BingerWatcher
In my own world
This is not just another C-drama!
Wow.
I remember binge-watching the entire 56 eps in 2 days. Now that speaks volume, even for a career binge-watcher like myself.
STORY:
If you like Eternal Love and Journey of Flower, this is the next to go on that watch-list. I normally find C-dramas a bit draggy about 1/3 way through but not this time. If you’ve seen Fighter of Destiny you’ll know what I’m talking about (no offence Luhan). This is a fairly structured plot with quality character development and irresistible cliff-hangers that left me on my tip-toes at the end of every ep. I can see that the director and scriptwriters are trying their best to stay true to the novel. Bravo.
CAST:
Not only do Jin Mi and Xu Feng look good together, they have chemistry. For me, couple chemistry is the main reason I’m in dramaland. A good chemistry would be able to make you laugh, cry and more than most scream in frustration if they’re not together.
Deng Lun has caught my attention ever since Princess Agents and I’m happy he finally landed an MC role in a big-budget historical drama. As for Yang Zhi, she is the perfect choice for this. As much as I enjoy seeing Zanilia and Yang Mi in beautiful historical costumes, Yang Zhi really brought out the essence of Flower Goddess while still remained refreshingly childlike and gullible.
Before I forget, the 2nd lead and other supporting actors are also very impressive. Run Yu and Sui He are extremely effective in moving the plot along at a steady pace while not being overly dramatic. I'm surprised they even got such a good young and fledgling actor to play the childish match-making god.
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Breathtaking. Vibrant yet very subtle and delicate palette made the watching experience extremely surreal, reflecting much of the immortal world. The CGI is flawlessly incorporated and none of those cringy and awkward magic moments from outdated CGI. Costume design is spectacular with fabric layers light as feathers, capturing the swift body movements of spell incantations.
MUSIC:
Theme songs are not particularly catchy but still memorable and enhance the drama really well at crucial moments. I like the soundtrack sang by Yang Zhi (Love Frost) especially because it’s bitterly and nostalgically sweet. Otherwise, Unsullied by Mao Buyi really set the scene as the intro.
OVERALL:
Ashes of Love is definitely the epitome of what Chinese historical / fantasy dramas should be. Cdramas are normally 2 to 3 times longer than Kdramas. So in order to remain competitive within the Asian market as well as others, not only does the cinematography have to be outstanding the plot also has to have a strong backbone. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of the new era for world-class quality Cdramas. So far this should be my fav C-drama, not gonna lie.
I remember binge-watching the entire 56 eps in 2 days. Now that speaks volume, even for a career binge-watcher like myself.
STORY:
If you like Eternal Love and Journey of Flower, this is the next to go on that watch-list. I normally find C-dramas a bit draggy about 1/3 way through but not this time. If you’ve seen Fighter of Destiny you’ll know what I’m talking about (no offence Luhan). This is a fairly structured plot with quality character development and irresistible cliff-hangers that left me on my tip-toes at the end of every ep. I can see that the director and scriptwriters are trying their best to stay true to the novel. Bravo.
CAST:
Not only do Jin Mi and Xu Feng look good together, they have chemistry. For me, couple chemistry is the main reason I’m in dramaland. A good chemistry would be able to make you laugh, cry and more than most scream in frustration if they’re not together.
Deng Lun has caught my attention ever since Princess Agents and I’m happy he finally landed an MC role in a big-budget historical drama. As for Yang Zhi, she is the perfect choice for this. As much as I enjoy seeing Zanilia and Yang Mi in beautiful historical costumes, Yang Zhi really brought out the essence of Flower Goddess while still remained refreshingly childlike and gullible.
Before I forget, the 2nd lead and other supporting actors are also very impressive. Run Yu and Sui He are extremely effective in moving the plot along at a steady pace while not being overly dramatic. I'm surprised they even got such a good young and fledgling actor to play the childish match-making god.
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Breathtaking. Vibrant yet very subtle and delicate palette made the watching experience extremely surreal, reflecting much of the immortal world. The CGI is flawlessly incorporated and none of those cringy and awkward magic moments from outdated CGI. Costume design is spectacular with fabric layers light as feathers, capturing the swift body movements of spell incantations.
MUSIC:
Theme songs are not particularly catchy but still memorable and enhance the drama really well at crucial moments. I like the soundtrack sang by Yang Zhi (Love Frost) especially because it’s bitterly and nostalgically sweet. Otherwise, Unsullied by Mao Buyi really set the scene as the intro.
OVERALL:
Ashes of Love is definitely the epitome of what Chinese historical / fantasy dramas should be. Cdramas are normally 2 to 3 times longer than Kdramas. So in order to remain competitive within the Asian market as well as others, not only does the cinematography have to be outstanding the plot also has to have a strong backbone. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of the new era for world-class quality Cdramas. So far this should be my fav C-drama, not gonna lie.
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