A must see.. Full of excitement
I'm leaving it simple and easy. It was a great Drama that you didn't get bored. At the beginning of the drama you really hated everyone, but as the drama plays out and the stories are told you could understand more. Not that you agree (I yelled quite alot at the tv) with each one as It had so many different characters and how they each became interwoven its amazing. You do cry when you don't expect it and laughing as smiling is a must and good old love. I would probably watch again if nothing is on.10+++++Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The Long Ballad has a unique storyline with lovable and complex characters. A MUST WATCH.
StoryThe drama is an adaptation from a manhua under the same name called Chang Ge Xing, or The Long Ballad. It tells the story of Li Chang Ge, a princess of the Tang Dynasty who had embarked on a journey of self discovery after having everything she knew all collapse right before her. From a journey that started off with only revenge in mind, she slowly learns the meaning of love, friendship, sacrifice, and finding one’s own path in life.
The story telling and pacing for the drama was great, and almost seemingly perfect. It was fast paced, but wasn’t to the point where one becomes confused due to what’s going on. The plot was well executed and the story was well written. There was never a dull moment, and viewers will be at the edge of their seats. The only problem I have with the story is the addition of characters that I thought were unnecessary to the plot. The story is about Li Chang Ge and her journey, yet somehow, the drama included a brand new character as the second female lead who had her own storyline. Her journey and storyline has no correlation with Chang Ge’s and does not move the plot forward in any way. If her character were taken out, the story would still flow just as nicely, not to mention there would be much more time to include and flesh out more details from the original manhua. Leyan’s scenes were quite boring and her romance scenes later on were just as boring and not to mention quite useless and unnecessary. The Crown Prince is also another character that could have gotten less screen time. I understand that he was added because he was an actual historical figure, and it would make sense to include him to show more sides of Li Shimin’s character. However, some of his scenes could also be cut out.
Acting/Casting
This is my first time watching any of these actors and actresses. I am not familiar with their works, but I believe that each one was perfectly casted for their roles.
Dilraba Dilmurat executed her role perfectly, and is the only one who can be Li Chang Ge. She had brought one of my favorite manhua characters to life and had given so much depth to the character than I could have ever imagined. I am not one to believe in fate or destiny, but I do believe that Dilraba was fated to play the role of Li Chang Ge. Not only is the actress of Uygher ethnicity, but her features, most specifically the tear nevus by her eye, makes quite an uncanny resemblance to the manhua Chang Ge. Dilraba’s performance here was without a doubt commendable and captivating. She was able to draw out so many emotions just by her eyes alone. From what I’ve seen, she is a very versatile actress and could portray any emotion flawlessly. Dilraba had made me love Chang Ge more than I thought I could. The Chang Ge from the mahua will always have a special place in my heart, but the drama Chang Ge is just as special to me in her own way.
Next we have Leo Wu as Ashile Sun. Leo is a perfect Ashile Sun. The actor’s age is around 21, which is the same age as the Sun in the manhua. One thing that I was a bit unsure about was the fact that the Sun in the manhua is 5 years older than Chang Ge. However, Leo is a bit younger than Dilraba, so I was unsure whether they would be able to pull it off. Leo had proven me wrong for doubting him. He had done a phenomenal job in the role of Ashile Sun. His portrayal left me in awe, and I am amazed by how talented this actor is at just the age of 21. He had shown me a side of Ashile Sun that I wasn’t able to see in the manhua, and I have grown a deeper respect and admiration for this character. I am amazed by the vulnerability he showed as Ashile Sun, but also by the immense amount of love and respect that he has for Chang Ge. He is a strong and intelligent leader, and Leo Wu exudes the manliness and prowess that is necessary for such a character.
Despite my distaste for the Leyan character, I think that Rosy Zhao did quite a good job in portraying her character. Her acting was commendable in some scenes, most specifically her crying scenes. She is a great crier to put it simply, and had managed to move me in some scenes. One thing that I would like to add is that her eye acting isn’t as great as the other actors. I have read some reviews where many people had said that Leyan had fallen for Hao Du much earlier on, and we can see it from her expressions. However, I could not decipher these emotions that people point out. I don’t know if it’s because the script was written this way, or if Rosy was unable to emote the complex emotions that her character calls for, but besides these details, I quite enjoyed her acting as Leyan. She plays the role of a delicate, innocent princess very well.
