had not found A-Yuan and got him someplace where he could be cared for, the cause of A-Yuan's death would have been WWX abandoning him there alone. Thank goodness LWJ found him and saved WWX from having to face that later. However, if LWJ had not saved A-Yuan, he could have potentially intercepted WWX before he hit Nightless City and prevented everything that happened. It seemed like a theme for LWJ in the drama -- try to do something good for WWX, like convince everyone to invite him to Jin Ling's naming ceremony, and see it all turn to tragedy and pain for WWX instead (Qiongqi Path). Save A-Yuan -- watch WWX die. That being said, I agree with you that the book LWJ was more tragic, and that not being there for WWX's death caused LWJ more pain then witnessing everything that happened. In the drama when LWJ is drunk, he confesses that his regret is not standing by WWX's side (not being on the same side?) during Nightless City. Although I don't remember if he said this in the book, in the book he truly wasn't by WWX's side - he was in Gusu - and so the drama actually emphasized for me the pain that the book LWJ must have felt. To know that your loved one died without you, scared and alone... thinking about it makes me tear up. Another thing that made me feel that the book LWJ was more tragic was his attitude after WWX returns. In the drama they basically become friends again right away and WWX is not cruel to LWJ and doesn't try to run away. In the book WWX does all sorts of things, tries to run away a dozen times, and basically wants nothing to do with LWJ. LWJ doggedly keeps him by his side, protects him, and accepts everything WWX does. He seems to have no hope that WWX will ever like him or treat him as a friend (or more), but is happy with the crumbs of simply being at his side. This lack of hope, and happiness with so little, is very tragic to me. WWX himself, when he realizes how LWJ feels and remembers all the things he did to LWJ since he came back, feels a pain like his heart is being crushed. Which is pretty much how you felt as a reader, reading the story (stupid WWX). Thank goodness WWX is the type to return the slightest bit of affection 100x. Once he realizes, all the tragedy turns to joy. Probably shocking joy to LWJ since he never expects WWX's feelings to change. As a side note, thank you for the "13/16 years resting bitch face" comment. I almost choked to death on my tea. * grin * I really love your videos.

[@saradeer8620]

I'm late to The Untamed crew but like many, I just can't get over it. I do want to point out this though. You mentioned WWX not having A-Yuan's death on his conscience, but up until he realizes that Sizhui is A-Yuan in nearly the last, if not the last episode, he does live with that. It's even hinted at with scenes of 2nd life WWX having flashbacks of A-Yuan and then having that look of pain on his face as he looks at a kid and reminisces, mentioning A-Yuan would've been a teenager now to Lan Zhan. So, for most of the drama in his 2nd life, he does feel responsible for A-Yuan's supposed death, since he believed that he died with his clan members. It's only after Wen Ning starts to wonder and Lan Zhan reveals it, does he realize this little kid that he loved but he thought was dead, but instead was able to grow up happy and in a much healthier environment can you see his joy and relief.

[@alefreinar7569]

I guess that I have the idea in the back of my mind. In the book was cruel to read that an injured LanZhan save WeiYing and hide him. And if I remember well, he gave him his energy for three days (even when he was also still wounded) and WWX only said to him: Go away, get lost!. And then face his own clan trying still to defend him. The punishment put him in bed for three years and even feeling bad, he went again to search for WWX when he heard that he died and found only A-Yuan. Also...WWX didn´t remember all the things that LZ treasured from his memories with him : ( and just full around with him, teasing him and touching and kissing and LZ trying to resist because he knew that it was very possible that WWX didn´t feel the same that him and was just playing. Imagine that!! the person that you love the most, desire the most, the only one that you been waiting and he doesn´t remember many things about your relationship and also it´s so near to you but you must content because you love him but maybe he doesn´t, and worst he doesn´t stop to touch you (more temptation). I was almost angry with WeiYing when I found that because was cruel..unintentionally cruel, but cruel after all. The only good is that, in the book, is that Lan Zhan received a proper confession XD (in front of everyone) and they really stay together as a couple (tadaaaaa dreams come true) and well....his reward of "Every day means every day". And even when the character is portrayed as cold....I believe it´s really sweet and tender, always doing things for WWX or giving him all that he likes (actions that talk about how sentimental and soft is the feelings and hearth of the character of LWJ in real). By the way, I´m really happy that you did more videos for The Untamed n_n

[@hillarywin]

Ale Freinar yo sorry if I sound dumb but what exactly does this “everyday means everyday” means? I’ve seen it circling around this fandom but since I haven’t read the novel, I’m completely lost

[@cokolate2480]

I gess we have to read whole novel to find out 😔

[@cokolate2480]

@@hillarywin im all pumped up to start reading ᕙ( : ˘ ∧ ˘ : )ᕗ

[@EveRosell]

Every day means every day doing it. But actually not every day in reality, afterwards we get to see that not everyday, but quite often.

[@PrinceDuCiel7]

Magical Panda Hey, Lan WangJi has 30+ years of pent up feelings he needs to express. Everyday is reasonable? XD

[@sarkaskyvova]

Yes, I agree with you. It has been on my mind ever since I saw the live action version of that scene. I understand the changes and why it was wise decision to make them. But no matter how epic the scene (and how satisfying it was to see Lan Zhan having to watch Wei Ying fall), those scenes had not left me nearly as wrecked as contemplating the pain of not knowing that Lan Zhan has to deal with in the book. The fact he agonised over it for thirteen years while attempting (and constantly failing!) to gain any sort of answer is just... it hurts so much! You are also right that it’s the sweet pain we all crave, like the masochistic gluttons we are. XD

[@Tomodachi91ve]

He didn't ask Cheng about it?

[@tailor31415]

I love that you included that fandom line that has become canon in so many people's eyes. there's a forum where english speakers gather (novelupdates) and it was fun times there whenever someone new came in and had to be told that line (playing inquiry for 13 years, asking about the one who was missing - common translation that went around) wasn't actually in the novel! I agree the book character is more tragic, though the fact that wwx let go of him specifically to protect him from jc's sword is pretty awful for drama lwj. surely drama lwj felt guilt just like book lwj - for putting himself in a position of vulnerability and not being strong enough to save wwx vs being so injured that he couldn't be there in wwx's last moments. the part in the book where lwj went to the burial mounds, still severely injured, and desperately looked for him (finding wen yuan) is really heart-wrenching and I was pretty sad the drama changed the timeline for that a bit so that lwj found wen yuan earlier? and that's why he was late to the battle or whatever? but in both cases, lwj was in mourning until wwx returned but didn't just sit around and mope. he raised lan yuan and the other disciples and was a shining beacon of goodness to his clan and the rest of the cultivation world. good on him :)

[@RoseNZieg]

i read the novel before i jumped into the fandom of mo dao zu shi. i kept seeing this phrase and was wondering where it came from.

[@yazc1]

The meme “I love pain” had me dying in this video😂, definitely me!🙋🏾‍♀️ Love your videos! Keep them coming!

[@noshinshimu3103]

Totally me

[@alysonlin4906]

ahh the off-screen death in the book confused me to the point where i had to re-read some parts of the book again, but yes i totally agree that the circumstances in the book are much more hard on lwj.

[@lanbao2010]

I agree. On top of what you outlined in the video, book LWJ has to deal with constantly getting his romantic hopes dashed since shameless WWX constantly is trying to torment him. The pain of wanting WWX to return his affections, having them returned in action, and then realizing it was all a joke has got to hurt. His hopes get crushed so many times in the book. The drama WWX isn’t romantically draping himself over LWJ so it’s much easier to bear.

[@vickypearl]

A LOT OF you are actually bashing wei ying and forget that from a reader perspective it's different, Lan Zhan did not really relay his feeling to WY which till morrow hurts me. both in the drama and book especially in the book where we got to see more. the kiss at phoenix mountain for example he went on a rampage but WY Didn't even know who kissed him, also he goes on a drunken fit which confused WY a lot as he seemed completely diff from the real thing, also after WY started accepting him, their first night together ended after he thought WY did it with him out of pity like dude just confess. Damn Lan Xichen was even the one that told the oblivious WY (tho that was also his problem since he was smart to all except love) LZ would not have relayed his feeling to his love. notice the difference when WY knew he even screamed 'i wanna sleep with you in front of people' since he knew and realized how much of a blessing LZ was in his life. My point is as much as I love LZ, I would rather he communicates better with WY what is 'umm', I have read other novels with cold Main Lead and he ends up being talkative or pretty talky with his lover. even after their love life blossomed LZ was still very much not communicative and just goes into it, even papapa.

