Nirvana in Fire

ONE WORD: MAGNIFICENT.

To summarize my experience of watching this drama, I have never skip even a second for the entire series (mind you I am a skipper while watching drama)

STORY:

The plot is pure brilliant! I have never watched such well written and thought out political "history" drama such as NIF. Every single part matters, no wasted screen time at all. Every moment as I continue to watch it, it kept me surprised and intrigued. The character is written very well, no 'dumb' characters at all, every characters serve its purpose for the plot and also as real as it gets.

ACTING:

Hu Ge and Wang Kai blew me away. What a magnificent potrayal of the characters. When you watch it, there are no Hu Ge and Wang Kai in the characters, it is purely Mei Chang Su and Jing Yan 100%. Other actor and actress also perform a very good job for their characters. They made it believable and real.

MUSIC:

I do not have any issues with the music or the background music or sound. I like it all.


REWATCH VALUE:

i have watch it for more than 3 times and I did not skip a single thing. This should explain the rewatch value.


OVERALL:

I may not write a long review for this due to one simply can't express how great it is unless you watch it. However, I can confidently say that this is the best Chinese Drama (#1) ever made up until this moment. If you have not watch NIF, you can't say you are a C-Drama lover.

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Epic Period Drama

Yeah, I understand now why this is an epic drama, by the end of if I was so involved with the story and all the characters. Good end as well, bittersweet, as expected of Chinese dramas.
The production did a good job, very well-made.
The actors are wonderful, they really capture the emotions. What was different for me is the age/looks of the actors, usually they look younger in recent dramas, but this is not a complaint, I liked the more realist aspect of it.
I do have to say that some plots should be better explored, like the poison thing and his relationship with the jianghu world. Also, there are some plots that made me mad that he didn't see it coming, were you not the good one?
Well, do watch it, it's worth your time.

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May the noble legacy and selfless sacrifice of Lin Shu and Mei Changsu live on forever

This show has been the top of my list since I watched it the first time. There were many times when I cried for all the injustices that the Chiyun army suffered and the House of Prince Qi. For all the suffering Lin Shu has endured so he could clear his family's name of the crime they have never committed. For Nihuang, who painstakingly waited for her Lin Shu gege to come back, only to be separated in the end. Life was never fair. But it was particularly cruel for Lin Shu.

Lin Shu is a character I truly admire. After the massacre of his family, he didn't vow for vengeance and didn't cruelly kill everyone involved. Instead, he traded his life, his chance to be with the people he loved and instead be the sly, cunning, and shrewd Mei Changsu. For 13 years, he planned his strategy and eventually he succeeded. The journey though was never easy. And when we thought that he can finally leave in peace, war happened. Instead of spending his limited time with the love of his life, he went to battle to protect the people and his country. This was his ultimate sacrifice so that the people he loved would have peace. Jingyan knows this, more so Nihuang. For Lin Shu and Nihuang, their separation on that hill was poignant and full of hope. Not because they knew they will meet again, but instead they knew this could be the last time they will see each other. And for them, that was okay. Duty to their country comes above all else.

I truly hope that in their next lives, they were born as ordinary families, spending their life until old age. Or, they could have just been reincarnated as Xiao Pingjing and Lin Xi.

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I cannot stress enough how much I love this drama. From the plot, acting, script, and directing-Everything were done beautifully. I actually didn't care for this drama, because I read before that there was a lacked of romance. So, I didn't care for it, even though friends have suggested to me to watch it. So, I watched it when I ran out of my romance dramas, and boy was I hooked!!! I was in for a ride! I love the plot so much, and each episode keeps your in your seat. I just love how intriguing and hooked I was with each twist and turn. Not to mention, the lead actress is so beautiful!!! Even though there was not a high volume of romance in here, that was not a problem at all. The plot is just amazing, with revenge and everything in between. Watch this, you will not be disappointed!!!! I would definitely watch this again and again.

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Perfection

This is one of only two dramas I've seen that made me feel unworthy of its greatness (the other being Stranger). That I needed to work to deserve watching it, which manifested in the form of my full rapt attention. Everyone is a mastermind, or, at least, close to a mastermind. Each main and side character is fully utilized, with not one person being forgotten or failing to play a key role at some point. The FLs aren't reduced to stereotypes, plot devices, or trophies to be won; they are portrayed as equals who are mentally strong and can fight as well as anyone. The bromance is a slow-burn epic. The dialogue is so well-written that I would not be surprised to know each scene was rewritten ten times so as to produce perfection, plant the seeds of things to come, and fill any plot hole the viewer could conceive of with their eager but small mind. This leads me to the point that I would be falling short of my duties as a reviewer not to stress: the incredible intelligence of not only the drama but each character and plot point. It is impossible not to root for everyone, if only briefly. The antagonists, protagonists, and morally grey characters are not minds you would dare imagine battling and are helpless but to admire. They point out flaws in their plans, consider each possibility with all the knowledge at their disposal, tactfully make allies, carefully plan not only their main and strongest course of action but multiple backup plans, and plot and plot some more.

