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Unexpected
I had low expectations coming into this series after watching Nirvana in Fire, but was happily impressed. The story and the characters are quite different, so there's no point in comparing. They were both good in their own right.Story: I fell in love with the Chang Lin family. I could see why so many people would go after them because of jealousy and fear. Their love for each other wasn't over the top, it is how a loving family really are and the actors portrayed it really well. The villains could have been developed more, though. I couldn't really empathize with them nor root for them or their plight. I liked how Ping Jing realizes he needs to live life for himself and that his family was supportive of that. I also felt relief and happiness, as he did, when he was finally able to let go of all the guilt weighing in his heart and live freely.
Actors: I'm thoroughly impressed by Liu Hao Ran and how his character developed throughout the series. Towards the end I wish they had kept more focus on him instead of Yuan Qi. I had heard grumblings about Huang Xiao Ming before I started watching, but I was also impressed by his portrayal of Ping Zhang as Ping Jing's older brother. I liked the supporting cast, including Tong Li Ya (Qian Xue) and Sun Chen (Ting Sheng), but somehow couldn't really connect with Lin Xi's character. I'm not sure if it's the actress or the character.
I really enjoyed this series because I was invested in the Chang Lin family, especially Ping Jing. Ping Jing's experiences and motivations resonated with me. I strongly recommend if you like character development and strong family relationships.
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Liu Hao Ran did an amazing job and his chemistry with Zhang Hui Wen was really cute. It was so nice to watch them fall in love slowly. This is what you call a predestined love. The bromance in this is out of the world. It is one that can rival the bromance of the previous season although when it comes to the romance side this one takes a higher place, at least in my personal books.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loved the first season and I kinda hope they have some other continuation for the story so we can see what happens to the Chnaglins in the future.
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The plot of Nirvana in Fire 2 suffered from two main problems 1) Lots of wasted time on an evil exaggerated caricature in the first half (I had to start watching sped up) 2) the characters in the second half show very little character growth.
The acting/cast was uneven as well. I truly enjoyed all the scenes that featured the Xiao family and Lin Xi, and I was super curious about how it would all resolve for them. But, the other characters such as the Emperor, officials/advisors, concubines, I found overacted and boring. I have gone back and watched bits and pieces that I liked.
Music was well done.
I have other criteria I score by:
Complex Themes - 8
(The series does not jump from random plot element to plot element, but actually builds on concepts regarding sacrifices for the greater good, fate vs. individual action, the ups and downs of power, recognising ones limits and the harm of long-held grudges)
Character Growth - 7
(Characters do not change as much as one would hope or think. They will change or grow a bit, but then get 'stuck' either due to limited acting range or limited script)
Nuanced Women - 5
(Like Nirvana in Fire, there are some great nuanced female characters (esp. Meng Qian Xue - the older brother's wife), but unlike Nirvana in Fire there's a lot of simplistic one note female characters as well (esp. in the inner palace).
Cinematography/Production Values - 10
(Beautifully filmed compared to Nirvana in Fire, lots of outdoor scenes, sweeping vistas, huge, choreographed fight scenes).
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Poignant, Deep, Mature and Beautiful
One of the strongest aspects of this drama is how mature it is. It brims with healthy idealism, but harbors no illusions regarding reality -- a perfect balance between youthful naivety and jaded cynicism. The love stories are incredibly moving, but are by no means all consuming or unrealistic like the typical depiction of youthful love.The show is almost perfect in all regards (with the minor exception of pacing issues in the final arc), but this maturity, the nuance, makes it extraordinary.
The maturity is perhaps most evident in the show's characterization (a product of both superb writing and acting). It's so rare to see such consistently strong characterization, from protagonists to villains to all sorts of supporting characters.
The male leads exemplify the writer's ideal masculinity. They are highly intelligent and competent -- no naive lead trope. They are decisive and determined, but not callous or toxic. They are genuinely loving and kind, without ever appearing meek. They're incredibly self-disciplined: strict on themselves, but easy on the others. They have a devout sense of duty, but no ambition for personal gains. And finally, they are not above moments of weakness, and struggles to find internal strength.
The female leads are quite modernly idealistic consider the period setting. They are at the perfect balance point: neither adolescent girls all consumed by love, nor the stereotypical "girl crush" overcompensation that finds love distasteful. They love most ardently, but they also know what they want with their lives and what role romance plays in the life that they want. And it's incredibly refreshing to see the men wholeheartedly supporting that and never subjecting them to their own agendas.
The villains are all incredibly well done. Nobody (except maybe one) came off as an evil caricature. They were antagonistic because of their own unique motivations, often deeply personal, sympathetic or even noble. At many points, the conflict between the protagonists and the villains are almost a philosophical debate, and one is forced to consider whether the villains might actually be right. It is this juxataposition that reaffirms the idealistic values that our heroes stand for.
