sulkytofu

Wow, I'm really shocked if this is the case! There's been some great academic works published that have noted Lang Ya Bang as originally being a BL novel. I'm not sure where the rumours began either, but Hong Kong University Press published an anthology called "Boys' Love, Cosplay, and Androgynous Idols" in 2017 that talks briefly a little bit about Nirvana in Fire and its connection to BL.

I've checked out the link you sent me! It's really cool to see that Hai Yan was both the scriptwriter and the novelist - I really appreciate it when they keep the original author on, especially to preserve aspects of the original work. Looks like I'll have some reading to do!

My all time favourite performance of Hwang Jungeum is Secret Love (I believe it's the 2013 drama with Ji Sung). She did an incredible job making you feel deeply for her pain, and her angst and her struggles were portrayed amazingly. I think it's really a matter of writing, and that she's actually an incredibly versatile actress with lots of experience. Looking forward to her next romcom project, and I hope she gets better characters to act!

I think this is a comment to show (especially for those who may be interested in watching) whether you should or shouldn't watch this one. Personally I actually feel like much of the storyline doesn't really come into play until probably the mid-stretch, with the main CP's story taking up A LOT of the show.

In other words, if you actually like the ML + FL (which I think many of us who praise the series do, and are currently addicted to their sweet scenes) then I think you'll enjoy it. But if you really don't like them and the characterizations, I don't think this is a drama that will work for you because they take up A LOT of screen time. This is really one of the fluffiest dramas I've watched, and while I'm currently only on Episode 24 almost every episode so far I'd say at least 75% are cute scenes with both of them. By removing the two main characters, I probably wouldn't watch this one, since I don't think there is not really in fact enough plot at the moment. I'm going to admit that I really am only watching this for the main CP, and therefore understand that if you don't like them, this is definitely not a show that might work for you.

I can't believe Zhou Yiran is so young. Agree that Zhong Li is definitely one of my favourite characters! It's great to see such awesome side characters that really add something to the storyline.

When I first saw this, I knew I shouldn't start before all episodes are out, since I have a feeling it's going to be really addictive (especially considering its relation to The Princess Weiyoung). But I just can't resist, and especially with all the positive comments I'm going into Episode 1 with high expectations!

The plot itself sounds like a trippy dream or one huge meme. Not sure what to think of it especially as I've been used to seeing Kris Fan in more serious/introspective roles, so this might be an interesting one to pick up!

It's interesting because apparently Nirvana in Fire was actually adapted from a BL novel! I've been wanting to read it but have yet to be able to find an English translation, but I think it's interesting to see the differences between the original story and the screenplay.

I'm quite surprised by the comments that are focusing on the FL. I do think some of the "cutesy" expressions could definitely be toned down, with Jinyan's characterization not really needing this in order to be attractive. However, Jinyan's core character is very mischievous and devoted, and I really like her. She works hard to support her loved ones, bravely creates schemes and plans herself to help them, and doesn't think about how powerless she is but instead what she can do to support the people around her. Not to mention if we are to criticize the FL herself, there should also be comments towards the ML — whose favouritism towards Jinyan can sometimes hurt her, and also how he sometimes loses his temper at court or his professionalism as the king. Episode 24 is probably a great example of how Jinyan helps King Yu with his own personal problems when sometimes he is too temperamental to see the situation clearly.

I also love how the drama does some really cool things with its side characters. I love the screentime that Zhong Li receives, and how much of this is focused on his brotherhood and loyalty to King Yu. I also absolutely love how they used Consort Wen — never have I seen one of the members of the king's harem actively try to assist the main couple.

Moreover, while there are definitely the usual scheming politics involved, this is at its heart an incredibly fluffy and loveable drama. There are so many cute scenes between our main ship, who I can only describe as two cute, clueless, and bickering people who love each other deeply. I love how both ML & FL navigate misunderstandings together, apologize to each other, and even go extra lengths in order to care for each other. I can't wait to see the rest of the episodes, and even though I'm already at Episode 24 I'm not yet bored and have yet to skip anything!

