The Long Ballad

The Long Ballad is essentially a story about Dilraba's character, Li Chang Ge, who is ousted by her own country and her plot for revenge to avenge the death of her family at her own home, and she then met a handsome "prince" from the grasslands and fell in love. That is in short what the story is about, at least according to me.

However, after watching episodes after episodes, I kinda like and enjoyed watching the second female and male lead story better than the main couple. Their character development, I thought is much better and you will see them grow and change as the story progresses. The other supporting characters, for me is also more interesting.

Overall, this is quite a good watch. The pacing is good, some episodes end with a cliffhanger to keep you interested. The politics part of the story doesn't interest me as much but I guess it's essential to the whole story. There are some cute moments, especially with Zhao Lu Si's and Liu Yu Ning's character.

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A Blossom of love in the Midst of War

When I first saw the drama plot and eps I said to myself "so much eps to watch is there going to be misunderstandings between the leads" then I started to watch and got attached to it I loved the way they fought for survival and the military strategies
In my heart, this drama is irreplaceable because in the drama we see love, war, sacrifice fighting for what you believe in, etc.

Every character in this drama is amazing I think we learn a lot of things about life as we understand these characters.

One thing I learned is that "No matter if you hurt the person you love you will do whatever it takes to save them."

Li Chang Ge and Ashile Sun are one-of-a-kind characters because of the war they fight for what they believe in, how they trust each other, and how they know what each is thinking is impressive.

This drama has the blend of everything I love in a drama.

You will never regret watching it.

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A worthy historical costume cdrama released in recent 2 years

My initial impression of this drama as i was watching the initial episodes was the resemblance to the Prince of Lan Ling (2013) - masked ML warriors, FLs as extraordinary woman (奇女子), MLs as god of war (战神), war tactics/strategies and peace treaty between warring states. The resemblances wean off eventually as i progressed with the drama and become more attached to The Long Ballad’s characters.

This is a drama of putting the interests of the country before self*, of protecting the loved ones (family and friends) before self*, and a coming of age drama of the four main leads:
(1) Li Chang Ge who despite seeking out revenge for her parents’ death on the Emperor, understands and puts the interests of the country before self;
(2) Ashile Sun who is courageous in his love for Li Chang Ge, loyal to his adopted father and to his people, and who puts the interests of his loved ones before his;
(3) Li Le Yan who transforms from a dainty princess to a princess who understands the needs of, and seeks better lives for, her people; and
(4) Hao Du who once followed orders fervently and coldly to one who doesn’t surface judge and who fights courageously for his princess’ love.

* those are true of Prince of Lan Ling as well.

Besides romance with four couples (Li Chang Ge x Ashile Sun, Li Le Yan x Hao Du, Mimi Guli x Mu Jin, Luo Shi Ba x Xu Feng), there is sismance (sisterly love) (Li Chang Ge x Li Le Yan, Li Chang Ge x Mimi Guli), bromance (brotherly love) (Ashile Sun x Mu Jin, Ashile Sun x She Er) and also touching encounters with kids the two FLs met (Li Chang Ge x A Dou, Le Yan x Wu Ye).

Happy to see Leo Wu again and this time in a lead role, after enjoying his portrayal as the little Fei Liu protecting his master (the ML) in Nirvana in Fire about 6 months ago. He has grown up to be a fine actor.

Zhao Lu Si captivated me and had me rooting for her and Liu Yu Ning’s Hao Du, instead of the first lead couple. I was actually quite put off by her portrayal in Oh! My Emperor, so much so that i only finished the first season and didn’t continue the second season. Perhaps it’s the role. I first saw Liu Yu Ning on the same stage as Xiao Zhan in Our Song. He came across as a good singer. (And i started watching Oh! My Emperor for Xiao Zhan, but never finished the complete drama).

The manhua strips inserted in some key scenes, though a convenient way to cut costs while linking back to its comic source, are eye sores that also cheapen the quality of this drama.

Overall, it is a historical costume cdrama released in recent 2 years that is worth watching.

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Wished it was longer

Where do I start? I love almost everything about the drama. The plot. The soundtrack. The costumes and cinematography. Most importantly the casting. I’m particular blown away by Leo Wu’s performance as Ashile Sun - he’s such a badass as Tegin and there’s so much emotions in his eyes & his body language. I can’t forget the fighting scene, when he threw the cup on the ground and the ep when he had to kneel to She’er.
I wished the drama was longer though, some sun-plots just felt they were crammed into a mini series. Also, wish there’s more passion between the FL and ML - the chemistry is there and there’s so much potential for an epic love story but there’s simply lack of passion from LCG so it just didn’t feel memorable which is a shame. That aside, both leads delivered very solid performance. The drama is def worth your time.

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The Long Ballad (TLB) - a masterclass in storytelling

In a nutshell:
TLB is a 2021 Chinese drama based on a Manhua (Chinese comic book) of the same title. Set in the Tang Dynasty, TLB is a coming-of-age story about Li Change Ge (title: Princess Yong Ning), who is a headstrong and spirited daughter of the Crown Prince. She shares an affectionate bond with her best friend/cousin, Le Yan, and her Uncle Li Shimin (title: Prince Qin), who is also her tutor in military strategy and martial arts. When a military coup occurs, Change Ge becomes a political fugitive and flees the Capital disguised as a boy. Vowing to avenge her parents, she escapes to neighbouring cities in an attempt to shore up military support to retake the Capital. Along the way, she meets the enigmatic Ashile Sun from the Grassland tribes and they both form an unexpected friendship. Circumstances bring the two frenemies closer together as they discover a larger threat to the Tang Dynasty and the Grassland Tribes. In the end, Change Ge learns about the meaning of survival, sacrifice, unconditional love, and finally forgiveness.

The Highlights:
TLB is a fast-paced drama that pulls you into the thick of the plot right from the opening scenes. I effortlessly devoured all 49 episodes like an Atkins dieter set loose at the bakery on cheat day. As the story progressed, I found myself visually, musically and emotionally drawn deeper into the fears, desires, and inner conflicts of the characters. Unlike many C-dramas, this one stays consistent with its themes symbolised by Change Ge’s jade dagger of youthful innocence, tragedy, revenge, and letting go of past enmity.

The solid screenplay is equally supported by a strong cast. Dilraba Dilmurat was born to play the role of Change Ge, as she convincingly sweeps you onto the emotional rollercoaster ride of her character’s coming-of-age journey. She is able to convey all of Change Ge’s feelings of betrayal, hate, fear, sorrow, determination, and defiance with the most subtle of facial expressions. Leo Wu also flourishes in his role as the warrior prince conflicted by his duty to his Tribe and his instinct to protect the people he loves. He plays Ashile Sun with poise and commanding physicality, yet with an undercurrent of gentleness and refreshing chivalry. Imperial bodyguard Hao Du, played by Liu Yuning, and Le Yan, played by Zhao Lusi were the dark horses in this drama, with their unexpected onscreen chemistry and several scene stealing moments. Although probably not intended by the writers, the chemistry between Dilraba and Zhao Lusi playing the best friends/cousins torn apart by tragedy was off-the-charts; amusingly more so than the titular pairing of Dilraba and Leo Wu!

The fight choreography had a grounded yet energetic grittiness to it, with each stroke of ferocity reflecting the escalating intensity of the script. The original soundtrack (OST) and theme songs masterfully capture the emotion and tone of each scene, without being annoyingly overpowering. It is certainly one of the best I have heard so far and continued to evoke emotions I felt long after finishing the drama.

The Lowlights:
A storytelling device used in this drama was the sudden transition from live action scenes to comic book sequences; sometimes with awkwardly inserted CGI talking heads. This was thankfully only used in a few episodes, but was enough to abruptly disengage me from the story for those brief moments. The drama also starts to lose steam in the final 2 episodes with a few draggy scenes that didn’t add anything substantial to the overall plot. However by then, I was so invested in the drama that it didn’t become a major stumbling block to my overall entertainment. Change Ge also spends nearly half the drama playing a boy - a classic Chinese drama troupe where all it takes is for the female character to wear male clothing and ta da ... everyone believes she is a man! Love it or hate it, it's a classic troupe that requires some suspension of reality.

The Verdict:
The Long Ballad is a captivating drama that will leave you smiling, crying and cheering. The storyline is easy to follow and I thoroughly enjoyed the wild and exhilarating journey of survival and growing-up that these memorable characters took me on. Definitely worth the watch!

FAQs:
1. How many episodes? 49. Each around 45 mins long
2. Where can I watch? All 49 episodes with English subtitles free on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI65kLxuO_M&t=1323s

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Action-packed, political turmoil, survival, dry romance...and a story that loses steam mid-way.

The Long Ballad was not quite what I expected.
TL;DR Overall opinion: I found the drama quite enjoyable (especially the beginning). Towards the end, the side characters' stories became my central focus (less dragging). The drama had some slow parts that were good parts to stop and come back later. In general, the Long Ballad is about a C+ to B- on my grading scale. Watch it again? Probably not. Do I appreciate the drama? Yes. Do I want a season 2? No, I don't think that is necessary. Are the characters memorable? Yes.

