BURNING FLAMES

This is a very interesting story of cooperation among the human race, demons and a faction of the immortal race known as the Shenyin clan against the immortals in heaven. Headed by Prince Wu Geng of the Xin state, they decided to fight the oppressive race after a hundred thousand years of subjugation under the immortal king.

The cinematography and costumes in Burning Flames are actually very impressive. When you look at the immortals, you would really think they're otherworldly. Some demons are surprisingly good looking (the chief Marshall for sure) but you would know right away they're from the land beneath. The human race looks like humans for sure and they are the weakest in power and cultivation among them.

I like how the story started with the royal parents of Prince Wu Geng sacrificing themselves to keep him safe and so that people will realize they can actually change their lot in life. Although at first their death seems to be in vain, the long term result will make us realize that we really need to be patient. That success in any endeavor is like the unfolding of seasons, each in its own time. That what you see at present may not necessarily be the gauge of success or failure. How you react to a situation makes it meaningful or the other way around.

Ren Jia Lun, popularly known as Allen Ren, in this series impressed me with his portrayal of dual characters. He can really act powerful in one breath, and a fool in the next. No matter the character, he really has eyes that can look into your soul that seems to say, I am here. Do not fear. What's so ironic about this is he looks painfully normal, not tall enough and huge enough to look heroic, in our normal standards/ assumptions of course.

As for his lady love here, she impressed me at first with her no nonsense attitude but my interest eventually waned. Her chemistry with Wu Geng is non-existent and as a viewer, I didn't really mind if they wouldn't end up with each other. Their relationship simply does not hold the story together.

The supporting cast though are mostly impressive. They certainly gave justice to their characters.

Love though, certainly abounds in BURNING FLAMES. Parents' love towards their child, the child's love towards his parents. Sibling love, love towards one's own race, love among friends and of course love between man and woman. Through it all, the values of faith and hope for freedom never failed. And it all came to be through letting go of biases, trust in brotherhood and working together towards a common goal.

Oh a scale of 1-10, I would give this a 7. However, if you are a fan of Allen Ren, you should not miss this for the world.