I actually started this drama a few years back, dropped it and came back this year because the reviews were really high and people said it was like Love and Redemption (my absolute favourite drama). To no surprise, it caught my attention from day one, and I started binge watching it ever since. There are a lot of things that contributed to such a brilliant drama, but a few includes the storyline, acting, OST, and production.
First of all, the plot was so well planned out- it wasn’t like the script writers had casually wrote down the story, not knowing where it would go, at all. This is a really important factor to being a good drama, especially one based in the historical and fantasy genre, for me. Ashes of Love really exemplified that, which was awesome.
Next, I just wanna say that the cast and acting for this drama was… SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS (any one of you who know Mary Poppins know what I’m talking about)! Yang Zi was the PURRFECT actress to take Jing Mi’s role, as she possesses this gentle beauty and her presence gives off a fairy-like aura. Apart from that, Yang Zi flawlessly portrayed Jing Mi’s development throughout the drama- growing from a naïve, innocent “grape fairy”, to a mature, understanding, and smart woman. Deng Lun, on the other hand, caressed a pair of expressive eyes that made me not only simp for him, but acknowledge his emotion at the moment without even needing to open his mouth and speaking. He also really sold the character of Xu Feng, and I don’t think any other actor would be able to replace him in this drama. The chemistry between the two main leads was also so REAL, I really wish that they would become a couple in real life (at least film another drama together, come on)! Additionally, the supporting characters were incredible as well. Luo YunXi portrayed Run Yu’s gentleness, jealously, grievance and revenge SUPERB! He’s so professional! The actresses for Liu Yang and Sui He were exquisite too, they really deserve a standing ovation from me!
Moving on, I just wanna mention how much I loved the OST (music), because this drama had me singing the opening and closing song for DAYS! Last but not least, I would like to praise the entire team that made Ashes of Love possible. You guys are AWESOME! Thanks so much for giving us this high quality, emotional roller coaster of a drama!
The best part of this drama for me, was watching all the characters grow and getting what they all deserved at the satisfying finale.