The Rise of Phoenixes (2018)

Watch this instead of House of Cards

Obviously the House of Cards comparison is a stretch but this is undoubtedly a political drama through and through. Yes, there is a strong romance plot most of the way through but it's heavily embedded in the political plot mechanisms.

I think the acting and the characters of this drama are superb. The ML and FL especially break free of most historical Cdrama tropes. So that in itself kept me engaged: I wanted to see their developments arcs. And except for the ending, as noted in every other review, the series delivered.

What let Rise of the Phoenixes down for me was the plot. At first, I enjoyed that the writers had prioritised the political plot over the romantic one (normally in these types of dramas, the formers serves just as a prop for the latter). However, at around the half way point, the pacing became bogged down. From there on in, I felt like I was wading through molasses. It was still worth it in the end purely for a few of the support characters that were put on more display in later episodes.

I've now seen this series twice despite the drawbacks but I still don't think I'd recommend it. I don't know, it's a tricky one.

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─ I guess we are still enemies, at least better than strangers.

Before I started watching The Rise of Phoenixes, I had heard nothing but praise for it ─ and after watching it, I understand why. It truly deserves all the praises and recognition.

The drama, set in a tumultuous palace rife with political intrigue, follows the intricate relationships and power struggles between characters. And while I enjoy palace politics, not all dramas manage to keep it engaging throughout. However, this drama maintains its intrigue and wit across every episode. The storyline is meticulously crafted ( at least if we ignore questionable parts towards the end ) and the drama excels in several aspects.

The acting is exceptional, with Chen Kun and Ni Ni delivering standout performances in their complex roles. Chen Kun's portrayal of Ning Yi is deliberate and powerful, reflecting his internal conflicts and strategic prowess, while Ni Ni captures Feng Zhiwei’s resilience with remarkable depth. The supporting cast also brings significant depth, each character contributing uniquely to the narrative.

The drama’s cinematography is visually stunning, capturing not only the locations but also the characters' emotional landscapes, while the original soundtrack enhances the atmosphere and drama’s emotional impact.

Although the drama maintains intrigue throughout most of its run, the final episodes feel a bit rushed. The climax falls short of delivering the expected emotional weight, possibly due to some scenes being cut. Despite this, the overall story remains compelling and beautifully executed.

The ending, while tragic, aligns with the narrative’s progression, providing a fitting conclusion to the complex story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and regret not watching it sooner. I highly recommend it for its engaging plot and remarkable performances.

Link to edit: https://youtu.be/gatAQJrWBxQ

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Power struggles and a love story destined to end in tragedy

This was my very first chinese drama. I got wind of it on Instagram and just saw someone gushing over Chen Kun so I checked it out and watched the trailer which led me to Netflix where I started watching it. The chinese language was completely new to me at this point (I watched it with english subtitles) but it didn't take long for me to get used to it. I had only watched anime in japanese up to that point so I wasn't used to a new language. I pretty much binge-watched this drama which was due to the mindblowing performances of Ni Ni and Chen Kun because they totally nailed their roles. The way he brought his character to life was unbelievably mesmerizing which was why I was so glued to the screen the entire time while clicking on "Next Episode" like someone close to starving. Me who had never seen any chinese themed drama before in her life, was enchanted by the setting, the costumes and the politics. Some things in this drama aren't historically accurate (i researched it) but the fact that an eunuch would announce Ning Yi's arrival every time he was summoned by the emperor was hilarious yet fascinating to me. This drama basically set the foundation of my newly found obsession with chinese historical dramas and will forever have a special place in my heart, especially with the way it ended.
I probably won't rewatch this in the near future because it made me cry like a bitch. The music was beautiful and fit each scene perfectly. I loved the political intrigue (it's also one of my favorite tropes in books) and how some plot twists unraveled. Overall a drama absolutely worth my time.

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One day, all love is lost to time

Life and death gets in the way.

Ning Yi and Zhiwei love each other like a disease infecting and eating away, hollowing out, there is nothing living left inside.

