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Brilliant
Mei Changsu is so intelligent! It almost seems like he is predicting the future. One good thing about this is that the intelligent villains and main characters are consistently intelligent. They don't lose IQ or what. The story is also good. Picture quality is superb too w/ nice costumes. No plot armour for characters, and realistic.Fei Liu is very cute. He always compete with the general abhaha. These two are very loyal to MCS. I love their characters.
Sad ending.
I also like the Second Prince. Even though he is the villain, I think he is suited for this role.
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Masterpiece in story-telling, political intrigue, and acting
After watching Nirvana in Fire, it makes almost everything else hard to watch. It is indeed that good.The first thing I notice about its writing that I find phenomenal is the script. The dialogue is natural and fitting for the time period. Many dramas (Joy of Life, The Untamed, The Long Ballad, etc.) will adapt their script to fit what a modern Chinese person hears perusing through a city. While that increases accessibility and makes it easier for me to watch half-heartedly, I think the script enhances the immersibility (obsolete English word when describing "obsolete" Chinese language) of the drama.
The second thing that I think is unparalleled (even in Korean, Japanese, and other C-dramas) is the storyline. There is an overarching goal— Mei Changsu's revenge for the Chi Yan Army— that holds together and is driven by all the minor subplots, giving the drama a sense of direction. Moreover, I find many Chinese dramas try to use "killing to silence (杀人灭口)" as the solution when confronted with political scheming; it solves the problem quickly but undermines the plot's complexity. Conversely, many of the subplots that are explored in "Nirvana in Fire" are moments or character decisions based largely on anagnorisis, symbolic meaning, and "exposure".
For this to be the case, Mei Changsu inevitably has to be a "cliche" genius. However, his character is lovable and fresh despite that for his reflections, guilt, and humanity that many strategists "are forced to give up." His relationship with the side characters are complex; they are not reduced to "everyone revolves around the protagonist" (besides Mu Nihuang, possibly, though I think her character gives Mei Changsu humanity). Everyone else— including the side characters— have their own complex motivations and personalities. They are not strategists just to introduce a "genius" into the plot; they are characters, which albeit not going through growth, chase their dreams and ambitions to their glory or demise.
Finally, I have to commend the performances in this drama. Victor Huang gave an impeccable Prince Yu (who is a complex and tragic character, though relatively unlikable), Liu Yijun brought the despicable Xie Yu to life, Ding Yongdai delivered a layered yet unpretentious performance for the Emperor, and Liu Min Tao brought to life the motherly (and impossibly intelligent) Consort Jing (who is also one of the better written female-characters in revenge driven plots, even when they're female led).
Nirvana in Fire does not have flashy CGI. The costumes aren't dripping with glitter and no one will vomit blood. However, there's still tension, restraint, humanity, everything you need in a drama despite that. Each episode builds upon the last. Sometimes, I find shows to be entertainment, and other times— like with Nirvana in Fire— I find them to be art.
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Smartest Historical friendship drama I've ever watched
I just finished this master piece and I'm so sad that it ended ,, I will watch season two just because it has the same nameI will watch also the disguiser just because it has the same main leads
that's How I love this drama so much ,,, I chose to watch it in spiritual time for me and it didn't disappoint on the contrary
I enjoyed it so much
The story is perfect ,, had every thing I like ,, it didn't lack anything
it had the brotherhood/ friendship , the main lead's struggles , the light romance , the faithful relationships , the strong antagonist ,, a lot of Whump too for the male lead
The friendship between the two male lead was amazing with no exaggeration or forced physical attractions between the male leads , they loved each others as brothers to death and beyond ,, it was mature relationship with it strong story behind it
The acting was amazing from every actor even the young Wu lei was amazing in his young age made me laugh ,, broke a lot of tension in difficult episodes ,, it was the right add on to the mix
The intelligence of the writers plot made my head spins in a good way not confusing way ,, it's really smart
I can't say enough about this drama
only that I put it as the best Historical drama I've every watched ,, it dethroned Untamed in my best watched
I highly recommend this drama to anyone ,, it's really the best
you can't hate it even if you want to
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One of best revenge drama
One of best revenge drama I've ever watch!Really good plot with unexpected twists.
Definitely must watch c-drama.
Spoiler:
The only thing I didn't give the story 10/10 is because, I really wish the writer give the main character a better ending. Although it's realistic, it's just so sad..
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The drama builds momentum slowly for the first 3-4 episodes, almost as though to test how willing you are to stick it out. If you do get through the first few episodes however, you will be in for a spectacular ride. Every new character that appears is intelligent, well rounded, and important to the story. The attention to detail is unrivaled by any other C-drama I have seen. There is meaning behind the eyes of a single glance and a question asked in casual conversation. Symbolism can be found in a cup of tea, a chess piece, a butterfly, etc. This drama places heavy emphasis on reading between the lines, and as other reviewers have mentioned, it treats its audience as intelligent beings. Once the story picks up, it is very easy to miss vital information if you are not giving this drama your undivided attention. This is not a drama that you can put on in the background while you do house chores, homework, and what have you (trust me). The music is great and aptly chosen, but you don't have to take my word for it, you can watch the drama's opening intro and determine that for yourself. If you're one to cringe at lower quality CGI, fret not, the worst of it is over within the first ten minutes of the drama, and from there on out it hardly ever makes a reappearance. The cinematography is beautiful, and as far as acting goes, it is superb, but you'll just have to see it to believe it.
