This review may contain spoilers
I've probably watched this drama more than I can remember. When I first saw its trailer, I thought it was a movie given the quality (setting, acting, action scenes, etc.) and cinematography. I've long anticipated what was to happen when the drama was nearing its end but there's just this stubborn thought and a constant hope that the ending wouldn't be what the drama was pointing at since the beginning. Some say that it resembles the plot of Count of Monte Cristo but I would suggest that you keep that thought off of your minds. Nirvana In Fire is a different league on it its own. This drama is definitely one to watch. And to the hopefuls like myself, here's something for you: https://talesofathirdworldnurse.wordpress.com/2018/02/26/the-unofficial-nirvana-in-fire-ending-youve-never-seen/
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The story revolves around an old frail man who is a thousand steps ahead of everyone else, who has his own ambitions and ultimately will see those ambitions come through no matter how costly it is to himself.
The casting was excellent. WK played his role beautifully. The action and sword play was very exciting to watch and although watching a seemingly old man start flying around like a young Jet Li seemed a bit much, you do have to suspend disbelief somewhere.
It was a solid start, enough to keep me interested with the usual meddling in the middle and a very somewhat predictable race to the finish. For fifty odd episodes, a drama has to stay interesting for the viewer to want to come back and this one did enough to do that. It took a total of two months on and off to complete.
I did feel that the writers dropped story lines in the sense that characters who I thought were going to be big players turned out to be one and done. It was to help the main plot go forward but there weren't any subplots to latch on to because of it. There is a romance element that is very discreet. You could argue that it was never really there in this timeline but the strong sense of bromance is in full effect if that's your liking.
All in all, a good drama to get away from the real world. If the ending seems bleak, I prefer the alternate one that's out there and really is the true ending.
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Justice, Revenge, and Lasting Friendships
A well planned and executed scheme to shed light on past injustices.Watch this for the well written script, seasoned acting, and virtuous friendships.
1. Story
Certainly a drama where watching a second time would make things more clear. I admit the first 10 episodes were slightly dull to me being that it is more heavily on script than others. Though the story actually builds momentum gradually throughout and never slips until the ending, which is how dramas should be.
Its definitely not everyone's cup of tea but besides the exceptional leads and supporting cast, it also had some of the best war scenes without too much CGI used I have ever seen.
2. Characters
Mei Chang Su's chemistry with all of the cast was outstanding but the obvious is with Prince Jing. They shared an authentic connection and engaged viewers through their relationship.
Princess Ni Huang (Tamia Liu) also had fantastic chemistry with Hu Ge but it wasn't the main focal point, though I wish somehow they would have allowed more moments between them cause the chemistry could have rivaled other romantic dramas.
There were many supporting characters to like in this drama so its too much to list them all, however there were a few intriguing characters that maybe you could have sympathized with.
(1) The Emperor -- towards the end where Xiao Shu entered the palace to plead the Emperor to re-investigate the case, they shared a moment which I thought was very interesting. Their relationship seems to be complicated.
(2) Prince Yu -- once you learned about his story then its entirely appropriate to sympathize with him. He was another actor who played his role perfectly.
(3) Xia Jiang -- one of the main culprits in this drama yet you could find reasons to sympathize with him. The scene when his Son was revealed to him as still alive was very touching.
3. Romance
More friendship than romance but again, if this story had been a romantic drama between Xiao Shu and Princess Mu Ni Huang, then no question their chemistry would have been off the charts.
4. Costume / Music
An exceptionally moving soundtrack yet was only sparingly played throughout. Its one of those times where I felt the soundtrack actually did not play enough but when it did, it made an impact. Costume and wardrobes were average, the drama had an old feeling about it, also not to mention this drama is very hard to find to watch in HD.
Soundtrack -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4US7gLYPEJk&list=PLA-Ut9mBTLeIM4dJIeSvpT5m6sbaUHm5X
5. Ending
Very tragic ending though lightened by the directors by not directly showing the tragedy, it was a fairly quick wrap up. Perhaps they felt it was unnecessary to extend such a sad moment.
However, one thing that lacked was the explanation or showing of what happened to the other supporting casts. Though the story was based on Mei Chang Su, I was very curious about the other characters and how they ended up.
A drama that deserves a re-watch to fully grasp indeed for some.
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Other than that the costumes and the character development of male characters were pretty darn good. Also acting is also pretty good. Loved the fighting and the martial art scenes though there were very handful.
