Nirvana in Fire

This was a phenomenon drama, really one of a kind. The casting was out of this world, the acting was just at another level, the soundtrack was amazing and it paired well with each of the scenes. This would be one of those dramas that I can watch over and over again. The storyline was epic and it was intriguing to follow through. There were so many parts of it that I couldn't help but cry for the main character and Hu Ge was just amazing in his performance. I fell in love with this series immediately and with each passing episode, I fell more in love each time.

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This story was brilliantly told if not portrayed. I loved everything about this drama and finished it less than a week.

The cast was outstanding and well-balanced. When emotions were to be conveyed they did such a wonderful job doing it that it would pull at the hardest heart strings of any viewer.
Mei Changsu planning was meticulous and his way of delving out justice was eye-opening as his agenda wasn't about getting revenge but making things right.

The bromance in this is by far the best I've ever seen...and I've watched a hell of a lot of dramas.

The reason I took off a half a point is because this is really like story-telling, there are some scenes I would have wished to have seen, but instead it was explained away instead.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good bromance, know what you getting into by reading the synopsis and okay with crying a few tears.

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Not quite perfect, but not far, either.

My first foray into Asian dramas and I wasn't disappointed! It's an epic 100% worth the time and among the greatest of all time television series (including western TV). Costuming is so perfect you'll want to cry and the cast's acting and chemistry is unparalleled in anything I've seen before. Pacing is good and there is little filler, and I appreciate that a lot of things, sometimes huge things, happen unceremoniously offscreen. The show only rarely pontificates, repeats, or overexplains things; in other words, it doesn't treat the viewer like an idiot who can't keep up.

However, not knowing who Liu Tao was meant that I largely went "so what" over what little romance there was; what few scenes there were were out of place, not well written, and seemed to rely largely on her star power. Zzz.

I also wish there had been more intimate (platonic) scenes and between Su and Jing. I don't feel like their brotherhood was really given the time it deserved. Some flashbacks would have also helped illustrate just how deep their bond ran... because otherwise, we are just supposed to trust the things coming out of their mouths.

Chinese censorship is also felt through the lack of dimensionality - in Game of Thrones, you have several factions, some of whom have justified claims, and all of whom have their own (usually competing) interests. How those interests resolve is what made GOT so fun to watch, and its morally gray characters were some of the best characters in the series. By comparison, Nirvana in Fire just feels like it's lacking dynamism and, in the end, is very much just a "good guys vs bad guys" kind of show, which was a bit of a letdown to me.

All in all, it's a great show, definitely worth watching the entire 54 episodes at least once. However, I don't know that I personally will be rewatching it in its entirety, namely because while I loved many of the characters, the main protagonist and his shallow relationships left me with an apathetic feeling about the supposedly bittersweet events taking place. I'll likely go back and rewatch only a handful of episodes, particularly the ones around the spring hunt.

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The best drama ever!! I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days!!

This has to be one of the best shows of all time, if not the best!! I LOVE the lead pair so soooooo much!! They’re officially my fav couple of all time, topping Huang Rong & Guo Jing (Legend of the Condor Heroes, 2003), Zhang Wuji & Zhao Min (Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber, 2003), and Ren Ying Ying & Linghu Chong (The Smiling Proud Wanderer, 2001). I can’t believe I put it off for so long, thinking it would be a typical court drama, but boy, was I so wrong. Everything is perfect in terms of acting, story, characters, production, screenplay, cinematography, camera work, OST, and casting. There are no perfect dramas, but this drama is the closest to perfection among the dramas I’ve seen. I will be rewatching it multiple times in the future.

Update:
I have rewatched the show twice since I posted the initial review, lol. It gets better with each rewatch and helps you better understand the plot's intricacies, characters, and motivations. It might be one of the few shows where I equally like all the protagonists and antagonists. Not to mention, we have different types of incredible, nuanced, badass, and impactful female characters, and the show gave them full justice. The show made me head over heels for Princess Nihuang's character and Liu Tao, but that’s for another time.

