Nirvana in Fire (2015)

One of the absolute BEST stories out there

Nirvana in Fire is one drama I hold in the highest esteem. I watched it 4-5 years ago and I definitely think this should be a classic. The story is just amazing and so well thought out. The characters were wonderful and the traits they promote in the series make you wish that these characters exist in real life.
The pace in the beginning is slow but the setting is so beautiful that it doesn't take away from the drama. I also think it was necessary to set the scene. The acting was flawless. I worried and cared about so many of the characters. Fei Liu is just adorable. The loyalty, the virtue and honour of the characters are so inspiring.
I know series like this is not for everyone, and I'm not even the type to like this kind of series but this is the highest rated series of all time in my mind. This is a MUST WATCH.

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Hu Ge is Mei ChangSu

When I watched this the first time I was like nah although I liked it I won’t be rewatching it but I ate my words big Time because I am currently rewatching it.
I’m rewatching solely for the purpose of watching Hu Ge bring Mei ChangSu to life with his loyal band.
Genius strategic mastermind who plays chess while other are playing checkers is the best way to describe the character known as Mei ChangSu/Sir Su/Su Zhe.
He’s impenetrable stares we’re so chilling, it was actually one of the things I liked the most about him. Plus he’s calm and nonchalant demeanor when facing off with his enemies. He portrayed being sick to perfection, I actually would have believed he was really sick.
He had such a majestic presence, it was really a good watch the first time around and now I’m so looking forward to relishing in all his genius glory on this rewatch.

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Worthy of its ratings

I couldn't believe that I waited for several years before finally deciding to watch this series! I wasted a lot of time not knowing how amazing and beautiful it is. Story is written perfectly, it was complex, intriguing, full of smart people, will keep you on edge while watching. Full of bromance, you'll feel a lot of emotion while watching. Characters were portrayed perfectly by the actors/actress, fight scenes were executed well. Cinematography is great.

If you haven't watch it and you love intrigues, revenge, politics, wars, bromance/family/friendship drama, then you better watch this. It is all worth it, the 54 episodes were not enough for me. Will surely miss the entire casts.

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Outstanding Drama. Must Watch.
Direction Outstanding.
Settings - again -- Outstanding
The amazing thing about this drama was how with every little movement of the characters in close camera scenes the camera would move likewise in a fluid movement making it seem as if we were watching in 2nd person. (Every drama the camera moves but not like this.. Ripley's believe it or not)

Story was great - The writer just knew which scenes not to elaborate to keep the flow of the story with the original feel (A writer who knows his shortcomings and where in he cant make the scene abosulutely special is worth commending)

One Word :- Heartwarming!

Advice :- Miss it at your own peril x-)

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A Golden Treat in a Michelin Star Restaurant

I'm gonna keep my review short and simple and spoiler free. This was hard for me to write so beware of my cringey and ridiculous review.

Nirvana in Fire is truly one of a kind. How can I describe my journey of this show? It's like going to a Michelin Star restaurant. I was tired of the same old food I'm eating and I craved for something new. Something exquisite and something unique for my taste buds to explore. A different kind of cuisine I've always wanted to scout. Everyone kept talking about this place that I must check out and my curiosity level went up. Why did everyone love this restaurant? Did they add any secret formula like the Krabby Patty? I read reviews of it and one day, I finally said, *fuck it* let's give this a shot. I went in without any expectations, ordered their 3 course meal and I got blown away. I thought I was not gonna like it, I took my first bite, it was different, then I took a few more bites and I had flavours exploding in my mouth that I had to slowly indulged and savoured every bite I took. Finally, I finished it off with a glass of wine that showed a bittersweet ending. What a ride.

I'll be honest, it was hard for me to get into the show at first. The first episode I already got introduced to so many characters that I don't even know which character I should pay attention to. The directing was different, they talked more than they showed and I was not used to it. Since this show was political, which I'd never tried watched it before because I never liked political shows, of course I got confused XD. Therefore, I would like to thank the character guides and recaps for helping me to understand what was going on in the story.

The plot was complex and intriguing. I wanted to see more about the revenge but I couldn't binge it in one go. Instead, I slowly took my time to watch. After every episode, I read recaps to see what I'd missed out. This show must be watched in detail, if you missed one small detail, you would not understand a damn thing. This show is not your typical kind of revenge story. It's more than that. I don't know how I can describe it in words, but when you watch it, you'll understand why. I won't spoil so much of the plot. Surprise yourself.

