kathleen
New Zealand/Macau
I saw this recommended on Netflix, I was skeptical at first because not only do I hate Chinese historical/fantasy dramas but it was also a whopping 63 episodes long! I was desperate to find a good show again, I've heard so many good things about Ashes of Love and I have the biggest crush on Deng Lun; so I thought, why not? There's 8 more days until 2018 ends but this drama is no doubt the best drama I've seen in 2018; or maybe ever.
I finished this drama within two days (along with buckets of tears.) This drama is no doubt an emotional rollercoaster, a story about forbidden love between two good looking actors that's extremely well made, what else could I ask for? The character development along with the production quality and symbolism was far beyond my expectations. I usually hate Chinese historical/fantasy dramas because the CGI would be over the top and just plain bad, but the execution of the CGI was undeniably the best I've ever seen in any drama.
Without a doubt, the writing of this drama is pure genius. I couldn't bring myself to hate anyone because all their actions; good or bad, was so understandable considering the situation they were in. I feel like every character was based on the meaning of the Yin and Yang, there's good in the bad and bad in the good. Every character had an immense depth of character, every choice, speech, movement made sense. As for character development, observing from the start of the drama when each character was introduced compared to the last second of the drama, there's a drastic character difference which I love.
All in all, I most likely wouldn't rewatch this drama. Not because it's bad, but because this drama was quite heavy on tragic themes and I don't want to sink in debt buying tissues.
To be honest, I don't look forward to Season 2. This drama was so good and the ending was wholesome, I don't want to sign myself up to potentially ruin the whole series. However, if it's the same people producing and writing this drama, I would definitely sign myself up for another emotional rollercoaster.
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Wow, just wow. This drama is the epitome of character development. Even though the characters went through a tragedy I never understood, the story provided enough depth for me to sympathise with them. After watching the last episode and identifying each character's relationship, even the supporting and reminiscing the first episode and comparing it really blew me away. What I'm trying to say is the character development is top notch. Hence, not only did this drama provide an overwhelming storyline but it's execution was unbelievable.
As you may have read, this story's plot is about the male lead's father murdering the female lead's parents. I may have made that sound simple and mediocre but the antagonist provided a disgusting, meaningless motive. What's worse is his explanation to his motive somehow makes sense and you beat yourself up for understanding him. This point was executed so well to the point everyone involved and everyone who assisted the antagonist when he was locked up made your blood boil even more than the antagonist himself. The romance in this drama doesn't feel absent, but slightly unnecessary. I'm not saying the drama would be better if there was no romance, but it felt like it didn't matter either way. Analysing the two protagonist's relationship, if you told me they were friends, I'd believe you.
This is completely biased and my opinion, but there is something about the drama I don't like. And it's how heavy the plot is. You wouldn't jump to your room, open your laptop and click the next episode with a smile on your face. Instead, your heart will be beating, your mind clouded, hands shaking. The amount of impact of this drama on your emotions is hysterical. I somehow didn't cry a lot watching this drama but there were moments my mother walked in my room and asked why I was crying.
You may argue that the plot was the best part of this drama, but I would protest and say the symbolism of this drama really hit deep. For this drama, there was a hammer, almost like a black cat symbolising death but instead; it symbolised murder. I can and will argue that the character development of the male protagonist was the most heartwrenching. He was intoxicated with his broken family, and his 'unhumane' father. There were parts of the drama that he'd convinced me that his father's blood really was in him; merciless and haunting. His surroundings as a kid influenced him to be murderous, but his surroundings as an adult influenced him to be logical. Considering how many times I've brought up character development, I think that is easily the most surpassing aspect of this drama.
I've seen some comments describing the ending as, 'empty' and 'cliche'. However, in my opinion, the ending was perfect. Even if 31 episodes was pure thriller, the amount of heartwarming in the last episode was worth it, and I think there couldn't be a better way to execute the ending of this wonderful drama.
In conclusion, watch it lol, u won't regret it <3
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