The Rise of Phoenixes

I. INTRODUCTION

The Rise of Phoenixes is a 2018 Chinese television series that is loosely based on the novel Huang Quan by Tianxia Guiyuan, taking place in the fictional kingdom of Tiansheng. It stars Chen Kun and Ni Ni. The series premiered on Hunan Television starting August 14, 2018, and then on Netflix starting on September 14, 2018. It became one of the highest rated shows of the year, was nominated for several awards including for Best Drama Series at the Asian Television Awards, and won for best cinematography at the 25th Shanghai Television Festival.

II. SYNOPSIS

Feng Zhi Wei is the unfavored daughter of the Qiu Family, who has to flee due to unfortunate circumstances. Owing a favour to the 6th prince Ning Yi, Zhi Wei cross-dresses as a man to attend the prestigious Qingming Academy and becomes the supreme scholar to the Emperor. She remains loyal and honest to the reigning Emperor during the princes’ fight for the throne while falling in love with Ning Yi who seeks to unravel mysteries from his past and seek revenge for his beloved ones. Although their love for each other is true, can they maneuver the scheming and countless hurdles thrown their way?

III. TRAILER

IV. RECEPTION

Due to its slow pacing and heavy plot, the series received low viewership ratings, and the original 70 episodes were cut down to 56 episodes on television. However, Douban gave it a score of 8.3/10 with over 113,000 votes, making it the highest rated show out of all the dramas that aired over the summer holidays and one of the highest rated TV dramas of the year so far.

V. AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS