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?)