Now, for the characters. I'll just write on 2 of my favourite characters there. I'll start off with the lead protagonist, Mei Chang Su. He is a very intelligent strategist and he shows who's boss. He is the type who comes here for business. His main goal is to fulfill his duty and to clear his family's name. He's admirable and he never lets his weakness get the better of him. He knows what's he capable of and plans everything ahead. Be like Chang Su and don't do your work last minute. Don't even dare to mess with him. He'll eventually bite you in the end. Prince Jing is my other favourite. He's a fine man indeed. He's brave and bold. He stays true to himself and will do anything to protect his loved ones. A great character who has proven himself to be a great leader. We need more people like him.

The ending exceeded my expectations. I cried a lot for this bittersweet ending. It's probably the ending I never thought it could work. In the end, it did.

Do I recommend people to watch the show? Of course. Don't watch alone, watch it with your loved ones. Discuss the theories together. Just wear your best pajamas, grab a glass of wine and your favourite snack, perhaps some tangerines? Prepare some tissues and enjoy the ride because it's gonna drive you crazy. Goodnight.

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Meh

I had full expectations for this drama going in but now I fail to see the genius. the characters seem very forced to me. It feels like they had certain features they were determined to convey but forgot to add the little things that make characters come alive. And really Liu Tao is such a bore to watch. The writing is also very basic, I don't follow the logic. They're trying to set up this really clever strategist protagonist but his setup is unrealistic. For lack of a better example let's say this really smart guy predicts there'll be a rainbow in the morning following the long and hard downpour at night according to this drama there's always a rainbow in the morning. But we all know it's possible it doesn't stop raining throughout the next day and there might be no sun and the real prove of ability is being able to quickly change course under such circumstances. Things like this aren't only unrealistic but they're boring to watch because everytime something comes up you know the ML has "foreseen" it and planned accordingly, so the balance is lost and there's no climax. The emotional aspect is also lost on me. The story revolves around very tragic events from the past and the ML's revenge, however, the writer didn't deem it fit to reveal the thoughts, feelings and emotions of the villains surrounding their wrongdoings.They also skipped all the complex emotions you'd expect from the protagonists considering all they've been through. For example how did it feel to not be recognized by loved ones or to live with the realities of a new and fatal illness as a former soldier. Hu Ge is also not very good at conveying this hidden anger and boiling need for revenge while maintaining a facade upfront. The fire is just not there. There are no engaging devices employed in this drama, no real chemistry between the main characters ( be it bromance or romance) and no interesting plot twists. Events just unfold one to another, the next being more boring than the former. To summarize my feelings by the end I'd say it ended without ever starting. There's really no outstanding aspect to this drama for me and it'll always be mystery why it's so highly rated but to each their own.

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Came across this drama randomly, and i am glad that i didn't miss out such a phenomenal and splendid drama. It doesn't matter if you don't like to watch a Chinese drama or a long-period drama, you will simply fall for it after the first episode. The cast does a splendid job. All characters, from the main to small one, are delivered superbly that every characters are brought to life. The exquisite cinematography, the amazing landscape and the grand costume as well as the background music make the drama just more perfect.The plot is complex and very well-written. As the episode goes by, it become more and more intense, and there is no single dull moment at all. Definitely recommend to give it a try.

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Un chef d'oeuvre intelligent et émotionnellement intense

Je commencerais tout d'abord : Nirvana in Fire a été mon premier drama chinois. Il y a 3 ans, je me suis décidée à en regarder un. Avant tout par ce que j'avais honte. Honte de ne pas connaitre ce que mon propre pays faisait. Trop préoccupée par les séries US durant mon adolescence, que j'ai abandonné il y a 10 ans au profit des Kdramas, je n'ai jamais senti le besoin de regarder des dramas de chez moi. Peut-être avais-je été traumatisée par ce que regardaient mes parents. Tous ces vols acrobatiques et surréels ne m'inspiraient guère et pour tout vous avouer la réalisation de ces dramas amenait souvent un petit sourire de dédain (je ne vous avais pas dit que j'avais honte?) que je cachais vainement à mes parents. Et puis, j'ai eu ce désaccord avec mon Gege de coeur, et cela m'a amené à réfléchir (cela m'arrive) sur "pourquoi ai-je autant d'apriori sur ces séries chinoise ?". Etait-ce ma façon de renier le moi perdu? Ou bien ce déni total à une époque où chinois ne rime pas avec joie dans un pays qui aime à se glorifier du superficiel et aime tant à jeter aux ordures ce qui ne pense pas "eux"? J'avoue, que tout n'est que prétexte. Tout n'est que lâcheté, je n'avais juste pas envie de crier haut et fort "chinoise et fière de l'être". De clamer que peu importe ce que fait ou ne fait pas mon pays d'origine, je suis et reste profondément chinoise. Peu importe que mes grands-parents aient fuit. Peu importe que ce pays n'ait daigné aider les abandonnés du Cambodge. Peu importe que je sois française maintenant. Je suis et je reste.
Ceci étant dit, j'avais choisi au hasard un drama et cela est tombé sur Nirvana in Fire. Une claque (bien méritée) qui m'a bien prise au dépourvu. Nirvana in Fire est tout sauf une série B. Tout sauf une série sur-jouée. Tout sauf une série à petit budget. Nirvana in Fire est un chef d'oeuvre. Et encore aujourd'hui peu lui arrive à la hauteur, je ne vois que Joy of Life pour lui damner le pion, et encore tout est une question de goût ; le sérieux de Nirvana in Fire ou la joie de vivre et l'insolence de Joy of Life. Hum....