Finding themselves key players in the perfect storm, balancing the scales with imperfect, sharp intellects, cutting each other with a thousand little cuts along the way.
They like to play, bleed and hurt.

Life and death happen to us, and forks the road into something uncertain.
This awaits us all.


then

So.many.people.die


''I should have just married her then''

yeah

Nobody walks off into the sunset, nobody.
Time changes people,
makes people cruel and twists love into something ugly.
Love is tragic by design

Some people fall in their prime and their love becomes ageless, untainted and legendary.
One for the annals.

Is your life about how you end?
Of course not, it’s the journey.
If you could peek at your final page, would you rather have never lived at all?

How these people love, is beautiful
Chose to watch this drama - because ALL love is one day lost to time, but these two people make you BELIEVE.

That’s what a good story is,
it makes a BELIEVER out of you.

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"The Only Thing Left Between Us Are Goodbyes"

TROP was one hell of a watch that consumed every part of me.
I binged the entire 70 episodes in mere 5 days and I am still mind blown by this masterpiece.

It's hard to start the review because I want to cover a lot of things without spoiling potentional viewers.
Let me break it down to: The Good, The Characters and The Pain & Problems (the last one will contain spoilers)

THE GOOD:
The production quality of this drama is by the best I have ever seen by a (chinese) historical and every-single-episode was a cinematic experience.
What sets this drama apart from all other historical is for one the outstanding performance by Chen Kun as Prince Ning Yi, but also how the story was set up.

There is no "one" villain that needs to be defeated, rather everyone had their reasons for scheming and every few episodes we were introduced to another unique character. I have to give it up for the scriptwriters, not a single re-occuring character in this drama was a copy-paste plot device. They all had loved ones, goals and ways to survive (or not, lol).

THE CHARACTERS:

Ning Yi is very eccentric and his days as a tailor, spending his time with his trusted squad, flirting with and teasing our female lead Wei Zhi / Fang Zhiwei were absolute EYE CANDY. In the early episodes he reminded me of Willy Wonka... sounds funny right? But the actor is truly amazing and shines in all ways.

My absolute favorite moments were when they'd save each other from dire situations. They both had their own strengths.
I loved that neither could control the other and a bonus for me was they were both the same height, so it seemed even more so like they are equal - even though the ML is a prince. Their feelings for each other grow quietly but their glances are INTENSE.
However, do not expect to see them as a happy-go-lucky couple. Because this is mainly a fight-for-the-throne drama, there are also episodes where the leads barely see each other - but I promise it's worth it.

I also want to say that there are really good other characters in this drama and our two leads share equal screen time with them.

What I loved:
+ ML & FL teasing (the facial expressions around her are crazy hot and oh the biting... not gonna say more ;))
+ the friendship between the old Emperor & Wei Zhi when it lasted was very nice
+ Prince Helian Zheng; especially the salt and dancing scene


THE PAIN & PROBLEMS (ending spoilers ahead)

I often read about the last 10-20 episodes being bad and I somewhat disagree. Yes, it hurt but mainly the last 3 episodes.
The drama is heavy throughout and you have to hold your breath a lot but it's just SOO GOOD.

++ ending spoiler & interpretation ++
The ending itself was mainly heartbreaking because Ning Yi stares directly into the camera for the last few seconds, breaking the fourth wall. Not gonna say more BUT if you truly listen to the last few words you can sense hope, especially since in Chinese beliefs being reborn is not uncommon. + the novel version of the drama continues after the drama ending and gives a happy ending that I chose to belief in.

HOWEVER in the last 2 episodes it became evident that there was no hope for their love in this life, although one part was still holding one. Like sand it slipped through their hands, - we were so close but then we were so far.
I believe their love will start anew in another life as tailor and racoon.

I want to end this review with a quote near the end...
It's where I believe that the romance ended:

"Ning Yi, why are always saying goodbye?"
"Maybe the only thing left between us are goodbyes"


... and despite it's flaws this is the best historical cdrama I have ever watched.... I mean I watched this within 5 days and while having strawberry week. So I was already a mess. Ok now I gotta go cry.

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An Epic, Intense, Mesmerizing Drama

THE RISE OF PHOENIXES was a highly worth while series to watch. Beautiful aesthetics, with a superb attention to detail, breathtaking historical settings and costumes, plus acting unlike anything I've seen in recent years. Truely superb! I can't explain the sense of realism this series conveys, it feels so genuine, mainly due to the skills of the stars, but also due to the level of detail and passion in the writing of the story and characters, as well as in the visual scenery, costumes, setting etc.

The story was very moving in itself, both thrilling and compelling. Years after tragic events took place in the kingdom, after the treacharous changing of an empire, a banished and useless prince moves out of the shadows and a young woman tries to defy destiny, but both become tangled in a tale masterfully woven. Highly addictive and hard to look away.

The Rise of Phoenixes was so rich and beautifully constructed, drawing you in, deeper into the web. This tale is so complex and brilliant, filled with memorable characters, suspense, political intrigue, court power struggles, epic strategy, romance, tragedy. So many characters were wonderfully played, whether you loved or hated them, the acting is all excellent. Character chemistry was excellent, love, hatred, rivalry, friendships...all very well portrayed.

Lead Actor Kun Chen (Ning Yi, Prince of Chu) and Actress Ni Ni (Feng Zhiwei/Wei Zu) made great leads in this series. I've since become a die hard fan of them both. Both stars were absolutely brilliant in their acting abilities. The character of Ning Yi was deeply complex and mesmerizing to watch. Kun Chen played his character with masterful skill, conveying vast amounts of expression, emotion and intelligence into his part. I can't describe how hypnotic he was in this role. There's something about his mannerisms that are so deeply compelling with eyes that seem to see everything and stare into your soul. Those eyes of his are some of the most expressive eyes I've ever seen too.

Ning Yi is a deeply brooding one, passionate and fierce, yet calm and restrained at the same time. His character is a very complex one, driven by revenge but also by a deep sense of justice. You truely feel that Ning Yi is a character with a deeply fascinating mind. And he was able to be quite unpredictable. I was won over by him pretty early on.

Actress Ni Ni played her part beautifully, able to believably change gender roles and personality depending on her identity in the series. As the young Feng Zhiwei she is bright and witty, full of laughter and sweetness and high spirit. As her male persona Wei Zu, she was clever and studious, cunning and direct. She is always brilliant and beautiful. As she steps up into higher classes she carries herself ever with more grace and poise, and all the while never loosing her spirit. I found myself entranced by her as well. She is such a highly skilled actress and played her role so believably. All the leads, as well as many of the side characters, we're brilliant in their parts as well.

This series far exceeded my initial expectations. It has a great mixture of the epic story of classic C-Dramas, (master storytelling, depthful characters, tradegy, mystery, intrigue, romance) but with a keen eye to historic detail and masterful cinomatography to boot. There's a great balance of serious and humor within the series as well.

I was slightly apprehensive going in, worried the western (Netflix) influence might have altered the series but was deeply satisfied with the results. It was truely an epic series that will definitely win more worldwide audiences over to appreciate the complexity of Asian dramas. You can tell good money went into this masterful production. Everything seemed to have such care taken. For a drama it felt uncannily realistic, believable, addictive, gorgeous to watch, seemingly painstakingly crafted. Definitely not one to miss!

Overall this series was truely unforgettable and not one to miss if you are a fan of historical C-Dramas; especially epic sweeping series filled with power struggles and political intrigue, court drama and scandel, darkly tragic romance and thrilling, intelligent storytelling that you keeps you always on the edge. Seriously worth several watches. This left me craving more...

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Amazing Drama

I watched this on Netflix, and I was obsessed; I loved it until the very last three or so episodes, hated the ending, that said still worth the watch. What stands out about The Rise of the Phoenixes is atmosphere and attention to period detail – it's a big, complex, grown-up story, rich in culture and period flourish, delivered by a talented creative team and performed by an exuberant cast. Military Academy Headmaster Xin Ziyan (Zhao Lixin), Prince Ning Yi (Chen Kun), and Feng Zhiwei (Ni Ni) were amazing. And sleeper star (Hai Yitian), he was brilliant in every way, does an excellent job showing the Crown Prince as the weak weasel he was.

It was twisted and complicated yet very well acted, directed, intellectually written by far one of the most beautiful dramas. I enjoyed the character development throughout the 60+ episodes and the lengths to which the prince went to protect the ones he loved and, of course, to get his revenge was extremely enjoyable. I am not much of a Chinese drama watcher as they tend to be quite long, especially the historical ones, but this one was great, and the music just amazing. I highly recommend, despite not being a fan of the crazy ending or how the romance or what there was of it got so tangled and convoluted, but I guess that's what made it very real.

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I have been very pleased with the selection of Asian dramas on Netflix so far. Though I am choosy, most of the shows I have seen have been very impressive. My personal favorites are historical dramas, so I was very pleased with Mr. Sunshine. Then I came across Rise of Phoenixes and I was blown away!

I watched the final 3 episodes today and I was heartbroken to bid farewell to my new favorite power couple. You know you have created something special when you grow to care deeply for the characters so much that they feel like family.

Ning Yi is the sixth prince of Tiansheng Empire, set in 11th century China. When he is set free from an 8 year imprisonment by his father, the Emperor, Ning Yi slowly begins his very calculated revenge on those who framed him and his favorite brother. The race to the throne, among his conniving brothers, is a game Ning Yi plays masterfully.

In this race to win the throne, Ning Yi's plans don't always go accordingly due to a young woman by the name of Feng Zhiwei, She is intelligent, funny and proves to be a perfect pawn and ally in Ning Yi's plans. Feng Zhiwei has tragic secrets, however, that might tear down the empire if found out.

Well written, beautifully directed, with an equally dramatic score makes this an epic worth getting lost in. The actors are talented and beautiful to behold and all deliver outstanding performances. If you don't mind the 70 episode storyline, give this one a try. (How could I mind when each episode was an aesthetic masterpiece?)

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With the very first episode I was immediately drawn in. The description for this series on Netflix does not do it justice, so, after first I wasn't sure if it would be my cup of tea, turns out I it was.

The characters were so well made, so real that it often felt like you were participating in the story with them, like you had a close encounter with each difficulty or accomplishment they felt or created for themselves. I give high praise to the creators of their characters.

I don't speak Chinese, but I do understand a very small amount, courtesy of my job and my love for Asian dramas, so, I often felt drawn in into the series, as if I wasn't reading the subtitles, I felt like I could understand how they felt without that language barrier being there. I must admit, I did shed some tears, I am in no way a crier when it comes to dramas (or anything for that matter, including real life). So, the fact that remains is this moved me to my core.

There were a few times where a few times where I went ahead and spoiled myself by looking up specific characters because the first ten episodes at least, are kind of confusing. I needed solid information to determine whether I could fall in love with these characters or not.

I love how Zhiwei was portrayed, a rebel. Though, she did not know of her own history or her actual bloodline, they way she chose her own path, even though it frequently collided with Ning Yi's, it was still hers to choose. The actress who played her, did a magnificent job in portraying the characters personality. Both character and actress are favourites now.

Ning Yi, though I found him unbearable at first, and his role had confused me greatly, I came to find his character endearing, even if he had ulterior motives throughout the entirety of the series. His actor did a great job of portraying him as well.

A few of my other favourite characters were:
-Headmaster Xin ( I was able to guess that the actor has mixed blood, I usually am able to tell this...it's a weird ability): I found his character amusing, and his actor was phenomenal, I hope to watch other shows or movies with him as either a support role or main role. I often found myself laughing aloud with Xin's antics or how he and Ning Yi acted with one another.
-Hua Qiong: It's hard to describe why I liked her so much.
-Ning Chen: While his actor is very attractive, he played Ning Chen with finesse, it was as if it came naturally to him. I feel his character was a little underrated at times, but liked how he was developed, even toward the end where from his perspective he was doing the right thing.
-Gu Nanyi: Such a young actor to portray him, though his age certainly couldn't be told while he was acting. I liked his child like demeanor when it came to Zhiwei, and how this character was so determined to protect Zhiwei, even to the end, though he would not be able to follow her anymore. I was saddened that she left him behind.

