Nirvana in Fire!

[krait]

A couple weeks ago I asked nonnies to talk me into trying Nirvana in Fire, and the first response of "watch if you like this stuff" was a list that was practically custom-tailored to my id. The list as it was given to me is below the cut!


I'll add that if you like any or all of:
* historical fiction
* twisty political drama
* smart and imperfect people being smart and imperfect
* several very different powerful women taken seriously
* identity porn
* good government
* wuxia
* people falling in loyalty
it's worth giving it a try!

The story is astoundingly well put-together. It's intricately plotted, with some subplots driven by action and some by the extremely well-drawn and well-portrayed characters. No scene is wasted. Everything about the production – writing, acting, direction, costumes, cinematography – is top-notch. Source

That is... pretty much everything I would want in a fantasy novel, so I decided to take a chance on the show, even though my record with live-action fandoms is not exactly strong.

I'm currently on Episode 11 and it's pretty great thus far! I'm still having trouble remembering who's who, and I'm not sure if part of my confusion is due to the Twisty Political Drama + Identity Porn, or my own borderline face-blindness, but we shall see.

I'd also like to add two very important things to the list of reasons to watch:
- weaponized Power Of Friendship*
- costuming porn

Oh, boy is there a lot of costume porn! We're talking crazy amounts of gorgeous costumery. Most of the time I not only can't pick out a character with a superior wardrobe, I can't even pick the best costume of the episode. It's so great, I can't even.

My only complaint, really, is that despite all the characters with fabulous hair, we don't get to see enough of it. I like a fancy hair ornament as well as the next person, but sometimes a good hair-down scene is what the heart desires. :D



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*I don't know how else to describe this trope! But it goes like this: There is a character who is not physically gifted; they may even be frail or impaired. However, nobody can harm them, because they have the devoted attention of other character(s) with tremendous defensive power, who would move heaven and earth to protect them.

This trope is my catnip and I could roll around rubbing my face in it for approximately forever.

Comments

[branchandroot]

Ahahahahaha, another one falls!

*coughs* I mean, yes, it's a wonderful show, no it won't break your heart into tiny little shreds at all.

[krait]

How very reassuring! I am very reassured.

[branchandroot]

I mean, you'll enjoy every minute of it? But, yeah, kleenex and possibly a pet or plush toy are recommended for later eps.

[krait]

Heh. :D

Fortunately the cats like sitting on my legs while I watch it, so at least I have emotional support!

[jamethiel]

this sounds DELIGHTFUL. I shall look up how to watch it immediately!

[krait]

You can watch it for free at viki.com, which is how I've been watching it!

[anotherslashfan]

Welcome! Guess we'll see you once you surface after ep 54 :D

[extrapenguin]

FWIW, as another person who has trouble with live action, I made it through! And I eventually figured out how to distinguish people by context clue and wardrobe. (I'm ... face-nearsighted.)

There is a lot more Twisty Political Drama in your future, as well as gorgeous costumes, as people get new items into their wardrobes! Every still is very beautiful, and I love the cinematography. I think there's also a nice hair-down scene later on? But mostly it's updos in the era's style.

[krait]

Haha, I ought to post my Guide to Who's Who.

Characters thus far include "Scheming Main Dude (Don't Bother Learning His Name, He's Also Like Four Other Dudes), Whiny Prince Babyface, Underappreciated Prince Baritone, Edward Elric (But Angrier), Guy With Two Surnames, BFF of Guy With Two Surnames, Nihuang's Baby Brother, Commander General Cute Facial Hair, and Investigator Awesomesauce (AKA Nihuang's Bestie).

I enjoy the updos! I keep wondering about the significance of the hair boxes/hair loops/hair pins/hair rings on said updos, and wondering how many cultural clues I'm missing. But yeah, that dramatic hair-down scene in the beginning kind of set me up to yearn, here. :D

[extrapenguin]

LOL, that's a surprisingly accurate description of everyone! Here, have Nihuang and Investigator Awesomesauce (Xia Dong)! The only person you're missing is Prince Yu, the wannabe Crown Prince who isn't whiny and has no moustache, and compensates by wearing a ton of gold.

I recall being upset when both of Guy With Two Surnames' dads turned up at the same time, since ahhh they're different people???

adisgracetoscholars might have some further info in their NIF recaps (potential spoilers), but mostly they're just "everyone wears the hair they should", AFAIK.

[krait]

Thanks! Oh, and how could I forget Amoral Prince Runner-Up? I meant to add him in there right after Whiny Prince Babyface!

[skygiants]

We're on episode 19 and watching through with slow delight. *__* All the intense loyalty and amazing cloaks!

[krait]

AMAZING. CLOAKS.

EVERYWHERE!