User reviews

Royal Nirvana has probably the most beautiful soundtrack of all Chinese dramas. Roc Chen's background score is sublime; I still listen to it from time to time. The cinematography is amazing. That view at the end will remain in my head for a long time.

The story about a crown prince's struggles against political schemes is explosive. Luo Jin as Xiao Ding Quan gives a tour de force of a performance as a tormented crown prince. The political machinations are so well-written, I could only shake my head in admiration. The love story with Lu Wenxi/Abao (Li Yitong) is enchanting.

The emperor is tricked one time after another. Is it a fault of the person who wrote this sorry? Would be unrealistic and annoying

I love Chinese costume dramas. I've watched most of them and I really liked RN with a few exceptions. The acting is wonderful as are the production values. The Crown Prince is an engaging character who cries in most scenes. I still found him to be a compelling actor to watch. I passed two bar exams but had trouble following the plot on occasion. I don't know whether it was the fault of subtitling decisions or what but more than a few times I couldn't understand plot jumps. I would still have watched the whole 60 episodes.

Totally in love this drama the actor s are excellent the cinematography beautiful. Ive only seen 5 episodes and im totally hooked . the chemistry is on fire beween the crown prince and the leading lady .

'Love this drama! Luo Jin should have swept all best actor awards with his superb performance of such a complex character. His crown prince is tortured, jovial, wise, rash, cunning, naive, sweet, romantic, but always engrossing to watch. The other performers don't disappoint either. The cinematography is breathtaking. The background music by Roc Chen is as sublime as those by John Williams, John Barry and Hans Zimmer. The political machinations show how injustice happens when those in power are more concerned about their vested interests than doing what is right. This made me wish I speak Mandarin as I think some bits of the story are lost in translation. It's worth staying up nights for.

Actually, it's one of the best political drama I've ever watched by far! You must also watch extra 12 episodes of the Royal Nirvana 2 (special) after 60 episodes of the Royal Nirvana 1 to get the answer of everything. Though it's not entirely a happy ending love story (which is typical ending in most political drama anyway), but it's the perfect ending. And 2 thumbs up for great acting of Luo Jin and Li Yitong, both are naturally amazing together 👍👍. It may not be easy to watch drama due to its complex plots and characters, it's worth to watch every minute of it! Li Yitong and Luo Jin actually deserve for best actress and actor award for their acting here! All out and amazingly good!

I just think I would feel so betrayed & hurt if I was Maid Gu? And why hasn't he worked out who she is? Arghh!

I would of wrote this story so much better. The love between him and the one he marries, could played out better I was very angry. Yes she is always on his mind but not the point.

Also the torture the CP puts maid Gu through? That is not love? I really feel her.

I am enjoying it don't get me wrong but I feel emotionally drained and very angry that the CP would put her through all that. So many times I just wanted him to plot better and stand up for them both.

Maybe I am wrong. But my opinion, may all come together at the end.

I do love watching a heavy political C-drama. Thank God I have dicided to watch this! Royal Nirvana (60 eps) and Royal Nirvana Special (12 eps) combined is one of the best political C-Drama ever! It's an exciting rollercoaster! The male and female leads do deserve the best actor and actress award! All out tremendous acting from both, Luo Jin (the sociopath Crown Prince) and Li Yitong (the gracefullly beautiful, smart gentle heroine Lu WenXi). Wicked storyline and plots, epic production and beautiful cinematography supported by great music, casts and acting! The conflicts in this drama was sadistic but the romance was romantically hot! The shadow of Luo Jin and Li Yitong's romantic moments behind the screening was astonishingly beautiful and intellectually romantic. Moreover, the catepillar kiss and 3 years longing kiss are def the best kissing scene in all C-dramas I have ever watched! It's just A. M. A. Z. I. N. G!

There are three words that I would use to sum up this drama series: (1) redundant; (2) frustration; and (3) non-novel. As others have noted, after the first 30 episodes, the story line repeats itself. But I would add one key element to this observation- for the first 30 episodes, the main protagonist or the "good guy" always struggles, cries, and loses for almost the same reason very time. The torment does not end there, however, and continues for the next 25 episodes. The pain for the protagonist is so vivid as if the producers have every intent and would go to a great length to let the antagonists win at every turn, even when it defies logic and common sense. If you are seeking a drama series where you enjoy being entertained by the "bad guy" destroying the "good guy" and succeeding at every chance and for the same scheme, this is the drama for you.

One of my favorite drama in a long time! Great story and I like how the story focus more on the male roles, which is a great change from a lot of period dramas where the focus is on the lead female and the treacherous ways of the kingdom. The relationship between the king and the Crown prince; father and son. The inter turmoil of a dysfunctional family and the dynamic of each character. The plot twists keeps you on your toes throughout and how it end is just superb. I was really impressed with the costumes and the cinematography of the entire series. How many times can the crown prince cry is insane lol...

Loved it after watching first few episodes and thought it would be a gem but for 60 episodes? That's way too long. I started skipping after first 30 episodes. It starts to become redundant and boring. You can skip 10 episodes without missing much.