Love of Nirvana

If I wanted to be devastated, I'd watch the news.

==Breakdown==
Background plot / palace intrigue - 60%
Romance - 30%
Random comedy - 10%

Background plot - Fine
Romantic chemistry - Good
Misc comedy - Fine
Production value and direction - Good

Keeping it short, but the ending ruined the whole show. I was warned not to watch Ren Jia Lun's dramas, but this one looked interesting. And, yeah, I won't be watching any more of his shows.
He's EXCELLENT by the way. I mean, he is an incredible actor and so, so good in his role. Mesmerizing. But I don't have the emotional bandwidth to be devastated by something that's supposed to be escapist and entertaining. If I wanted to be devastated, I'd watch the news.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Slow start, picks up in the middle, then drags toward a shit ending.

I feel like I went through all that for nothing.

I just want to make it clear from the outset that I am exclusively a romance watcher, the actual ROMANCE aspect of a story is what i'm interested in and focused on. I rate things based on the quality of the romance part of the story, and how it fits into the plot.

Viewed strictly as a romance, imo this was awful. The romance was a side-dish to the main story, which was basically palace intrigue and political power struggles. There is a love triangle and the dynamics of it are weird and uncomfortable. The ML/FL chemistry was quashed over and over again, leading up to a SINGLE kiss scene you wait 38 episodes for that is maybe the most sanitized kiss scene Ive ever seen, it was basically only visually alluded to.

If you watch for spicy chemistry and romance, then you just get strung along and strung along all the way to the end, for nothing. ML dies.

Production value, acting, ost were all mediocre, except the FL who did a really good job.

First quarter of drama is hard to get into, and you wonder where its going with this large and cumbersome story. Middle 50% was a solid watch. Last 25% just totally dragged and turned into a cringefest of sappy filler monologues and over the top moments.

It was just a cop out of a romance story, and I really find it a shame I wasted so much time on it.

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Great rivalry and dynamics between supersmart and dangerous ML and 2nd ML, and normal girl FL

The "frenemies" relationship between ML and 2nd ML is definitely a highlight of this drama. Their rivalry is so entertaining, plot twists, so wise, both super smart, a little bit dangerous, with adjustable moral compass, you can not really predict what they would do. And both gentle and kind with FL trying to catch her love, so you get to see their soft side, and then you soften up on them... Very intense and captivating dynamics. Especially when you add one is lead by revenge, and the other by ambition. Both obstructed with powerful and cunning people. And both surrounded with loyal team, because it suits with such a powerful men charisma.

Many dramas try to kick of this aura of dangerous powerful super smart and capable man, but don't pull it off. The dialogues are off, the plot, something fails.. But not here.

+
+ ML is something, most actors act with their words, body language and facial expressions. But some actors have so expressive eyes. That's why he can play such a powerful and dominant ML. What I've seen so far Wang Xing Yue has that in The Double. Their characters weren't very vocal, but we understood everything and they transfer a lot of emotion.
+ I like in this show that FL is not some bravado trying to prove her self, she is just a normal girl, genuinely wants to be free, but keeps falling back to a plot, which is understandable given these two MLs. No escaping from them. But she manages to be herself and keep her cute innocent heart, while growing her knowledge and skills to be less of a victim of a scenario. + romantic moments between Ml and FL are cute and gentle. They are not typical bedtime cuddles and kisses. But he never fails to deliver, you will understand as you watch. He is actually perfect for her free spirit and wandering heart. The scene where he finds her hidden above his bed after he did all to protect her and risked his safety, and the relief he felt just as she was safe. As if his safety didn't matter in that moment. And many more scenes like that.
+ episode 5 is a rewatch material 10/10. so many good scenes :) watch a drama at least first 5 episodes. After that you won't be able to stop. :)

-
- Her Master is overpraised, I didn't like the logic behind her character, to manipulative and still presented as green flag.
- The mother of Pei Wan was crazy, but some of her crazy could have been better if there was a better foundation for it. I didn't really understand that part.

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Good production and storyline, but leads lack chemistry making it a waste

The production of this drama is of high quality with right pacing. There isn’t any boring episodes although the last few episodes did drag out the fighting a little.

