Would have been amazing had it not been dragged out
This was the first Chinese drama I've watched. I was drawn in by the fantasy premise, beautiful costumes, and knowing to expect a turbulent romance. And I got it all. The story was very interesting, especially the worldbuilding elements. As a fan of aristocratic romances, I really like the idea of gods and relationships between them. A plentiful cast of talented actors (though some of them were overacting at times) with colourful characters, each with their own personality, albeit one-dimensional at the time. In regards to the plot, it was very well thought out, with multiple twists over the course of the story to keep you from being bored. However...The biggest problem I had with this series is that it was just... too... long... Was it really necessary to have 63 episodes, each 45 minutes long? I'm sure there was a way to tighten the story a bit to make it more appealing. It dragged out for too long, which ultimately, led to other elements suffering from it. At certain point, I've started counting the number of times the same plot points were being repeated over and over again, bringing literally nothing new to the story. I would actually love to rewatch this series at least once again, because I love the romance between the main couple, but I just cannot bring myself to do that. Also, I wasn't a huge fan of the ending (I just don't enjoy resolutions like that), but this is strictly subjective opinion (and mostly acts as a note to my future self that rewatching it might end up wasting my time).
Overall: I recommend watching this drama if you like slow burn romance - kike, the microwave is off and someone is blowing hot air behind it-kind of slow burn (thanks, Katya Zamolodchikova, for painting a perfect picture of my feelings toward this drama) - also fantasy elements, really cool cinematography & fierce costuming.
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Amazing emotional drama soap opera worthy
One of my favorites chinese dramas, Ashes of Love tells the story of Jinmi, a fruit fairy with lots of secrets and a misterious past she doesn't even know about, and Xufeng, a fenix prince from Celestial world that is about to reborn after 50 years. It´s an amazing drama that got me crying and laughing all the way through it, making me very emotional and curious about their story. The chemistry and the romance is got tier, with a lots of plottwists and drama soap opera worthy. The fact she is inable to have feelings makes everything more interesting and the angsty is almost umbearable. The acting is incredible and the OST got all of us shaking. And we are not even gonna talk about Luo Yunxis performance as Prince Runyu, the character with most character development i have ever seen in the screen that got all of us craving for his happy ending and less tears.Was this review helpful to you?
An Epic Escape from Reality
As I eagerly clicked "next episode" at 4 am while binging this show all within a week, I was a bit sad knowing that this show would come to an end. I enjoyed the ride wholeheartedly. The first night I watched the first few episodes, I ended up youtubing and spoiled myself fully but I think it prepared me for the trouble lying ahead.I read reviews beforehand to see if it was worth sinking my time into 63 episodes when I feel like I shouldn't have all that time devoted to watching dramas in a week. And for me, it was worth it. Just a bit of a backstory on my viewership so you know where this review is coming from - this is only my third xianxia drama I've watched besides The Untamed and Eternal Love, so I don't have a lot to compare it to.
The music is epic. I had seen people on reddit commenting about the great Ashes of Love soundtrack so that actually piqued my curiosity. Indeed, I agree. Just looked up Sa Dingding and didn't know she was Yuanji - her voice is amazing. Upwards to the Moon is hypnotizing.
I saw some reviews from Runyu fans. He had some excellent scenes. I would not feel sorry for him because Luo Yunxi definitely got to run through all these emotions and probably had the character with the most depth. And please note, I am the one who laughs when I see the jealous unloved character on screen. So watching Runyu grip his fist at seeing Jimi and Xufeng together was a LOL for me. Runyu is f'n hilarious. Did my heart break for him even with his sad past? No, not really. That being said, I liked him and I rooted for him to get his revenge.
I had never seen Deng Lun before in my life so I was pleased with him. Xufeng is what I would describe as a primal, loyal, simple-minded and hotblooded male. I saw reviews complaining about Jinmi/Yang Zi. I have seen a few episodes of the Oath of Love where I thought Yang Zi's character was annoying so I braced myself for this. But I think she was amazing as Jinmi and Jinmi's character grew. She went from a happy-go-lucky grape to an icy petal princess clutching a dagger. Did my heart break for Jinmi? Yes, I actually felt her pain.