And finally, the supporting cast is also well done, and often multi-layered. For example, the Emperor is benevolent and kind (another break from trope), but he is also highly intelligent and isn't someone to be BSed. You can see the fear he strikes into his subjects. There was also this girl perfectly befitting the traditional stereotype of being meek and obediant, but there are also glimpses of her courage, resolve and wisdom.
Overall it's an incredibly mature and intelligent drama, with strong charcterization and consistent plot. It's also highly nuanced, which makes for a great rewatch. And as can be expected from this production crew, it is so beautiful, from the people to the sets to the music.
10/10 would recommend.
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Natural and realistic
??The story full of tastes in a life time. Even I want more details about the pingjing story the result is acceptable and beautiful. I want season three have Haoran too.? I became a fan of him as a fan of Pingjing, his character inspired me so much. More his real life there full of inspiration for young generation. ?I’ve been back to watch the drama many times. Also listen to the song every day. ✨I will never bored of the soundtrack there. The praises in the story, the speeches of Tingsheng is so good make me admire the writer to death ??. And since I have watched this masterpiece work and go around and around I find no drama can be replaced this one in my heart ?Was this review helpful to you?
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Xiao Pingjing is a character so gratifying to watch
I don't like to, but I can't help to compare seasons 1 and 2. After finishing season 1 previously, I was in Nirvana in Fire withdrawal for a few days and couldn't move on. This time though, I didn't feel the exact feeling, however, I could say that I was more attached to Xiao Ping Jing than to Mei Changsu. I have seen XPJ grow up. From a carefree and unrestrained adolescent to a mature general and heir to Changlin. I have watched him rise and fall, felt his pain and struggles, and was relieved when he finally forgave himself. I have never seen such a detailed and well-executed character development that was very gratifying to watch. XPJ was a character among my personal favorites. I also love the OST. The ending theme song, Wishing for Peace is such a perfect battle song.Was this review helpful to you?
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Honest Thoughts
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when choosing this drama, especially since I did not watch the original Nirvana In Fire before watching NIF2. Personally, watching the series backwards made it much more meaningful for when I went and watched NIF, I had flashbacks to their descendants and the lives they were able to lead guided by their morality and righteous upbringings and also saw how the predecessors decisions and sacrifices ultimately became the foundation of that. Watching the passionate and driven youth of NIF, I had to remind myself that these people were the grandparents / elderly of NIF2 characters which was mind boggling. What makes me want to rewatch NIF2 is because I now know Pingjing is the rightful heir to the throne, and he doesn’t know it...that in itself gives me yet another perspective and makes me pay that much more attention to detail. How is he the actual heir? Tingsheng is the son of Crown Prince Qi, whom was wrongfully accused of treason and killed off by poison via wine, while Tingsheng is also Pingjing’s father. You might be asking me how since Pingjing also has an older brother, however you can only take the throne if you’re from the same clan/apart of the imperial family with the same last name which is Xiao AND have imperial blood running through your veins, Pingzhang is adopted therefore removing him from the line of successors. I believe Tingsheng was never told of his actual birth story and till his death only saw himself as the adopted son of Jingyan while in fact, he is his imperial nephew. Pingjing’s growth from beginning to end and the way the actor conveyed and carried out this character and his highs and lows/emotions is stellar. The overall idea of family first makes this both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. There is something lacking though which is the supporting characters, they were good and something that I could settle for but I wasn’t satisfied—which is something I cannot put into words. The love story was okay in this one, I think both have their pros and cons. I like the fact that both Mains, men and women alike have a strong moral compass and sense of self. MCS spent his literal last breath for his brotherhood, family, and country and is both cunning, loyal, and intelligent, Nihuang chose to stand by MCS and his decisions despite knowing he’ll leave her by death and is a badass general, Pingjing is righteous and intelligent he comes off as dandy and reckless at first yet comes out of his painful experiences a well rounded person who accepts people as they are, Lin Xi comes off aloof but spends her life helping others and doesn’t allow Pingjing’s path to change her nor does she expect to change him, she knows when to recede and when to proceed which is commendable—hoping NIF 3 can give us more romance and give the supporting characters their own storyline that won’t go off or affect the main storyline and plot.Was this review helpful to you?
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The Less tactical yet Peaceful and Self-Sufficient take of NIF ~!!
DON'T READ ANY FEEDBACKS, JUST WATCH AND BE IMPRESS! 100% -- DEFINITELY A MUST WATCH!!Comparison between the NIF1 and NIF2 would never be Valid as it carries different plot execution and theme.
Honestly speaking I was kinda worried to watch this sequel because of the reviews I have been reading over it being less impressive and kinda fell short compared to it's prequel however watching it intently from its Pilot episode to its Finale has proven me that those feedbacks were wrong and is simply biased.
This drama shouldn't be compared to the NIF1 since they're simply two sides of a coin. They have a very different target when it comes to story plots and more.
This story highlighted how loyalty and righteousness should be carried out. In a sense where they're simply contented and grateful for what they currently have and is willing to give them up just to keep the peace and serenity in place.
