This review may contain spoilers
The drama was cute/fun in the beginning, draggy in the middle (took a break around episode 37), then rushed at the end. Everything is gorgeous, and the CG is mostly good. I love the cast (minus some caricature/meh acting). I really liked the ending OST. Editing is wonky and lots of the same shots are used lol but that seems typical of Chinese dramas. Not too crazy about all those zoomed in eye shots. I can see myself rewatching scenes with Xu Feng & Jin Mi, and some of Run Yu's emotional scenes. The best parts are:
- Xu Feng falling for Jin Mi while she actually just wants more energy/power
- Demon Realm Visit to Kill the Beast (forgot the name)
- Mortal Realm Challenge
- Xu Feng and Jin Mi confirming love for each other
- Run Yu remembering his past
- Heavenly Wedding
I also enjoyed everything after Xu Feng is reborn and becomes Demon Lord. However, that portion really feels rushed and like I was watching a summary of events. (on a shallow note, Deng Lun looked amazing in black)
The ending was a huge letdown to be honest. However, it did end up making me rewatch my favorite scenes...maybe that was the intent. I just feel like overall the main leads don't get too many scenes together after they confirm their love for one another. Such a waste of great chemistry and cast.
My biggest annoyance with the drama is the story did not spend enough time on the main leads. I'm not usually the type to gripe about screen time. However, I felt the drama was busy showing the past love lives of everyone else that they never bothered to focus on the main leads or their current relationship and especially no focus on why the male lead was so great and amazing. If they weren't going to show us Fire Immortal's background in the first half, the part where he comes back and decides to become Demon Lord would've been the perfect opportunity. Unfortunately, it was just he's perfect because everyone says he's done great things. I feel like we don't really get to know Xu Feng. I do love Xu Feng a lot more than I should though and its all thanks to Deng Lun. Deng Lun did great with the little he had especially when he's emotionally vulnerable, so so good. I've become his fan.
Jin Mi, the female lead. I grew to really like her in the drama. I was annoyed with her at first, but once you accept that she grew up super super sheltered and is more of a child, I think it was fine. Her obsession with gaining more power was fun. I was able to follow her growth and her pain at realizing her love for Xu Feng. Her emotional outburst at Run Yu was well done. My favorite version of Jin Mi was in the Mortal Realm. Next would be when she's doing everything she can to get Xu Feng back. I liked that she stayed true to herself throughout the show - honest and loyal. She made her decisions, accepted her consequences, and sought to right her wrongs. To be honest, she never really completely stopped doing stupid things, but I was able to mostly overlook.
I like the second male lead, Run Yu. Luo Yun Xi did a great job with the character and his spiraling down the revenge path. (He also did a great job acting as Mr. Puchi acting as Run Yu). I appreciate that they fleshed him out, and I rooted for his revenge. Still, I think they spent too much time on him. Also, I did not like how everyone just called him an evil person because his reasons for wanting revenge made sense and I thought more immortals would understand his side with how awful the Heavenly two were. However, I did start to really NOT like him AFTER his revenge. His continued path to darkness, actions towards Xu Feng, and most of all, the way he treated Jinmi was disgusting. He didn't know how to stop. His end was fitting, but at the same time, I did not want him to feel completely alone. I did want him to feel loved too.
I hated the Heavenly Emperor and Empress, and they deserved punishments. If anything, I was annoyed that Xu Feng kept being flippant with his parents' wrongdoings... I wanted to see him more torn over realizing how his parents were horrible people all along, and him making amends to right their wrongs. I feel like this drama should've given us a great brotherhood. They were good brothers to each other...it's just that their parents were horrible.
I skipped the demon couple. Their relationship really did not need all those scenes. Also, I did not need Heavenly Empress' past love story, but at least that was a quick short one. If anything, I really did not need all those scenes spent on the old Heavenly Emperor, Water Immortal, and Flower Immortal...I cared way more about the present and now.
I think the drama wanted to show too much, but ended up showing not enough of very important things especially the male lead and main leads. I think the writer probably liked everyone too much...if anything, the writer definitely loved Run Yu.