Nirvana in Fire is truly one of a kind. I can safely say it is the best C-Drama I have seen (and, for now, the 10th best piece of Asian media I have seen. Yes, it has skyrocketed to 10th place on my Absolute Perfection list).

NIF can keep you in the dark without upsetting you or being nonsensical. It doesn't try to be something it's not or pull you in different directions, nor does it lay all the cards on the table for the viewer resulting in its characters appearing foolish and unable to see the bigger picture. From the start, there is a hint of a goal that slowly becomes revealed and then worked toward in the light, with added revelations and events only solidifying it and enriching and adding more scope. The viewer only needs the patience required to allow it to unfold as it will, attempt to guess what may happen if you can, but simply: give it the attention and respect it deserves.

By the end of watching this, you feel as though a massive weight has fallen from your shoulders. And it is a relief but also terrifying to feel so unburdened.

I cannot recommend this drama to you enough. I thank my lucky stars it was recommended to ME. Yes, it is 54 episodes, each averaging 45 minutes. But I promise you, it is worth it. The only valid question to answer is if you are a dialogue junkie. Because if not, this is most definitely not the drama for you.

Side Note: And, let us not forget, this is the sexiest of Sexy Brain dramas.

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Stellar Drama Combing a Revenge Story With Complex Character Dynamics

Nirvana in Fire took a few episodes to grab me, and I was definitely hesitant to start such a long series. But, in the end, it turned out to be a captivating story with interesting, tense character dynamics and a brilliantly dramatic overarching conflict.

ACTING
There's not really much I can say here - all the performances are quite good, with a special commendation to those who play Changsu's retainers, Eunuch Gao, The Emperor, and Prince Jingyan. The interaction between The Emperor and Jingyan especially feels very natural and portrays the complex dynamic between absolute ruler and son quite well.

MUSIC
The music took a while to grow on me, but like the series, it's a bit of a slow burn. The OST is well-placed in each episode and rarely feels awkward, while the opening and ending are both references to some of the underlying themes in the show (with the butterfly prevalent in the opening being a particularly poignant double-metaphor). I rated the music slightly less for those few times that the songs feel a bit overplayed.

STORY
The story and characters - these are the real reason to watch Nirvana in Fire. The plot could be roughly broken down into several arcs in which tie together in Mei Changsu's ultimate "revenge" plot. I won't go into details here for risk of spoilers, but each arc roughly involves a new event or circumstance that at least one major actor - Changsu being the most common - tries to take advantage of. The other characters in advisory positions react and attempt to put out fires (sometimes literally) while slowly shifting the politics of the court one way or the other.
All of the plotting one way or the other eventually comes down to The Emperor. Nirvana in Fire portrays the role between various court actors and The Emperor better than any other series I've seen. How The Emperor will react, what he wishes, who he'll be suspicious of - everyone who plays the game of the court ultimately has their focus on its head. And given the goals of each of the characters - which often conflict with The Emperor's desires - subtly changing the atmosphere by planning events days in advance can be essential to ensuring a plan succeeds.

SUMMARY
From start-to-finish, Nirvana in Fire is a stellar drama that combines a driven revenge story with complex character dynamics and courtly politics to create a masterpiece of intrigue and planning.

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A Classic Masterpiece.. Timeless

Still one of the best historical drama up until this day..
This drama a classic example of a well written drama with so much depth ..

The story is heavily more on political side if your looking for romance this might not be for you..
first few episodes can be quite slowly but as the story progresses you wont realize your already half way through the story.

this is the type of drama were the characters are also well written with so much depth in them that you are not going get disappointed and you don’t need to be a fan of the actors/actress to like them because because of their good acting and portrayal of the characters..

Highly Recommend historical drama
One of the best historical drama

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10 10 10 10 If I could give this drama a score of more than ten, I definitely would!
This is one of the series than I've watched more than 10 times. The story, the actors, the costumes, EVERYTHING is perfect & when I say perfect it's not an exaggeration but an understatement.

Although if you are looking for a lot of romance then this may not be the series for you. But this does not mean that the drama lacks "love" cause trust me it has, just not much

This is a must watch for someone who is looking for a mind boggling, exciting series.

Don't get discourage about the bloody first part, It's not that heavy on fighting.

A MUST WATCH SERIES!! You won't be disappointed!

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MUST WATCH THIS

Well, I just wouldn't know where to start. This is my first completed Wu Xia drama I was completely amazed by it. I have so much to say and it'll probably be long so let me summarize it first. If you like Scheming dramas, where wining isn't really about how strong you are, or how strong your army is, but how smart, then this is a drama you'll definitely enjoy. However there is much more that this drama offers. The characters, their relationships and how things develop around them are at the heart of the drama. Love, loyalty, brotherhood portrayed in such a beautiful way. Like one of the comments I read on a blog said about this drama: *It hurts so good!*



As for the plot, it basically is a Chinese version of The Count of Monti Cristo transposed in Chinese empire. However, the story felt grander than the original French novel, and more than just a revenge tale. It is a story that goes beyond life and death, but setting the truth free. We are introduced to Mei Chang Su, a sickly man and part of the pugilistic world. He has established the Jiangzuo Alliance, a very powerful alliance with eyes and ears basically everywhere. Such power has given Mr. Su the title of Divine Talent. Two princes that are fighting for the throne sought after such talent. He was welcomed to the capital, but he had his own agenda. The two princes have been set against each other by the emperor. However such an act has corrupted the royal court, making the whole empire lose its strength. Mr. Su wants to remove both princes as contenders to the throne and bring forth the seventh prince, who's unfavoured by the emperor and looked down upon in the court. Mr.Su does so by studying the whole situation, going after each of the corrupt officials and brings their misdeeds to light. This is his way of removing corruption, and rebuilding the empire's strength.