This drama holds up extremely well to rewatches. As mentioned above, there is so much symbolism and reading between the lines, you will be delighted to discover new content the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time around.
Seriously though, stop reading the reviews and go watch the drama already!
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Each story detail is meticulously revealed for a reason. I think this is one drama where a slow build up might actually help make it a better drama overall. The characterizations and relationships build gradually but deeply. Around episode 20 or so is a turning point. It's like the point where you have reached the top of the roller coaster ride, then all the stuff that happened in the first part of the drama really starts to come together and the rest of the drama goes so fast. When you get to around episode 30, all the drama and relationships have built up to the point that I just had to marvel at the storytelling. It's genius. I really felt the emotion under the surface of these characters that had to stay so reserved and careful so much of the time. My heart started breaking around this point because I felt the inevitable end coming. I never really feel like re-watching dramas, but I think I will re-watch this one just to visit these characters again and see if I can pick up details that I missed the first time around.
Hu Ge and Wang Kai are riveting as Mei Chang Su and Prince Jing. Their relationship is heartbreaking. Though there is romance in this drama, it takes a backseat to the camaraderie and deep friendships among the male characters.
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Characters -- 10/10
I have never seen better written characters in a drama than this one. Mei Changsu, our MC, is a brilliant strategician. However, he is not perfect. You can see the groundwork in his plans, his struggle to balance morality and success, his physically weak body, and his emotional past. All of these and more create a unique character with a believable motivation, a distinct personality, and clear flaws. It's not just our MC that is a great character. Other characters also have their well written motivations and backstories. The melting pot of all these complicated characters in the dangerous political landscape that is the capital city creates an exhilarating and beautiful story.
All the villains are multidimensional. They are intelligent, ambitious, and resourceful. But just like every other character, there are no perfect villains. They can be manipulated as well by the other players.
Costumes and Set -- 10/10
Despite being made back in 2015, the set and costumes are very high quality. Everything has this sharp and fitting feeling that really immerses you in the setting. You can really tell that the production value was really high. A lot of Chinese dramas can feel dated because of bad costumes or effects, but this one does not at all. Initially, I thought this was a much newer drama until I checked the date.
Tone
This drama has a very realistic tone. Unlike a lot of action or ancient setting dramas, friendships are not made instantaneously. Friendships here are cultivated over long periods of time so that's its very believable when someone is willing to risk their life for someone else.
Acting -- 10/10
Every single actor here is phenomenal in their role. I was always fully immersed in the story. Their expressions of love, pain, determination, and sadness are perfect and they pull you in. I found myself feeling a range of emotions to go along with their performances. It got quite a few nervous shakes and cries out of me.
Pacing
I never had a problem with the pacing. I found myself always trying to watch another episode when I had the time. The beginning may start of a little slow in order to introduce the world and characters, but once the setting is in place, the ball gets rolling and doesn't stop.
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Some of the cdramas have been really amazing... particularly Ming Lan and Hao Lan.....NIF has always been on the list of the perfect cdramas of all time... and yet, I could never get past the first episode. This has to be the fourth time I tried watching it....... and man.......was it sooooo worth it. It blew me away.....I cried like a baby so many times.
On the surface, it appears to be just another revenge story...... but no, NIF is soooooo much more. Mei Changsu is an incredibly sad man, and watching him go through everything just breaks you. And it's not just him.....all the characters in the drama are so incredibly deep and layered that at no point of time will you feel bored. Jingyan, Nihuang, Meng Zhi, Consort Jing..... and every single character feels so real.....
This is hands down the BEST DRAMA OF ALL TIME and I don't just mean the cdramas.... I mean all the dramas ever made.
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at first it was slow but i knew it was gonna pick up so i’m glad i didn’t drop it. once it picked up, i was hooked all the way. the story and characters were very well written. each scheme was brilliant and the execution was great. the actors and actresses did a wonderful job with their roles. and i, like many other ppl who like this drama, loved the bromance between Jingyan(prince Jing) and Lin Shu(Mei Changsu/Su Zhe). and not only that but the friendship between Jingrui and Yujin was nice as well.
please please please try watching Nirvana in Fire. even if you aren’t a c-drama fan, you will be surprised with this incredible show. honestly, what are even doing if you haven’t watch this show haha
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Lives up to its hype
I've already watched this series twice across a number of years and its score still holds steady. Because of its fame, going to keep the review short and sweet.This is one of the best revenge schemes out there that I've yet to come across. Almost all of the characters do a fantastic job in their roles and the chemistry between all of them is also top notch. Our ML is very believable as a highly intelligent strategist. There's minimal focus on romance but enough hints of it to keep it well rounded and all of the female characters hold their own well. The graphics are vivid and the action scenes are done really well.
The slight nit I have with the series is the "furry" disease concept. While they do a decent job of explaining it, it also just feels out of place. If they had done a better job with this particular aspect, the series would have been near perfect.
For those who are unaware, there is an original ending as well as an alternate ending. Both endings interestingly leave it open for speculation.
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A true masterpiece.
The story is intricate, smart and never stalls, a proper chess game. The characters are well rounded, their development and reasons for what they do is properly explained in a way that you sympathize even with the most ambitious and ruthless. Victor Huang’s performance, for example, as Prince Yu is one of the most incredible to watch, side by side with Hu Ge’s subtle movements as Su Zhe. But not everything is machiavellian ploys, there’s a good balance of humor, levity and drama. I fully recommend it.Was this review helpful to you?