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Joy of Life is a lot more interesting
If you were wondering why everyone recommends this drama, perhaps this was a hit at a time where the audience was sick of being delivered idol dramas or poorly produced narratives that only served best as an accompaniment to doing work or chores around the house. For these viewers, this might have been a refreshing piece in cdramaland to alleviate the pain of having to suffer the insult of being patronised by aforementioned productions featuring flimsy writing, careless direction, and talentless actors who scored roles solely due to their popularity.However, despite it being a revered drama, it falls short on delivering excellence, and is at best, a drama you cannot label as an 'idol' drama. I want to be frank and say here that, just because a production doesn't have young, pretty liuliangs, it doesn't necessarily mean that the drama will be a 'good' one, just because it is deemed 'serious'.
Firstly, the acting was standard, (subpar for Liu Tao), the leads had no screen presence, the actors had no chemistry, and the biggest problem with the premise is that you don't really believe in the brotherhood between the two main characters. If we are to care about the protagonist at all, we should be able to feel the care he has for both his longtime friend and his past lover, but all I felt was his love for chess play, allbeit in his detached manner.
This comes to another major weakness of the drama, which is Hu Ge's interpretation of the character which seemed rather superficial. While he portrayed the intelligence of the character, I wasn't convinced that he was a humane, layered being with varying emotions. I didn't feel the connection between himself and his friend, and the love story felt unnecessary. Hu Ge's inability to convey poignant moments also made it difficult for me to empathise with his character and it made it hard for me to believe that he had any himself.
While Joy of Life definitely has its flaws, the amazing storyline, fast-paced direction, and strong characterisation will leave you more than satisfied if a serious, political intrigue drama is what you're into.
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It represents all characters to have their own characters, like when I saw this main character, I could understand what he or she think and do. It makes me feel that everyone in the drama is real, doesn’t like other drama that some characters look no life. And I like the pattern how the director tells the story. It’s mysterious and sad at the same time. Also every scenes and camera are so beautiful. I really love it!!!
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I'm not sure this would fall under "mystery" but there are aspects that make it mysterious and keep you guessing the outcome. Very unexpected.
I enjoyed Hu Ge in this series, as well as his "bromance" with the other characters.
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Word Nirvana
If this drama change name to other name beside word nirvana than the rate would drop so much. I think buddhism become more calm over the years and keep low profile. What is nirvana? western want to know badly and come to see what it is? than they see sick man seek revenge instead. nirvana is ultimate place of buddhism promise. the promise land which it cure all disease and immortality and peacefulness. when nirvana has fire? sad day for ignorance chase fame and ruin a day.The story didn't involve with nirvana or even a little. it talk about a general who throw himself from the cliff and seek justice to his family. Karma didn't exist and sin didn't occur in nirvana. Hate, revenge, want, love,etc doesn't exist in nirvana. how this drama name nirvana and also add fire. it is completely look down on the entire buddhism.
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The Epitome of the Bromance
If you are looking for a drama that centers around bromance, this is the one for you. Lin Shu is a young man from a respected family who suffers a terrible tragedy. He returns seeking revenge on those who wronged him by being a master of strategy in the game of thrones. By staying one step ahead of his opponents, he is able to close in on them one by one.The best part of this drama is the well written plot line. It flows well and manages to keep you engaged even when main characters go missing for large chunks of the series. The storylines continue to change while still keeping the focus on the male lead. His relationships with his friends and subordinates are what makes this drama worth watching. This is not a romance at all. The female lead is underused and, for the most part, largely absent. Most of the female characters have supporting roles, but they, too, are well written. The performances were all noteworthy and I was very pleased to see such great talents in one drama. At times, characters disappear and then reappear without explanation and there is little to no wrap up in some of plot lines. I took a star off for that.
Costumes where beautiful and the soundtrack was gorgeous. You know you have a hit when fans find themselves humming the musical score. It is so unique that I would remember the title of the drama just by hearing the piece of music. In general a great series.
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I don't understand the hype
I've heard so much hype about this Nirvana in Fire and the sequel Nirvana Fire 2. I watched both. Unimpressed. Overall this series dragged on way too long. I found myself skipping so many parts and sometimes entire episodes. I only sat thru the entire series just to find out what happens to see if the show redeems itself at the end. It did not.Characters: While the acting wasn't bad, I was never truly invested in any of the characters, including the ML. The lead couple had zero chemistry. The only character I rooted for was Concubine Jing (wonderful actress, saw her in Rise of the Phoenixes).
Music: The OST wasn't bad but nothing memorable.
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