Nirvana in Fire est à l'origine un livre, "Lang Ya Bang " de Hai Yan. Le livre est un succès phénoménal en Chine (ses ventes se voient multipliés sur Amazon) et est affectueusement surnommé le "Comte de Monte Cristo" chinois. L'auteur Hai Yan sera elle -même la scénariste sur les deux Nirvana in Fire. C'est aussi une des raisons selon moi de l'écriture minutieux et superbe des deux dramas.
Le drama est un succès foudroyant en Chine et en Corée du sud. Les journalistes et spectateurs mettent l'accent sur le souci du détail historique et des costumes, de l'étiquette et des coutumes de l'époque dans une critique élogieuse.
Nous savons que les chinois ont à coeur de ne pas voir les dramas dénaturer leur Histoire. C'est donc une histoire fictive qui a pour fond historique la période de la dynastie nord et sud, entre 420 et 589.
L'histoire semble banale : Un massacre sanglant où périssent 70 000 soldats, massacre ordonné par l'empereur Xiaoxuan de Liang. Un survivant, Lin Shu. Suite à ce massacre, Lin Shu passera par un traitement médical qui le laissera dénué de toute force physique et méconnaissable physiquement. Lin Shu deviendra alors Mei Chang Su, le très respectable chef de l'alliance Jiangzuo. Il reviendra 12 ans plus tard afin de se dévoiler la vérité sur ce massacre.
Une manipulation planifiée sous tous les angles. Anticipée pour tout cas d'imprévu.
Ce drama est incroyable. De par l'intelligence de l'écriture. De par le génie de Mei Chang Su. De par l'émotion qui s'en dégage. De par cette relation puissante entre Mei Chang Su et le Prince Jing. De par la romance incroyablement douloureuse entre Mei Chang Su et Ni Huang!
L'intrigue est superbement faite. Terriblement intelligent et diabolique! Les complots, et je suis très loin d'être une fan de complot politique, trop compliquée pour mon petit cerveau, sont jouissifs à tel point qu'on en devient accro dès le premier épisode. Un véritable jeux d'échecs mené avec brio par Mei Chang Su. Une manipulation de A à Z maitrisée avec un génie rarement atteint. Car pas une seule fois, Mei Chang Su ne perdra réellement la main. Cela peut paraitre ennuyant, on peut se dire " ah quoi bon regarder un gars qui gagne dès le début?". Non, mille fois non, nous regardons avec émerveillement les vilains se faire petit à petit prendre dans la toile d'araignée. Nous ne pouvons nous empêcher de nous lever et de nous exclamer quand ces mêmes vilains tombent au fur et à mesure. Car tout est si habilement dévoilé, ni trop vite, ni trop lent, qu'il est impossible d'en deviner à l'avance les plans qui fourmillent dans le cerveau de Mei Chang Su.
Je n'ai jamais vu un être aussi implacable et redoutable que Mei Chang Su. Son intelligence se marie à merveille avec sa bonté et sa pureté de coeur. Car en plus, d'être un génie en stratégie, Mei Chang Su a un coeur qui déborde d'amour et de pureté! Sincèrement, il est un HEROS. Faible physiquement. Mourant et agonisant seul. Mais déterminé à mener à bien sa mission. Remettre tout en ordre. Redonner ce qui appartient à celui qui est en droit, le Prince Jing. Tout cela, en nous donnant cette impression de tristesse et de solitude qui ne le quitteras jamais.
j'ai adoré la relation d'amitié intense entre Mei Chang Su et le Prince Jing. Une amitié solide et faite de loyauté et de respect. L'un s'appuyant sur l'autre. L'autre se fiant de sa vie sur l'un.
La relation entre Mei Chang Su et la princesse Ni Huang, sans vous en dévoiler de trop est une tragédie romantique! leur amour est d'une telle pureté et d'une beauté tragique.
Si la fin est ce qu'elle est, je ne regrette pas ce voyage incroyable. L'alchimie entre les divers personnages sont inoubliables, car il y'en a bien d'autres que je n'ai pas cités, et c'est cette alchimie relationnelle, le charisme des personnages qui font la force de ce drama.