From one of the interviews that Leo was in, he mentioned that the ML's character (Yuan Shuai) is the very doting, considerate, devoted to the FL type. I was a little surprised by this since the plot makes it seem like he has become the "cold ruthless ML," but considering the popularity of "wholesome MLs" recently, I think this will be a refreshing change. Not to mention - FL has a pet corgi in this drama, which I am sure will steal the show!

I'm excited for this one since it seems like another light romantic drama (in the same vein as Lucky's First Love) and really can't wait to watch because of how exceptional Leo's acting has been in all of his projects. I'm really hoping this one gets solid ratings, especially because his previous works haven't done so well in plot, and also that this showcases both Bai Lu and Leo's impressive acting ranges!

Li Xian was confirmed to be seen on the set filming as part of a cameo, but there hasn't been any word from Yang Zi yet! She must be really busy filming The Golden Hairpin.

To start off with some of the plot issues, I think that the whole "tragic past" situation being hinted between Li Zhe and Fang Ziyou is written in ways that undermine its seriousness. Whenever I see them in scenes together, I feel like I'm watching a bad time-skip BL series, and some of the actions (i.e. sending "mysterious symbolic gifts" like pencil crayons) is a little too petty for my taste. I do like the idea of both having to repair their relationship, however, and how it ties into the ML's broader conditions and his honest personality. I am ready, however, for my heart to break (again) at Liu Haikuan's acting, especially as it seems to be hinted that he will become a second male lead.

I do find that Xin Yunlai's acting feels a little stiff sometimes, and this may be because of the way in which his character is written. But I really like his chemistry with Liang Jie, and I think that both personalities are interesting together. I especially like the ways in which their inability/ability to tell white lies has social implications, such as when they do business and how they work in their careers.

In terms of expectations, this is definitely a cliche and fluffy rom-com, but I've been really liking it so far and I think the pacing of their romance is quite well done. I love how ML is not a jerk and in many ways is quite thoughtful and kind. And I love how Liang Jie portrays Xu Yiren as very adaptable and flexible, and how her strengths supplement and even assist the personality of the ML. I also know that many watchers may be influenced by Liang Jie's chemistry with Xing Zhaolin, and I can definitely say that both ML & FL have a mutually supportive chemistry that has been really fun and sweet to watch.

I have so many conflicting emotions when it comes to Su Chengyun, and I've been surprised by how this is a light fluffy romcom but there are also lots of introspective moments as well. Props to the drama writers however for building the premise of the story on the idea that both the FL 10 years before and 10 years after can exist at the same time in the same place. I think it gives the drama an element of mystery (and sometimes even a little bit of a "thriller"), and this definitely wasn't what I was expecting at all when I started watching this show.

I love the antics between Zhong Li, the Eunuch, and the ML too. I think Zhong Li is really great since he's one of the few subordinates who actively questions and sometimes even disagrees with the ML, and their brotherhood is so nice to see especially as I feel we are going to start entering more of the palace politics in the latter stretch of the drama.

This is honestly my crack drama, and I can't stop watching. I'm actually surprised because of how I absolutely LOVE the FL, and how active she is and how she constantly sticks to her goals and her loyalty to her family. I do find some of the comments interesting because personally I find that while Jinyan does get into trouble, some of the ML's actions (especially in the middle stretch of the drama) potentially put her into conflict with his harem and the royal family.

The main couple however is just so adorable, and I can't stop watching and giggling just looking at how cute they are together. I'm very shocked that this is Chen Jingke's first role, especially since he's done a very solid job as the ML and he looks much older than his actual age. Their chemistry is sparkling, and I love how both obviously love each other quite a lot, even if they haven't necessarily outright "confessed" to each other yet.