Story - 10, No words needed. All you need to do is to sit, watch and enjoy. This is less confusing compared to how NIF was since I'm already familiar with its system and setup. The plot twist and story itself were not as tactical and strategic as NIF1 but it surely accentuate its uniqueness and the difference between the 2 season. Its very clear, precise and genuine.
Acting/Cast - 10, I know that it's a bit of a stretched but I love its cast so much. Huang XiaoMing, Tong Liya, Turbo Liu, Zhang Hui Wen and etc was able to deliver and express their characters emotions and characteristic in a splendid way that it deserves so much high praises.
Music - 10, Ballad Songs would never go wrong with my ears. The music itself enriches each episode for me and even provides additional drama and excitement towards the opening and ending theme. I actually enjoyed watching them all.
Rewatch Value - 10, No questions needed. It's a MUST WATCH and I will surely watch it whenever I feel like to. A masterpiece that didn't fell short or underwhelming in contradiction to those biased reviews I red firsthand.
Overall - 10, It deserved all the views It accumulates and MORE! Just don't Read Reviews and Immediately watch! It will give you a different feeling and vibe that will surely impress you and make you cry.
IF you find my reviews helpful please let me know.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm going to say this first. Comparing Nirvana in Fire 2 to the first Nirvana in Fire drama is pretty useless because their stories are entirely different. Nirvana in Fire 2 is a story of about family, morals and loyalty while Nirvana in Fire 1 was a revenge and redemption story with lots of twists and complex palace schemes. Both dramas are great in their own way, and they both have their pros and cons. Nirvana in Fire 2 is about the story about the family of the general of the Changlin Army. The drama follows the family through the ups and downs that they face. The cast in this drama was great. I loved the familial bonds that the Changlin family had; they loved, respected and protected each other. I loved the brotherly bond between the main character Xiao Pingjing and his older brother Xiao Pingzhang. Although they never really kissed on screen, the chemistry between Pingzhang and his wife Qianxue was beautiful (I totally shipped them). Xiao Tingsheng was a kind but strict father to both his sons.
Personally, I liked the soundtrack in Nirvana in Fire 1 more but the soundtrack in Nirvana in Fire 2 is great as well and it fit the drama.
You can watch Nirvana in Fire 2 by itself but I would recommend you watch Nirvana in Fire 1 first so you can understand the little details in Nirvana in Fire 2. I love both Nirvana in Fire 1 and Nirvana in Fire 2. I really can't say more about the story of Nirvana in Fire 2 or else I will spoil it.
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Incomparable to the first Nirvana in Fire
Don't compare this to the first Nirvana in Fire. I made that mistake the first episode I watched, then dropped the series. It's not as faced paced and scheming as the first one starts off as, and because of that I stopped watching it. That was my mistake. This is a completely different story with almost no relation to the first one. This story starts off where Jing Yan's son is King and his adopted son Ting Sheng is the General of the powerful Chang Lin Army (army created by Jing Yan at the end of the first season). The imperial court is different, the characters are different, and thus the plot is different. The only remnants from the previous story are a few characters that are now old, and some name drops here and there. So throughout the story, I was trying to connect some of the names mentioned to the first one for my own personal enjoyment, but that's pretty much where the similarities end. You can watch this series on its own without having to watch the first one, and they do have some flashbacks to the first one when it's applicable to the story, so you won't get lost. It's just nice to have seen the first one, and then see the slight connections to it.The relationships in this drama is what gets me. The father (Ting Sheng) who is a powerful general that loyally serves the King, his brother. The King who does not doubt his brother's power. The eldest son (Ping Zhang) who takes on his responsibilities head on to ease the burden of his father and allow his younger brother to live the life he wants. His wife (Meng Qian Xue) who loves him and his family. The younger son (Ping Jing) who is carefree and a little mischievous, and the crown prince (Yuan Shi) who loves his uncle's family just as the King does. Just watching this family brings tears to my eyes.
Family, nature vs. nurture, choices, loyalty, brotherhood, camaraderie, right vs. wrong, revenge, power, love, life and death, happiness and sadness, schemes, betrayal; this drama has it all whether it be obvious or subtle. I want to say this drama is slow, but it is a buildup of all the characters. What they go through, the choices they make, and how they get to where they are. I dislike slow dramas, but this was put together really well. I really enjoyed this drama, and I've watched it a few times now.
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Great drama! Judge on it's own merits
Probably like most people, I judged and compared this drama to NIF1 on my initial watch and found it to be some what lacking, but the more episodes I watched the more I was invested in it, especially in our main family. I absolutely love the brotherly bond between PJ & PZ, the loving relationship between PZ & his wife, and the different yet loving ways Ting Sheng treats his sons. They are the heart of the drama!! PJ starts off very immature but learns throughout the story to be a great man, just like his brother and father! I love his journey. I also like that the Lin Xi is true to her profession, she wants to be a better doctor and doesn't put that above her romantic feelings. The plot is intricate enough culminating into great scenes towards the end of the drama. I love the opening theme song too, instrumentals work so well here. I've done a re-watch and still enjoy this drama!Was this review helpful to you?
