This was a phenomenal drama.
I will admit I was skeptical about how good this drama was. I was watching it waiting for the shoe to drop, but my head is still intact and I completed the drama. I was truly amazed at how well written and acted this drama was.
Pros:
1. This was a drama about the throne without the 'drama' of the throne just the 'game' of the throne.
2. Although you knew the ending of the drama by episode 10 you still could not predict what would happen and the ending still surprised you.
3. Brains will always win.
Cons: There was no romance of any kind! I repeat! no romance even though there were marriages.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reviewed in increments~ Intense, straightforward storyline! 5 Stars!
Ep 19 ~ so glad I finally found a complete eng sub version of this drama series! The cast is amazing! Storyline intriguing,… intense, with very few draggy scenes up to this, almost halfway point! Love it so much!Ep 50 ~ omg! The performances of the entire cast is fantastic! This has been one of the best drama series I’ve seen in a very long time! I will miss this storyline and the characters very much!
Completed! Enjoyed this series so much, I’ve binged-watched late into the night! I can’t stop gushing accolades for this drama series! ML ~ played by HU GE is phenomenally sublime!
Would definitely recommend,.. AND would definitely rewatch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I don't know where to start. So I guess I will talk about the storyline, which in my opinion was one of the best storylines for a TV Show, I am not Chinese but I absolutely loved this show, because the story had a deeper meaning to it, it felt as if we were part of it or as if it had happened to us somehow and that was made possible due to the brilliant cast.
The story makes me feel a sense of despair and agony, it always feels like as if this could be happening right now in this present day and age. I do not want to mention anything about how the story progressed or what the relationships were between the characters, it would be best if you watch the show and not do any extensive research to avoid such dismay.
I don't want to write a lot and raise your expectations but I do want to mention that this show has taught me a lot of life lessons. It taught me how important family ties is and how we should all be treating each other. It taught me to never judge or make assumptions, how important virtue is, showing respect, trusting people, patience and integrity. This could go on but I should stop. Have patience and wish me luck with the post-series depression, I really wish I could start over.
Why do great shows have to be so short. I wish there's a prequel to this show, it would make this story even more sweeter. But overall absolutely brilliant cinematography, fight choreography, storytelling, acting, music and soundtrack and lastly casting.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A great story. Intelligent and engaging. Just be patient at the start
Dramas that are as long as this one, tend to take a while to really get going. And even then you may not be fully invested in the characters for a while longer than that. For me, Nirvana in Fire was no exception to this rule. BUT it was well worth the wait. By the end, I cared way too much about all of the main characters but especially the ML who seriously deserved for the truth to be known. What a journey for them all but particularly for him. I wouldn't say that he was ever after revenge and he wasn't as cold or heartless as I was expecting him to be. He just wanted what was wrong to be set right. And how can you not want that for him when the wrongs were so great and the struggle was so hard. Of course, he doesn't get everything that he (and we) wanted but it was fascinating to watch him as he got closer and closer.So, it was all quite epic really. And it's very smart. There are a few reversals in the fortunes of important characters that are brilliantly manipulated by MCS. There are moments of so much tension and then pure joy. Really fun to watch.
I was expecting it to be confusing at the start so I sought out a cheat sheet for names and relationships and that was helpful. I also expected it to be funnier from what I read in advance. And it wasn't despite a lot of smile moments. It didn't matter though. This was a brilliant drama in terms of premise, writing, the intricate story arcs, the subtle and realistic characters, their significant development, the firm direction, impressive costuming ... and especially the acting. There are some very impressive performances throughout this drama but especially at the end.
Anyway, I loved it, didn't want it to end and would recommend it to anyone who's willing to pay attention and wait for it until it grabs you ... which it surely will. It's so refreshing to find dramas that are this good.
Was this review helpful to you?
This drama gives the exact feeling which you get while watching Game of the throne you start watching LOTR. You understand that this drama started the trend of cunning plot genre with badass characters. You will be lucky if this is included in the first few C dramas you watched but if if you have already watched later dramas which were inspired from Nirvana in Fire than you will not get that same joy.
Points that were best in this drama
Acting- specifically the guy who was playing the king, I watched his scenes many times on repeat he is such a good actor. Although I didn't like the acting on only character which was mother of Prince Jingyan the consort Jing and annoying chinese dubbing made it more unbearable.
Plot- Plot is the main thing in this drama which is the reason it inspred many other later dramas.
No Romance- I liked it that creators dared to make a drama with barely any romance in a time where Romance was very important part in the dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
Obra Maestra
Esta serie es una auténtica pasada. Las tramas, los misterios y las estrategias te mantienen totalmente enganchada a la serie, que evita los estereotipos y clichés en gran medida. Me encanta ver mujeres guerreras. Es una obra maestra y si estas leyendo esto, no dudes en empezar a verla.Además, es una serie con muy buena ambientación, un vestuario precioso y una música muy reconocible y característica.
