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Unexpected
I had low expectations coming into this series after watching Nirvana in Fire, but was happily impressed. The story and the characters are quite different, so there's no point in comparing. They were both good in their own right.Story: I fell in love with the Chang Lin family. I could see why so many people would go after them because of jealousy and fear. Their love for each other wasn't over the top, it is how a loving family really are and the actors portrayed it really well. The villains could have been developed more, though. I couldn't really empathize with them nor root for them or their plight. I liked how Ping Jing realizes he needs to live life for himself and that his family was supportive of that. I also felt relief and happiness, as he did, when he was finally able to let go of all the guilt weighing in his heart and live freely.
Actors: I'm thoroughly impressed by Liu Hao Ran and how his character developed throughout the series. Towards the end I wish they had kept more focus on him instead of Yuan Qi. I had heard grumblings about Huang Xiao Ming before I started watching, but I was also impressed by his portrayal of Ping Zhang as Ping Jing's older brother. I liked the supporting cast, including Tong Li Ya (Qian Xue) and Sun Chen (Ting Sheng), but somehow couldn't really connect with Lin Xi's character. I'm not sure if it's the actress or the character.
I really enjoyed this series because I was invested in the Chang Lin family, especially Ping Jing. Ping Jing's experiences and motivations resonated with me. I strongly recommend if you like character development and strong family relationships.
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Liu Hao Ran did an amazing job and his chemistry with Zhang Hui Wen was really cute. It was so nice to watch them fall in love slowly. This is what you call a predestined love. The bromance in this is out of the world. It is one that can rival the bromance of the previous season although when it comes to the romance side this one takes a higher place, at least in my personal books.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loved the first season and I kinda hope they have some other continuation for the story so we can see what happens to the Chnaglins in the future.
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The plot of Nirvana in Fire 2 suffered from two main problems 1) Lots of wasted time on an evil exaggerated caricature in the first half (I had to start watching sped up) 2) the characters in the second half show very little character growth.
The acting/cast was uneven as well. I truly enjoyed all the scenes that featured the Xiao family and Lin Xi, and I was super curious about how it would all resolve for them. But, the other characters such as the Emperor, officials/advisors, concubines, I found overacted and boring. I have gone back and watched bits and pieces that I liked.
Music was well done.
I have other criteria I score by:
Complex Themes - 8
(The series does not jump from random plot element to plot element, but actually builds on concepts regarding sacrifices for the greater good, fate vs. individual action, the ups and downs of power, recognising ones limits and the harm of long-held grudges)
Character Growth - 7
(Characters do not change as much as one would hope or think. They will change or grow a bit, but then get 'stuck' either due to limited acting range or limited script)
Nuanced Women - 5
(Like Nirvana in Fire, there are some great nuanced female characters (esp. Meng Qian Xue - the older brother's wife), but unlike Nirvana in Fire there's a lot of simplistic one note female characters as well (esp. in the inner palace).
Cinematography/Production Values - 10
(Beautifully filmed compared to Nirvana in Fire, lots of outdoor scenes, sweeping vistas, huge, choreographed fight scenes).
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Poignant, Deep, Mature and Beautiful
One of the strongest aspects of this drama is how mature it is. It brims with healthy idealism, but harbors no illusions regarding reality -- a perfect balance between youthful naivety and jaded cynicism. The love stories are incredibly moving, but are by no means all consuming or unrealistic like the typical depiction of youthful love.The show is almost perfect in all regards (with the minor exception of pacing issues in the final arc), but this maturity, the nuance, makes it extraordinary.
The maturity is perhaps most evident in the show's characterization (a product of both superb writing and acting). It's so rare to see such consistently strong characterization, from protagonists to villains to all sorts of supporting characters.
The male leads exemplify the writer's ideal masculinity. They are highly intelligent and competent -- no naive lead trope. They are decisive and determined, but not callous or toxic. They are genuinely loving and kind, without ever appearing meek. They're incredibly self-disciplined: strict on themselves, but easy on the others. They have a devout sense of duty, but no ambition for personal gains. And finally, they are not above moments of weakness, and struggles to find internal strength.
