Sadly boring and slow
Sadly I can not see what the hype was about, I found this series slow and boring over time. Have to keep track of what is going on. Some of the characters are fun and the acting is good for the most part but there are some points in the storyline that feel repeated and slow and not needed while other moments I wish they gave more details, not for everyone.Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
It represents all characters to have their own characters, like when I saw this main character, I could understand what he or she think and do. It makes me feel that everyone in the drama is real, doesn’t like other drama that some characters look no life. And I like the pattern how the director tells the story. It’s mysterious and sad at the same time. Also every scenes and camera are so beautiful. I really love it!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
sorry
How should I start? Since a long time and I heard about this Nirvana in fire and how “Great” it isI mean the rate itself being 9 out of 12k users says alot 🤷🏻♂️
so I started it .., and suddenly surprised that it was a revenge story disguised in political battles
The worst kind of any revenge stories in my opinion
because that’s will minimize the political weight and its moral impact over the nation
you don’t see a political battle or ideology
you see a man disguising himself just to revenge on his nation
this premise disappointed me
the other thing is the storyline of his revenge story and how it unfolds .., he will keep coming to the weakest to the strongest in order
so the story is already predictable from the start and you just wait and see how each character will die.., this is also what was bugging me so much about it
it reminds of a harem dramas where the main female character going against other females harem to defeat them until she wins
but here it’s a male version
the characters are okay .., the acting was not it sorry.., he gu character without any emotions so I couldn’t emphasize with him
the things I loved in the drama
the mind games between the characters.., it was fun ngl
the ending music
the females characters and their stories
“not that great”
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Restitution.
Due to its wide and ecstatic fandom, I set out to watch this drama 5 years ago but alas could only manage 6 episodes before placing it on my dropped list; two years ago, I tried again and only managed five episodes; fast forward to 2025 and here I am, a proud finisher of NIF.Pros:
-The show has a great cast and some memorable acting; special mentions are the Emperor, Consort Jing, Prince Yu, Jang Rui, Xia Jiang and Prince Jing for his barely leashed intensity. Mei Chang Su is technically well executed but the intangible aspects of his portrayal didn't grab me, more on that later.
-The show has detailed, complex and intricate plots. The backstory is also well fleshed out albeit retrospectively for the most part.
-There are a number of truly stunning and impactful dramatic scenes throughout the show; my favourites among many are: Jing Rui's resigned and a tinge disillusioned forgiveness and farewell of Mei Changsu before he leaves for Southern Chu, there is such an air of sadness in this scene, a sense that innocence and carefree days are firmly in the rear-view mirror.
Another great scene is Marquis (sorry forgot his name) in jail chained to the wall and the conversation he has with Mei Changsu.
The scene between Mei Changsu and Prince Jing first when Jing cuts down the bell, and then in the snow when Mei Changsu's cold and stoic demeanour cracks as he's pleading with Jing and we see his desperation and frustration, powerful.
The scene between Mei Changsu and Consort Jing in the tent at the hunt as she tentatively pulls back his sleeve to look for his identifying mole, you can almost feel his held breath, and her hope mixed with trepidation.
The scene between Prince Yu and the emperor, after the rebellion, when Prince Yu is in the cage; his pain, resentment, anger and hostility towards the emperor is palpable and heart wrenchingly executed, this is such a great scene.
There are many other impactful scenes that give this drama a truly elevated air.
-The show makes excellent use of foreshadowing as a plot device, I think this contributes to the high rewatch factor as viewers will identify more and more plot foreshadowing on each rewatch.
-The music is evocative and apt, I loved the soundtrack and especially appreciated the lyrics of the songs which told the story of the drama.
-The cinematography is very well done, there are so many shots throughout the show which are truly stunning.
Cons:
-The beginning of the show is very slow, the world building is lengthy and a lot of it is told through dialogue so there is a lot of it including many characters names to remember.
- Mei Chang Su as the central character is good, however even as I understand how he became the stoic and calculating person we see, I still wasn't emotionally invested in him as a character, I didn't love him the way most viewers do. I appreciate and admire his strategising, felt bad for his physical and mental anguish and was rooting for his plans to succeed, but I just didn't love him - the character didn't click with me even though he's masterfully written and acted.
-The show lost a lot by not showing key moments and this weakened its impact; there's a lot of tell and no showing and this contributes to a lack of connection with the characters motivations. The biggest example of this is the show telling us about the outcome of the Chiyan investigation in episode 53, rather than showing us the investigation as it took place - this was one of the biggest goals of Mei Changsu, to reinvestigate the Chiyan case and exonerate those who were wrongfully accused, but by telling us and not showing us - the show failed to give viewers a sense of satisfaction and justice being done, it was anticlimactic.
-The final episode felt underwhelming and rushed. Mei Changsu embarked on a path he had not previously alluded to and this came as a surprise, the show tried to explain it away but it felt contrived, I understand this ending is similar to the book so perhaps the show didn't adequately portray Mei Changsu's inner battle between his new and old self. Why he couldn't just reconcile the two and continue on with his faithful friends and loved ones? I don't know.
Overall this is a clever drama. In my experience, if a show is truly enjoyable and has the X factor, I do not balk at plot holes or missteps as long as they're not too glaringly obvious and can be comfortably camouflaged by the overall awesomeness of the show. In this case NIF glided past this marker by the skin of its teeth.
It's a solid 8 out of 10.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I'm not sure this would fall under "mystery" but there are aspects that make it mysterious and keep you guessing the outcome. Very unexpected.
I enjoyed Hu Ge in this series, as well as his "bromance" with the other characters.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Word Nirvana
If this drama change name to other name beside word nirvana than the rate would drop so much. I think buddhism become more calm over the years and keep low profile. What is nirvana? western want to know badly and come to see what it is? than they see sick man seek revenge instead. nirvana is ultimate place of buddhism promise. the promise land which it cure all disease and immortality and peacefulness. when nirvana has fire? sad day for ignorance chase fame and ruin a day.The story didn't involve with nirvana or even a little. it talk about a general who throw himself from the cliff and seek justice to his family. Karma didn't exist and sin didn't occur in nirvana. Hate, revenge, want, love,etc doesn't exist in nirvana. how this drama name nirvana and also add fire. it is completely look down on the entire buddhism.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Epitome of the Bromance
If you are looking for a drama that centers around bromance, this is the one for you. Lin Shu is a young man from a respected family who suffers a terrible tragedy. He returns seeking revenge on those who wronged him by being a master of strategy in the game of thrones. By staying one step ahead of his opponents, he is able to close in on them one by one.The best part of this drama is the well written plot line. It flows well and manages to keep you engaged even when main characters go missing for large chunks of the series. The storylines continue to change while still keeping the focus on the male lead. His relationships with his friends and subordinates are what makes this drama worth watching. This is not a romance at all. The female lead is underused and, for the most part, largely absent. Most of the female characters have supporting roles, but they, too, are well written. The performances were all noteworthy and I was very pleased to see such great talents in one drama. At times, characters disappear and then reappear without explanation and there is little to no wrap up in some of plot lines. I took a star off for that.
Costumes where beautiful and the soundtrack was gorgeous. You know you have a hit when fans find themselves humming the musical score. It is so unique that I would remember the title of the drama just by hearing the piece of music. In general a great series.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
