This was a phenomenal drama.
I will admit I was skeptical about how good this drama was. I was watching it waiting for the shoe to drop, but my head is still intact and I completed the drama. I was truly amazed at how well written and acted this drama was.
Pros:
1. This was a drama about the throne without the 'drama' of the throne just the 'game' of the throne.
2. Although you knew the ending of the drama by episode 10 you still could not predict what would happen and the ending still surprised you.
3. Brains will always win.
Cons: There was no romance of any kind! I repeat! no romance even though there were marriages.
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Simply amazing
I’m currently rewatching this masterpiece! It’s one of the best if not the best Chinese dramas I’ve ever watched! Such an interesting and complex story and characters! So many plot twists! All of the characters, whether they’re good or evil are so well written and the actors did a great job too! I recommend it to everyone!!!Was this review helpful to you?
Reviewed in increments~ Intense, straightforward storyline! 5 Stars!
Ep 19 ~ so glad I finally found a complete eng sub version of this drama series! The cast is amazing! Storyline intriguing,… intense, with very few draggy scenes up to this, almost halfway point! Love it so much!Ep 50 ~ omg! The performances of the entire cast is fantastic! This has been one of the best drama series I’ve seen in a very long time! I will miss this storyline and the characters very much!
Completed! Enjoyed this series so much, I’ve binged-watched late into the night! I can’t stop gushing accolades for this drama series! ML ~ played by HU GE is phenomenally sublime!
Would definitely recommend,.. AND would definitely rewatch!
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Happy 10 years of Nirvana in Fire!
I recently decided to rewatch this out of the blue, only to discover how fitting it is as this drama turns 10 years old this year.I still cannot wrap my head around how absolutely amazing this drama is. I first watched it almost 10 years ago (2017), it became my favorite C-drama back then and this rewatch solidifies that it still is now.
The story may be quite the slow-burn but it was all worth it. Hu Ge as Mei Changsu/Lin Shu is just such an admirable and charismatic character, he keeps you glued to the screen the entire time, not only because of how well-acted he is but well written as well. Of course, that's not to say the rest of the cast isn't as good: That is one of the aspects of this that I love the most. Everyone did so well in their own respective roles, and just combined with the immaculate script, cinematography, performances, music and just the entire production is absolutely marvelous.
I grew so attached between the brotherhood of Jingyan and Lin Shu, and it really shines as the story progresses. I cheer everytime their enemies come falling down, I am angry every time they are wronged, I cry when they are sad and I laugh with the little banter betwen them. I absolutely enjoyed every evil scheme, and every little substory other characters had and even the little hits of romance tugged my heartstrings.
I honestly don't think I can pick on anything about this drama because it's just perfect through and through. And it's nice to see it's still being appreciated today.
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I don't know where to start. So I guess I will talk about the storyline, which in my opinion was one of the best storylines for a TV Show, I am not Chinese but I absolutely loved this show, because the story had a deeper meaning to it, it felt as if we were part of it or as if it had happened to us somehow and that was made possible due to the brilliant cast.
The story makes me feel a sense of despair and agony, it always feels like as if this could be happening right now in this present day and age. I do not want to mention anything about how the story progressed or what the relationships were between the characters, it would be best if you watch the show and not do any extensive research to avoid such dismay.
I don't want to write a lot and raise your expectations but I do want to mention that this show has taught me a lot of life lessons. It taught me how important family ties is and how we should all be treating each other. It taught me to never judge or make assumptions, how important virtue is, showing respect, trusting people, patience and integrity. This could go on but I should stop. Have patience and wish me luck with the post-series depression, I really wish I could start over.
Why do great shows have to be so short. I wish there's a prequel to this show, it would make this story even more sweeter. But overall absolutely brilliant cinematography, fight choreography, storytelling, acting, music and soundtrack and lastly casting.
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This review may contain spoilers
A great story. Intelligent and engaging. Just be patient at the start
Dramas that are as long as this one, tend to take a while to really get going. And even then you may not be fully invested in the characters for a while longer than that. For me, Nirvana in Fire was no exception to this rule. BUT it was well worth the wait. By the end, I cared way too much about all of the main characters but especially the ML who seriously deserved for the truth to be known. What a journey for them all but particularly for him. I wouldn't say that he was ever after revenge and he wasn't as cold or heartless as I was expecting him to be. He just wanted what was wrong to be set right. And how can you not want that for him when the wrongs were so great and the struggle was so hard. Of course, he doesn't get everything that he (and we) wanted but it was fascinating to watch him as he got closer and closer.So, it was all quite epic really. And it's very smart. There are a few reversals in the fortunes of important characters that are brilliantly manipulated by MCS. There are moments of so much tension and then pure joy. Really fun to watch.
I was expecting it to be confusing at the start so I sought out a cheat sheet for names and relationships and that was helpful. I also expected it to be funnier from what I read in advance. And it wasn't despite a lot of smile moments. It didn't matter though. This was a brilliant drama in terms of premise, writing, the intricate story arcs, the subtle and realistic characters, their significant development, the firm direction, impressive costuming ... and especially the acting. There are some very impressive performances throughout this drama but especially at the end.
Anyway, I loved it, didn't want it to end and would recommend it to anyone who's willing to pay attention and wait for it until it grabs you ... which it surely will. It's so refreshing to find dramas that are this good.
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This drama gives the exact feeling which you get while watching Game of the throne you start watching LOTR. You understand that this drama started the trend of cunning plot genre with badass characters. You will be lucky if this is included in the first few C dramas you watched but if if you have already watched later dramas which were inspired from Nirvana in Fire than you will not get that same joy.