The female leads are quite modernly idealistic consider the period setting. They are at the perfect balance point: neither adolescent girls all consumed by love, nor the stereotypical "girl crush" overcompensation that finds love distasteful. They love most ardently, but they also know what they want with their lives and what role romance plays in the life that they want. And it's incredibly refreshing to see the men wholeheartedly supporting that and never subjecting them to their own agendas.
The villains are all incredibly well done. Nobody (except maybe one) came off as an evil caricature. They were antagonistic because of their own unique motivations, often deeply personal, sympathetic or even noble. At many points, the conflict between the protagonists and the villains are almost a philosophical debate, and one is forced to consider whether the villains might actually be right. It is this juxataposition that reaffirms the idealistic values that our heroes stand for.
And finally, the supporting cast is also well done, and often multi-layered. For example, the Emperor is benevolent and kind (another break from trope), but he is also highly intelligent and isn't someone to be BSed. You can see the fear he strikes into his subjects. There was also this girl perfectly befitting the traditional stereotype of being meek and obediant, but there are also glimpses of her courage, resolve and wisdom.
Overall it's an incredibly mature and intelligent drama, with strong charcterization and consistent plot. It's also highly nuanced, which makes for a great rewatch. And as can be expected from this production crew, it is so beautiful, from the people to the sets to the music.
10/10 would recommend.
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Natural and realistic
š”š¤The story full of tastes in a life time. Even I want more details about the pingjing story the result is acceptable and beautiful. I want season three have Haoran too.š¤ I became a fan of him as a fan of Pingjing, his character inspired me so much. More his real life there full of inspiration for young generation. š”Iāve been back to watch the drama many times. Also listen to the song every day. āØI will never bored of the soundtrack there. The praises in the story, the speeches of Tingsheng is so good make me admire the writer to death šš . And since I have watched this masterpiece work and go around and around I find no drama can be replaced this one in my heart šWas this review helpful to you?
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Xiao Pingjing is a character so gratifying to watch
I don't like to, but I can't help to compare seasons 1 and 2. After finishing season 1 previously, I was in Nirvana in Fire withdrawal for a few days and couldn't move on. This time though, I didn't feel the exact feeling, however, I could say that I was more attached to Xiao Ping Jing than to Mei Changsu. I have seen XPJ grow up. From a carefree and unrestrained adolescent to a mature general and heir to Changlin. I have watched him rise and fall, felt his pain and struggles, and was relieved when he finally forgave himself. I have never seen such a detailed and well-executed character development that was very gratifying to watch. XPJ was a character among my personal favorites. I also love the OST. The ending theme song, Wishing for Peace is such a perfect battle song.Was this review helpful to you?
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Honest Thoughts
To be honest, I wasnāt expecting much when choosing this drama, especially since I did not watch the original Nirvana In Fire before watching NIF2. Personally, watching the series backwards made it much more meaningful for when I went and watched NIF, I had flashbacks to their descendants and the lives they were able to lead guided by their morality and righteous upbringings and also saw how the predecessors decisions and sacrifices ultimately became the foundation of that. Watching the passionate and driven youth of NIF, I had to remind myself that these people were the grandparents / elderly of NIF2 characters which was mind boggling. What makes me want to rewatch NIF2 is because I now know Pingjing is the rightful heir to the throne, and he doesnāt know it...that in itself gives me yet another perspective and makes me pay that much more attention to detail. How is he the actual heir? Tingsheng is the son of Crown Prince Qi, whom was wrongfully accused of treason and killed off by poison via wine, while Tingsheng is also Pingjingās father. You might be asking me how since Pingjing also has an older brother, however you can only take the throne if youāre from the same clan/apart of the imperial family with the same last name which is Xiao AND have imperial blood running through your veins, Pingzhang is adopted therefore removing him from the line of successors. I believe Tingsheng was never told of his actual birth story and till his death only saw himself as the adopted son of Jingyan while in fact, he is his imperial nephew. Pingjingās growth from beginning to end and the way the actor conveyed and carried out this character and his highs and lows/emotions is stellar. The overall idea of family first makes this both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. There is something lacking though which is the supporting characters, they were good and something that I could settle for but I wasnāt satisfiedāwhich is something I cannot put into words. The love story was okay in this one, I think both have their pros and cons. I like the fact that both Mains, men and women alike have a strong moral compass and sense of self. MCS spent his literal last breath for his brotherhood, family, and country and is both cunning, loyal, and intelligent, Nihuang chose to stand by MCS and his decisions despite knowing heāll leave her by death and is a badass general, Pingjing is righteous and intelligent he comes off as dandy and reckless at first yet comes out of his painful experiences a well rounded person who accepts people as they are, Lin Xi comes off aloof but spends her life helping others and doesnāt allow Pingjingās path to change her nor does she expect to change him, she knows when to recede and when to proceed which is commendableāhoping NIF 3 can give us more romance and give the supporting characters their own storyline that wonāt go off or affect the main storyline and plot.Was this review helpful to you?