Sorry for the ramblings...but most importantly, CAN WE GET MORE XUFENG AND JINMI BEING HAPPY TOGETHER? I would actually be down for a Season 2 with this cast.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This show is so ridiculous, why do I love it so much
Deng Lun was made for his role in this show, and had it been another actor, it is very possible I wouldn't have loved this show as much as I did. There are literal full episodes I will skip in this show as I just didn't care for a lot of the side plots and storylines. By the second half of the show, it starts to go downhill and fast. Especially as Jinmi's character goes from lighthearted and fun to -groan- dang near despicable and annoying, and Xufeng isn't in a lot of these later episodes due to well, you'll see.It is a long show, that could have been shortened for greater impact. Lots of annoying soap dramatics and ridiculousness that I wish had been done very differently or taken out entirely. A lot of subplots and things that also just don't even make sense.. which I am noticing more and more happens a lot in this type of genre. I also wish the second male lead was cast with someone entirely differently, and incorporated into the story in a manner that could actually cause a very big second lead syndrome to make the war in the end even more heartbreaking and understanding. From start to finish I did not like the second male lead. I also grew really tired of all of the plotting and manipulations and dramatics from the many villains of the show. So much soap when all I wanted was romantics. There were a lot of characters I really hated watching and wished were cast or presented differently.
There is a lot I have qualms with about this show .. so why the high rating and why do I still love this show?
Deng Lun is an absolute gem. He is attractive and charming, and the scenes they do have in falling in love and being together are so sweet and endearing. I haven't been able to watch his other romance shows with the same effect .. This character must have fit him so well. I keep trying to imagine different people cast for this story but it is hard for me to imagine anyone else who could be better for his role in my opinion. I feel like I rewatch this just to see him falling in love.
Production was done well in my opinion. The costumes are beautiful, the fantasy scenes and landscapes are beautiful, and even when some of the graphics or filming are very obviously film/theatre/cgi, I didn't really mind. As for the writing, I really enjoyed some of the comedic scenes and some of the sweeter side characters and plot lines. The light hearted ones were a breath of fresh air from all the doom and gloom. I loved a lot of the internal thoughts and silliness. Even the innocent misunderstandings. I still laugh at a few.
Every time I think about Ashes of Love I keep thinking about all of the ways this story had so much potential to be so much better, but I can't imagine them being able to remake this in a way to fix all of the many shortcomings of its predecessor successfully without perfect casting and impeccable planning and writing. I really don't know of any actor who would be better for the main male lead than Deng Lun. The actors and actresses would have to have amazing synergy and it's hard to imagine which current actors/actresses could even play which parts. The main leads would be incredibly important. The story would have to be improved significantly, and the many mistakes of the original ironed out.
To be fair, the reason I even consider any of this is because of how much I enjoyed the show. Otherwise I wouldn't even consider what it'd be like to remake the story. Any remake would have to be better than the original, otherwise there is no point.
I can see why a lot of people don't like this show.. but I can also see why it is so incredibly popular too. There is a reason why with every new fantasy Xianxia this show is often brought up in comparison.
My summary. There is a lot about this show I don't like.. but I keep coming back to it. Deng Lun was perfect for his role. When the show is bad, it is really bad, but the parts that are good, are really good. If you're like me, you'll end up rewatching the few episodes and scenes that are worthwhile just because they're so sweet and learn to skip over all the annoying ones (which can be more than the sweet scenes in number unfortunately). The scenes of them falling in love and getting to know one another over time are really cute. The love scenes are so sweet.
This is actually the first show that made me look for other Xianxia style shows because of how much I enjoyed it. I've watched quite a few now, all because of this show, and they all have a lot of the same problems. I'm always looking forward to creators making this genre so much better, because the potential is definitely there. I will say, there is not another Xianxia I have seen that I've liked better than this show, despite how many things I've found wrong with it.
If you have any interest in this genre, this show is a must see.
Was this review helpful to you?
Would have been amazing had it not been dragged out
This was the first Chinese drama I've watched. I was drawn in by the fantasy premise, beautiful costumes, and knowing to expect a turbulent romance. And I got it all. The story was very interesting, especially the worldbuilding elements. As a fan of aristocratic romances, I really like the idea of gods and relationships between them. A plentiful cast of talented actors (though some of them were overacting at times) with colourful characters, each with their own personality, albeit one-dimensional at the time. In regards to the plot, it was very well thought out, with multiple twists over the course of the story to keep you from being bored. However...The biggest problem I had with this series is that it was just... too... long... Was it really necessary to have 63 episodes, each 45 minutes long? I'm sure there was a way to tighten the story a bit to make it more appealing. It dragged out for too long, which ultimately, led to other elements suffering from it. At certain point, I've started counting the number of times the same plot points were being repeated over and over again, bringing literally nothing new to the story. I would actually love to rewatch this series at least once again, because I love the romance between the main couple, but I just cannot bring myself to do that. Also, I wasn't a huge fan of the ending (I just don't enjoy resolutions like that), but this is strictly subjective opinion (and mostly acts as a note to my future self that rewatching it might end up wasting my time).
Overall: I recommend watching this drama if you like slow burn romance - kike, the microwave is off and someone is blowing hot air behind it-kind of slow burn (thanks, Katya Zamolodchikova, for painting a perfect picture of my feelings toward this drama) - also fantasy elements, really cool cinematography & fierce costuming.
