Yes, I am still here. I got dragged into the world of The Untamed (Chen Qing Ling) Chinese drama and I haven't really wanted to leave it despite watching the final episode a week ago. I'm that into it that I am watching it again, all 50 episodes. I never do that. So when I do, it means a show has affected me on a deeper level. You know the kind of shows that stay with you for weeks, months, years after you finish watching them? I can count the number of those on one hand. It doesn't happen a lot.
Apparently, Ringdoll had a limited release back in the beginning of last year for the two lead characters from the show. How did I not know this? I wouldn't have been able to afford them anyway but here are the links to their original promotion for the curious.
Wei Wuxian by Ringdoll
Lan Wangji by Ringdoll
And an awesome MV of the theme song of the show with scenes from the show: Wuji
I could gush about The Untamed all day but let's move on to today's post. I had been wanting to try a different hairstyle for Gwydion for a while now so I decided to just see how it would turn out. It's not bad. This wig is really hard to work with though. I really like the hairstyles of the period The Untamed is set in. I particularly see this hairstyle in my Eastern Empire of the fantasy story. Teo definitely needs one of those hairstyles. I really don't like the red wig on him.
I'm calling this shoot the Light of Heaven. In this costume, he kind of reminds me of a God or an Immortal. He doesn't really look human or mortal. I've been debating changing the urban fantasy story to my Immortals story instead. I'm not sure yet. I'm not really happy with 'The New World" Story. Eve doesn't look good in photos next to him because of her big melon head and big stylised eyes and he's more realistic looking. If he were to be one of the Immortals, I would say he would probably be the God of Beauty/ Love or the God of Wisdom.
I have to say I really LOVE dressing my dolls in fantasy clothes. Outfits I can't ever wear unless I am going to a costume party or something. This is why I started collecting these dolls in the first place. How did I lose my way?
On the upside, this lockdown means I haven't spent any money so when things start to get back to business as usual whenever that may be, at least I will have the funds to buy some of the fantasy outfits I've had my eye on. Look on the bright side right?
To end this post on a high note, I wanted to share a dance video with you. I've been following the two lead actors from The Untamed and one of them, Wang Yibo is an incredible dancer (he also does a bunch of stuff - it makes me tired just listing them all!). The tune in this video is catchy and I was amazed that despite this being a dance routine that has obviously been designed for females, he pulls it off so well and somehow manages to make it look masculine! Not to mention this man has a beautiful smile.
Produce 101 - Wang Yibo
I spend way too much time on Youtube these days. For the curious, I stumbled on videos about Ringdoll's artist and the Raccoondoll artist that is worth a watch.
Ringdoll - Handmade Spiritual Discipline Film
The Story Global - The emergence of Goddess class Ball Joint Doll
Gwydion looks splendid in that hairstyle and costume! He really has that aura of a god or king. I'm not really a fan of Chinese culture and Three Kingdoms period but I'll give that drama a try.
ReplyDeleteThat's the word I was trying to think of, aura. Yep, he definitely has that sort of aura about him and I think it suits him well. If you can get past the first 10 episodes (the story takes a bit to lift off), the pacing speeds up after that and it's a good ride. But if you're really not a fan of Chinese culture, you might not enjoy it. I don't really have any strong feelings about the culture or anything like that, I just like a good story and characters.
DeleteSuch a gorgeous robes and Gwydion looks breathtaking wearing them! I didn't watch that drama, but I'm a huge fan of "Dynasty Warriors" series (set in Three Kingdoms period) and I simply adore ancient Chinese fashion ;). The main part of my BJDs crew story is set in something-like-a-fantasy-China ;).
ReplyDeleteHe suits the rich colours and fabrics I think. Coupled with his hair and soft face, I think the colours in particular really bring out that softness. I haven't heard of Dynasty Warriors but I will have to check it out. I'm a bit fuzzy on the whole Three Kingdoms period - need to do more research! Ancient Chinese clothing is really nice. I love how it flows so beautifully. Particularly during sword fights. Is that the fantasy story you post snippets of sometimes? I thought it had a different feel/vibe to the standard western fantasy type stories.
DeleteDynasty Warriors is a series of hack&slash games, but with good chunk of history in form of dialogues and scenes. If you would be interested, the best part (in my opinion) is the complete version of DW 8. Each of the games follows the Three Kingdoms Story, so if you are not a VERY devoted fan, one game is absolutely egough ;).The newest, DW 9, is... not really good, and I cannot recommend it.
DeleteYes, it's that story I post from time to time. I'm too lazy with sewing - there would be more episodes if not for that...
Ah thanks for the explanation. I thought it was a show by hack and slash games are actually something I play. I was playing Titan Quest and Grim Dawn. Back in the day I played a lot of Diablo. But Dynasty Warriors sounds interesting. I will definitely check it out. Thank you for the rec.
DeleteI feel you except replace sewing with props. Ack, I keep thinking I need props and sets for my big dolls but I can't get away with "make-do" materials for that size that I can with say, Barbie. I can already picture the sort of room set Gwydion would love to lounge around in.
Gwydion looks very nice in this hairstyle and the outfit, like a God of Wisdom (for me).
ReplyDeleteHave not seen the Chinese drama you write about or even heard about it. I do not think they send it here, but need to check that up!
He definitely looks like a God but I will be making him one of my Immortals. It is a good show if you like a different type of fantasy story, want to see gorgeous costumes and beautiful cinematography and breathtaking locations. Not mention for me, superb acting. The characters from that show will stay with me for a long time.
DeleteYep the changes are really great Alasse, I agree with your thoughts of making him one of your Immortals, I really think it would work. Although I don't watch the same shows as you, I do appreciate the historical costuming of the movies I watch too and fully understand your love of the artistry.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs,
X
I think he could be one of the more powerful ones in my story. There are some minor ones but he has the charisma to be one of the higher ups. I really adore historical costumes and artistry as you said. I think it's primarily what draws me to these shows and the characters of course. Although having said that, no amount of artistry will help a show that has a flat story and characters and no chemistry between the leads. I've dropped shows for less. I'm on my second watch of this show and find myself still binge watching it even though I know what comes next!! Crazy huh?
DeleteI love his look! Hairstyle looks really good on photos and I love the outfit.
ReplyDeleteYou made me very curious about The Untamed... I was looking for something to watch recently - maybe this is my answer?
I enjoyed making his hairstyle. I might refine it again later though.
DeleteThere was just something about The Untamed that really captured my heart. I don't know what it is exactly but I fell in love enough to want dolls of the two main characters and I usually never turn my dolls into characters that already exist! If you do end up watching it, let me know what you think. Just be warned the first 10 episodes are a bit slow going and a bit of a slog for new people. I was like that on my first watch but after that the action picks up. On my second viewing though, I savoured those early episodes because of the nostalgia that followed in later episodes.
That hairstyle does look great on him, he is a beautiful looking doll.
ReplyDeleteI love how you have such great plans for your characters and that they have amazingly detailed back stories, I wish I were able to think like that with my dolls. :)
The Thorn Birds was one of those series that I could watch over and over, and have done!!!
Big hugs
Sharon xx
I just wish I had more time to write all the stories down to be honest. I am really happy with how he is shaping up.
DeleteI think the only other shows I could watch over and over was Star Wars before this one.