For the last episode, I honestly was not okay with it. There was so much left unsaid that I had more questions than answers, not even looking it up online helped. I understand the path Zhiwei chose, but I was also really hoping that she could stay with Ning Yi, and with her counseling they could change the empire little by little, with as little bloodshed and the sacrificing of innocents as possible to that time frame. I would love it if they made a sequel, so we could all know how Ning Yi's rule went, how he moved past his love for Zhiwei, how he felt on the wind that he knew she was no longer with the living. I was so touched, so sad at what had transpired.

I also really enjoyed the music, and if there is a soundtrack for it, I will go and hunt it down for purchase.

I will also probably rewatch this series later down the road, or at least my favourite episodes.

I give and will forever give this entire series 10/10 on everything.

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Dragged me to disappointment

Definitely one of the most disappointing asian dramas I have watched. I waited and waited for it to pick up but it kept dragging and instead, it became ridiculous. The story went all over the place and every single character turns out to be the worst version of themselves. I didn't like how they turned into cry babies. It felt like I was watching a mexican telenovela where there's a crying scene for every two minutes. Too much victim mentality and wallowing in self pity. The two lead actors did have chemistry but the writers build tension with so much teasing and bantering that when they finally got together, it felt really underwhelming. Now, one of the few good things of this show is the actor playing emperor. He was outstanding! His facial expressions, his hand gestures, his voice - all of it was on point. Everything is what I imagined an emperor would be like. That is some top notch acting right there! Ning Qi is also good. He was a really effective villain. Ning Yi had his moments but some scenes seemed a bit over done. Feng Zhiwei could be played by any other actress and I couldn't care less. Nothing remarkable about the actor. The set is well-produced. Cinematography is good. Poor writing ruined it. It was quite obvious that the writers were in a hurry towards the end. They kept dragging the story only to rush it towards the last 10 episodes. I usually like sad films and shows (Ruyi and Mr. Sunshine) but this one is such a letdown.

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The Rise of Phoenixes is simple best Asian drama, I tried but couldn't find anything like that...
Asian tv shows have many weakness, cliche moments, unnecessary slow motions and other silly things; this is one and only show where everything is perfect, characters are interesting, realistic and multilayered, there are many things (in relationships, in characteristics) that will make you think about human phsycology. story, music, every detail is great, every relationship and character is interesting.
Female lead is really smart, strong, interesting and funny girl, she is independent, strong woman and same time sweet childish wild girl.
romance is great slow burn, relationship is so reach and multilayered that even without/before romantic interaction it is greatest romance, they are soulmates, friends, partners and many other thing.
but I think the best thing in "The Rise of Phoenixes" is male lead, his character and his acting skills, his charismatic performance is perfect.

I would recommend to watch this later, if you watch The Rise of Phoenixes, after that you won't like many other shows ))))

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Story is all over the place

I watched al of this series - 70 and while the story did have it moments of mystery and intrigue the overall writing was very poor. Good acting and scenes, costumes were amazing, Some good fight scenes but could have added more.

Spoiler:
Writers enough of this Kill me please king, it's so overdone that it is annoying and out of place sometimes. Yes i do understand Asian culture but every meeting with the Emperor ends in kill me i have done wrong.

Some of the stories, well most were never completed. Why did the mother have the two kids, only partially explained. What was the purpose of the Jinshi prince in the palace for so long. How could no one recognize Zhi Wei as a woman? Why and what was the purpose of locking away Yale? The prince didn't even ask when he was reunited with his mother.

And the big skip over the Prince of Wei; changes a palace order, kills his sister, kidnaps Yale and has her killed, tries to start a coup with false evidence and NONE of this is explained or sorted out in the show. He just goes crazy and all crimes are forgotten.

The end was expected, the king returning and the suicide i saw that coming, not every story has a happy ending.

This show has so much holes on the plot and unfinished stories that even the amazing scenery and costumes can't save it.

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