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The Less tactical yet Peaceful and Self-Sufficient take of NIF ~!!
DON'T READ ANY FEEDBACKS, JUST WATCH AND BE IMPRESS! 100% -- DEFINITELY A MUST WATCH!!Comparison between the NIF1 and NIF2 would never be Valid as it carries different plot execution and theme.
Honestly speaking I was kinda worried to watch this sequel because of the reviews I have been reading over it being less impressive and kinda fell short compared to it's prequel however watching it intently from its Pilot episode to its Finale has proven me that those feedbacks were wrong and is simply biased.
This drama shouldn't be compared to the NIF1 since they're simply two sides of a coin. They have a very different target when it comes to story plots and more.
This story highlighted how loyalty and righteousness should be carried out. In a sense where they're simply contented and grateful for what they currently have and is willing to give them up just to keep the peace and serenity in place.
Story - 10, No words needed. All you need to do is to sit, watch and enjoy. This is less confusing compared to how NIF was since I'm already familiar with its system and setup. The plot twist and story itself were not as tactical and strategic as NIF1 but it surely accentuate its uniqueness and the difference between the 2 season. Its very clear, precise and genuine.
Acting/Cast - 10, I know that it's a bit of a stretched but I love its cast so much. Huang XiaoMing, Tong Liya, Turbo Liu, Zhang Hui Wen and etc was able to deliver and express their characters emotions and characteristic in a splendid way that it deserves so much high praises.
Music - 10, Ballad Songs would never go wrong with my ears. The music itself enriches each episode for me and even provides additional drama and excitement towards the opening and ending theme. I actually enjoyed watching them all.
Rewatch Value - 10, No questions needed. It's a MUST WATCH and I will surely watch it whenever I feel like to. A masterpiece that didn't fell short or underwhelming in contradiction to those biased reviews I red firsthand.
Overall - 10, It deserved all the views It accumulates and MORE! Just don't Read Reviews and Immediately watch! It will give you a different feeling and vibe that will surely impress you and make you cry.
IF you find my reviews helpful please let me know.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm going to say this first. Comparing Nirvana in Fire 2 to the first Nirvana in Fire drama is pretty useless because their stories are entirely different. Nirvana in Fire 2 is a story of about family, morals and loyalty while Nirvana in Fire 1 was a revenge and redemption story with lots of twists and complex palace schemes. Both dramas are great in their own way, and they both have their pros and cons. Nirvana in Fire 2 is about the story about the family of the general of the Changlin Army. The drama follows the family through the ups and downs that they face. The cast in this drama was great. I loved the familial bonds that the Changlin family had; they loved, respected and protected each other. I loved the brotherly bond between the main character Xiao Pingjing and his older brother Xiao Pingzhang. Although they never really kissed on screen, the chemistry between Pingzhang and his wife Qianxue was beautiful (I totally shipped them). Xiao Tingsheng was a kind but strict father to both his sons.
Personally, I liked the soundtrack in Nirvana in Fire 1 more but the soundtrack in Nirvana in Fire 2 is great as well and it fit the drama.