Liu Yuning as Hao Du was a pretty good choice. The actor emoted his emotions quite well. Although I would say that I prefer the Hao Du in the manhua much better. The Hao Du from the drama was somewhat comical, seeing that he was obsessed with chasing Chang Ge. I was also a bit confused as to which part he had fallen for Leyan. It appears that he has liked her since episode 1, but yet when she had gone missing, he was more focused on finding Chang Ge than finding the girl he supposedly likes. Despite these inconsistencies, I think that Yuning’s portrayal of someone who held back his emotions quite well. In some scenes, you can really see the inner struggle he had in either following orders or to act according to his emotions.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack was incredibly epic. I enjoyed every song and quite surprisingly even the instrumental music. Each song matched well with the scenes they were incorporated in and enhanced the emotions and mood of the scenes. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a soundtrack as much as I have enjoyed this one. Each song is just so different and distinguishable, and sets it apart from other drama soundtracks. The lyrics themselves are equally as moving and poetic.
Overall/Rewatch
The Long Ballad has been an enjoyable watch, and I would absolutely rewatch it. There might be scenes that I will skip, but overall, I believe that rewatching will give me a new perspective each time, as well as allow me to notice certain details I did not during the first watch. It has definitely stolen my heart, despite its flaws, and it saddens me knowing that I will never find another drama with characters as captivating and complex as Li Chang Ge and Ashile Sun.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is an absolute must watch.
I've been wanting to write a review for this for a long time but I couldn't because I don't know where to start gushing about this drama. I absolutely LOVE LOVE this drama!! Each and every episode is worth watching.This is not your kind of typical revenge drama. In summary, this drama is about Li Chang Ge, who initially set out to get revenge from the Tang empire ended up returning as a guarding angel to it instead.
My most favorite part of the drama is the relationship development between the 2 main characters. From being friends to fellow comrades and finally, to lovers, the transition is absolutely beautiful!! In the beginning, Li Chang Ge is like a loose cannon leaving chaos in her path and our male lead ( Ashile Sun ) pretty much cleans after her and saves her ass at every corner. and together they make an invincible team with brain and brawn. And I like how the male lead has eyes only on Li Chang Ge, which is so cute!! This drama is about how these two lost souls finding solace and family in each other.
And my second most favorite part is the transition of Li Chang Ge. Initially, she was just blind to revenge but gradually she realizes that the lives of people are more important than her revenge which transformed into a guardian angel of both Tang and the grasslands together with Ashile sun. This is why this story takes a whole new turn into revenge drama.
For me, this drama is on par with other great dramas like the legend of Fuyao, princess agents, etc. From the casting to ost to costumes everything is perfect. With Dilraba, Leo Wu, Rosy Zhao the drama can't get any perfect, and their acting blows you away. especially Leo Wu. The OST and soundtracks in this drama are absolutely beautiful. I once saw this video about the making of the soundtracks and it made me realize how much effort they put into making them.
I read the manhua and I love both versions of the drama and the manhua!!
All in all, this is one of the best period dramas and an absolute must-watch.
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definitely worth it!!
Even though this drama is still airing, I've become so attached to it. When I heard this Drama being announced with Dilraba and Leo as the Leads, many people, including myself, were very concerned about the age gap between these two actors, which was why I was hesitating to watch it. even so, I still decided to give this a shot since I'm a big fan of Dilraba, and it was totally worth it. These actors play their characters so well that you wouldn't be concerned about the age gap! I've already watched this many many times waiting for the new Eps to air, and the music perfectly illustrates the mood of the scene. there have definitely been dramas with this sort of plot made, but this one demonstrates the relationship and the character development so well, that it doesn't ever get boring.Was this review helpful to you?
Loved the crew...hated the drama.
I can't believe my first review is to shit on my girl Dilraba whom I actually quite like. However, I must tell the truth, this is very bad drama. I do not understand why people are giving it such a high rating. It's so misleading. I'll try to keep it short but man this is bad:1. THE CARTOON SCENES: In a bid to save money and time, they replaced all of the war fight scenes with cartoons/anime scenes...and it was so bad. Maybe there will be a time that this technique will work, but that is not the case here. You have to watch it for yourself to see just how bad it is. Even for scenes that were not big war fighting scenes that can eat a budget (like when they met the king of Mobei, or when Khatan's concubine enters the scene) were given the cartoon treatment. It reduces the quality of the drama tremendously to me. It did not feel like an artistic choice but more like a bunch of film school students winging it and trying to make up for messing around the whole semester. It did not pay off.