For a fan of all 3 leads I was looking forward to this drama. But strangely when you put them together it falls so flat. Let me explain my thoughts
1) Ren Jialun was my first C drama super crush. I was so obsessed and charmed by him in The Glory of Tang Dynasty. But since then the only good acting and drama that came from him is Under The Power. I can’t finish anything else with him to the extent that I stopped liking him. The issue is, I think he has stagnated in his acting or has become too self-conscious. He constantly frowns and have this pout or stone face trying to act cool. Dude. Relax. You were so relax and good in GOTD. It has become so boring when he is on screen these days. Just same old single expression. And his chemistry with FL is hardly there. Like there is a barrier. Again in GOTD he was so natural and convincing that I thought he was really in love with Jing Tian. C

Jeremy Tsui is super charming in most dramas. I like him here too. Always deliver. Very expressive. But this script here is illogically making him obsessed over the FL at one stage. Perhaps it’s due to the lack of on screen chemistry and compatibility. He was so good with Andy An in Legend of Dugu and in Autumn Ballad. That’s how it should be. Something just lacks here. B+

Li Landi is very pretty. But she has lost her innocent or cute look. Maybe she has lost weight. Go watch her in Dreaming Back to Qing Dynasty with Wang Anyu. They were so young but so good. Even in the Starry Love, she was so convincing. I think she is miscast here and just not able to generate any spark with either men. This FL role needs someone with really strong character who can handle hurt and deception at a young age. She just cannot. B-

With the 3 leads together, the older casts like Lord Pei Yan’s mum and the Emperor became the real acting powerhouse, even convincingly conveyed the emotions of their young spurned love and sacrifice. Worth mentioning that minor actors that played Mr. Cui and Ms Dong had more sparks than the leads.

Overall the drama has a good story but falls very flat with the acting or lack of chemistry amongst the leads. I think RJL has run out of ideas on how to act and think too much. Maybe he needs to get some acting classes to learn more expressions. Even with a sad background surely the character can afford a smile and don’t need to knit his brows all the time.

Watch if you still like them. Otherwise it’s a torture watching your favourite actors ‘reading scripts’.

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Wonderful Story

There was nothing wrong with this show, I loved watching all the episodes and my eyes were constantly stuck to the screen. I really wish I could’ve watched it all the way through but was spoiled by some random comment which ruined my first time seeing this c drama for me. I knew what was going to happen to one of the major characters in the end so i simply figured there was no point in finishing this show. Although my experience was ruined, the show was genuinely very good and I loved the chemistry between the two protagonists as well as the second male lead (even though some of his actions and decisions were quite questionable towards the end towards the fl).

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Amazing, A Must Watch!

I think the most pitiful person in this story is Jiang Ci. She is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. She has numerous chances to gain her freedom right in front of her, but she constantly turns back just to save those who are dear to her. She is always one of Xie Che's victims but she never realizes it until latter part in the story. She has every right to exert revenge as Wei Zhao, but even that sense of revenge is denied from her for all her life.

If you think about it, the characters' backstory is amazing. I love how Wei Zhao/Xiao Wuxia is neither Liang nor Wei, while Jiang Ci is both Liang and Wei. Just like Yueluo that is trapped between both countries, Jiang Ci is constantly trapped between both male leads who are similarly smart, cunning and manipulative.

Had Pei Yan not have mommy issues and such twisted idea of love (which he realized too late), I would swooned over him so hard I wouldn't even think of Wei Zhao. Unfortunately, no one is perfect, huh. Sadly both male leads carried to much baggage to properly love and care for Jiang Ci. Wei Zhao with his identity as Xiao Wuxia and his mission to get a revenge on his family's killer, Pei Yan with his sense of responsibility towards his clan and his ambition to bring his clan to even higher grounds.

This story is laced with layers of personal grudges, conflicts, and missions of each character, and Jiang Ci is truly the only character who doesn't really have any motive or mission. She is simply trapped in the whirlpool of palace politics and schemes, and unfortunately got splashed by the sewer water called Liang State. Thus, the most miserable character of all. Thus, heed your elders' advice kids. If they warn you not to go down the mountains, do not do it. Otherwise, Jiang Ci could've lived happily ever after with her Master in bliss of ignorance.

I love how this story revolves around parental love and attention as the main plot point. Pei Yan becomes like this because he has received no love from his Rong Yudie. Xie Che becomes like this because his father, the former emperor, favored Xie Chun/Qi Wang more than him. Something small that triggered a domino effect of misery for all its characters. Thus I think the real villain of this story is the former emperor. Had he not have favorite son, Xie Che wouldn't have inferiority complex that fueled his greed and abandoned Rong Yudie and who knows, maybe Xie Che would've married her and Pei Yan became the crown prince. Rong Yudie then wouldn't have such greed and hatred that led her to abandon Pei Yan, and Pei Yan wouldn't have such twisted view of love that tried to chain Jiang Ci. Jiang Ci's father wouldn't have died and she could be the catalyst of peace between Liang and Wei. Her aunt/master wouldn't have died. She could've had a happy family. Xiao Haitian wouldn't have died and Xiao Wuxia wouldn't have had to infiltrate the palace under the identity of 'Wei Zhao'. None of the characters would've met too. Maybe this is the story in another life. Another side of Love of Nirvana.

