Frost and Fire, Love and Desire, Pain and Longing. The End of The Epic Love Legend? Heartwarming.

I started watching this drama as one of the first C-Dramas in a very long time so I had started with very average expectations especially since the number of episodes was huge enough to scare off any newbie in the C-Drama world. So let me tell you...DON'T THINK TOO MUCH AND JUST WATCH THE SHOW. It will not disappoint, instead it will stay in your heart forever.

PLOT:
I was surprised that a drama that has 63 episodes will be able to keep my interest for each and every episode. I honestly didn't skip much at all throughout the drama so that should ensure the strength of the overall script.

It starts off with a very lighthearted, comedic and fluffy ambience where everything seems so sweet and fluffy but as the episodes progress, the plot develops drastically just like a slow and steady car that suddenly finds itself racing down an unforeseen cliff at the speed of a rollercoaster that makes your heart go through feelings that aren't possible to describe in words.

The dialogue and interactions between the characters in each episode was honestly scripted really well that catches the attention of the viewers, not too dragged or unnecessary which is usually the case for Cdramas. The Wuxia element of this drama is very prominent but that adds the magical ingredient a love story like this needs. There are sufficient action scenes that are coordinated very aesthetically with excellent CGI, the best I have seen in dramas up until now.

Eventhough, the plot is centred on the love triangle between Jin Mi, Xu Feng and Run Yu, each of these characters have their own legacy and precense in the plot that brings equal light on each character. The plot stays connected, throughout the drama, with the actions, decisions and choices made by these characters which keeps affecting the forthcoming event.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a drama with quality in the script, interactions between the characters that aren't too long and skip worthy, a story that will forever stay in your heart, then this is the drama for you.

CHARACTERS:
1. Jin Mi
She is the leading female and character of this drama where the story begins with her. A naive, innocent and kind-hearted girl who has never been outside the Flower Realm longs for adventure and exploring of the world beyond hers. Her mother, at birth, fed her a magical pill that stops her heart from loving someone romantically therefore from the very beginning she has no clue what love is and the sad part is that this is the main issue that causes most of the conflict and misunderstandings in the drama. Some may get annoyed over her actions and choices but it is understandable but don't worry Xu Feng is the one person that keeps making her experience the true meaning of love. Her character starts off as immature who is clueless about love but develops as she goes through several trials and journeys into a strong hearted girl who fights till the end for and with the one person who taught her how to love, Xu Feng.

2. Xu Feng
He is the leading male in the drama that will capture your hearts in no time at all, my favourite of them all. A man who finds himself falling for Jin Mi very quickly, someone who gives him so much happiness and for who he is ready to give up everything for. He is the ideal male character of a drama who isn't too arrogant, someone who treasures relationships and tries his best to make the people around him happy. However, after he is betrayed by Jin Mi, his demeanor will change into a person who will fight only for himself, a man who's heart has died after Jin Mi's actions killed it both literally and emotionally. But don't worry, the two lovebirds will find their way back to eachother.

3. Run Yu
He is the second leading male, the elder brother of Xu Feng and Xu Feng's rival in love. In my opinion, he is the most complex character and the one that goes through the most changes. He starts off as a very kind hearted and elegant man who shows himself as one with moral principles but is cold from the inside and deeply hurt and finds himself falling for the girl who opens his heart, Jin Mi. His character then experiences many wrongs and anguish that causes him to seek revenge and manipulate the girl he claims to love into a web of deception and lies. His character is that which one will feel extremely sympathetic with despite his evil demeanor as all he ever wanted in his life was love and warmth.

Other side characters like the Fox Immortal, Snake Immortal and Kuang Lu who were always such lovable personas and served as great supporting roles to the characters and script. Not to mention Princess Bian Cheng, with a very admirable character who served as a loyal friend of Xu Feng despite being a girl and I loved this aspect very much as C-Dramas have the habit of putting whoever comes in contact with the male lead as one of his love interests and it is great to see their friendship throughout the drama. And ofcourse, there has to be a conniving girl with the attitude of a scheming fox who is obsessed with the male lead and will cross any boundaries just to win his love aka the most annoying character along with Xu Feng's mother.