[@misssunny6489]

11:08 THE BEST reason for Lan Zhan’s expressionless face 😆😆😆😆

[@Rosula_D]

When I first read the title, I was triggered 😂 thank you for talking about MDZS though. I love all versions of the work and enjoy deeper analysis videos, so uploads like this are my favourite! Ok, so about which Lan Wangji had it worse: For me, novel LWJ had worse experiences because of two reasons. Firstly, as you explained, he did not witness WWX's death. That is extremely painful not only because he does not know what exactly happened and if he could have somehow saved the person he loved, but also because in the end, he could never really express his feelings. However, in the live-action, LWJ sees that WWX ends his own life and WWX knows that LWJ does not want him dead (as he tried to save him). On this note, the second reason is that novel LWJ did not have any happy interactions with WWX. From the extras, we know that LWJ wanted to experience many different things with WWX and enjoy their youth together. Although the live-action does not specifically say that they are bbfs before WWX's change, they do go on adventures together and WWX obviously considers LWJ as a close friend. So, after WWX's death, LWJ has some happy memories to remember him by. Novel LWJ only has miscommunication and misunderstandings. So I think he had it way worse. He could not even say that WWX was his friend before because almost everyone thought they were bitter rivals. Luckily, he got the happy ending he deserved in the end 💞

[@MonAhgasInsomniAroELF]

I disagree, I feel it was actually a bit worse for drama LWJ. Some people have already mentioned it, but seeing the person you love kill themself in front of you is far more traumatic than hearing that they've been killed and not knowing the entirety of the situation. You're going to have nightmares for the rest of your life, see it happen again and again every time you close your eyes. There's absolutely no hope to be with them again, whereas book LWJ probably had some hope that perhaps WWX was still alive somewhere. Also drama LWJ never technically gets to marry WWX. (Though we all know they meet up again at the end and that's when it merges with the novel ending, hehe.) Still, I think we can all agree that both versions are extremely tragic, the story as a whole is tragic, but also so, so beautiful. All versions of MDZS are incredible works of art, but the live action drama will always be my favorite adaptation. ❤

[@akaNaz1]

Beyond happy to see you talking about The Untamed.

[@360abdxyyzebd]

It’s hard to say which is more tragic because we didn’t experience the same thing that LWJ went through. But losing a loved one and you weren’t able to do anything to save that person, regardless of your circumstances, are equally tragic because you carry the feeling of guilt and regret for the rest of your life and the feeling of guilt and longing can haunt you forever.

[@shabitsaessa7324]

For me, either way they were both such tragic loss for Lan Zhan, in both novel and drama, they both lost their love one while trying to save them and continued to mourn over it, but in the end, fate happened and bought back his love to him again🤧❤✨ It's such an epic bittersweet love story 🖤

[@robertabernareggi7240]

Beautiful analysis and I see your point, I even agree, I just wanted to mention how maybe the writers of the show were aware of this element of suspension missing and that’s why they made sure for us to know they never found the body of Wei Wuxian after he fell off the cliff in the drama and both Jiang Chang and Lan Wanji were still somehow looking for the off chance WWX had survived the fall. Really gotta give all the points to the show for the effort in being faithful to the original material!

[@AnhPham-nl1rr]

While the novel was more tragic, I think Lan Wangji's pain in the drama is more relatable for me. In the novel Lan Wangji already did all he can for Wei Wuxian only to get push away by him. In the drama, part of Lan Wangji's suffering is due to regrets of not doing enough. So when Wei Wuxian came back, Lan Wangji did everything he can for him, even if it's just the tiniest things like getting him wine. Honestly I'm glad that in the drama Wei Wuxian wasn't being such a jerk to Lan Wangji. I'm sick of those kind of acts where you push someone away just because you think it's good for them. The feeling was definitely more mutual between the two in the drama.

[@h_qwn97]

I disagree with you on some points. First, I don't think novel!LWJ has the thought of having done all he can for WWX. Both versions show how LWJ fail to bring WWX back to Gusu. As for the novel version, since LWJ is colder towards WWX compared to the drama despite sharing the same intensity in their feelings, there is a possibility that LWJ regrets the fact that he acted so cold towards WWX when he was alive. Instead, I think it'll be more possible for LWJ to think "if only I was kinder to him, maybe he would have come back to Gusu with me and I could protect him" instead of "I've done everything I could". This explains why LWJ acts so sweet and gentle to WWX once he is revived. It's like he is given the second chance of doing what he couldn't do back then. Unlike the drama version where WangXian seem to share more time together. So both are tragic actually. Second, please consider WWX's mental condition during the Nightless City incident. First, he accidentally killed Jin Zixuan aka the person his Shijie really loved and also her husband. Not to mention that Jin Ling was only one month that time. Before he got the chance to recover from the regret, guilt, sadness, and anger of that incident, he just had to lose Wen Qing and Wen Ning; both he considered as close as siblings like the Jiang siblings. Both the Wen Siblings died FOR him and he knew it. Then he just had to lose another important figure, Jiang Yanli, and once again FOR him. He saw the guy stabbed Shijie because Shijie tried to save him and unable to deliver her final verdict. If you are in such a dark place in your life, I don't think you can just simply believe that someone will be there for you and protect you. Please remember WWX completely lost his mind by this time with additional of the resentment energy's influence as well. He thought everyone hated him and even he hated himself. How can he tell LWJ to stay? It's only natural for WWX to push LWJ away. So I don't agree with you implying that WWX simply "being a jerk" to LWJ in the novel. He is not being a jerk. Please understand his pain too.

[@AnhPham-nl1rr]

@@h_qwn97 I agree with you on the first part. Like I said I think the novel was more tragic for the characters but in terms of relatability it is the drama for me. Yes, saying "being a jerk" is too harsh. I apologise for that. However, if I was in LWJ's shoe and that were to happen to me, I would still love the other person but just not as much as I did before. That's definitely just how I am as a person and have nothing to do with the actually characters themselves.

[@kimrizzo7098]

WWX pushed LWJ away because he was insane and incoherent in his grief. If anything LWJ regrets leaving for his punishment. WWX's soul was broken why it never answered.

[@harmony137]

@@AnhPham-nl1rr I understand how you'd feel a bit unfair for LWJ, I myself can get sulky whenever I think of that specific scene. But I think LWJ could also tell that WWX was not in his right mind then. He could barely walk and defend himself let alone think and process feelings. So yes, while it would be stabs to the heart to hear the one you love saying "Get lost", I believe LWJ knew that it was too late then for a confession to be heard. Which actually adds to the regrets during 13 imo, he would feel like he still hasn't delivered his confession ;;_;;

[@shiraaichan4276]

Oooh if 'heaven official blessing' or 'liu yao' ever be adapted that we will have another great pinning story to see

[@akura7196]

Excuse me, where did you read Liu Yao? I really want to read it.

[@shiraaichan4276]

@@akura7196 www.novelupdates.com/series/liu-yao-the-revitalization-of-fuyao-sect/

[@akura7196]

@@shiraaichan4276 Thank youuuuuu!!!!!!!!!

[@nabilahalshari7880]

I have watched this video a couple of times at this point. It's such a good video, since I never really thought that hard about Lan Wangji's side of things. Wei Wuxian just seemed like the more obviously tragic character. After really thinking about it, I've decided that both are equally tragic but in different ways. I think someone pointed out that LWJ and WWX enjoyed a closer relationship before he died in the drama compared to the novel. IMO this changes the trajectory of their relationship; LWJ is more active in trying to help WWX in the drama while they were more distant in the novel. WWX even thought that they couldn't be friends in the novel and died thinking he was alone and everyone hated him. During that time while LWJ wanted what's best for WWX he wasn't able to express himself well at all and so WWX just thought that he disapproved of everything WWX was, rather than him being worried for him and his safety. His passivity imo is what costed him WWX's life. From his view, he didn't do enough to help WWX (until the end at least when it was practically too late) and he wasn't there when he died. Note: I'm sure WWX didn't see it this way (his death was the result of his own decisions and mistakes but I'm explaining LWJ's thought process). Otoh drama LWJ has the opposite problem. He did outright offer to help WWX and WWX accepted his help in the beginning. They communicated their feelings more (through words and body language) in WWX's first lifetime. And despite all that WWX still died. LWJ tried everything he could with the limitations set upon him (his responsibilities to his clan). He was even there when WWX died. He could have saved him. And yet he still failed. So yeah, the nature of the tragedies of both LWJs are different enough for me not to be able to compare and say which is "more tragic". It's basically comparing the tragedy of choice vs external circumstances.