You can watch Nirvana in Fire 2 by itself but I would recommend you watch Nirvana in Fire 1 first so you can understand the little details in Nirvana in Fire 2. I love both Nirvana in Fire 1 and Nirvana in Fire 2. I really can't say more about the story of Nirvana in Fire 2 or else I will spoil it.
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Story of morality and righteousness
Nirvana in fire 2 had me really hooked from the beginning to the end.Not an inch extra or an inch less, everything was perfect in this drama including the pace,story and screenplay.As a sequel to Nirvana in fire,I personally felt that this drama dealt with family relations,emotions, responsibilities towards the country and the people and moral values.
Xiao Pingzhang,the elder brother is a very respectful,responsible,sincere,honest, righteous person who is the epitome of a good som, husband, brother, general and most importantly citizen.From letting his little brother to be carefree,to balancing the affairs in the court he shoulders it all without going against his values and principles.Huang Xiaoming was perfect in his role.
Xiao Pingjing,the younger one,is carefree,joyful and playful but never lacks from his responsibilities.I liked the way how his character transforms into a matured,calm, responsible person in the later half.Liu Haoran has nailed his role perfectly.
Tong Liya as the loving and caring Qian Xue,wife of Pingzhang,is very pleasant,gentle, supportive lady of the house.
Zhang Huiwen as Lin Xi is quite impressive.She is composed,calm,focused on her work and profession,rarely gets disturbed by emotions and is very matured.
I liked the romantic track between Pingjing and Lin Xi which was quite decent.
All the others, including antagonists were good in their roles.
While Nirvana in fire is a political based drama,this drama though has political issues, but largely based upon emotions as the main point.
All the scenes were written well,the story was gripping till the end.
The plot engages and involves you in the story of Xiao Tingsheng and his two sons and family and how they battle against all the struggles both on the battlefield and against the people who want to see their downfall.
Indeed,this is one of the best Chinese dramas I have watched.
There are a few scenes in this drama which are worth to rewatch so this is definitely on my rewatch list.
A beautiful story that leaves an impression on you.
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what a journey
I've always loved any story that is character-driven and focuses on family ties and/or friendships. And Nirvana in Fire 2 was the perfect drama for me. I was and am very much emotionally attached to the characters.In the beginning, Xiao Pingjing lived a carefree life away from the complicated political matters his elder brother and father faced. And I will always love those moments when he was playful around his family and Lin Xi. He always wished to stay that way, and his family and the emperor who favors him also wanted that for him. Xiao Pingzhang is one of the best older brothers I've seen in a drama. His meticulous, calm character balanced out Pingjing's joyful and impulsive character. And their father, Xiao Tingsheng also stood out. The loyalty he had to his brother, the emperor, and his teachings that he passed on to his sons really showed that Lin Shu/Mei Changsu was indeed his master. And Meng Qian Xue(Xiao Xue) is a wonderful wife, sister-in-law, and daughter. The Changlin family's relationship with Xun Feizhan is nice as well. I loved that not only was he a friend to Pingjing, he was also like a brother figure. I also liked Lin Xi with Pingjing and I'd love to see more female characters like her. Since the drama spanned over several years, you get to see many struggles and challenges they faced. And you especially get to see how Pingjing grows out of his carefree life, so it was not hard to care for these characters deeply. Finally, the ending was satisfying and I feel like it was very fitting.
In NIF1, Jingyan created the Changlin army to have Lin Shu/Mei Changsu's spirit live on. For me, that especially made me more attached and care for that army and the Changlin family even more. It added the love I had for Lin Shu/Mei Changsu to it. Also, whenever he(or any character from NIF1) was referenced, I was happy but emotional as well. I don't know why the writers keep referring Lin Shu/Mei Changsu as "the gentleman" or "this person" or "master" instead of saying his name(I guess Mei Changsu is fitting 'cause only ppl close to him knew his real identity).
These characters(including ones from NIF1) will always stay with me. I really recommend this drama whether you have watched the first one or not. It will be an emotional journey, but I hope you will get attached to the characters as I did. :')
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