I've only started watching Chinese fantasy TV series recently and I got immediately hooked up. This is not my first one but definitely one of the best in terms of scenery, costumes, CGI, virtual effects, kung-fu fighting and obviously, impeccable acting!
When I started watching the first few episodes, I thought this was going to be a very light comedy. I did not expect it to turn into an odyssey. The journey is incredible and I advise you all not to read any spoilers because the many unexpected events made the story truly amazing.
I didn't know any of the actors apart from Yunxi Luo whom I've seen in another TV series named "The Screen Foxes". There are probably four leading characters: Jin Mi, Phoenix, Fish Fairy (Run Yu) and the Demon Princess. However, you also have the leading villains who did an incredible outstanding job as well: The Queen, the girl leader of the Bird Tribe, the evil demon who wants to take over the 6 realms and the graceful Mutsu:the demon princess's fiance (I apologies if I don't know their names but they are not available in the IMDB database). Overall, every single actor did a spectacular job, as a matter of fact, I still have to find a Chinese fantasy TV series where the acting is not convincing.
I am very impressed by how Jin Mi, Phoenix and Fish Fairy can switch their moods to turn from completely lovable and peaceful to extremely enraged assassins or totally broken-hearted. The way they manage to show feelings and vulnerability is so realistic that at times I found myself crying like a baby.
If you are not afraid of exploring the barriers of human consciousness to explore new territories of fantasy where romance, magic, kung fu and the mystery of life converge, don't miss out on Ashes of Love
