Overview of Plot:-

"Love of Nirvana" tells the story of Xiao Wu Xia, the young lord of Yueluo City, who spends years in hiding in Liang Kingdom, bearing humiliation and disguising himself as Wei Zhao. Driven by a quest for truth and justice, Wei Zhao seeks to capture the sole survivor of his family's downfall. However, his plan is foiled by Jiang Ci's unexpected arrival, throwing a wrench into his carefully laid plans. Pei Yan seizes the opportunity to shelter the injured Jiang Ci, aiming to uncover the hidden saboteur. As Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci interact, their shared experiences and values spark mutual affection. Ultimately, the trio - Wei Zhao, Jiang Ci, and Pei Yan - put aside personal vendettas and unite against Emperor Liang, fighting to protect Yueluo and establish a just dynasty.

Introduction to Key Characters:-

Wei Zhao/Xiao Wu Xia (Ren Jia Lun):- The former young lord of Yueluo City, now the infamous Commander of the Dawn Guards of Liang State, is a cunning and ruthless man seeking revenge for his family's unjust downfall and striving to uncover the truth behind their wrongful label as 'traitors.' He walks a thin line between loyalty and betrayal, eliminating anyone who stands in his way. The weight of countless broken families in Yueluo City, forced to send their loved ones into slavery in Liang State as penalty for Prince Ci's death, rests heavily on his shoulders.

Jiang Ci (Li Landy):- Jiang Ci is a free-spirited, kind, and intelligent girl. Raised by her master in a remote mountain village far from the capital city, she grew up in peaceful solitude as an orphan. Her master, living with her identity hidden, is the most wanted assassin and suspected mastermind of Prince Ci's demise, relentlessly pursued by the Emperor of Liang State, Wei Zhao, and the powerful Pei Clan. Jiang Ci wears her heart on her sleeve, often to her own detriment. With expertise in herbs and medicine, she dreams of traveling the world unrestricted.

Pei Yan (Jeremy Tsui):- Leading the Pei Clan in the royal court, Lord of Jingding, a title passed down from his father, he wields significant influence. Equally cunning as Wei Zhao, he was groomed from a young age to put the interests of the Pei Clan first in all his decisions. He is renowned for his benevolence and military prowess among the public, but beneath the surface lies a complex web of motivations.

My Views:-

The drama kicks off with an engaging plot, featuring a cunning and ruthless male lead and his equally formidable rival, the second male lead. Both are adept in manipulation and combat skills, holding influential positions in court. One is feared by the people, while the other is renowned for his benevolence. The drama was engaging, with their schemes against each other captivating until around episodes 10-12, but then it started to drag and get back on track in the last 10 episodes.

In their games of cat and mouse, it's always one winner and one loser, but it doesn't necessarily mean that only the male lead wins every time. Whoever loses pays a hefty price for their loss, and sometimes the price is the people they care for which actually made it more realistic and relatable.

In terms of romance tropes, it's an enemy-to-lovers storyline and a slow-burn, which is expected from Ren Jia Lun's dramas. Jiang Ci is introduced as a carefree and intelligent girl who has an unpleasant first meeting with the male lead Wei Zhao, one that nearly costs her her life. However, it's just the beginning. Saved by Pei Yan to serve his purposes, the danger to her life doesn't end; it's just started. She became the only witness to an assassination attempt, and her life is entangled between the two leads. She wants to leave and fly away from both of them, but she wasn't able.

Though intelligent, Jiang Ci is too trusting of Pei Yan and allows him to manipulate her. The interactions between Jiang Ci and Wei Zhao in the initial episodes are authentic enemies. However, their feelings shift abruptly. The ruthless Wei Zhao suddenly softens for her while she keeps messing with his plans, and Jiang Ci suddenly starts to understand and develops a soft spot for Wei Zhao, whom she even tried to kill a few episodes back. This abrupt change between them feels off initially, but as time passes and they interact more, I grew accustomed to it and started rooting for them.

I didn't like the writer's turn on Pei Yan, transforming him from a cunning and meticulous individual into a typical obsessive second male lead. However, the writers redeemed this by having him recognize and overcome his obsession.

The drama fearlessly tackles dark themes, including slavery and the ruthless pursuit of power. The lives of commoners become mere pawns in the games of the ambitious, who disregard the well-being of others. This thought-provoking exploration of politics and social injustice kept me utterly engrossed. A few scenes border on melodrama, but the overall tone remains balanced, walking a fine line between tension and emotional depth.

The cast delivers outstanding performances, masterfully conveying intense emotions that drew me deeply into the story. Their portrayals bring characters to life and evoked strong feelings, from tears to outrage, as I witnessed the characters' struggles against injustice. Ren Jia Lun shines as Wei Zhao/Xiao Wu Xia, masterfully conveying the complexity of his character's emotions. His portrayal effortlessly switches between ruthless determination and vulnerable introspection. Though it's my first time seeing her, Li Landy's portrayal of Jiang Ci is equally impressive, capturing her free-spirited nature and inner strength. Her chemistry with Ren Jia Lun is quite good.

The soundtracks are a highlight, with beautifully poignant scores that resonated deeply with me. The beautifully crafted scores perfectly complement each scene, elevating the tension, joy, and heartbreak. From haunting melodies to rousing battle themes, the OSTs masterfully amplify the emotional resonance. They've earned a permanent spot on my favorite playlist, serving as a reminder of the drama's unforgettable moments. My favourites are:
1. Far Away (by He Jie and Wang Yuexin)
2. Do Not (by Wang Heye)
3. Oath (by Curley Gao)

The costumes are stunning, clearly benefiting from a generous budget. The tribal outfits of Yueluo are particularly striking, complemented by exquisite hairstyling.

The action scenes in are meticulously choreographed, showcasing a perfect blend of elegance and intensity. The fight sequences are visually stunning, with each move precisely executed to convey the characters' skills and emotions. The action scenes are not just visually impressive but also emotionally charged, reflecting the characters' motivations and conflicts.

Tissue Alert! The ending is a tearjerker.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, "Love of Nirvana" is a solid historical drama that explores complex themes and features standout performances. It stumbles mid-series and the finale's emotional payoff left me wanting more. The stunning costumes, memorable soundtracks, and well-choreographed action scenes make it a worthwhile watch. Those interested in stories of power, loyalty, and redemption will find "Love of Nirvana" an enjoyable, if imperfect, viewing experience.