ROMANCE:
YES, YES AND YESSS. The love story between Jin Mi and Xu Feng spans over several years over several lifetimes. Their chemistry is the best I have seen so far, their interactions are very swoon worthy and the love they have for eachother is just so beautiful and touching. Two individuals sharing a love that goes through several obstacles and trials only to become stronger than ever. At first, it is mainly Xu Feng and their chemistry that keeps the romance paced but their time spent in the Mortal Realm opens Jin Mi's heart in a way she never thought possible which sparks the beginning of their mutual love. There aren't too many kiss scenes but the few that are there will leave an impression however it's made up for with the romantic interactions between them so that's not something to worry about.
Apart from the main couple, there is a secondary love story between Princess Bian Cheng and Mu Ci which was always a very bitter sweet legacy.

ACTING/CAST:
It could not have been better than this. The cast they have picked brought out the characters in the best way possible with excellent acting that will satisfy the story in every aspect. The expressions and dialogue delivery of each actor complimented the drama each time and is one of the spectacular aspects of the drama that does the script justice. I always believe that a love story needs both the acting and script to create an impact and this has both done wonderfully.

MUSIC:
YES, YES AND YESSS. This is one of the few C-Dramas where the OST is just top class. Each and every track played is worthy of mention and fits the drama beautifully and even making it one of my favourite OSTs of all time in my playlist.

ENDING:
This is the drama I would say that has the best ending I have seen in dramas. It is a perfectly HAPPY ENDING that will wrap up all the love and pain felt throughout the drama with all the characters ending up with what they deserve, each getting a satisfying ending. Some may say that Run Yu deserved better but he has someone by his side that will never leave him and Princess Bian Cheng also may have had a bitter sweet ending but it will satisfy you completely. And ofcourse, Jin Mi and Xu Feng do end up together, living happily ever after.

OVERALL:
I'm no critc who pays attention to every detail of a drama I watch and objectively reviews it. I watch the drama as it is and don't have much in mind, whatever emotion it leaves me with during and after the drama affects my review. So in my opinion, this is one or my favourite dramas of all time and the love story is one in a million. A high quality drama with fantasy, romance, friendship, action, comedy, drama, gorgeous outfits and impeccable CGI.

A once in a lifetime drama, please give it a try.

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The Ice Melts The Heart of Fire

My process of watching a drama is to first read the plot summary, read the tags, see the cast and read the reviews. If even one catches my interest and attracts me to the drama, I will watch it regardless of the other aspects. In this case, the plot caught my interest completely so despite the majority of low rated reviews, I decided to watch it. And I'm so glad I did, It's become one of my favourite dramas!

PLOT:
It's quite interesting and the main aspect that made me want to watch the drama. Despite it's long number of episodes I enjoyed the majority. It revolves mostly around the relationships between the characters and the conflicts between the sects on the whole. It can be seen as a plot that is fit for a wuxia based drama.

The interactions between the characters and the conflicts that occurred between them is what interested me the most especially the story that revolved around Ru Ge and Yin Xue. Their love story is what urged me to write a review in the first place. Each character around the female lead has their own story to share with the viewers except the female lead who's story is taking place in the drama itself. The story of how a girl starts her tale by wanting to find the love she lost but ends up being healed and finding love with the person she is truly meant to be with.

There are plenty of scenes that will give you butterflies in your stomach, making you grin from ear to ear and plenty that will break your heart. The drama is filled with action with beautiful martial art direction. So if you're a fan of action romance then i recommend giving this a watch.

The plot isn't perfect with everything answered, ofcourse there are plot holes and few questions that need to be answered and some things that didn't connect but my advice to all of this is not to pay too much attention to it and watch the drama as it is delivered.