For those of you who are worried about the whole hiding identity/etc. aspect, I do admit that the secrets aren't revealed for quite a bit. But I like how this allows the main couple to grow to love each other first before they learn about each other's true selves, and so far I think the pacing of this drama is really great (nothing feels draggy and as a chronic skip watcher I have yet to skip any scenes). In any case, I absolutely have been enjoying this one, and it's definitely risen as one of my favourite current dramas that is airing right now.

Okay, honestly, this couple seriously warms my heart. I went into this with very low expectations especially given the comments, but seeing just how tortured Zhang Min is (and how powerless he is), in comparison to the happy and healing Luo Xi, I think they honestly make an adorable CP.

I'm still really early (only at Episode 5) but for now Tao Lun hasn't been that annoying, and instead I find his personality quite endearing. I do agree it's pretty obvious that his story so far will be set up for melodrama, and so I'm trying to brace myself at the moment!

This drama is strange to me in the sense of some of its cinematographic and visual direction. On paper and in the script, there are so many elements of a kooky and meta romcom, with comedic elements everywhere. I almost expected a sparkly pastel palette, similar to some of the other titles that take on the light historical romcom genre (i.e. Dr. Cutie, The Romance of TIger and Rose, Love is All, The Legend of Jinyan).

Yet the overall palette and tone of the drama is muted and restrained, and sometimes even suffocating, especially as you note how the ML is essentially a "puppet prince." It's a lot darker and the colouring feels a lot closer to Yanxi Palace. It's therefore interesting to see this combination together and sometimes makes me unsure of what genre I'm exactly watching (romcom? court politics? fluff?), but for now I'm still quite early on and will watch a bit longer to gather my thoughts on the show.

Yep! Just completed, thanks for the notice!

In a way, I think the lower ratings at first may be a good thing, to help people lower their expectations. It definitely has its flaws and isn't perfect, but I really think if you go into this one not expecting too much, you'll likely have a good time watching it. This drama really suits some of my current tastes - basically historical romcom that's light on plot and high on fluff - and so I've been having an enjoyable watch so far!

So I'm back after some time, and I'm shocked to say it, but I dropped this drama. I tried continuing to watch from Episode 13, and just couldn't continue any longer. I don't know if it's because of the expectations, and it's surprising since this drama had everything I liked (Zhao Lusi, kind and caring ML, a historical setting, overall "crackly humour," absolutely hilarious side cast, and a healthy CP). I still think this is a solid watch - It definitely shows how impressive the production quality of Chinese dramas are becoming, especially considering that Tencent even noted that this wasn't one of their more higher-budget productions.

But I think my main issue is that the plot never feels like there's serious tension. Sometimes I don't feel like there's anything pushing me to keep watching, and I'm not sure if it's because I'm not as interested in the CP anymore, as I feel like there's never any consequences (even though ironically this is a drama that's supposed to be focused on the romance.) I also feel like even though the main CP hasn't gotten together yet at this point (which is usually my favourite part in dramas i.e. when the ML "chases" after FL) I feel like the drama is already dragging.

I really think this is a matter of taste, because I absolutely loved some dramas that are also currently airing and have been quite heavily criticized and panned in favour of The Romance of Tiger and Rose (i.e. My Dear Destiny, The Legend of Jin Yan). It may also be my own expectations, perhaps going into this drama thinking that the script may have been tighter or expecting something that was going to really suit my tastes especially with all of the high praises. I think I'd therefore say that the comments and positive impressions are well-justified, but to also manage one's own expectations since this drama didn't work as well as it did for me compared to others!

It's available on Youtube, subbed up to Episode 24 under the Drama Tube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_93xl7VuEQ&list=PLtXjhJwc1uFPGdPT_zPc53pgG5EMdxuzY. The subs aren't great and there's a lot of audio syncing issues, and parts that are clipped. I think so far they've stopped subbing for a bit though, so episodes up to 37 aren't yet available.

The FL is also in My Dear Destiny, and she has SO MUCH chemistry with the ML in that drama. I'm so excited to see Hu Yixuan and Zheng Yecheng together, because they are so perfectly casted as a CP ~