[@Rebbie55]

Yes I felt more pain reading the book as it was explained well the pain, his feeling and why he is so hurt, he gets whipped. the scene where he gets drunk and brands himself exactly the way Wuxian got branded, he still searches for him and whenever he heard of chaos he went there just in hope that Wuxian may appear. I think reasons Drama don't show his longing is because then it would not have remained just friendship which China wanted to emphasise in the drama.

[@pongnoii2253]

Yes! I so agree that Lan Zhan in the book suffered so much more in comparison to the drama. I couldn't agree more that death that is final is a lot more merciful, and when you can't be there till the very end probably hurts the most. I think these types of stories are popular because emotions seem so fickle, and to wait or "talk" to soul that may never answer really makes it unforgettable for me. 🙃🙃🙃

[@janaimartinez6824]

I had stopped thinking about this...here i go again.... It speaks so good of the book that ppl can have conversations about the plot for so long! I liked the video!

[@mariejost9699]

Having my beloved literally slip out of my hands to his death would be about as traumatic an experience as I can imagine. The image and the grief would be etched permanently in my mind and invade my dreams as fevered nightmares. Hearing about someone’s death, while traumatic, lacks the searing images and so, I think, would be easier to live with. But it all depends on the personal psychology of the individual. In the book, there is a close parallel between the sudden and unannounced departure of Lan Zhan’s mother and the parallel disappearance of Wei Wuxian similarly out of sight of Lan Zhan. In his case, it is the continuation of the abandonment of the object of his love, despised by those around him, but dearly loved by Lan Zhan. That sense of being abandoned for the second time in his life would reopen those childhood wounds and compound the adolescent’s grief. A recurring theme in The Untamed is the trauma of childhood tragedy and the different impacts of that abandonment on at least four of the characters. I see Wei Wuxian and Xue Yang as two sides of the same coin. Both had similar childhood experiences of losing parents and being homeless, hungry, and frightened. But two things help explain their different paths in life-who took them in and their differing personalities and how they responded to their childhood misfortunes. Both Lan Zhan and Jin Guangyao had mother and father problems, but one was mistreated by his father and all those around him, while the other was raised in a strict but accepting setting and had a caring older brother. Perhaps Lan Xichen saw a similar brokenness in Jin Guangyao that he saw in Lan Zhan and so felt the desire to protect and support the bullied and despised young man. But unlike Lan Zhan, who did not become bitter and bent on revenge, we all know how twisted and devious Jin Guangyao became. For me this exploration of individual psyches and how they respond differently to similar circumstances is part of the appeal of the tale. The story is about the two main leads, certainly, but there is a host of supporting characters and their own history that is quite fascinating.

[@bullardaa06]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! First and foremost I had to say that. I have seen/read all 4 of the media content for this story. The Manga and Anime are really very close to each other. But like with the Guardian series, I first read the novel then I use the show to get a tone of voice, the appearance, tiny mannerisms, etc., of each character. Then I reread the book, maybe even retype it to have a personal copy that I can read anytime and make comments/notes in (I'm still trying to get my hands on an original copy if anyone knows how to order books from Asian countries?). I usually treat the two as separate things, the novel is the writer's story and vision, the series is a chopped up version "safe for the public" and what will make the studio money. On the topic of which LWJ is more tragically portrayed, I would say it is the novel LWJ. As commented on, his pain in the novel feels deeper due to his intense regret that you feel. There are several moments while reading that I had to stop and cry because of the undeniable emotion coming from the page. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and shield him from the pain. I also wanted to smack WWX for being such a tease at times. Knowing everything LWJ finds out about WWX by the time they leave Lotus Pier, post attempted siege after reincarnation, makes me feel even worse for him. I think about how in the boat LWJ asks WN if WWX was in pain and I felt like I was gutted when WN says WWX had to be awake for days, feeling everything. The disbelief he must initially feel when WWX confesses to him had to be immense. I think it shows how much he regretted things in the way LWJ was firm in taking A-Yuan, persisting until he was allowed, there is a comment that WWX makes upon meeting the young disciples about how LS had to be raised by someone great. All of the things that he does in hopes that he will find WWX one day is endearing and painful. But then we get those moments in the novel when LWJ has drank with WWX and his true colors come out. I would really love to have a section where everything is from LWJ's perspective.

[@GC-rn9bu]

Sure the book is more tragic, but ultimately I think the show makes better choices that feeds better into the theme. And the theme of the book and show are very different. The book's theme is about how you can love someone so much that you defy your family/traditions/society for them. The show's theme is that the person you love has inspired you to be a better person and through that love you recognize that your family/traditions/society is unjust and therefore you defy them. I think the show's theme is much more emotionally impactful.

[@mlozada3166]

I really agree with this take! Suffering isn't the only way to measure a character or a storyline's strength. The adapted characterizations in The Untamed perfectly illustrate how emotionally charged and truly powerful a story can be--without reliance on tragedy alone.

[@aglolv1638]

Hello! I hope I don't sound rude, but let me apologize first for the sudden reply. I respectfully disagree with how you view the theme of the book and show. In the book, LWJ has only defied his elders once, when he was protecting WWX from them out of desperation after the battle in Nightless City. After he made sure WWX was safe, he went back out of his own will to the Cloud Recesses to ask for punishment. His uncle then punished him by discipline whip 33 times, each whip for every elders he hurt. He was never once punished for his love for WWX. No one but the Lan sect knew about this fact. Meanwhile in the show, LWJ was shown multiple times defying his family/traditions/society. The first one was where he broke into forbidden library despite his uncle's warning to look for song to help WWX when WWX's life was not in an immediate danger. Second one, he left the banquet in Koi Tower when it has't ended yet to follow WWX to Qiongqi road. Under that kind of public eyes, it could dangerously imply that the Lan sect might be siding with WWX when they should play neutral position. Third one, he, as an outsider, meddles into the Jin-Jiang family affair by insisting the Jin family to invite WWX to JL's full month celebration, even sending the invitation letter under his own name. On the novel, JZX was the one who personally invite him, but on drama, because he meddled like this, JZXun and JGY took advantage of the situation to ambush WWX, resulting in JZX's death. He received no punishment for this. The Lan family in the book is traditional, but they are not irrational that they couldn't accept changes that will improve lives. Their family tradition of 4000 rules are actually consisting rules that would improve your life as a person and cultivator too. But the Lan family in the show is shown to be more conservative that you could be punished for defending...house robbing or for "befriending evil" when concept of evil is grey to begin with. In the book, LWJ and WWX are both victim of politics that they never want to involve themselves into politics anymore unless the situation really needs it. That's why after the case with JGY ends, they chose to wander around to directly help commoners in need. But LWJ is still someone with a huge responsibility towards his family that he worries about his older brother. WWX noticed it too and that's why after 3 months "honeymoon" they decided to go back to Cloud Recesses. I personally think it's kinda unfair to say that the book's theme is showing that a person could defy society/tradition/family just for the person they love when in fact, LWJ barely blindly defies his family for WWX (and when he defies, he makes sure that his family will be unharmed) unlike the drama version where he defies more and can actually bring his sect's position to danger ^^; I do agree with you that the show's family rules are more unjust than the book though, that's why LWJ defy them, but, LWJ is someone who is rooted with his family, that's why doing things for WWX's sake that could endanger his own family is something that's kinda...OOC for him to do. Thank you for your attention. I apologize this became too long. I don't expect you to agree with me, it's okay to agree to disagree, but I just want to voice out my own opinion in case some other viewers is reading this comment too. Thank you again :)

[@GC-rn9bu]

@@aglolv1638 But that's the thing, the show is very, very different from the book. Wei Wuxian is actually completely innocent in the show. He never looses control over his zombies. His statement- that he is not Wen Ruohan and using 鬼道 instead of 魔道- is not self delusion or him placating Lan Zhan. The 魔道 grandmaster title they give him is his society demonizing him and a false title because the actual modaozushi would have been Wen Ruohan in CQL. Wei Wuxian's arc in the show is not only moving past abuse and trauma, but also learning not to define yourself through others. Lan Zhan risks his sect's position because in CQL he forms an unwavering conviction and will fight for justice no matter what. Lan Zhan doesn't go wandering with Wei Ying at the end of the show because he WANTS to be involved into politics, because he wants to bring systemic changes at a societal level that can only be achieved from a position of power. Their sometimes long distance relationship works because Wei Ying wants to help the common people through direct action. They both learned from the Yi City arc that just because you don't want to be involved in politics doesn't mean you'll be free of it. (Actually someone please explain what Yi city arc was trying to achieve thematically in the novel.) I think a lot of people view the show from the lens of the book and deems the characters OOC when the CQL is very much a standalone story with its own characterizations and themes. Anyways, thank you for your time and thoughtful response.