I also saw comments about how good the production was and I also agree. Beautiful set/visual design. I enjoyed how the show went all out for the weddings.
So, if you are looking for a roller coaster love story of a Phoenix and a Frost Flower with a Dragon raging in the background, I recommend watching. Also by the way, you have to have some degree of tolerance for all of the WUHUI you will witness.
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The story was very intriguing. It was so magnetic, I found myself binge watching until 3am. Eek! It had me hooked, there were little parts where I fast forward, but overall the story and plot was great. I liked the buildup for each character, and it wasn’t drawn out.
The acting was magnificent. I’ve only seen Yang Zi in Noble Aspirations, and hated her in that drama but when I read the synopsis, I was like oh wow she’ll be perfect because she was so stoic faced, but this drama brought out a very cute side to YZ. I also liked our two male leads, both very eye-catching and cute!
Music – no idea what the lyrics were, but I liked the music and felt bad only watching on mute at times.
Cinematography was amazing. I watched is on Netflix so the quality was amazing, I recommend watching in high quality if possible. The outfits, shots, and set were done nicely.
I liked the ending, and how it incorporated our main characters. I liked the side characters too, such as Mr. Puchi, Fox Fairy and Mr. Hu. I would take a part two of this movie, if those three were involved. The ending leads us to believe there’ll be a part two, perhaps involving the kids of our main lead.
I'm definitely rewatching this, it's up there next to 10MPB
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I could rewatch this drama multiple times. And I will never get tired of looking at the mighty Phoenix! ????
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Long but good storyline
This was my second xianxia genre I watched. it was so interesting to watch all the components and storyline. Although very long, I was never bored, maybe a bit frustrated with the FL at times, but I never paused watching. Characters have growth and love story was carefree and also heart wrenching. I would definitely rewatch as it’s been a couple of years since I first watched.Was this review helpful to you?
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This review may contain spoilers
I am still quite neophyte to C-Dramas and I am seriously learning how to understand Mandarin with a positive high regard! Next to the Rise Of Phoenixes (Netflix drama - EXCELLENT), which was my introduction to a whole new genre of storytelling, Ashes of Love is now my all time favorite, along with the actors Deng Lun (forever, can now watch him stand still and chew gum) and Yang Zi (in this role specific).Since this, I've watched quite a few stories and have a very small Mandarin lexicon of words I can now recognize when I hear them. But from Ashes of Love, the number one word/name for me is, "Fenghuang"/ Phoenix / "wo ai ni / I love you!" Cried like a baby during that scene. OMG, I can watch Eps.19-63 over and over again just to see the build up, the wait to hear it and then to watch the reception of it. Fabulous!
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A beautifully composed drama that's far from perfect but that's what makes it so amazing!
What a wild ride. Ashes of Love is my fourth C-drama I have watched since April and I'm really satisfied with how this drama concluded. The casting directors cast their people well and while every single one of them did a tremendously well job at portraying their characters, I especially fell in love with Luo Yun Xi who plays Run Yu, the misunderstood dragon boy who captured my heart from day one with his mysterious personality and gentle smile. But let's not forget to mention Andy Yang, who outdid herself playing an at first innocent and naive Jin Mi who later transformed into a responsible and selfless immortal, Deng Lu as Xufeng, the on the outside arrogant and stoic looking Fire Immortal, Faye Wang as the ruthless Sui He and Kathy Chow as late Heavenly Empress. All of them drew me in right from the beginning which made watching this 63 episode long drama feel like it passed by in the blink of an eye.I did end up skipping several scenes but most of those included the Heavenly Emperor and the late Floral Immortal whose love story I wasn't very invested in. Shit happens though :D
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I decided to watch this drama because of Deng Lun. I loved him in 'Because of You' as Li Yun Kai. Straightaway I loved Yang Zi as Jinmi. She has a very cute yet naive character. Like 'Eternal Love' the characters go through some sort of hardship that matures them. I enjoyed this as it really moves the plot along.