Pros:
1. Strong Main Lead(s): Dilraba plays the role of a physically and mentally strong, capable, clever girl (Changge) who is raised as a princess of the emperor. She encounters many hardships that test her mental and physical strength. Ashile Sun (Leo Wu) is a seemingly cold, intelligent person. He is the general of the Eagle Division under the Great Khan. His character is interesting to watch--from the carefully devised plans to his unique mercy (as well as heartless killing).

2. Fun Supporting Characters: A few of my favorite supporting roles include Hao Du (Liu Yuning)--a very stoic, heartless man-- and Li Leyan (Zhao Lusi)-- the hopeless princess and best friend of Changge. Both characters are fun to watch as they mature and change throughout the drama. I was also surprised to see Liu Haikun take on a less serious role of a swordsman (Situ Lanlang).

3. Dynamic Characters: Especially Hao Du, Li Leyan, and Ashile She'er--the characters' journeys in life adds depth/gives more to the drama.

4. Soundtrack: Need I say more? Look up "Cocoon" by Zhou Shen.

5. Antagonists: The antagonists change throughout the series, each posing a different threat that requires a new strategy which kept me guessing.

6. Storyline: The storyline is excellent! I don't want to give away spoilers, but I will say this: From Princess to outcast to military strategist to slave to outlaw to hero... the story follows the life of a girl whose life is flipped backwards, and whose friends become enemies and enemies become friends (NOT A SPOILER).

7. The Side Plots: The side plot with Li Leyan kept me going. Even when the main plot dragged for eternity, I persevered for her corner of the drama. Her journey is unique, like Changge's, but shows us that you don't have to be a battle princess or a military strategist... everyone has their own struggles, even the innocent, the rich, the poor, the heartless... *cough cough*

Cons:
1. Flat Characters: Changge started off as a dynamic character--kind to those close to her and kick-butt to her enemies; as the drama progressed, she gradually became flat and emotionless (aside from tears--the romance scenes with her blank expression often left me confused about her emotions at the moment).

2. Annoying Characters: (Entirely my opinion) the Crown Prince, Mimi Guli (sometimes she is sweet and likeable especially towards the end of the drama, but other times she is just a bit... annoying), Zhen Zhu (Princess Tujia of Monan--extra), and Wei Shuyu (he started off fine, but eventually became extra).

3. Poor/Cheesy Graphics: Sometimes the cartoon and the live action will be combined, but the live action part looks like a... well... 1979 footage on extremely blurry, smashed lens.

4. Drags on: Towards the end, the plot began to drag. Not-so-big issues took f o r e v e r . It could have ended with 40 episodes.

5. Sorry guys, the Romance: Romance is just the sprinkles on the cupcake, the cherry on top, NOT the sole purpose of the drama, nor the main issue at hand. In the Long Ballad, not all the romance was bad. Li Leyan's romance was cute and bearable, and so was Mimi Guli's romance. The main leads... well... it dragged. It seemed a bit weak in some episodes (from I LIKE YOU in one only for meh in the next). Or it would be confusing *does she like him or is this a flaw in expression* and sometimes the relationship issues at hand were exaggerated. The main leads' relationship with each other sometimes seemed VERY dry. But, the small actions like taking one's hand or standing up for one another and watching each other's backs were enjoyable (sometimes it just got confusing).

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A MUST WATCH DRAMA!!

Just completed this. I LOVED IT. Li Changge what a character!! Her character from a stubborn revenge seeking princess to a person who fights for people was marvellous. Love her equation with her uncle and luyan. Also who surprised me the most was Minister Du. I was so sure that he was gonna be the antagonist. I was waiting for his downfall.But he was just a person fighting for his country. Every character had their moment to shine.
Also, mimi is that one friend everybody needs in their life. Her and changge's bond is so precious. Hao du and leyan's plotline was most anticipated for me. I was rooting for him the moment he appeared on screen. I just wish there was more time for leyan to let go of shuyu and for us to know how her feelings developed for hao du.
Coming to the main lead's love story, theirs is one of the few healthy relationships protrayed in chinese historical dramas i've ever seen. The slow burn, them going from friends to lovers, that actions speak louder than words , them just being there for eachother. Loved everything about them.
Definitely one of the few dramas i am gonna be rewatching in future.

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It grows on you..

Finished watching this drama months back but became interested again since I’m watching DD’s new drama. Character wise, both her and Wu Lei did an outstanding job.
I can’t imagine any Chinese actress playing this role. She grows on you. Although, her character being too headstrong was too much, but hey, she was supposed to be 13 in the comics only. So what does she know. Wu Lei accepting this after the original actor dropped out was fate intervening. He was very intense, didn’t even know that he’s only 21. ZLS character was irrelevant to the plot but it’s okay to see her not doing rom-com for once. Even the 2nd male lead acted very well so he deserves to get a project again. This wasn’t just a love story because you’ll be disappointed if that’s the only reason you’re going to watch this. The love between the FL and ML was pivotal but it wasn’t all that. The entire cast did exceptionally well portraying their characters so it wasn’t just on the shoulders of the main leads. The OST was magnificent just watched the documentary on you tube and they should get an award for that. To us international fans The Long Ballad wasn’t a disappointment because it didn’t have the usual stupidity of a so-so palace intrigue that’s common in Chinese dramas. We want smart characters, smart plots and not one dimensional. To be honest I watch more Chinese dramas than Korean ones these days. They have a lot to offer and The Long Ballad is one.

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Beautiful Masterpiece

I have to say this is one of the most well-made drama I have watched in a long time. The script was exceptionally written--wonderful story with very thought-out character arcs as well as all the nice character developments for all of the main characters (and side characters). You can truly see the characters grow, change, and mature with each episode. You will find yourself falling in love with all of the characters; some characters you initially hate, but grow to love; some characters you couldn't care less about, but end up growing fond of them. You will feel all the emotions with this drama-- a rollercoaster of happiness and tears. It was heart wrenching at times, but so heartwarming as well.

The each and everyone of the cast nailed their characters perfectly. They brought their characters to life and together created a beautiful production that will leave a lasting memory after you're done watching. This drama is beautiful because it has a more realistic vibe to it. Life is not all happy and things will not always go the way you want. I am glad this drama did not sugarcoat anything. It felt real and relatable as a viewer.

The cinematography is top-notch. All the scenes were so beautifully filmed--great angles, perfect lighting, and added music appropriately. The songs were all so lovely as well (props to the singer! she has a beautiful voice).

If you love a drama is serious/good story and includes deep character developments, lots of "feelings" and emotions, and high-quality scenes/cinematography then you should give this drama a try. Get the tissues ready and watch this with an open-mind. You have to try and understand the story for all the character's perspectives, for there is not exact right or wrong--just a realistic story about love, life, and revenge versus forgiveness.

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One of my favorite dramas of all time

I really fell in love with the Long Ballad...the music, the characters, the cast, the production...and when it was over, I went right back to the beginning and rewatched the whole thing again because I did not want to leave its world or its characters. I think it's such a great drama because it has something to offer for just about everyone: battles/wars, betrayals/revenges, emotional and mental struggles, love for one's people/country vs one's personal needs, hate and forgiveness, and all kinds of relationships(romance, brotherhoods, sisterhoods, family, enemies to allies, etc, etc)....and lots 'n lots of character growth. There are tragedies but, at the end of the day, there are also a lot of positive messages and all kinds of good morals that the story offers to its viewers. The Long Ballad doesn't drag for me. It starts off with a bang and continues at a relatively good pace the rest of the way. By no means is it a flawless drama, but it does so many things well, and is simply so enjoyable, that the little things that aren't all that believable(e.g., we're supposed to believe the main female lead can pass as a male) can be overlooked.

The two leads are Li Changge(Dilraba Dilmurat) and Ashile/Ashina Sun(Wu Lei). Li Changge becomes an exiled princess of Tang when her entire family is massacred by her uncle during a coup for the throne, so she hardens her emotions, and seeks to gain an army so that she can come back to take revenge against her uncle. Her journey isn't so much about revenge, however, as it is about character growth. Along the way, she runs into Ashile Sun, a general of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate and the foster son of the Great Khan of Ashile tribe whose grassland people are in the process of invading Tang.

Dilraba and Wu Lei are fantastic in their roles, and their two characters are the ones who move the main plot. For me, they're also the two most interesting characters. I love that both are so mature, wise, courageous, selfless, and capable of impacting the world around them. They're powerful individuals in their own rights but, together, they make a great duo and powerful allies. I think an enjoyable love story starts with a great relationship, and Ashile Sun and Li Changge have one of the best(most mature, understanding, non-toxic) relationships I've seen in a while. That isn't to say that their relationship isn't without any conflicts(far from that), but the mature way in which they handle their conflicts is remarkable. There really aren't any of the usual drawn-out misunderstandings or any blaming/grudge-holding between them. All of that despite being enemies! The two of them truly have a strong foundation for a good relationship...and I really like that what they share has dynamics that go beyond just two people who have romantic interests in each other. They admire, respect, trust, believe in, and view one another as equals...something akin to that of a "brotherhood"(Changge is disguised as a male for a good part of the drama).
The rest of the cast also did really great in each of their roles, even if I did not care so much for the 2nd leads as some others did. I didn't find them very interesting characters or their love story all that compelling or properly set up, and they were a bit disjointed from the main plot of the story. That really wasn't enough to detract from my enjoyment of the overall story though, as they didn't actually have all that much screen time anyway. For anyone who hasn't watched The Long Ballad yet, I will definitely recommend it.

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