[@shibahi]

this is actually a great discussion on how drama!LWJ is, well, a dramatization of the original LWJ, so I just want add some discussion! I actually felt the “OOC-ness” very early on when LWJ personally tells WWX about the significance of touching his forehead ribbon, then shortly after initiates contact between the ribbon and WWX on his own accord. then starting from there he encounters very different experiences with WWX compared to his book counter part, especially the lantern scene, the entire Yin metal trip, the tears at Qiongqi road, the Phoenix mountain hunt convo etc. so much that I actually didn’t feel anything was amiss when he spoke out about Jin Ling’s celebration. it wasn’t even the first time he questioned the Jin publicly to defend WWX. later on when I got online and saw that particular scene is a huge sore point for novel fans, I realize book!LWJ would probably not even be present there, much less say anything. (I however cannot blame LWJ for the unfortunate series of events that follows, just as in the novel I don’t blame Jin Zixuan for it. I don’t agree with viewers claiming that the change turns LWJ into the cause WWX’s downfall, bc schemers are gonna scheme, no matter who extends the invitation be it JC Shijie or LXC) just as you say drama!LWJ is more rebellious and got into more “trouble”, he was also more verbal in public places and more emotionally expressive. but it makes sense to me bc I think LWJ’s experiences with WWX’s within the drama does push him to speak out and not be a bystander but an ACTIVE part of what he wants to achieve. I understand why novel fans probably don’t see this as “a better person” and more like a meddler, bc it greatly differs from the image of LWJ and WWX being unwilling parties in politics. but the drama is angling for a different theme and LWJ becoming Chief Cultivator at the end was part of it

[@thanhlan3732]

What is "OOC"? Your discussions (all the responses) are super interesting, but I don't know what OOC mean...

[@user-tm8ti5sd8s]

it's hard to say which one is more tragic for Lan Wangji. I think for him, the death of WWX itself was the greatest tragedy despite the pathways of getting to know the death. And in my opinion, either way, LWJ would choose to 问灵 because he just can't believe WWX is actually dead. Perhaps deep in his heart, he knew WWX will come back someday. He may delay but he will come back to him. 虽迟但到. (but I like your odd questions, please make more videos like this!

[@GeethaNaido]

33 old men spitting blood hearing you..😂..I remember reading in Twitter:a person drowned in 3 feet of water is equally as dead as someone who drowned in 10feet of water..both Lang WangJi had it hard in different ways..

[@alicea5]

I vote for the book one! Just imagine. You save your beloved. Tuck him away and goes to receive your punishment, believing he will be save and sound. In the middle of your punishment, you hear he is dead. All your effort, hope, and plan to see him is grounded into ashes and scatter in the wind. How painful!!

[@mialui256]

My heart pounds so badly seeing your video title. I've been thinking about this a lot too!!! I do agree hearing your loved one's death from another person without being able to do anything about it must have made his 3 years unbearable. He must have woken up everyday not accepting that fact and wanting to reverse it only to be prevented by the injury. But at least , he had some hope that he could hang onto, the hope that everybody might be wrong about Wuxian's death. That hope got him through the days. The drama killed Lan Wangji's hope just like how it killed Wuxian, falling and vanishing to thin air. When he came back to Cloud Recess, Lan Zhan probably was wholly dead inside.

[@brownekat]

I read the book and watched the series and I agree that the book Lanzhan was more tragic. Not being there to save his baby really messed him up, which is why, when Weiying was reborn, he didn't let him out of his sight {except that one time, for a few hours, and he came back with a curse on his leg} That being said, the book had some dead ends, like we never got to know if he ever burned paper money for Weiying. I know it doesn't seem important in the grand scheme of things but I REALLY want to know. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed both the book and the drama. If there are any other books/dramas that are this epic, please recommend them to me! Chinese literature might just be my next favorite Media.

[@tgsankatanga6162]

I think both versions were in ways equally tragic. Remember that in the drama version LWJ never saw WWX die either. They only saw him falling to his "death". In the drama version WWX also never knew where he was; his body or bones were never found either. This makes LWJ's inquiry throughout the 16 years that had no response and traveling around to find in any place "where there is chaos", to perhaps catch even a snippet of clue to anything related to WWX. I think that is just as tragic as the book version. This is just my thought on how I consider the drama version to be just as tragic as the book version. Keep up your great analysis. I love reading others' comments too. ..

[@kikotsukino1629]

To be honest the book Lan Zhan touched me more in a tragic way. I remember how my heart hurts so much for Lan Zhan when I found out this and this happened in the novel but sadly, they were altered and changed in the live action. For me I'm just giving my opinions and thoughts even when I do love Wang Yibo as Lan Zhan and really think he portrayed the character perfectly but Lan Zhan in the novel felt like he suffered more before he ultimately got that happy ending that's why it makes his happy ending all the more fulfilling when that time comes. People keep comparing with the scene at the beginning, to me it's nice to have Lan Zhan present at the scene when Wei Ying “died” but it will never make sense to me why he didn't jump down after Wei Ying or go down afterwards (right away) to look for Wei Ying's body, dont tell me he got the discipline whips because he DIDN'T get that yet at that time (so that whole scene didn't make sense to me) ; I mean looking at in the novel, despite novel Lan Zhan wasn't at the scene when Wei Ying "died"; when he found out, about Wei Ying's death he went all the way to burial mound despite his condition to see for himself. I still think that not being able to see Wei Ying one last time when he died would hurt just as much if not more. And the origin to Lan Zhan's discipline whips was better in the novel when compared to the live action since the live action changed the reason behind why he got it. Well anyways, I just felt that while I love Lan Zhan in the live action but in the overall, novel Lan Zhan is presented to be more tragic to me.

[@distisaman702]

Omg i have the same issue. We Wuxian death scene was supossed to be sad in the drama but i only feel annoyed when i was watching it. I mean Lan Wangji just stood there looking in despair while Wei Wuxian fell off a cliff. Why didn't he jump down after him he had bichen he could fly. Because in my mind book Lan Wangji would do that. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[@kikotsukino1629]

@@distisaman702 that's actually a con for me that CQL Lan Zhan didn't do it. I mean this is also the reason I prefer he wasn't there at the scene when Wei Ying died because then it will not show me that. Novel Lan Zhan would definitely jump after Wei Ying or will do what he could to save Wei Ying on his end and that's what I love about him, CQL showed that too but sadly it wasn't to that extent when compared to the novel, like how Lan Zhan didn't jump in after Wei Ying when he fell, or how he didn't went down afterwards to search for his body as well as how he initiated and suggested the idea of 'each to their own path' at the end when they walked separate paths are all ooc to me when compared to the novel Lan Zhan, because in the novel, Lan Zhan would jump right after Wei Ying and won't let him go, he will ensure no matter what that he's saved. He will go down to search for Wei Ying's body and not have to wait a few years later to do it, because he went right away as soon as he knew what happened to Wei Ying despite his condition in the novel. But in CQL, from the moment when Wei Ying fell down the cliff, Lan Zhan didn't have those discipline whips yet, so can he not go down right away to look for it? Even if he were to receive those discipline whips later.. and honestly Lan Zhan ending decision was actually off-putting for me and have hurted me on a personal level but can't expect much due to strict restrictions... :/ Sad really because without these restrictions I feel CQL will be even better. But like you, I too feel that those scenes doesn't make sense to me when looking at canon Lan Zhan’s character I mean I do still love CQL Lan Zhan but I personally love and felt more tragic for novel Lan Zhan because I felt like he's put in a lot more for Wei Ying to show his love when compared to the live acfion IMO

[@tiaaaron3278]

@@distisaman702 Obviously he couldn't do that. 1. He was injured. Probably couldn't have made it down to him in time anyway. 2. Everybody would see him jump, go after them. So it would have been pointless anyways. Might have put WWX in even more danger. Lan Wangji didn't follow him down because it might have even given him a chance to escape without chasers on his tail. 3. It could also be said Lan WangJi respected Wei Wuxian's wish. He wanted to die and LWJ had no right to stop that. That makes it even more compelling. LWJ might have even regretted letting him go after all. Writers don't have to spoonfeed you all details.

