Nirvana in Fire II (2017) (DVD) (Ep. 1-50) (End) (China Version) DVD Region All

Two years later, Nirvana in Fire II: The Wind Blows in Changlin arrives with a story set several decades after the original series. The time jump means the opportunity for a brand new story from a new angle, but it also means that the original main cast is no longer around, in particular, guaranteed ratings draw Hu Ge and his iconic character of Mei Changsu. The team behind the scenes is the same: Daylight Entertainment, which has rightfully emerged as China's premier production company for quality drama series. In the hands of producer Hou Hongliang, directors Kong Sheng and Li Xue, and writer Hai Yan, Nirvana in Fire II is a worthy successor to the first series and an excellent drama in its own right. Though it had lackluster TV ratings and buzz in comparison to its giant of a predecessor, its Douban score still sits very high at 8.5.

In Nirvana II, Xiao Tingsheng, the bright young boy of tragic origin whom Xiao Jingyan adopted in the first series, is already the gray and wise Lord of Changlin (Sun Chun), the general of the storied Changlin Army. The years in between are not shown onscreen, but we know that his brotherly bond with the Emperor (Liu Jun), Xiao Jingyan's son, is thicker than blood. Tingsheng has dedicated his life to valiantly serving and defending the Liang Dynasty without an ounce of ulterior ambition, values that he has passed on to his two sons. His astute and equally selfless eldest son Pingzhang (Huang Xiaoming), a seasoned general and warrior, shares the responsibility and title of the Changlin Army. Meanwhile, younger son Pingjing (Liu Haoran) is an impulsive, straight-spoken and free-spirited youth whose heart belongs to the pugilistic world. Though Tingsheng and Pingzhang are upright and unimpeachable, the great military power and royal favor they hold invite the envy and ire of others in the court, making the Changlin Army frequent targets of political power play.

Faced with external enemies at the border and internal enemies in the court, the Xiao family experiences trials and tragedies aplenty. However, in this genre and environment ripe for rivalry, betrayal, distrust and moral lapses, there is never a moment of wavering among father, son and brother. Through birth secrets, illnesses, conspiracies, wars, sacrifices and life-or-death dilemmas, the compelling core of the Xiao family stays true to heart from beginning to end. Nirvana II may not have the intricate plotting, pacing and battle of wits of its predecessor, but the stirring feelings of loyalty, devotion and brotherhood that characterized the first series are even more resounding in the sequel.

While consistent in look and feel with the first series, Nirvana II takes a different approach thematically and narratively. If the first series sought freedom and honor from the burning fires of loss and betrayal, the sequel seeks freedom and honor in the rising winds of youth and change. In comparison to how the first series' protagonist Mei Changsu controlled the narrative with a gradual plan for revenge and redemption, the changes and conflicts of Nirvana II are more reactive as the drama is essentially a coming-of-age story for Xiao Pingjing. Through experiencing formative adventures, setbacks, trials and tragedies, the rash and carefree youth who relies on his family grows up into the warrior who must carry and define the name and duties of the Changlin Army.

Liu Haoran, who was barely 19 when he was cast for the leading role, impresses in his first period TV drama. He has been a name to watch in the last few years with a brief but impactful filmography that includes the blockbuster Detective Chinatown series, Chen Kaige's Legend of the Demon Cat and the hit web drama With You. In Nirvana in Fire II, Liu Haoran cements his reputation as one of China's greatest young talents. Though his performance feels slightly out of place in the early episodes, the young actor, like his character, visibly grows and comes into his own as the drama progresses. He effectively carries the second more difficult half of the series, and holds his own alongside veterans like the great Sun Chun.

The biggest acting surprise of Nirvana II, however, is actually Huang Xiaoming. A major presence in the first half of the series, he delivers one of the best performances of his entire career, utterly shedding the handsomely smarmy mugging he has become notorious for in recent years. It's a Huang Xiaoming we haven't seen onscreen in a long while: subtle, solemn, humble and sincere. It goes to show how important the right role and right director are for an actor. The strong performances that Kong Sheng and Li Xue get out of a young Liu Haoran and an ingrained star like Huang Xiaoming are a testament to the discerning direction and writing of the production.

Visually, Nirvana II is a serene pleasure for the eyes, even more so than the first series. The directors' cinematography backgrounds are evident in the crisp photography, clean colors and careful composition of each scene. The drama is simply very beautifully lensed, especially in the way shots are framed within the semi-open spaces of the Changlin manor and other set locations.

Though Nirvana in Fire II did not become a phenomenon like its predecessor, it is an outstanding drama that pales only in comparison to the first Nirvana in Fire. But what drama wouldn't? Judged on its own, this moving, unflinching story of family, brotherhood, honor and the growth of a warrior easily ranks among the best Chinese period dramas of recent years.