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing emotional drama soap opera worthy
One of my favorites chinese dramas, Ashes of Love tells the story of Jinmi, a fruit fairy with lots of secrets and a misterious past she doesn't even know about, and Xufeng, a fenix prince from Celestial world that is about to reborn after 50 years. It´s an amazing drama that got me crying and laughing all the way through it, making me very emotional and curious about their story. The chemistry and the romance is got tier, with a lots of plottwists and drama soap opera worthy. The fact she is inable to have feelings makes everything more interesting and the angsty is almost umbearable. The acting is incredible and the OST got all of us shaking. And we are not even gonna talk about Luo Yunxis performance as Prince Runyu, the character with most character development i have ever seen in the screen that got all of us craving for his happy ending and less tears.Was this review helpful to you?
An Epic Escape from Reality
As I eagerly clicked "next episode" at 4 am while binging this show all within a week, I was a bit sad knowing that this show would come to an end. I enjoyed the ride wholeheartedly. The first night I watched the first few episodes, I ended up youtubing and spoiled myself fully but I think it prepared me for the trouble lying ahead.I read reviews beforehand to see if it was worth sinking my time into 63 episodes when I feel like I shouldn't have all that time devoted to watching dramas in a week. And for me, it was worth it. Just a bit of a backstory on my viewership so you know where this review is coming from - this is only my third xianxia drama I've watched besides The Untamed and Eternal Love, so I don't have a lot to compare it to.
The music is epic. I had seen people on reddit commenting about the great Ashes of Love soundtrack so that actually piqued my curiosity. Indeed, I agree. Just looked up Sa Dingding and didn't know she was Yuanji - her voice is amazing. Upwards to the Moon is hypnotizing.
I saw some reviews from Runyu fans. He had some excellent scenes. I would not feel sorry for him because Luo Yunxi definitely got to run through all these emotions and probably had the character with the most depth. And please note, I am the one who laughs when I see the jealous unloved character on screen. So watching Runyu grip his fist at seeing Jimi and Xufeng together was a LOL for me. Runyu is f'n hilarious. Did my heart break for him even with his sad past? No, not really. That being said, I liked him and I rooted for him to get his revenge.
I had never seen Deng Lun before in my life so I was pleased with him. Xufeng is what I would describe as a primal, loyal, simple-minded and hotblooded male. I saw reviews complaining about Jinmi/Yang Zi. I have seen a few episodes of the Oath of Love where I thought Yang Zi's character was annoying so I braced myself for this. But I think she was amazing as Jinmi and Jinmi's character grew. She went from a happy-go-lucky grape to an icy petal princess clutching a dagger. Did my heart break for Jinmi? Yes, I actually felt her pain.
I also saw comments about how good the production was and I also agree. Beautiful set/visual design. I enjoyed how the show went all out for the weddings.
So, if you are looking for a roller coaster love story of a Phoenix and a Frost Flower with a Dragon raging in the background, I recommend watching. Also by the way, you have to have some degree of tolerance for all of the WUHUI you will witness.
Was this review helpful to you?
The story was very intriguing. It was so magnetic, I found myself binge watching until 3am. Eek! It had me hooked, there were little parts where I fast forward, but overall the story and plot was great. I liked the buildup for each character, and it wasn’t drawn out.
The acting was magnificent. I’ve only seen Yang Zi in Noble Aspirations, and hated her in that drama but when I read the synopsis, I was like oh wow she’ll be perfect because she was so stoic faced, but this drama brought out a very cute side to YZ. I also liked our two male leads, both very eye-catching and cute!
Music – no idea what the lyrics were, but I liked the music and felt bad only watching on mute at times.
Cinematography was amazing. I watched is on Netflix so the quality was amazing, I recommend watching in high quality if possible. The outfits, shots, and set were done nicely.
I liked the ending, and how it incorporated our main characters. I liked the side characters too, such as Mr. Puchi, Fox Fairy and Mr. Hu. I would take a part two of this movie, if those three were involved. The ending leads us to believe there’ll be a part two, perhaps involving the kids of our main lead.
I'm definitely rewatching this, it's up there next to 10MPB
Was this review helpful to you?
I could rewatch this drama multiple times. And I will never get tired of looking at the mighty Phoenix! ????