[@tiaaaron3278]

@@kikotsukino1629 No, Drama-LWJ was just more complex as a character than the pining dude in the novel.

[@distisaman702]

@@tiaaaron3278 novel Lan Wangji is even more injured than the drama one. In Buyetian bloodbath he was fighting against everyone for Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian was completely losing his mind after Jiang Yanli's death he literally went rampage killing everyone. Lan Wangji was fighting Wei Wuxian's corpses and then after that fighting everyone to save Wei Wuxian even tho he was injured. Wei Wuxian got away from Buyetian because of him. He took Wei Wuxian to Yiling and then used his remaining spiritual energy to heal him and the only thing Wei Wuxian said to him was "get lost" Because you know, he lost his mind. When Lan Xichen and 33 elders of Gusu found him in that cave they saw the scene. Lan Wangji fought with the 33 elders of his clan for Wei Wuxian. Injured them. And after Wei Wuxian was safe he went back to Gusu to accept his punishment. 33 whips for 33 elders he injured. It took him 2 whole years to completely heal. It was the reason why he couldn't be there when Wei Wuxian was dead. But when he heard the news he still dragged his injured body to Yiling but he couldn't find him and only found A-Yuan. You would know all that if you actually read the novel. As the person who read the novel i just can't believe someone describe him as nothing other than pining.

[@redcrest5]

Thank you so much for this video!! It is massively helpful for those of us who are brand new to this franchise via The Untamed/CQL (I’ve never even watched a Chinese drama before! That’s the power of a beautiful BL story~ ;-)). I’ve been extremely curious about what the differences are between the original story and drama adaptation and 100% agree that the change the writers made to have LZ present at WWX’s death makes way more sense story-wise for LZ’s character arc (his extra niceness and tolerance toward his Wei Ying’s weaknesses and desires in his second life are so adorable to see. LZ vowed he would treat his darling right if he ever got a second chance and he really did! ❤️❤️❤️) and heightens the dramatic impact. That image of him trying to hold onto WWX as he dangles over that huge chasm is so visually impactful too... as is WYB’s heartbreaking scream and even sadder whisper of “Wei Ying...” after. 😭 Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for making this vid, and I definitely hope you will make more book vs drama vids for us uninitiated MDZS fans. One big unanswered question I have is the burn scar on Lan Zhan’s chest - how did he get that? Because it’s clearly a copy of the one WWX got saving Mian Mian, right? Did he do it to himself to feel his beloved’s pain? As some kind of hopeless bargaining to have WWX’s spirit come to him?

[@sanjuktamookherjee5135]

You should definitely read the novel... you are really missing out... (exiledrebelsscanlations.com did an amazing job of translating it into English). About the scar...LWJ got drunk once after WWX's death and branded himself with a Wen branding iron at the exact same place (on his chest) where WWX had been branded..it was a futile attempt to atleast keep a part of WWX (like a souvenir) with him or a way of showing that he completely/ willingly accepted WWX as the one and only love of his and belonged to him forever...just as his heart and soul was branded with unconditional and eternal love for WWX, he wanted to physically brand his body too...since he was irrecoverably in love with WWX...as WWX was LWJ'S forever soulmate.

[@mayetlabong4292]

Its really refreshing to have someone explain the story very well. I love the drama and sometimes wonder about the characters they portray.♥️

[@scrsra1883]

Thank you for the video and congrats on 20k subscribers! If I see things through my own perspective, yes, I totally agree with you - knowing what happened to your loved one (i.e. death) is a necessary step to start the healing process. But we're talking about LZ here! Let's face it, he's the type of character who will never get over the loss of The One. So I think that dramaLZ is terribly miserable too; moreover, as someone pointed out, in the drama version there's no body to be found anywhere, so that pesky hope that maybe WY not really, completely, 100%, forever dead must be there... But yeah, bookLZ is epically tragic. Just thinking about all he went through... *sigh*. Authors are so cruel, sometimes even sadistic... and we reader often more than a little masochistic - perfectly balanced I'd say! 🤣🤣

[@crazypeach575]

Let’s not forget that also, when Lan Zhan saved Wei Ying the other cave scene happened where Lwj held his hand passing him spiritual energy while technically confessing to him and wwx kept saying the famous line “Get Lost” that broke our hearts.

[@distisaman702]

That part in the novel broke my heart to pieces😭😭😭

[@muhsinac8063]

Whenever I think about the book LWJ, my heart aches..

[@popkitlum8415]

Yes!! I definitely agree with you. Your assessment is spot on. Thank you. Always enjoy your clarity. Thanks 😊

[@StarElementalDancer]

For me, Guardian is not affecting me even half as much as The Untamed did and still is. I don't think it's a simple formula. Or that we are gluttons for punishment. I certainly am not. It's the BEAUTY of the story because of the kind of CHARACTERS experiencing the story. It's not the events or timeline or what happens, it's how it affects the characters and how they become who they are because of what they went thru. Because they dared to love deeply and passionately for THEMSELVES, without the other person knowing. And the pain and consequences and the beauty found because of love told thru the story and events that happen. To me, the "formula" or the events that happen REVEAL the characters, and THAT IS WHAT I FELL IN LOVE WITH. Not necessarily with the relationship itself or the drama or whatever but with WWX and LWJ. They reflect me. Parts of me I buried. Parts of me I admire. Parts of me I want to be. They teach me what I actually value in life, what I easily fall in love with. They SPEAK on HUNDREDS of different LEVELS to me. And that's why I don't get tired of them. And never will and why I will love them forever and why they have affected me irreparably. They are forever a part of me. And I love it lol ~person who has watched the drama about 15 times now fully and read the novel fully at least 3 times. Yep.

[@seekingcrimsonrain]

I love your analysis and breakdown on what makes this novel/drama so touching on many levels and why I cannot avert the inevitable withdrawal crisis. I've seen many dramas, and this is the only one that has affected me to the point of pathological obsession. I'm rational, so breaking down what it is about this drama that I adore so much is something I keep doing as I watch the web series and read the novel. I appreciate your comment about watching the character development, the teachings and values and how that reflects our personal lives.

[@StarElementalDancer]

@@seekingcrimsonrain Thanks so much for your comment. I'm glad I'm not the only one almost pathologically obsessed. I'm rewatching it now even, after 2 months of leaving it alone after figuring out what was shaking in my soul and brain because of it. I'm sure I will forever love it. And it's cool you adore it too :)

[@kurachan101]

Wow! I am immensly impressed with everyone's detailed explanations why the book LWJ is the way more tragic one. As I have not read up to this point in the book yet, I don't dare to have an opinion on that. But I saw a lot of people make the point, that not being by WWX's side at his last moment to help him is more painful. I would like to argue that actually being there, trying to help him as best you can, even grabbing his hand to keep him from falling, but still failing and having him slip from your hand, might be just as painful. That feeling that even your best efforts are not enough weighs probably just as heavy...