Points that were best in this drama
Acting- specifically the guy who was playing the king, I watched his scenes many times on repeat he is such a good actor. Although I didn't like the acting on only character which was mother of Prince Jingyan the consort Jing and annoying chinese dubbing made it more unbearable.
Plot- Plot is the main thing in this drama which is the reason it inspred many other later dramas.
No Romance- I liked it that creators dared to make a drama with barely any romance in a time where Romance was very important part in the dramas.
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Obra Maestra
Esta serie es una auténtica pasada. Las tramas, los misterios y las estrategias te mantienen totalmente enganchada a la serie, que evita los estereotipos y clichés en gran medida. Me encanta ver mujeres guerreras. Es una obra maestra y si estas leyendo esto, no dudes en empezar a verla.Además, es una serie con muy buena ambientación, un vestuario precioso y una música muy reconocible y característica.
Está completa en Viki aunque la traducción a español es bastante mala. Al principio te lías con los personajes porque se llaman muy parecidos.
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Smashing Court Intrigue Drama
I have been putting off this title for so long cuz I do not recognize any of the cast and the fact that it was more to court politics than action drama. After so many years, I finally decided to watch this as I wait for Purple River S2 to fully release its episodes.Basically Lin Shu was the son of a Da Liang great General Lin Xie, and he survived the massacre of his whole army and family due to framing. Injuries sustained during the battle made his body riddled with fatal poison which treatment include flaying of skin and crushing the bones, leaving him with sickly body and different appearance at the end. All was endured so Lin Shu could return to the capital 13 years later as Mei Chang Su, leader of the pugilist world and a strategist coveted by the two Da Liang princes battling for the throne. Taking on the never crown candidate, the least favored with no court members connection Prince Jing, Mei Chang Su executed his carefully devised plan to redress his family’s treason case,
Gosh I almost missed a masterpiece. The fact it was not boring was one of the appeal. Court power struggle drama are usually slow paced and lots of talks instead of action, but this one had a somewhat appeal to keeps pulling you into it. The first few episodes were rather slow (and confusing) as they were introducing character backgrounds. The pace started to pick up significantly towards the 10th episode. I liked that the first person to recognize Lin Shu despite his different facial appearance was his grandmother, the grand Taihou. It was such a sweet moment and heart-wrenching especially when he could not help to squeeze the hand of his fiance when Princess Ni Huang pulled away. Every reunion in this drama was a tearjerker as each one realized how painful it was for Lin Shu to survive the massacre.
Everyone did a phenomenal job here despite me never seen them on screen before. My most favourite character was Prince Jing’s mother, then Concubine Jing and later Taihou at the end. Her character was the most intelligent and sensible of all, something that her son lacks quite a lot in terms of sensibility and self restraint. She knows when to advance and when to retreat, basically she is the sound of reason for the SML, Prince Jing, who was Lin Shu’s cousin and best friend.
The plots and strategies devised by Lin Shu in each hurdle were mindblowing and unexpected. I developed panda eyes and headache in the morning for a few days as i binge this cuz it was hard to put down the phone at night.
My only complaint is how flat the ending for Mei Chang Su had been. I was expecting an emotional scene with grand farewell by those he left behind, but it didnt happen. His character was just erased without much flare. Gosh i was so disappointed, was looking forward to see how Ni Huang and Prince Jing bade their farewells.
Honestly this was a masterpiece, and this is coming from me an action lover and rarely take on dramas of court politics genre.
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Best Chinese Drama I've watched so far!!
This drama is incredibly made. The casts are so versatile, they can portray each roles superbly. They're eyes are full of emotions. The props, costumes and settings are so amazing. The story and script are the most interesting one. You'll feel excited to watch the next episodes coz' you just want some more of the last episode. I cried many times for the happy & heartbreaking moments. Thanks to all the actors, staffs & crews of Nirvana in Fire for bringing us such a masterpiece!!!I encourage you all to watch this drama this instant!!
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1) Have you ever felt annoyed at a character for making the wrong decisions?
2) Have you ever found yourself skipping scenes because you want to get on with the plot?
3) Have you ever thought that a scene didn't make sense for the context of the situation?
Look no further, NIRVANA IN FIRE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN! This show will ease your pain and NOT make you ask these questions.
1) The ML, although physically weak, he proves that you don't need physical strength to win battles. His ability to understand people's behaviors combined with his intelligence makes him the ultimate mastermind for maneuvering around schemes and executing plans. You won't find yourself getting annoyed at his character, but you may find yourself feeling empathetic for him instead.
2) Each act and scene had a purpose. The dialogue either contributed to the movement of the storyline or used to build characters and their relationships. The plot never goes stale and you're constantly on edge with the ML trying to help him achieve his main goal.
3) Whilst it is a political period drama with wuxia elements, it stays true to its genre whilst also remembering the human emotions and passions in a political power struggle. Whether it's a conversation scene or an action fight scene, it will have you thinking "wow, that's so smart!"
Bottom line:
It is one of the most well-written dramas I've ever seen. However, if you're someone who is used to romantic comedy or light-hearted dramas, and this is the first political period piece you intend to watch, you'll either end up mesmerized by its logical brilliance or end up finding it difficult to appreciate if you struggled to keep up with the script. BUT, if you're tired of dramas with poorly written stories anyway, watch Nirvana in Fire and you won't be disappointed.
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