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I am still quite neophyte to C-Dramas and I am seriously learning how to understand Mandarin with a positive high regard! Next to the Rise Of Phoenixes (Netflix drama - EXCELLENT), which was my introduction to a whole new genre of storytelling, Ashes of Love is now my all time favorite, along with the actors Deng Lun (forever, can now watch him stand still and chew gum) and Yang Zi (in this role specific).Since this, I've watched quite a few stories and have a very small Mandarin lexicon of words I can now recognize when I hear them. But from Ashes of Love, the number one word/name for me is, "Fenghuang"/ Phoenix / "wo ai ni / I love you!" Cried like a baby during that scene. OMG, I can watch Eps.19-63 over and over again just to see the build up, the wait to hear it and then to watch the reception of it. Fabulous!
Was this review helpful to you?
A beautifully composed drama that's far from perfect but that's what makes it so amazing!
What a wild ride. Ashes of Love is my fourth C-drama I have watched since April and I'm really satisfied with how this drama concluded. The casting directors cast their people well and while every single one of them did a tremendously well job at portraying their characters, I especially fell in love with Luo Yun Xi who plays Run Yu, the misunderstood dragon boy who captured my heart from day one with his mysterious personality and gentle smile. But let's not forget to mention Andy Yang, who outdid herself playing an at first innocent and naive Jin Mi who later transformed into a responsible and selfless immortal, Deng Lu as Xufeng, the on the outside arrogant and stoic looking Fire Immortal, Faye Wang as the ruthless Sui He and Kathy Chow as late Heavenly Empress. All of them drew me in right from the beginning which made watching this 63 episode long drama feel like it passed by in the blink of an eye.I did end up skipping several scenes but most of those included the Heavenly Emperor and the late Floral Immortal whose love story I wasn't very invested in. Shit happens though :D
Was this review helpful to you?
I decided to watch this drama because of Deng Lun. I loved him in 'Because of You' as Li Yun Kai. Straightaway I loved Yang Zi as Jinmi. She has a very cute yet naive character. Like 'Eternal Love' the characters go through some sort of hardship that matures them. I enjoyed this as it really moves the plot along.
The music is very calming and I know I will listen to it as I did with 'Eternal Love'. I do prefer the characters in this drama though as they are not as annoying.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I'd say the main leads managed to hold the drama together. Which is really rare on historical C-Dramas.Story/Plot: The story revolves around the ill-fated love of Xu Feng (the second prince of the Heavenly Realm) and Jin Mi (the daughter of the former Flower Immortal). With their titles come the heavy history wrought in their very being. I'm not fond of their parent's history but then that made their ill-fate so tragic, I guess. Considering that the dramas was long (63 eps in all), I'd say the pace was just right. I was skeptical at first cause how the hell do you stretch a 24 chapters novel into a 60+ ep drama? But HSALF didn't disappoint at all. I love their light-hearted and innocent interactions at the beginning of the film. When they plunged into the mortal realm before ep 20, I thought it was too soon. But it was just the right timing. Saintess and Yaya's time as mortal was honestly a gem for feels. It didn't disappoint at all. Shout out to that very goth ending to their story. It was Beautiful.
Back in heaven, we are given a few more eps of fluff and downright intense encounter before they break our hearts. I'd usually think that the climax being around ep 44 is premature but as the drama has taught me early, it knows what its doing. It was hard watching both Xu Feng and Jin Mi break each other's heart but I reveled in all the angst they offered me. My heart broke whenever Jin Mi and Xu Feng said and did things to hurt one another. But it was all so worth it. I didn't even mind all the sub-plots. Liu Ying and Mu Ci's story was heart-warming. I'm glad to have known them. It was hard for me to watch Run Yu love Jin Mi. I wished he was given another love line in the end. After everything, the drama was just fantastic.
Acting/Cast: Yang Zi and Deng Lun delivered outstanding performances on portraying Jin Mi and Xu Feng and I cannot be more proud. They faced criticism when they were casted but in the end, I think no other couple could have captured and played Jin Mi and Xu Feng as well as they did. All the other cast didn't disappoint too. They were all amazing. Yan You and Run Yu deserves a shout out for helping both leads. I'd say the final episodes solidified Deng Lun's acting capabilities. I mean, Yang Zi was amazing too but Deng Lun had more to prove than her. I've seen Deng Lun in Princess Agents and Because of You and I think Xu Feng is his superior role out of them all (even if I haven't seen all his work).
Music: The BGM is to die for. It was so on point in every scene. I especially love that Deng Lun and Yang Zi sang an OST together (Frostless Heaven and Earth). Deng Lun sang it in solo too. And Yang Zi sang Love Frost and her voice was just mesmerizing. There are other notable songs too, Upwards to the Moon and Unsullied.
Rewatch Value: Definitely a must watch and a worthy binge-watch no matter how many times you've seen it. I'd really recommend it to friends who are starting out on C-Dramas. It was such an amazing experience for me that I'd really want others to understand how it felt.
Was this review helpful to you?