[@jadeshanli4291]

I cry a lot while reading chapter by chapter of Lan Wangji pain and yearning for WWX, playing inquiry but no answer, calling wei ying everynight falling tears everytime, soo heartbreaking, never ending pain and longing for one person, my gosh here I go again cant help

[@shielamarie9152]

Both book and the drama was so depressing to the point that it's hard to forget any scene. Every character is just perfectly build. Thank you for sharing this. I thought I was going to bored because I accidentally click this but yeah... This video is supper interesting, add me as your new subscriber❤💚

[@liviah1248]

I agree that the story lan Wangji has it worse because I would rather see and know what happen than to wonder what happened or how it happened

[@andream5462]

Thank you so much for this video. It has really sparked a very interesting conversation and it was brilliant to watch. I have to agree that book Lan WangJi seems to have gotten the worse treatment. The thing that makes angst like this work is that you ratchet up the pain and tension, the suffering and longing, and then give us a swift release and relief. Its cathartic. The pain drains away and we're left with the rush after. Book Lan WangJi had more conflict with Wei WuXian during his demonic cultivation, he struggled more to remain close to Wei WuXian, unlike the drama, Wei WuXian did not agree to get help from him to remain stable, so Lan WangJi must have felt very helpless.l as he watched Wei WuXian's decline. Wei WuXian didn't seem to realise Lan WangJi was on his side until the very end if the Nightless city battle when he helped him get away. Sonwhen he forgets that battle and the one at Burial mounds, he's convinced Lan WangJi was opposed to him all that time - that is his exact sentiment when he is revived in Mo XuanYu's body, and strangely its true for the drama as well. But looking back at the drama, did he really have a reason to doubt Lan Wangji's friendship when he's revived in the drama? For all that there is censorship in China, the drama portraits a much more romantic lean to their interactions, with much more mutual affection, physical contact, and tacit support in its scenes set in the past after Wei WuXian reappears from being thrown in the burial mounds. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo had great chemistry, I'll be forever greatful. All of the romantic tention in the novel is concentrated to the present scenes more than those in the past, but that's also mainly because Wei WuXian was very dense regarding his feelings and Lan Wangji's feelings in the novel. That's a good topic for discussion too, how the novel portrays their romance, vs how the drama builds it. But to come back to the specific difference you mentioned, I do think that while watching Wei WuXian fall off the ledge and maybe regretting no catching him or seeing it replay in your mind, they had a chance to see each other before the end, to understand each other a little. It wasn't quite a goodbye, but almost. Lan WangJi of the novel didn't get a chance to have final words with Wei WuXian, he missed a whole block of time and conflict that lead to Wei WuXian's death. Just like him we don't know exactly what happened, and so we can only imagine the worst from what different stories we here from the public who hated Wei WuXian. Regarding him playing enquiry all thise years, the whole cultivation world is stated to have been ready and waiting and in the lookout for his return. Mainly. As if he was a boogeyman, and difficult to get rid of, but maybe its like he told Wen Chau, he hadn't had any cleansing rituals done because he wasn't born into a wealthy sect, so the possiblity of him lingering after death, especially after such a spectacle of a death, would have been high. He would surely not be in peace. I think that alone would have given both drama and novel Lan WangJi reason to reach out and seek him, because even after death he might have been suffering? And to post a question regarding his death in the drama, is it me, or when Jiang Cheng stabbed the rock did Wei WuXian look worriedly at the rock Lan WangJi was leaning on before pushing off his hand? Was the ledge unstable? That worried look didn't mesh well with the scene in that it didn't speak of a despairing suicide...

[@stardust-tt6mk]

There are many versions of it, people I follow on twitter went to watch again that scene and pointed out two things: 1) Wei WuXian killed himself like that because he realized he won't have control of his own abilities and he promised to erase the bad from the world and to help the weak so he did what he promised and erased the biggest danger of the cultivation world at that moment which was HIM. People pointed out that it can be ONE of the reasons he committed suicide in Untamed. 2) Other reason that he let go at the very end can also be because that rock was unstable, it was him or both so on top of what he was feeling after losing shijie and everything going south he wasn't going to bear bringing down with him Lan WangJi so he ended up letting go WangJi's hand.

[@andream5462]

@@stardust-tt6mk thank you. I could only think it was option two, but the first iron is interesting as well.

[@mattgerardteves419]

this whole video is mesmerizingly soothing

[@reinaldollano5677]

Thanks for a great video. I love guardians too and agree the similarities are so much. I subscribed and look forward to reviewing your other videos

[@siskahanjoyo8929]

I watched the drama first, then the manhwa, then the donghua, and last, the webnovel. There are quite some differences between them (obviously). About LZ, I could see his most vulnerable point, more of his sentiment, his love for WY from webnovel one (cause it's like the mother of all the adapted version and the drama can't show too much the lovey things or else I think it can't be aired LOL), but I think both versions (novel or drama) do have same kind of thingy that tortured the life of LZ: regrets, tons of em. In the novel, for someone like LZ who would never doing things out of law, he obviously doing it, alot for WY's sake. He actually did try to protect WY with all he got from Bu Ye Tian war (take him to Burial Mound, transferring his energy, face on his own sect and actually injured them, knowingly he could not or never think to escape punishment from his sect after doing those things). Seeing his loved one losing his mind and getting those scram shoutings were not helping at all. And he went back to Gusu to recieve punishment, those 33 marks on his back (which i don't know why he did come back to Gusu that time, perhaps he thought that WY is save already), but some time after that he heard the news of his loved one is dead. Like you said, he don't know anything, how WY died or did he really had perished like what others said, who actually killed him, when was really happening, and it just happened. While he was being oblivious and perhaps thought that he could met WY 3years after his punishment. He might be in his denial about WY's death news, that he actually gone to Burial Mound to take a look by his own two eyes. But found A Yuan instead. He took the lil kiddo, back to Gusu, tried Tian Zi Xiao, doing some crazy things when drunk and ended up with the scar on his left chest (same place where WY got the scar from that crazy wen chao's girl in xuanwu cave). And all my text here just base on one of LZ's base characteristics (never breaking the rules). As for the drama LZ : he also tried hard too, to get WY stopped what he almost did in Bu Ye Tian but he didn't really stand to protect WY the way novel LZ was doing (happy thing is that he did walk with WY from the moments he met WY after 16years, no matter what others said). When I saw the intriguing scene where WY fell of the cliff, I felt that, LZ's regrets must be really huge. Can't protect WY from those who points their dirty fingers to WY. Can't really breaking the law of his sect because he also scared that WY really turned bad from the demonic cultivation. And the worst thing was, he couldn't really bring himself to 100% trust WY even though WY holds such a special place in his heart. Also, watching WY letting himself fell off of the cliff with such smile (felt really lonely, really sad, and somewhat relieved that all was done, none of the people trusted him is alive to support him, he had lost everything). LZ got a grip of WY, tried to pull him up but instead him saving WY, WY was still the one who saved him with jerking his hands from LZ. Watching your treasured one lost his life in front of your eyes yet helplessly can't do anything more. Can't immediately go down there to search for WY cause the punishments he got. I got the feelings of regret more in the drama one. But the two versions gives off the same vibe to me. LZ was never really trusted that WY is totally gone. LZ tried to find WY while roaming around the world with his little string of hope in his mind that WY might still be alive. And living with such a hope is like a coin, got two sides. Good and bad. Good is because it could boast one's strength to keep walking. Bad when you see it as a delusional thinking, like trying to fool urself and can't move on. Either ways, LZ's life is really hard both in novel or drama for me :"( Actually I got so much more to talk about his character, not only from the Bu Ye Tian war POV, but I think this comment is too long already. Thank you for making this video. I enjoyed it a lot. Love from Indonesian 🥰

[@shirleychock]

I think the book version is more tragic because after LWJ rescued WWX and brought him to Burial Mounds, he confessed his love to WWX but WWX was so lost in his madness, he only kept telling LWJ 滚, get lost. But WWX didn't remember that after he was reincarnated. Everything LWJ had to endure with WWX is so much more heart wrenching, knowing this.

[@teenamalanga5342]

I love your videos. Thank you ❤️

[@saratfkh8227]

I sobbed in both like I never even cry EVER especially with books but MDZS ......this story.... sheeeesh I fckn bawled my eyes out especially when after I rewatched the drama twice and then started reading the novel I literally cried in every chapter and then went back to rewatch The Untamed... and omfg the crying kept increasing !!!!! ... I NEVER get attached to any character and forget them as soon as a movie ends.. the first (and last time) I've become this in love with the characters literally everything about them

[@actuallyvidding]