The music is very calming and I know I will listen to it as I did with 'Eternal Love'. I do prefer the characters in this drama though as they are not as annoying.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'd say the main leads managed to hold the drama together. Which is really rare on historical C-Dramas.Story/Plot: The story revolves around the ill-fated love of Xu Feng (the second prince of the Heavenly Realm) and Jin Mi (the daughter of the former Flower Immortal). With their titles come the heavy history wrought in their very being. I'm not fond of their parent's history but then that made their ill-fate so tragic, I guess. Considering that the dramas was long (63 eps in all), I'd say the pace was just right. I was skeptical at first cause how the hell do you stretch a 24 chapters novel into a 60+ ep drama? But HSALF didn't disappoint at all. I love their light-hearted and innocent interactions at the beginning of the film. When they plunged into the mortal realm before ep 20, I thought it was too soon. But it was just the right timing. Saintess and Yaya's time as mortal was honestly a gem for feels. It didn't disappoint at all. Shout out to that very goth ending to their story. It was Beautiful.
Back in heaven, we are given a few more eps of fluff and downright intense encounter before they break our hearts. I'd usually think that the climax being around ep 44 is premature but as the drama has taught me early, it knows what its doing. It was hard watching both Xu Feng and Jin Mi break each other's heart but I reveled in all the angst they offered me. My heart broke whenever Jin Mi and Xu Feng said and did things to hurt one another. But it was all so worth it. I didn't even mind all the sub-plots. Liu Ying and Mu Ci's story was heart-warming. I'm glad to have known them. It was hard for me to watch Run Yu love Jin Mi. I wished he was given another love line in the end. After everything, the drama was just fantastic.
Acting/Cast: Yang Zi and Deng Lun delivered outstanding performances on portraying Jin Mi and Xu Feng and I cannot be more proud. They faced criticism when they were casted but in the end, I think no other couple could have captured and played Jin Mi and Xu Feng as well as they did. All the other cast didn't disappoint too. They were all amazing. Yan You and Run Yu deserves a shout out for helping both leads. I'd say the final episodes solidified Deng Lun's acting capabilities. I mean, Yang Zi was amazing too but Deng Lun had more to prove than her. I've seen Deng Lun in Princess Agents and Because of You and I think Xu Feng is his superior role out of them all (even if I haven't seen all his work).
Music: The BGM is to die for. It was so on point in every scene. I especially love that Deng Lun and Yang Zi sang an OST together (Frostless Heaven and Earth). Deng Lun sang it in solo too. And Yang Zi sang Love Frost and her voice was just mesmerizing. There are other notable songs too, Upwards to the Moon and Unsullied.
Rewatch Value: Definitely a must watch and a worthy binge-watch no matter how many times you've seen it. I'd really recommend it to friends who are starting out on C-Dramas. It was such an amazing experience for me that I'd really want others to understand how it felt.
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This review may contain spoilers
I hesitated a lot before I started watching this ... why ? Because I hate love triangles. The whole thing about the pure ordinary girl who suddenly has two handsome men vying for her was just getting on my nerves. Especially if she had a hard time choosing and was just dragging both along.
However here its done perfectly. She isn't dumb or mean. She doesn't want to drag anyone along.
The story was just amazing. It was sweet dramatic and yes sometimes sad. Especially the demon princess my heart goes out to her. But if was beautiful. Not too much jealously, not too much political scheming ( which I hate when it comes to a point where I have no idea what's even going on anymore ) . Its an A+ story and its has a happy ending which is so important for me.
The chemistry between the leads is amazing. He loves her and you can notice it. Later one when she also falls for him you can see it and you can see her struggle.
I love him as an actor but the female main lead takes the cake on this drama. She portrays the innocent one at the start so well and shows the character growth. Honestly I have completely fallen in love with her acting.
The music was also great to support the story and its wasn't overbearing.
The only critic I have is not even with the drama. I watched this drama on Viki and if you also plan to do this, let me advise you of one thing. DONT AND I REPEAT DONT READ THE SUMMARY!!!! It's a major spoiler. It spoilers one of the best plot twists in the entire drama.... so don't read it .
To someone who is unsure let me tell you this drama won't waste your time. It will be fun amazing and even make you think. And overall its funny and cute and romantic. Im really asking how can you not love this drama ?
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