The problem with NIF is after that, its really hard to watch anything. I think I may have attempted JOL right…
I should have written I've watched too many mediocre C dramas since dropping NIF2. Hence now I'm watching with more appreciative eyes 😀
Just tried watching Burning Flames. The acting and writing are quite lame. Not sure why the ML keep getting roles. Allen Ren has limited range. I wanted to watch more of Jeremy Tsui but he only appeared a few times.
Another thoughtful and well written review, PBG. Thank you ♡
I attempted this drama almost straight after NIF sometime ago, and I just couldn't go beyond a few episodes. Restarted and enjoying the drama so far, the quality of the writing, and all the nuances. Perhaps I'm more appreciative and discerning now after watching many many C dramas in the past couple of years. Haha.
Totally relatable review. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Like you, the show left many questions unanswered for me. Why would a ghost do the bidding of the very people who killed them? That was a big question in my mind.
The acting was fine most of the time, but became OTT went deeper angst was required.
Ty.and I am glad you enjoyed the show. It definitely wobbled slightly at the end but still deserves more love…
I didn't realise that it was a foodie show. I love food but.... Not sure if it's the writing but it's hard to feel anything for the main character. Too materialistic.
Didn't start Young Blood cos I didn't like Zhang Xin Cheng in Go Ahead. His character was annoying. Will give it a go as it was highly rated by you.
Ty.and I am glad you enjoyed the show. It definitely wobbled slightly at the end but still deserves more love…
Do you know who are the people behind this production? I'm trying to figure out was it the director, the writer, the producer or someone else? Would love to watch more of such high calibre C-dramas.
Isn't it a pity shows like these are not loved on MDL? I'm full of respect for Chinese shows like this one, The Wind Blows From Longxi, The Long Night, Ripe Town but they fly under the radar of most folks.
Actually, the quality of some C-dramas blew my mind when I first stepped back into watching Asian dramas after many years of mainly American and British shows. I was completely engrossed in K-dramas and didn't think Chinese dramas could match them. In the past, TVB dramas got boring after a few years. I watched fewer Chinese movies as the actors I liked such as Jet Li, Leung Chiu Wai and Donnie Yen got older.
Then one day I decided to watch Nirvana In Fire due to recommendations from a reviewer I liked. That is still one of my all-time favourites.
My favourite genre is romcom, and C-dramas have some excellent ones amongst the many many mediocre ones. So much talent in the C-drama world. Plus lots and lots of eye candies. Hehe.
Wow! Loved the show. Thank you for your recommendation to watch. I was not pulled in by the show's boring poster...but once i started watching i couldn't stop.
The storyline was very interesting and the main cast was amazing especially Chen Jianbin. His 1997 character reminded me of detectives from American police dramas in the 80s.
The rapid advancement in China within those 13 years was also fascinating to watch. The vibes in 1997 was more like a country still behind other countries by a decade or so. But then fast forward 13 years it was already on par or ready to leap frog.
The last episode was a bit disappointing. Young man couldn't carry his character. The writing was also weaker than all the other episodes. Not a show stopper though. This drama deserves more love!
Thank you again, PBG, for the rec and for this brilliantly written review ♡
Awww tyvm you are always so kind! ZLH is indeed an actor to watch and I hope he keeps challenging himself with…
I saw the list of related content for Red Mansion. Sooo many 😯 I've probably watched a few when i was little and Hong Kong movies/dramas were the rage.
Read up a bit about the novel on Wiki. The history of the novel itself is very intriguing. I've never read it cos i was not educated in Chinese (which is a shame on hindsight)
Awww tyvm you are always so kind! ZLH is indeed an actor to watch and I hope he keeps challenging himself with…
Thank you for the explainer 😊 I guess if i were in their shoes, I'd do the same. Idol path...make as much money whilst the popularity is there. Save up for rainy days when the next hot thing comes along and kick me off the pedestal.
The ones who are truly amazing dare to walk the harder paths, and yet mint money 💰
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Just tried watching Burning Flames. The acting and writing are quite lame. Not sure why the ML keep getting roles. Allen Ren has limited range. I wanted to watch more of Jeremy Tsui but he only appeared a few times.
JOL was a good drama. Worth another attempt, PBG
I attempted this drama almost straight after NIF sometime ago, and I just couldn't go beyond a few episodes. Restarted and enjoying the drama so far, the quality of the writing, and all the nuances. Perhaps I'm more appreciative and discerning now after watching many many C dramas in the past couple of years. Haha.
Like you, the show left many questions unanswered for me. Why would a ghost do the bidding of the very people who killed them? That was a big question in my mind.
The acting was fine most of the time, but became OTT went deeper angst was required.
Which agency was he with? Are other artistes treated with the same level of disrespect?
Such a great loss for Cdrama fans 😢
FL's acting was leagues behind Jeremy's. Does she have a rich family, rich sugar daddy or a big fan base? 🤔
So, you are right. I'm watching Mandarin dub version
Not sure if it's the writing but it's hard to feel anything for the main character. Too materialistic.
Didn't start Young Blood cos I didn't like Zhang Xin Cheng in Go Ahead. His character was annoying. Will give it a go as it was highly rated by you.
Have you watched Wong Kar Wai's Blossoms Shanghai? I'm in ep 2, and finding it hard to get into the show even though I like Hu Ge.
Isn't it a pity shows like these are not loved on MDL? I'm full of respect for Chinese shows like this one, The Wind Blows From Longxi, The Long Night, Ripe Town but they fly under the radar of most folks.
Actually, the quality of some C-dramas blew my mind when I first stepped back into watching Asian dramas after many years of mainly American and British shows. I was completely engrossed in K-dramas and didn't think Chinese dramas could match them. In the past, TVB dramas got boring after a few years. I watched fewer Chinese movies as the actors I liked such as Jet Li, Leung Chiu Wai and Donnie Yen got older.
Then one day I decided to watch Nirvana In Fire due to recommendations from a reviewer I liked. That is still one of my all-time favourites.
My favourite genre is romcom, and C-dramas have some excellent ones amongst the many many mediocre ones. So much talent in the C-drama world. Plus lots and lots of eye candies. Hehe.
The storyline was very interesting and the main cast was amazing especially Chen Jianbin. His 1997 character reminded me of detectives from American police dramas in the 80s.
The rapid advancement in China within those 13 years was also fascinating to watch. The vibes in 1997 was more like a country still behind other countries by a decade or so. But then fast forward 13 years it was already on par or ready to leap frog.
The last episode was a bit disappointing. Young man couldn't carry his character. The writing was also weaker than all the other episodes. Not a show stopper though. This drama deserves more love!
Thank you again, PBG, for the rec and for this brilliantly written review ♡
The story is intriguing, and managed to keep my interest despite the underwhelming main leads. Haha.
He was brilliant in some of his dramas. And when the characters spoke in Jeremy's actual voice, they were unforgettable.
Such a shame to hear of his retirement. Wish Jeremy a well deserved rest, happiness and health in his next chapters of his life <3
Read up a bit about the novel on Wiki. The history of the novel itself is very intriguing. I've never read it cos i was not educated in Chinese (which is a shame on hindsight)
The ones who are truly amazing dare to walk the harder paths, and yet mint money 💰