The book version of Lan Zhan definitely had it worst. The fact that he knew his lover was dead but he couldn't be present where it took place must be so frustrating and painful. Even though seeing his love one die in front of his eyes was a cruel way to end the first part of Wei WuXian's life, he at least was there to protect Wei Ying for the last time in that finality. While in the book, he couldn't even do it for that one last time. And regret hunted him for 13 years "Why did I leave him there alone? If I were there, he probably wouldn't end up this way." was probably what he told himself everyday. That's why the line "I wasn't by your side in the nightless city" in the drama doesn't makes a lot of sense since he was practically the only one by Wei WuXian's side that day. And that lead me to comparing the role of Lan WangJi in the Drama and in the Book. I was so glad that I was introduced to the drama first or I'll hate the Untamed forever. It's not the matter of scrip writing or the actors, choosing Wang Yibo as Lan WangJi is definitely one of the best decision they've ever made, I love the script, I love how they portrayed Wei WuXian. It's just this drama version of Lan WangJi specifically that bugged me. They somehow managed to turn this into "Wei WuXian center" type of drama that clearly fail to do the character of Lan WangJi justice. If it wasn't for the last few episodes where Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi pretty much clinged together and how they went as far as for them to carry, cry and even show a little sign of marriage at the very end of the drama, And also if it wasn't for the fact that Lan WangJi face was basically imprinted on the poster with Wei WuXian. Nobody would care about Lan WangJi. Like literally! Nobody, because unlike Wei WuXian, He did nothing, nothing at all!!!! But somehow the WangXian's relationship portraying is really well. I used argue with my friends about how Wei WuXian was my most favourite and no one can tops that, but joke was on me, because the moment I laid my eyes on the book, I just immediately fell in love with Lan WangJi and understood just how righteous and Nobel he is. And for him to gave all of that up and did what he did for Wei Ying and only Wei Ying, I understood how much he loves Wei Ying even more. While in the drama, he is not something big beside being a "suppose to be Wei WuXian's love interest". It's not only what he did for Wei Ying, His characteristics, how well respected Hanguang Jun is, they failed to do all of that justice. Lan Zhan in the drama is just a second young master of the Lan Clan while Lan Zhan in the novel is someone that is very very very well respected by almost everyone in the cultivation world. There is one particular chapter in the novel that the drama didn't adapt properly and still bugs me till this day. It was when Wei Ying said something along the line of (him being the Yiling patriarch, he will always be the target of people. Whether those bad deeds were done by him or not, even if the proof were in the favour of him, people will always find the excuse to accuse him. He is the Yiling Patriarch afterall. But Hanguang Jun is different. He doesn't even have to bother explaining himself. There will always be people that are willing to explain for him. Such as, he was deceived by the Yiling Patriarch and so on.....!)And the novel did that a lot which made us reader understand just how Lan WangJi's status was well respected. This is actually one of the biggest complaint I have for the drama, other than that I love every single moment of it.

[@andream5462]

I read the novel first before watching the drama, and honestly was a little on the fence at first, because the drzma Lan WangJi is not the same as in the novel, but I came to appreciate the character interactions in the drama. Though I do agree that the actions of Lan WangJi in the novel held more weight in the novel, and he put up with a lot more unintentional cruelty as far as Wei WuXian messing around went. Their affection seems a lot more mutual in the drama, with more miscommunication and the resultant angst and tension in the novel

[@tiaaaron3278]

This comment is completely bullshit. The novel is told entirely from Wei Wuxian's perspective. Lan Zhan is merely pining fanboy who is obsessed with WWX even thought Wei Wuxian rests him like garbage. We never experience anything from Lan Zhan's point of view. His stupid fight against the elders happen off pages, his nonexistent development happen off pages, his relationship with WWX has zero development and is borderline creepy and Lan Zhan is so underdeveloped as a character. The drama actually respected Lan Zhan and showed things from his point of view. We learn about and see his anguish and guilt and rage. We see his home getting destroyed and his line about having a clear conscience is just so powerful. He gave himself up to protect his claim disciples and his uncle. His conversation with his brother about wanting to hide and protect a certain person in Gusu is just a sign of his growing love for WWX. And this love grew naturally and organically unlike the novel. Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian became soulmates with so many beautiful moments such as the the night they made their wish. Such beautiful and organic moments were nonexistent in the novel. The drama made Lan Zhan an actual character. Gave him depth and development. Drama >>>>>> novel

[@tiaaaron3278]

@@andream5462 Actions of Lan Zhan in the novel made zero sense and made him pathetic and shallow. He had no reason to fall in love or sacrifice anything for Wei Wuxian in the novel. He did nothing to deserve respect in the novel. Underwritten character is underwritten.

[@andream5462]

@@tiaaaron3278 part of my enjoyment of this series has been seeing others opinions on the story in whichever version and seeing the story from others pov. Every iteration and version adds another layer of colour and depth to the experience that is MDZS/CQL and I am still revelling in the experience. You made me think back on the novel, and I have good memories of it, and of novel Lan Wangji. Maybe I will read it again now that some time has passed and I've watched the drama a few times. My forst encounter with Lan Wangji was via the donghua, and I have been living for his low key fluster ever since. Be kind with your comments, personally I'm not here to bash anybody.

[@miralawliet874]

@Bichen Your comment is very rude and makes zero sense. What do you mean the drama made itself "Wei Wuxian centric"? If you had actually read the novel, you would know the novel is told from Lan Zhan's point of view. Lan Zhan is hardly present, his fight with elders happen offscreen and he's rather underdeveloped as a character. We don't get to read about his grief or know him as a character because the novel was entirely about Wei Wuxian! It was the drama that gave Lan Zhan importance and significance. Even the donghua which tries to be faithful to novel changed Lan Zhan's role and gave him more to do because news flash! Lan Zhan is underwritten in the novel. Your comment is not only nonsensical but extremely entitled and arrogant. You say nobody cares about Drama Lan Zhan? I say speak for yourself not on everyone else's behalf, you arrogant nitwit! I didn't give a damn for Lan Zhan in the novel but it was the drama that made him so wonderful for me. I can write an essay about why Lan Zhan is arguably superior in the drama but it suffices to say Lan Zhan's point of view is given more significance and his hubris is better shown. By the way, how did you decide you love Book-Lan Zhan "the moment you laid your eyes on he book"? Did you simply look at the cover and decide you love that Lan Zhan? LMAO Stop trying to sell your flawed opinions as universal truth. I suggest you not disrespect the drama which obviously put a lot of effort to make Lan Zhan a great and three-dimensional character.

[@casthetokenwinchester8319]

Before watching video: BOOK LAN WANJI🔪 After watching video: yes! we have almost the same feelings about it 😁👍 Though about the 33 elders, I think MXTX really really specified that these elders loved and adored Lan Zhan so thats why they failed at trying to convince him. The book's timeline was also confusing cause nothing was really specified, its all rumors of what happened, like it came from 3rd party's. The drama's timeline was also confusing cause i think halfway into filming they tried to follow the book? But together 🙏 drama and novel completes each other.

[@lux3226]

I know this is a two and a half year old upload, but I just got around to watching it, and the "13/16 years of Resting Bitch Face because the world owes him his WWX" (11:06) literally made me laugh my ass off out of nowhere, scaring the shit out of my husband. I'm not sure why I found that so funny, but it was, and so relatable. Thank you! As far as who I find to be more tragic, I actually feel the drama LWJ is more heartbreaking. Purely because he DOES know how WWX died, stared into his eyes as he fell to his death, can replay that moment over and over and over for the next sixteen years, and can blame himself for lacking the strength and will to hold onto him, in essence, blaming himself for the death of WWX. In the book, because he didn't know exactly what happened, while it could definitely drive him crazy, he still had hope. He could, like in the MDZS Q version, deny the reality of what everyone was saying, and convince himself he could, one day, find him, if only he waited long enough. In the drama, he had no hope. He was a widower, and had completely given up on love altogether. Maybe it can be argued that having hope made it more tragic, but, to me, the drama edges it out a TEENY TINY bit.

[@internetowa33]

I asked myself this exact question not long ago and was delighted to see this video! I find it hard to say which version is more tragic - I do agree that LWJ not knowing what exactly happened on Burial Mounds adds to the pain but as others have pointed out in their comments, so does being on the spot and feeling WWX's hand slip out of his grasp.

[@jeongrhie]

Both have been suffering so much... However, the layer of events are the ones which make the impact become less in the drama... like you said, in the book he saved WWX from the Nightless city battle and poured him with spiritual powers but only to be told to go away, this must add up to LWJ's pain.. and the fact that he LOVES him make it even more tragic. however, in the drama some events were not experienced by LWJ, so I agree with you that they make LWJ life in the drama a bit easier... Even though I've read the book, some parts still got me confused coz not all are told in the book as well... like how WWX died, it was still a mystery even for the novel readers. Then, their relationship in both versions also affected the tragic impact that brought to LWJ... in the novel, it was clear that LWJ loved him that way... while in the drama version, they are "xiongdi" which lighter the weight of their relationship... I'm so happy to see you make another video for The Untamed... I'll love to see another video of The Untamed from you... maybe comparing their Relationship in the book VS in the drama 😂

[@leesuilan]

I also feel that Wangji in the book had it really hard because of his love that had not been given a chance to be voiced and acknowledged. Book Wangji had it really hard. Having to lose someone he loved with no closure just.... 😭😭😭 Still, I feel that The Untamed tried its best to bring that same sense of tragedy for drama Wangji, even if it was not the same type of feeling. It felt very watered down, Drama Wangji feels really different even from the audio and anime one. I do see that Drama Wangji had this one close friend ( soul mate), and never recognized anyone else to share his thoughts. Making him watch this person fall to their death is really very harsh. Just the nightmare of remembering it, I don't know, that would drive someone crazy. It is harsh. I feel that the price of this pain had a better payoff in the book, the happy scenes at the end (I'm so referring to them falling-in- to-the-lake ones) 😁😁😁more than make up for it. While the untamed left me wishing for just one more episode, so I feel that Wangji is at least happy from seeing Wei Ying every day. You totally spark A lot of thoughts. 😺😺😋 Great video.

