I had my misgivings, but this drama proved me wrong.

I am pretty picky when it comes to the kdramas I genuinely rank high. Seeing the high praised reviews, I was still skeptical. Upon starting the drama, I was debating on whether or not to see it through even as I reached episode 3-4. This is not to say I wasn't engaged or enjoying the plot, but a part of me felt hesitant. In spite of my reservations, I couldn't bring myself to drop it, and as the show progressed I really found myself loving it. I understand why this drama is so well regarded. It doesn't follow the typical trend I see with dramas that hook me; with cliff hangers leaving you to just have to click the next episode. The progression is a steady momentum, but it keeps you intrigued throughout. I really wanted to know what was to come.

I am always a little apprehensive when I find a protagonist's character is intended to be the more cold, nonchalant, unexpressive type. A lot of the times I feel like the actors tend to lean too heavily into that in a way that its hard to like the character; they come off as more try-hard and almost cheesy. The character in that sense feels more limited. Big props have to go to Cho Seung Woo who plays our protagonist. I truly grew to adore his character, and his performance was superb. Our female protagonist was also so refreshing. Loved them both and their chemistry.

I say give this drama a shot. You'll likely find it not easy to put down.

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Any romance lover would love this

I am not typically a romance drama watcher, but when I do get the itch for one, good chemistry-dynamic is a must. The leads deliver a brilliant progression of their relationship. Initially, I was thrown off by the age gap. Its clear to note that our male lead did not harbor any romantic feelings towards our character when she was a minor, so I really don't like when people try to make it weird like that. The story introduces the first young girl, and her unrequited feelings for the older boy. I will say, the first couple of episodes that explore this part weren't my favorite. Once the drama skips to her older/college age and her progression with the male lead, that's where the drama picks up for me. And I ADORDED their dynamic. The main cast and all their relationships were fun to watch, and I really liked all the characters.

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How far do you go, what rules are you willing to bend? A father's love.

A bit slow-burn, but the end of each episode had me looking forward to the next. I initially took some of the acting as apathetic (I expected more emotions from certain characters at certain instances), but it worked out as the show progressed. Evoked a weird sense of emptiness (in a good way). Last episode was just a bit sloppy, but overall still good watch. I thought it was valid. It did leave the feeling of wanting more but you can imagine where the end's events would go moving forward. Regarding where our two protagonists were left, I found the ending fitting. Some of the comments discouraged me from seeing it through, but it was well worth it.

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JUST WATCH IT.

I am so beyond picky with historical cdramas, and I don't know how to express in words just how much it takes for me to actually get through one. Even with ones I like, I can't help but skip through and watch the parts that only stick out to me more. With Love of Nirvana, this was not the case.

I have some criteria that really determines whether I watch or not. The most important, is the characters. I am impressed with all three of our main leads in this drama. Truly, the actors did a phenomenal job as each was complex, flushed out, and most importantly, real. They aren't "perfect" people, which I tend to see in a lot of dramas. That makes it hard to connect with the characters but in this case, its clear that they are driven by their own motivations, conflicted, and so human I can actually sympathize with them all. Their intentions are not always clear, sometimes are questionable, but it makes it all the more intriguing to watch and remain captivated.

The FL is such a breath of fresh air. I really can't stand spineless characters as it just makes the show too draggy and I get impatient. While I do love a really badass FL too, sometimes cdramas fixate too much on that element which really washes out the character. Our FL has her strengths and weaknesses, but is overall quite clever and cheeky. I really love her character, and how she develops through the story.

Even our ML. Initially, I found him questionable but as the story unravels its interesting to learn more about him. Additionally, the progression of the relationships with this drama are more realistic and natural which makes them more believable. The side characters too are enjoyable. Sometimes cdramas focus only on the main cast, making the rest of the world more 2D but all the characters in this show played a role making the world feel more real.

Now the plot. Generally, I find it hard to really care and engage with the world in historical cdramas. Usually whatever is happening only processes on a very superficial level for me as I am more interested in the character dynamics and chemistry (which this drama definitely has). This drama keeps you on your toes. Along with the characters, things are unclear and only later revealed it just makes you want to keep watching. Scheming, plotting, unclear motivations, puzzles and mind games executed with characters who play the role just right. Some themes are heavier which I prefer especially when they are executed so brilliantly as in the case of this drama.

Even the music. Usually, I don't notice it but this drama did well in coupling the right music with certain scenes (seriously, I never really give this attention but this drama managed to make me notice).

Anyway, just watch it. I'm impressed with how sucked into the world I got with this drama. My watch style really doesn't mesh well with historical dramas as I find their plots to be too much effort and too lengthy to involve myself in. This drama really just hooked me though.

The only complaint I have is that it does start out stronger than it ends (I enjoyed the first half more than the second half).

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Couldn't stop watching

Start to finish I was hooked. Our main characters quickly grew fond in my heart, and this drama scratched ever itch of what I was looking for. Intense, thrilling, even heart-felt. Park Ji Hoon has some of the most expressive eyes I have ever seen, and his acting this drama was stellar. If you are looking for a drama with an engaging plot, good acting, good progression, look no further. I really haven't experienced a lot of dramas that I enjoyed so much.

I'd say it would be hard for this drama not to impress. It was fast paced, and while I am one to enjoy a good slow burn, not everyone does so there is no wasting time with this one.

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