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binging this when i'm sick in the first week of new year with exams going on was not the best idea. a couple of boxes of tissues comes in handy because oh wow was this rollercoaster both emotional and iNTENSE.

it took me 5 tries to get into this drama because i'm an absolute clown listening to political talks. the first 3 or 4 episodes can be overwhelming with the amount of information bombarded at your face. on top of that, you have character names to remember. basically, you literally need to have an open mind like literally open your brain, have it turned on and make it function because you never know what impact those characters have on the story.

the charming points that caught my eye is ma boi sir su, ma girl princess nihuang, relatable meng zi, babie boi fei lu and hella fine prince jing.
ma boi sir su is such an admirable character that doesn't fail to interest me. he had everything planned to attain justice not for himself but for the many who had their reputations smudged by false facts that were made to be known for many years. he is not careless to make a single misstep and where there is one, he is quick to resolve the problem.

while the ending was emotional, i didn't feel like it was that climatic. what i do like is it leaves room for questions and makes me eager to watch season 2.

p.s. A+ for the beautiful ost, the pigeon and yes to the tangerines

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Yes, the characters jump 20 ft in the air. Yes, the tone can kind of be ridiculous sometimes and seem over the top. Yes, this is also one of the best shows I've ever watched in my life. THE STORY TELLING IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. The foreshadowing even from episode one is so clever and Mei Changsu is just SUCH A PROTAGONIST. Like I love crafty, scheming characters and he is no exception. His will to do anything in his power to receive justice and put Jingyan on the throne no matter what happens to him... Like his line about doing the things Jingyan won't be able to do like he really said I'll be the bad guy so you don't have to <3 like those two are INSANE. Mei Changsu is just a brilliantly written character. He's extremely sick and always one step away from death, but he's man on a very dedicated mission. And atp he really does have nothing to lose so ofc he's going to do the actual most and have all the audacity ever. Ugh i love him. That being said, I also ADORE Prince Jing as the justice focused, honorable soldier type who doesn't even want the throne until master manipulator Mei Changsu comes along. Jingyan and Changsu complement each other so well and just have one of the best dynamics of all time like YEAH THEY !!! Ofc the plots are so well thought-out and leave you on the edge of your seat and YEAH Jingrui's birthday party arc is my favorite arc of television EVER. NO ONE could've prepared me for the sheer insanity that I witnessed like just. HUHHHHH. How was any of that real... WHAT AN INSANE COUPLE OF EPS. And yeah that being said never invite Mei Changsu to your bday party. But yeah the plot is perfect and so brilliantly written and every single one of the twenty million characters are brilliantly. Yeah, it can be hard to keep track of all of them but they're all perfect. Commander Meng is loyal to a fault and such a fun character like what a guy I adore him. Fei Liu is just <333 Another loyal to a fault character he was just everything I love his dynamic with MCS. Prince Yu is so hilariously pathetic he's so funny. AND THEN THERES THE WOMEN !!!! Nihuang is perfect, Xia Dong is perfect, Consort Jing may be the best character in the show, AND THEN THERES BANRUO. No one has ever gaslit gatekept and girlbossed like her im absolutely OBSESSED WITH HER. Like Prince Yu is so STUPID he would be NOWHERE without Banruo. This show is just genuinely incredible and completely keeps your attention for all 50+ eps ugh i just truly am obsessed with this show its just so well written <33

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Possibly one of the best court dramas in any language

A piece of fiction that has all the basics covered. The plot is exiting at every instance, the characters intriguing. While there are many twists and turns that the side characters go through, we see the drama through the focal point of all those twists and hence, the audience is let in on all there is to the drama. The showrunners, therefore, counted on the characters to be relatable and flawed enough that their reactions to those twists to be the anticipated parts of the drama.

The overarching story, therefore, is very simple. It's a story about a man whose family and friends were wiped out by a proud, foolish emperor. Instead of revenge being his driving principle, he sought after seeking justice for their legacy and a better future of his homeland.

Music fixes a lot of the flaws of the drama. It has a romance plot between the protagonist and his former betrothed. Their relationship was sadly not explored enough but the saving grace was the acting and the music alleviated them as much as possible. A lot of characters were also not explored enough. Consort Jing for example never had any role in the story besides feeling sad for the past and helping her son and the main character. Unfortunately, almost all female characters in the story shared the same fate. They had no desires or interests of their own aside from helping the male figures closest to them.