Another thing I want to praise from this drama is its cinematography. It's just beautifully shot, the scenes are breathtaking! The color grading is also amazing and eye-pleasing. Unfortunately I think the budget for their clothing is limited and makes me feel bored of their same clothes for episodes. Jiang Ci and Pei Yan's closure scene where both finally eat their mutton noodle is really sad and sweet at the same time.

The ending is just too cruel for Wei Zhao / Xiao Wuxia. His death is heartbreaking, that not even his remains are intact. The scene where Jiang Ci is taking what could've been his hair is heart-wrenching. The ending somehow leaves a really bittersweet aftertaste. It's sad that no one will ever know the true details of the death of Prince Qi, as the fact is dead with both the Emperor and Wei Zhao.

I personally think he may have a chance of survival in the end. But he didn't fight for it or ran to the door. I think deep down, Wei Zhao is eaten away with guilt and exhaustion that not even his love for Jiang Ci could save him. He just simply tired of fighting for his life. I think at the last moments he just.. kinda gave up. And I totally understand his reasoning, tracing back his miserable life and fate.

Overall, it's been an amazing drama and I love every second of it. I adore each character, and I love the plotting and scheming.

P.S. I love how An Cheng has calmly accompanied Pei Yan through his delulu puberty self.

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From hate, to understanding, to mutual respect and love

Picture this: you've just selected the perfect perch to admire beautiful people and drink expensive wine. Little do you know, you've now infiltrated a carefully laid-out assassination plan, one which the lives of an entire city hinge on.

A simple case of wrong place, wrong time pushes our happy-go-lucky heroine into dangerous waters, caught up in a high-stakes political chess game. This drama is dark, and unafraid of going to extremes!

For a country bumpkin, Jiang Ci really surprised me: she is innocent, but she is not naive. It takes a certain kind of mettle to hold your own (life—ahem, thanks to a certain masked man) between two powerful schemers. On one hand, she is kept in the mansion of Marquis Pei Yan as bait to lure out the culprit, while on the other, she is hurt and poisoned within an inch of her life by the assailant himself. Jiang Ci has no power, no connections and no martial arts, nor does she have anyone to rely on. Yet, she possesses a formidable inner strength and bravery. She is aware of her restricted agency, yet she persists in finding a way to escape, making her own moves without regret.

As you root for her, you cannot imagine ever understanding, let alone forgiving, Wei Zhao's cruelty towards her. This is when a second perspective emerges, and we learn not everything is so black-and-white as a chessboard— the reality is chillingly bloodstained, involving decades-long genocide and enslavement. It is Wei Zhao alone who carries this burden, dedicating his entire life solely to freeing his people from subjugation,

For viewers, this is a turning point in the story that seems to be polarising: the drama, true to its name, explores the fluidity of empathy and human nature. In truth, Jiang Ci is just sticking to the principles that have guided her since the beginning of the story: her concern and compassion for the people. When she realises it is not just a matter of her own life, she promises to protect the secret of his mission. At this point, our leads shift from "enemies" to "acquaintances no longer in each other's way".

The romance is subtle and slow-burn, progressing from mutual respect and helping each other in Nanling, to admiring and falling in love with each other in Yueluo. Li Landi and Ren Jialun's chemistry is so heart-fluttering that I didn't even care about the lack of skinship. Where Jiang Ci was flirtatious and forward, Wei Zhao is shy—but he is equally deep in yearning. He expresses his feelings in his own hidden ways: the way his eyes track her, smiling when she is happy and noticing when she isn't; when he returns her promises about their future; when he takes care of her while she's sick; and when he gives her his only family keepsake, again symbolic of his own secret promise to her.

There are a few annoying characters in the story: Pei Yan, who for the majority of the drama, is obsessed with keeping Jiang Ci trapped with him. He does get redeemed in the end though. The other is Jiang Ci's master, who mainly served to create more conflict and angst, but this is luckily wrapped up quite quickly.

The final arc in Qingkang is fast-paced, angsty and politics-heavy.

OVERALL: The drama is one of a kind, and the romance was a beautiful and rare, authentic portrayal of enemies to lovers. Wei Zhao is a complex, cunning and selfless character who I fear I will often be comparing to future male leads. He's just THAT guy! The same goes for Jiang Ci: her being a physician and playing an active role in the battles makes SO much sense for her character, because she is not the type to sit still in the face of others' suffering. In that sense, she is as much a protector of the weak as Wei Zhao, which is what incites their mutual attraction.










ENDING SPOILER:
I felt the ending was so unnecessary, and seemed to be directly contradicting all the buildup, foreshadowing and symbolism of the earlier episodes. But, I love this drama too much to give it a lower rating. With that being said: for those considering watching, don't let the ending scare you out of missing on this beautiful story. I don't regret watching it at all!