CHARACTERS:
1. Ru Ge
The daughter of the most powerful sect who is very innocent when it comes to love as someone who has just lost the affection of a man she has loved from childhood, Zhan Feng. She is someone who trusts and loves the people that are most dear to her and fights to bring peace and justice to all the conflicts between the sects and eliminate the evil sect for good. Despite her shortcomings and low experience, she gives her all for the greater good. She finds herself caught between the affection of three men: Yin Xue, an immortal who has been waiting for her and devotes all his love selflessly for her and his affection is soon reciprocated by Ru Ge who heals and finds herself falling in love with him. Yu Zi Han, her senior and childhood friend who has been loving and caring for her for a long time and someone who Ru Ge cares for with all her heart but doesn't reciprocate his love for her and lastly Zhan Feng, her ex-fiancee who she once loved.

2. Yin Xue
An eccentric immortal from the Ethereal Sect that has gone through a tragic past with Ru Ge's past self which causes him to wait for her reincarnation who is the present Ru Ge. He is someone who always knows what is exactly on her mind, someone who is ready to give up everything for her and is completely devoted to her wellbeing. He can sometimes be childish but not in the problematic way, he is usually someone who is calm and handles everything in a way that is best for Ru Ge even if she doesn't end up with him which I really admire about him. He has many times even sacrificed his life for Ru Ge's sake. His actions and love for her eventually affects Ru Ge in a way she didn't think was possible making her reciprocate his love for him.

3. Zhan Feng
The childhood sweetheart of Ru Ge who she was engaged with until Zhan Feng replaced her with another suddenly detaching himself with Ru Ge romantically which obviously seems like he is forced to do so for a deeper reason that changed his behaviour completely. He is someone who carries his own goals that needs to be fulfilled and ends up at a point as an enemy of Ru Ge. I personally didn't like his character, even if there was a reason to treat Ru Ge like that, he should've tried being honest with her or attempted to fight for their love both which he didn't do.

4. Yu Zi Han
A very lovable character who is unfortunately disabled and doesn't have the ability to hear or walk so sometimes gets insecure of himself as he is in love with Ru Ge and sometimes finds himself unable to completely protect her but even so does his best to love and care for her. He is forever loyal to Ru Ge and respects all the decisions she makes and supports her at every point. Despite his love being unreciprocated, he treats her in a way that she is comfortable.

ROMANCE:
YES, YESS AND YESSS. If you are a sucker for romance stories like me then this is a must watch. There are plenty of romantic scenes in the drama that will touch your heart between Ru Ge and Yin Xue, their chemistry is just off the charts in each scene they're together. Some people may be hesitant due to the age gap but I honestly didn't mind it at all and are now one of my favourite couples in the drama world. Many heart wrenching and equally heartwarming experiences pay the couple a visit which results in a beautiful romance. Not too many kiss scenes, very few actually, but the interactions between them make up for it completely.
There is a secondry couple that is also very swoon worthy who go through many obstacles and trials together but end up happily.

ACTING/CAST:
The cast was very well picked, aesthetically and satisfyingly performed their roles and brought their respective characters to life. The male actors did a very very good job in their parts but eventhough Dilraba did a satisfying job, i felt she could do better in the emotional scenes however her acting didn't bring down the drama too much.

MUSIC:
YES, YES AND YESSS. I loved the music very very much especially the opening and ending OSTs that were sung so beautifully and suited the drama very much and even brought more attention to it because of the amazing choice of music not to mention Dilraba having sung part of the ending song makes it even better. One of my favourite OSTs in my playlist and one of the best things I loved about the drama.

ENDING:
One of the main reasons I love this drama more is because of it's HAPPY ENDING with Ru Ge and Yin Xue together reunited in the very place they met for the first time in the drama. The endings for the other make characters could have been better honestly especially for
Yu Zi Han but it was acceptable and satisfactory. The second couple also ended up together indirectly but it was really sweet in comparison to what some may have expected during the drama due to their fallouts and conflicts.

OVERALL:
I'm no critc who pays attention to every detail of a drama I watch and objectively reviews it. I watch the drama as it is and don't have much in mind, whatever emotion it leaves me with during and after the drama affects my review. So in my opinion, this is one or my favourite dramas of all time in regards to mostly the chemistry and love story between the main leads, the action and wuxia element, appealing outfits especially Yin Xue and Ru Ge's costume choice with a constant White and Red theme looked gorgeous on Vic and Dilraba.

If you want a drama that has a beautiful love story and chemistry then please give this a try.

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