But, despite its flaws, it is possibly one of the best court dramas ever made. It has the right pacing, the right plots, the right actors and the right dialogue to keep audience on their toes. The values espoused by this drama are the same as most dramas that tell age old tales of brotherhood, community and bravery. Hence, I recommend everyone to watch it. It has something for everyone.

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I usually dislike long drama series. Mostly because i find long serial drama has too much plots and it felt dragging. However, this is not the case with this drama. Each plot has reasons and justify the progress to the end. This is the exact example of well written script.

This drama is exceptional with the push of the talented actors and actress as well. Hu Ge especially has been able to display Lin shu's passion to clear his family and army which is hidden behind his frail body. His tale is indeed sad but inspiring. He is an amazing person who is also recieved love the most from everyone around him. All of his followers follow him not because of fear, but love and loyalty. He is an unforgetable character and has become one of my most fav too.

Another thing that I love is the fact that the story highlight the importance of loyalty, family love and amazing display strategies.
This drama is a total must watch.

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Exceptional plot twist and mouth gaping story~!!

Spoiler!! Be ready for Wu Lei, He'll be coming at you HARD!!

I don't even know where to start! This drama has brought me so much amazement that made me reassess my hopes and expectation in every climatic scenes cause they never go the way I thought it would be; It made me realize how dumb I am. Hahaha

It's a story that is smartly created and is placed accordingly without any loop holes. I'm not that keen but I can usually see through plot holes and such however this drama really is a cut above the rest. Hands down to that! My compliments and respect to the author/writer of this drama.

Another thing I notice is how abundant the budget is. This is a drama that thought me how big of a difference there is between Well Funded and Greatly Funded projects. This drama surely SPENT so much. From the costume, the location, the # of people, the horses and all other stuff. Just Wow!

ONE FACTOR that must be praise no matter what is its Meticulous tactics and planning. I love guessing of what might happen next but I just never got it right. Really, It always goes the opposite way of how i thoihjt it would and that is a Great Indication of an outstanding piece. Deserved every high praises!

Story - 10, I have high praises and mad respect to this story and it's writer. It's almost 1 in a million chance that I get to encounter such a great piece in this oversaturated dramaland.

Acting/Cast - 10, Do I even need to tell? Main Leads are Phenomenal so does the 2nd Leads and other actors. Everyone is well-versed with their characters. You'll know they're professional when you see the fire and concentration on their eyes. It's different to how "experienced actors" look like; they're certainly on that PRO LEVEL.

Music - 10, I appreciate how the music compliments the scenes and story. It never bothered me instead soothed me and highlighted the emotions the actors are sending/relaying when the music plays in each scene.

Rewatch Value - 10, No doubt that this is a great drama which deserves all the views it can accomodate! I will surely rewatch it IF I feel the need to watch a drama that's above the usual cliche storyline.

Overall - 10, I would be to ashamed not to give it a Perfect score! It deserved all the love and support. EXCELLENT & PHENOMENAL!!

If you find my review helpful please let me know.

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ABSOLUTE GEM

Do you know he was in a car accident and has to be out for a year or something. Didn’t know if he was ever going to walk again. The director decided they will wait for him to come back. No one else can replace him for this role. Notice his eye lid has a scar. He fought his way back against all odds. Bravo to Hu Ge !
NIF has all leading actors and actresses; there are no supporting. Everyone performed superbly of their roles. Each of their performance absolutely will make you BELIEVE in their struggle, love, care, goals, principle etc. their performances will draw you in emotionally and as if also physically. You’ll find your heart and breath skip the beat as you can feel their anguish, pain and happiness.
The whole story is so well coherently written and told. The plots and their exquisitely smart dialogues in each and every moment are all necessary; not more and not less …. Such perfection! The entire drama shows great respect to its audience with zero dumb or nonsense moments.
The costumes were rich, beautiful and elegant.
There’s so much depth in this drama and its pure beauty in conveying it to us make this drama 100% enjoyable watching it over and over and over again. Love it to death.

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