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AMAZING POLITICAL CHESS GAME SLIGHTLY ROMANTIC DRAMA

If you want to watch a drama with smart calculating manipulative scheming characters in a political romantic genre this is it!!!!!!
A drama that masterfully intertwines political intrigue, emotional depth, and tragic romance.
The story follows Wei Zhao, a man who, under the guise of a loyal court official, infiltrates the Liang Kingdom to uncover the truth behind his family's downfall. His quest for justice leads him into a complex web of political schemes and personal vendettas. Jiang Ci (FL) whom he almost killed three time becomes an unexpected ally and emotional anchor for Wei Zhao, introducing warmth into his otherwise cold and calculated world.
Pei Yan embodies the complexities of power and ambition, adding depth to the political landscape of the series.
The interactions among the trio—Wei Zhao, Jiang Ci, and Pei Yan—are marked by shifting alliances and emotional tensions it was amazing seeing the three working together each time.
"Love of Nirvana" doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its setting. The series is unafraid to depict the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice, it was really brutal and heartbreaking for all the characters who died for justice and peace. culminating in a heart-wrenching finale that underscores the cost of heroism. While the ending may be polarizing, as I wasn't happy with what happened to Wei Zhao.
It was an emotional storytelling, rich character development, intricate plot not boring at all.
For those who appreciate dramas that challenge the boundaries of love and duty, this series offers a profound and moving tale.
I LOVE I RECOMMEND

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Must not miss this golden drama ..best storyline and acting drama ever

This is a total genuine review because I didn't knew the actors of this drama at all so this is not any fan based review but yes after watching this drama , I am truly head over heels for these characters and the same goes for the crews....Actually you may have found many people talking that this drama have BE or don't have many intimate scenes or how could FL lead fall for the guy who tried to kill her....but this all are just absurd non-sense by those who truly haven't watched it or have left it in very early stage(2-3 ep).In reality everything goes with perfect pace and smooth acting which will make you feel amazing !!And what to tell if you are already fan of plot and scheme dramas...Earlier I didn't knew Ren Jialun but after seeing him here for the 1st time I was mesmerized by his acting skills...he has perfectly portrayed the role of Wei Zhao/Xiao Wuxia with perfection of cruelty , meticulousness at outside and kind and soft at inside...each and every scene is perfectly portrayed by him and same goes for Landy Li who played Jiang Ci....and the common interaction between the leads was just superbbbbbb level for me....its truly very unique storyline from rest other dramas.....

All I would like to say that you must not miss this drama and don't stop in between because it gets interesting and interesting after further episodes

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Worth every minute of my time.

This drama has now become my all-time favourite. After seeing "Until the end of the moon", I really thought that no other drama can top it in terms of storyline, ost, casting and acting but I have finally found the one to do that.

This drama itself takes place in the Liang state where Wei Zhao (also known as Xiao Wuxia, played by Ren Jia Lun) seeks to find the truth about his father's and family's downfall. Whilst on this journey, an unfortunate girl, Jiang Ci (played by Landy Li) unintentionally foils his plans, leading to their fates intermingling for the rest of the drama. Based on this description alone, you can discern that this is an enemies-to-lovers trope, and it is, and by far, it is my favourite representation of this trope in all the c-dramas that I have seen.

The characters in the series also play their roles extremely well and there was no particular complaint that I could make regarding the acting or execution of these characters. There weren't any plot holes in terms of motive or background of the characters and this made it such a more enjoyable watch as everything that the characters did had a purpose. The actors did an exquisite job in playing their characters -- I really don't think there could be another cast that could pull off this drama as well as this one did. There was a point where I really hated Pei Yan (you'll understand if you watch the drama) so you can really tell that they were mastering their roles.

The plot of the series was also interesting. As it is a historical c-drama, you can expect a lot of politics however, unlike the other c-dramas that bombard you with a bunch of irrelevant side quests that the characters go through, I didn't feel this way about this c-drama. All the politics in this drama served their role wonderfully and it was actually comprehensible and beginner-friendly for all those who are new to this genre of c-dramas. The romance, of course, is there. I don't know how else to put it but it's just the perfect amount of angst, yearning, passion and sincerity.

The ost of this drama OH MY GOODNESS. I cannot express how well they chose their ost. All of the songs as well as where they were placed throughout the drama made it all the more beautiful as the osts really capture the moment on screen; they made the heartwarming scenes even more cutesy and the depressing scenes even more heart-wrenching. They're definitely going into my favourite ost playlist!

All in all, should you watch this drama? Yes. Should you give it your full attention? Yes. Is there any advice I would give to future watchers? 😇😭🤧

Happy Binging!

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