NIRVANA IN FIRE 2

I started watching the second season of this series struggling to see the connection of the characters to the original series. It can be quite complicated with the presence of so many mighty characters and smaller ones who are still important to the storyline. Specifically, I was grappling with the hope of finding not just a legacy of peace and military might by Mei Changsu/ Lin Shu but a living, thriving descendant of a union with Princess Nihuang. Don't get me wrong. There was never an intimate scene with them in the first series but who knows if there might be a flashback we can glimpse on or a possibility we may have missed? No such luck for me though. However, it did not dampen my focus on this series.

The story is a slow burn for me, true, but it still captured my attention from the start. Just a little spoiler, episode 27 has me bowling my eyes out and my heart felt like it was sliced in two. The scenes here are so poignantly portrayed, no one can question the depth of the character's love for each other. How difficult it is sometimes to choose and how shallow people sometimes can be not to understand the sacrifices of others.

"Since a human has a heart, how can it not be hurt?" This is as true today as it has been since time immemorial. To not be hurt is to not feel, and to not feel is to never experience love. Would you want that instead?

So many beautiful lines to remember. What I want to put extra emphasis though, is that like how Chang Lin manor people behaved, there are really people who have pure hearts that never change despite circumstances and challenges life might put before them. It is easier to just go with the flow or be overwhelmed by the system in place, but these true heroes will remain steadfast in their duties and no amount of power or riches could corrupt them. I wish we could have more of them in our times.

Although I love more the musical scoring of the first series, the second one can still touch your heart with every beat of its masterpiece. It seems to express the depth of Chang Lin army's loyalty and love towards their Prince. The bravery of every soldier on the field is something we can all draw strength from when facing our own difficulties in life.

Setting aside all the emotions this series evokes in me, Xiao Pingjing's character played by Liu Hao Ran is simply too cute and dignified. I cannot also explain how these two adjectives can stand side by side but they simply do.

This show's cinematography is totally impressive. The details are thoroughly executed and you would be transported to a time in the past when kings, queens and courtiers rule the world.

I also like the few times when something related to Mei Changsu, like his manor and his bracelet can save Pingjing's life. It will remind the avid viewers on how this epic series started and what a strong character Mei Changsu/ Lin Shu was. By the way, this is where the name Chang Lin Army was derived from. Sorry for another spoiler.

All in all, it's been a wonderful ride of 50 episodes. Knowing it's a happy ending also won't hurt for most of us right? So don't let anything deter you from watching. Enjoy!