I'm not sure I'll ever watch another historical that will ever compare to The Rise of the Pheonixes for me. This is one of the most moving shows I've ever seen. Not just compared to other Chinese shows, but to any show I've ever watched. The acting is superb. The cinematography, the writing, the emotion, the costumes... everything is absolutely breath-taking. This show stuck in my mind long long after the last episode ended. & although I'm not happy with that ending, I did anticipate that is was coming and it is so well done that I don't believe it took away from how enjoyable the show is on the whole. What I wouldn't give for an alternate ending though. ;-)