Love of Nirvana wasn’t on my watchlist initially, but it quickly captured my attention after I stumbled upon intriguing spoilers on social media. What really drew me in was the famous scene from EP9 that showcased the dynamics between the leads.

As I enjoy watching the enemies-to-lovers trope, I appreciated how Love of Nirvana presented characters who genuinely start as adversaries and gradually learn to understand each other. It was refreshing to see their perspectives; the time they took to witness each other's lives made their eventual feelings believable and earned.

Some viewers might find Wei Zhao to be cruel and ruthless, but understanding his backstory and the immense pressure he faces helps clarify his initial attitude towards Jiang Ci, especially after she disrupts his crucial plans. Jiang Ci, on the other hand, is portrayed as resilient, maintaining her composure in the face of adversity, though it’s poignant to watch her vulnerability surface after a significant loss. Their flaws and strengths add depth to their characters, making their journey engaging.

I particularly enjoyed the cat references that both characters naturally acknowledged; these moments added a lighthearted touch. Also, since cats are believed to symbolize balance ( like yin and yang ), and even have been seen as spiritual guardians in some places, the reference matched the characters so well.

Watching them collaborate was a highlight, especially when Wei Zhao recognized Jiang Ci’s strengths. The scene where he bowed to her for saving his people was beautifully executed, symbolizing the respect he developed over time.

The chemistry between the leads was compelling, enhanced not just through their interactions but also through their individual arcs. The side characters were well-crafted as well, each bringing their own loyalty and obsession to the story. I found Yueluo’s arc especially captivating, with its constant character and story development ─ so I was actually glad to see them return there towards the finale.

After their return to the palace, the pacing slowed a bit, but the last few episodes till the finale picked up the pacing once again ─ although it ended with tragedy and left us with bittersweet feelings. Part of me thinks it fitted the whole storyline while the other part expected a happy ending.

The OST was another highlight; each song complemented the scenes perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, I recommend Love of Nirvana for its storytelling, characters ( and their dynamics ), beautiful OST and cinematography!

Link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5gFVgHNC1_31EcNdD5m1d63&si=5HzX9p7wU1NO619Y