That set the story forth as things start changing since the appearance of the mysterious Mei Chang Su. Soon enough, people start realizing that things are moving, and interest starts to increase in that mysterious figure. Little do they know he’s Lin Shu, survivor of the Chiyang army, and a victim of a tragedy from 12 years ago. The capital is full of people who benefitted from his tragedy, and those whose time has stopped since that time, unable to accept reality, but incapable of changing reality. Among them loyal friends join our protagonist in his quest to set things right.



Though the story is all about machinations, with smart villains, and smarter hero, what make this drama so special, addicting, memorable and endearing are the characters and relationships. Starting with Mei Chang Su, he’s a tragic character. The son of General Lin, and cousin to the princes, his world with filled with love, his potential was infinite and his dreams are big. Suddenly, all was stolen from him, even his face. He goes back home but it isn’t home anymore. As much as he denies himself the desire to go back to his previous self, he can’t help but show it in the most vital moments. Then there’s the 7th prince, Prince Jing. He’s very straight forward, to a fault, and never hides his feelings. What he thinks of the Chiyang army is no secret to all, making him unfavoured by his father, the emperor. He and Lin Shu grew up as brothers, and his feelings for Lin Shu haven’t changed. However he seemed to have inherited his doubtful side from his father. He has a hard time trusting Mei Chang Su since Mr. Su isn’t as straightforward as he’d like him to be, and he has a prejudice against strategist. I have to say seeing the relationship between these two develop is the most appealing in the drama, and the most carefully planned.

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Drama that should be not ignored.

There is reason why this drama is so popular and praised and it is because the whole drama is really really amazing.
Cinematography ,Plot ,charters .. and the music i have no words to describe how flawless and perfect is this drama..
There is funny moments but the whole plot is very serous.
Everyone had their reasons for their actions.And motives was reasonable.Most Charters were smart.
My advice is dont ignore this drama, if you are hesitating to watch . I ignored untill now and i regret.
This is masterpiece that i will never forget.
So definitely want to rewatch this one in the future.

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Most satisfying watch of recent times.

Where do I start from? This drama.. this drama.. is a work of art. Art at its highest level.

The sad story of betrayal from the past as its inspirations kept me hooked from the start. The weight of deceit and betrayal that the charachters carried was felt by us.
The pacing of the show is so well crafted and awe inspiring. Most of the time there are charchters talking and strategising. But it never becomes boring. There is never a dull moment. It is one of the few dramas that I didn't had to fast forward due to boring or cringey crap they put in.
The thing I liked most about this drama was subtlety and layering of the narrative, plot, character. The directors were successful in flaring up the tension and holding it still and then giving it an appropriate outcome. It was so satisfying to watch the triumph of the good. What Who rules the world lacked was this. The machinations, the loyalties, the clashes of filial duties and not going over the top.
Though few characters were not suited to the roles or may be they weren't written well, but they are few in number. The male lead has to be given thumbs up. His mannerisms, his talk, his eyes, his smile, his grimace, everything was on the point.
I at the start of drama hoped for lost love storyline, but as I went in, it didn't matter. There is no big romance or wooing stuff.
The writing is so tight and precise, its simply mind blowing.
As usual with cdramas, the set and dressing was top notch.
The directors did a mighty good job. The end though we knew was coming, was satisfying though made us sad.
This is a drama which while telling a story teaches so many small things of life. I would recommend this drama to everyone to watch atleast once in his/her lifetime.

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Very rarely do I finish a drama and immediately feel a longing and yearning for it, as if a dear friend has departed. I have just finished watching this drama and I am filled to the brim with this feeling. Words cannot explain how this drama conquered my heart and colored it with so many emotions. This is one of those dramas that live up to the hype and go above and beyond. There are plenty of other reviews here on MDL that word it better than I ever could, and I hope they manage to convince you to give this one a try. Don't be daunted by the 54 episodes, the political tag, or the numerous characters. I guarantee you that in just three or four episodes, you will be able to follow the characters and the story easily. I used the help of a recap blog to memorize character names and faces, as well as a character map I found on Google Images. That little effort is worth it, because this drama is an experience you must undergo. It is truly phenomenal. I enjoyed every minute of this drama. I fell in love with Su Ge-Ge and Fei Liu's friendship, with General Meng's cute facial expressions, with Nihuang's grace and undying love, with Jinyang's sense of justice, and even Gao Zhan's wise, caring presence. I want to watch this all over again!

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