[@redstarseed514]

I love you but realized that I never subscribe to your channel and so thanks for the reminder, I just subscribed. I support you all the way. You're sooo awesome, I can't say enough!!!!

[@aliarizvi2508]

Topic aside I love how you talk, I love listening to you talk ❤❤

[@fantasy0106]

Obviously in the book there is more suffering because the feeling was not only friendship but love, a strong love added to that the blame for thinking that he had fallen in love with a dark being. All his life he was taught not to get involved with evil people and the world Wei Ying became evil. He was between love and family. Poor my Lanzhan

[@beckyfromhr588]

I feel like drama Lan Wanji was more tragic just because there’s no guarantee that they even ended up together.

[@cearte2007]

Thank you🙏, you explained awesomely.

[@coldcole]

Moral of the story, 蓝忘机's story is a tragic one, but with a HE (happy ending). I really like the book as it touches more one soceital aspects and really makes you think. I vouch for all readers, we really like reading books with tragic plots but makes us think and reconsider our life.

[@scarletakahaka5212]

Drama Wangji saw WuXian die without being able to do anything while novel Wangji didn't even get to see his WuXian before he lost him after that 'get away' part and fighting his sect elders. I think both suffered greatly...

[@bia5141]

I still have yet to experience the original novel by myself by reading it instaed of hearing stuff about it (as I have watched drama and donghua although dongua did not get there yet even in season 2 which it should) I think that both version are equally tragic (although I know where you are coming from and you made a good point to think about). We must not forget that in both version LWJ had to go through 2 most important things are ones that count when it comes to the question of the tragedy- loss of a dear friend and guilt of not being able to save him in sense of bringing him back to Gusu rather than knowledge whether he knew what happened to his friend or not. On one hand LWJ had to witness WWX die and in other he only heard news - if there is a difference then maybe only slightly towards his hatred to Jiang Cheng and time period (13 vs 16 years although as we know and you mentioned that depends on POV).

[@vilena5308]

I agree that the book Lan Zhan had a more tragic story because, in my experience, the unknown is very torturous. My country had a civil war a few decades back and there are many who are still officially missing, their destinies and deaths unknown. Their families live with this every single day. On a more positive note, now I finally know where the fandom-canon of thirteen years of ghost-searching-playing comes from. It took me a while to figure out that it is not a canon I somehow missed, rather it is a head-canon of the fandom en masse.

[@plumplumi]

Thank you very much for this video. In my opinion, drama Lan Zhan is more tragic for 2 reasons. First because of the haunting experience of seeing your love die in this way. Second, because there is still an uncertainty about his death (it's said that his body wasn't recovered, so there's still doubts about if he's really dead) that is added to the maddening process of grieving that can make you extremely disorientated about if someone who passed is still alive or not (i still dream very vivid dreams of my mother being alive a tear and a half after she passed and they can be deeply emotionally confusing). Not being present for Wwx's death makes it more unbelievable but less maddening. While being present during his death and yet having it still surrounded by mystery and uncertainty makes the inner tearing apart of "do i grieve his death or do i continue to believe he's alive?" stronger and potentially more painful.

[@pradnyayedidha8500]

Hi.. what u said is true.. i lost a loved one .. it's been 19 years.. and i still want answers... i have not been able to let go.. just want to meet him .. once.

[@thembinkosi-sibiya512]

For me, it's equally sad and extremely painful. It's almost the same as asking a mother which is more painful. Carrying the baby to term and have them be a still born or carry the baby to term, give birtg to them, hold them, see their smile and then they die. There is no better scenario. It's the same pain. Losing someone you love is hard. Whether you were present or not it doesn't help. In the book LWJ didn't get to see his soalmate die. So, he was left with all these questions. Was he in pain? Did he he call for me? If I was present, would I have saved him? He had saved him before in the 1st battle, so one of the question could be if he were there again in the 2nd battle could he have saved him? As he confessed his love to him at berial mount, did WWX here him. If he were present could he have convinced the other clans to spare him? Could he have changed his mind and made him repent? Those, I think are some of the question the LWJ in the book would ask himself and want to ask WWX.Abd the very fact that he couldn't even get ahold of his body, his bones not even his spirit must have been torture all these years. But then again, the LWJ in the drama was also pitiful. He heard, saw and felt everything. The agonizing pain of seeing the one you love die must have been torturous. What could break his heart more is the look on WWX's face when he realised he had lost control and realised that both the dead and painfully the living were not on his side. The look he had had no hope he was ready to die, because at that moment he truly believed all those who loved him had died. LWJ saw that expression and he dropped everything to save him from killing himself. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who saw it, but WWX didn't want to die anymore when he realized that LWJ was holding on to him. Remember, he always thought that LWJ was against him because he chose the democratic path. When LWJ saved him, he felt his love and at that moment didn't want to die. The JC stabbed the rock that LWJ was leaning against so WWX decided to kill himself to save LWJ. LWJ saw that. This must have been too painful for him too. Because he regretted to being by his side all these years. In the drama version the questions would not be pointed to WWX but to LWJ himself. He'd blame himself more and that guilty ate at him. Maybe if he'd told WWX of his feeling maybe he might still be alive. If he'd stand by his side, he might still be alive. If he'd mastered more strength to pull him up, if he'd been able to stop JC maybe he'd still be alive. Either way guilt or longing. The death of his love must have been painful for both LWJ 's.

[@zan_len]

I had never thought about the fact that LWJ was completely alone in his mourning, every person that WWX cared for and loved him back were dead, he must have deeply cared for A Yuan, with him being the only piece of WWX left... This brings more pain to my already sad heart ;;

[@navyawarrier4513]

Definitely Book Lan Wangji went through more. Not showing parts of it somehow really downplayed LWJ's love for WWX and portrayed WWX as a completely flawless character. As much as I love WWX, the OG WWX was really really mean, unintentionally, but still mean.

[@tiaaaron3278]

Book Wei Wuxian is the definition of Villain Sue. A piece of shir who didn't deserve love. Also his relationship with Lan Zhan was unconvincing before death. The drama made both characters believable.

[@sneezipanda]

I like this new kind of video, love the discussion. Never thought of this question but glad that you brought it up. I agree that the novel version is more tragic. No closure, forever in the dark about what happened to his one and only, just being mentally tortured for 13 years.

[@phungho398]

Would love to see you talk about the side stories, how the drama adapted those stories. Which side story do you think were most well made? Can you make more of these comparisons between the drama and the novel?

[@maiherojj]

I never really thought about that lol. Now that you mentioned it, I wonder what is more haunting for Lan Zhan. Seeing wwx die in front of lz or not knowing how he died. I think either way lz suffers same pain because he lost his lover.

[@electreusenterprise276]

The only part I hate in the drama version was LWJ scenes in every episode was almost cut and there’s also a 2 episodes that LWJ has no show and they did trying to light up the connections between Wen Qing and WWX (bcoz of her connections to d producer) that’s why many viewers got annoyed and demand more scenes and airtime for LWJ. LWJ in my opinion has a greatest part in this story. His misery .. his affection.. and the way he express his love to WWZ. Wang Yibo really did a great job in portraying LWJ.. his eyes and facial expression tells it all but unfortunately in the drama they didn’t show it more to give a story in a book in more justice.

[@tiaaaron3278]

You do realise that Lan Zhan's role was still very beefed up in the drama compared to the novel? Lan Zhan is pretty absent in the book. Lan Zhan was a far better and complex character in the drama. He had an actual and a development and also his bond with Wei Wuxian was so beautifully done. He's such an underwritten character in the novel.