Está completa en Viki aunque la traducción a español es bastante mala. Al principio te lías con los personajes porque se llaman muy parecidos.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best Chinese Drama I've watched so far!!
This drama is incredibly made. The casts are so versatile, they can portray each roles superbly. They're eyes are full of emotions. The props, costumes and settings are so amazing. The story and script are the most interesting one. You'll feel excited to watch the next episodes coz' you just want some more of the last episode. I cried many times for the happy & heartbreaking moments. Thanks to all the actors, staffs & crews of Nirvana in Fire for bringing us such a masterpiece!!!I encourage you all to watch this drama this instant!!
Was this review helpful to you?
1) Have you ever felt annoyed at a character for making the wrong decisions?
2) Have you ever found yourself skipping scenes because you want to get on with the plot?
3) Have you ever thought that a scene didn't make sense for the context of the situation?
Look no further, NIRVANA IN FIRE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN! This show will ease your pain and NOT make you ask these questions.
1) The ML, although physically weak, he proves that you don't need physical strength to win battles. His ability to understand people's behaviors combined with his intelligence makes him the ultimate mastermind for maneuvering around schemes and executing plans. You won't find yourself getting annoyed at his character, but you may find yourself feeling empathetic for him instead.
2) Each act and scene had a purpose. The dialogue either contributed to the movement of the storyline or used to build characters and their relationships. The plot never goes stale and you're constantly on edge with the ML trying to help him achieve his main goal.
3) Whilst it is a political period drama with wuxia elements, it stays true to its genre whilst also remembering the human emotions and passions in a political power struggle. Whether it's a conversation scene or an action fight scene, it will have you thinking "wow, that's so smart!"
Bottom line:
It is one of the most well-written dramas I've ever seen. However, if you're someone who is used to romantic comedy or light-hearted dramas, and this is the first political period piece you intend to watch, you'll either end up mesmerized by its logical brilliance or end up finding it difficult to appreciate if you struggled to keep up with the script. BUT, if you're tired of dramas with poorly written stories anyway, watch Nirvana in Fire and you won't be disappointed.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is a must watch as it is awesome
LIKEWhen Grand Empress Dowager gathered Chang Shu and Ni Huang
When Consort Jing checked on Chang Shu and she cried - that moment my heart just collapsed
When Chang Shu reunited with one of his old mates - that was touching
DISLIKE
Probably the slow-witted Xiao Jing Yan - there were so many occasions of obvious hints showing the truth but he just could not digest them...
MUSIC - personal fav
劉濤 Liu Tao - 紅顏舊 Hong Yan Jiu
REWATCH VALUE
YES
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
So good I had to write my first review!
Now that I've stopped sobbing my heart out I will try to fit into words what watching this series meant to me.The story is incredibly well crafted, intelligent and complete. The actors were riveting and utterly relatable. The costumes, scenery and music all blended together to fully pull you into the story. It just ALL worked and ALL had a kind of flow and polish that is rare to find. Even though I am a sucker for happy endings I could not be upset (only completely heartbroken) at this story's conclusion. I tried to brace myself, tried to be prepared yet it still had me unhinged for a good half hour while I made peace with the fact that there would be no more time spent with these dear souls I had come to admire and respect and worry over. I feel a little lost now, in all honesty. So yes! It is worth watching, without doubt.
I could spend plenty more time telling you why it's a good idea to watch it but truly if I were you (and I was not that many days ago) I would simply go get a nice healthy snack and dive in for a most engaging and rewarding journey. If you don't agree after you've finished, come chat with me and we can have a fun discussion about it all!
Was this review helpful to you?
I am not easily impressed, so I do not use that word lightly. This drama blew me away - it is a stirring and pure story of justice, honor and friendship. I will definitely rewatch this show even though I normally do not rewatch things even if I like them. I have watched three dramas so far (Ice Fantasy, The Princess Weiyoung and Nirvana in Fire) and whereas I felt the other two declined in the later episodes (I still really liked them, though!), Nirvana in Fire was outstanding till the very end - I cried at the ending. This show sets the bar high; it is truly unique. Infinity/10.
*the only thing I will mention for prospective viewers: it is kind of hard to get into in the beginning, but do not give up! There are a ton of characters and it is hard to keep them straight - it took me about 10 episodes to finally get it. I recommend watching it anyway because it is SO MOVING. I used family trees I found online to help me understand in the beginning. :)
Was this review helpful to you?