La réalisation est superbe, les costumes sont magnifiques. La photographie est parfaite et les scènes d'actions sont agréables à regarder. Les couleurs sont chaudes et les paysages grandioses. Si je n'ai qu'un drama à recommander, même si vous n'aimez pas les complots politiques, même si vous n'aimez pas les dramas historiques, même si vous ne comprenez pas le chinois, même pas si vous ne lisez pas l'anglais (quoique ce drama est sous-titré en français), même si vous avez des à priori sur les dramas, chinois ou coréens, je vous dirais, celui-ci (par ce qu'il est arrivé avant "Joy Of Life"....) sans hésitation.

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Brilliant

Mei Changsu is so intelligent! It almost seems like he is predicting the future. One good thing about this is that the intelligent villains and main characters are consistently intelligent. They don't lose IQ or what. The story is also good. Picture quality is superb too w/ nice costumes. No plot armour for characters, and realistic.
Fei Liu is very cute. He always compete with the general abhaha. These two are very loyal to MCS. I love their characters.
Sad ending.
I also like the Second Prince. Even though he is the villain, I think he is suited for this role.

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Smartest Historical friendship drama I've ever watched

I just finished this master piece and I'm so sad that it ended ,, I will watch season two just because it has the same name
I will watch also the disguiser just because it has the same main leads
that's How I love this drama so much ,,, I chose to watch it in spiritual time for me and it didn't disappoint on the contrary
I enjoyed it so much
The story is perfect ,, had every thing I like ,, it didn't lack anything
it had the brotherhood/ friendship , the main lead's struggles , the light romance , the faithful relationships , the strong antagonist ,, a lot of Whump too for the male lead
The friendship between the two male lead was amazing with no exaggeration or forced physical attractions between the male leads , they loved each others as brothers to death and beyond ,, it was mature relationship with it strong story behind it
The acting was amazing from every actor even the young Wu lei was amazing in his young age made me laugh ,, broke a lot of tension in difficult episodes ,, it was the right add on to the mix
The intelligence of the writers plot made my head spins in a good way not confusing way ,, it's really smart
I can't say enough about this drama
only that I put it as the best Historical drama I've every watched ,, it dethroned Untamed in my best watched
I highly recommend this drama to anyone ,, it's really the best
you can't hate it even if you want to

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Let me start off with a warning: you should NOT watch this show if it will be your introduction to period C-dramas, because it will give you a skewed perception and ruin your enjoyment of other c-dramas within this genre.

The drama builds momentum slowly for the first 3-4 episodes, almost as though to test how willing you are to stick it out. If you do get through the first few episodes however, you will be in for a spectacular ride. Every new character that appears is intelligent, well rounded, and important to the story. The attention to detail is unrivaled by any other C-drama I have seen. There is meaning behind the eyes of a single glance and a question asked in casual conversation. Symbolism can be found in a cup of tea, a chess piece, a butterfly, etc. This drama places heavy emphasis on reading between the lines, and as other reviewers have mentioned, it treats its audience as intelligent beings. Once the story picks up, it is very easy to miss vital information if you are not giving this drama your undivided attention. This is not a drama that you can put on in the background while you do house chores, homework, and what have you (trust me). The music is great and aptly chosen, but you don't have to take my word for it, you can watch the drama's opening intro and determine that for yourself. If you're one to cringe at lower quality CGI, fret not, the worst of it is over within the first ten minutes of the drama, and from there on out it hardly ever makes a reappearance. The cinematography is beautiful, and as far as acting goes, it is superb, but you'll just have to see it to believe it.

This drama holds up extremely well to rewatches. As mentioned above, there is so much symbolism and reading between the lines, you will be delighted to discover new content the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time around.

Seriously though, stop reading the reviews and go watch the drama already!

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