2. TRASH ROMANCE: The romance was very lacking. No heat no passion. Just lukewarm basura. As stated above I love Dilraba in almost all of the dramas she's been in (You Ahre My Glory is forever that girl). This is due to the fact that the girl could have chemistry with a rock if needed. She plays love scenes and flirtatious scenes so well... except in this drama. But it's not her fault, the screenwriting is just crap. Like, I'm sorry this drama is not some kind of big budget War blockbuster. It's no "The Longest night on Chang's an" or "Joy of Life". It's one step above an idol drama (look there is nothing wrong with that. I'm addicted to dramas. I will watch all of them no matter what lol). So, tell me why this drama was taking itself so seriously? We all came here for Dilraba and Leo (two beautiful people)...just give us the romance. But nooo. It took 20 some episodes to even reveal the romance. They wouldn't show them kissing until EP 40...and it wasn't even a traditional kissing scene. Honestly, I would have been fine with a lip press and a camera spin like they used to do it back in the day. Instead, we got that weird "bird kissing scene" and a bunch of stiff hugs. It was so bizarre. I knoooow some dramas don't have intimate scenes...I'm not western media rookie who is asking for more sex scene here . I wished they'd skipped all together. Because, what's with the freaking birds?
3. RIDICULOUS PLOT EVEN MORE RIDICULOUS LOGISTICS: I get that Leo is very young and I'm not gonna shit on him...but if you guys wanted to created some big serious war drama...he is not the guy...ok. His acting is very subpar and not at that level yet (and I don't believe it will ever be. Some people are like and it's ok. I'm still gonna watch his stuff. I have not issues with a cute actor with a nice body but low acting skills lol). Not that Dilraba is the greatest actress but with a good counterpart she can deliver. It felt that their goals and the casting and scriptwriting were not in alignment.
4. BAD FEMALE LEAD JOURNEY: This was a classic Mary Sue story (don't fight me on this please). This girl is just so pretty and so smart and so this and so that. But the thing is, if you were to actually sit down and examine her actions you'd realize all of it was so dumb. It's one thing to be thrusted into the political arena reluctantly...and it's a whole different story to plant yourself into the mix because of "revenge" or whatever but whenever the opportunity came to actually act on said revenge you either chicken out or you take the "high road". And as a storyline, it made no sense. Wanting revenge informed us of this girl's motivation and actions...but then doesn't. If someone killed your whole family and you're on a quest for revenge...why do you care about the country and its citizens? And if you do...then just admit you're not about that revenge life and keep it pushing. It's just all felt so silly. And like ...is this girl the only one around that can do things? Why do people just give her tasks and hand her high positions? It's not realistic.
If you reaaaaally wanna watch it, go for it I guess. But it's not good!
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The Greatest Unproblematic and Non Toxic Couple
Absolutely adored our main 2 couples, very happy it was perfect from beginning to end. Ashile, Ashile, Ashile SUN!!!! WHAT A REMARKABLE MAN. Perfect for Any woman a man without a Toxic bone in his body. He is Considerate, Consistent, Understanding, Reassuring, a bit Arrogant but more Confident and rightfully so. The Leading Actor Leo did a Phenomenal Job portraying this powerful character. Dilraba was amazing as Li ChangGe she has stolen my heart completely. This character is misunderstood but she means well. Extremely Loyal, Dominant, Intelligent, Strategic and sometimes Hotheaded at times. Absolutely Adored GeSun!!!!I wanted to also Add both leading ladies love and loyalty for each other were phenomenal. I loved their bond and sisterhood. I am so grateful for writers to show that 2 women can have a NON toxic REAL friendship and Sismance. Both Ladies are polar opposite but they respect and understand one another. They ride for each other and are Heroic in there own way. Thank you so much to the while Team for writing these characters and relationships. The Character growth from the start to end was great. Bravo, Encore I need a season 2 with ALL actors.
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Best costume drama for 2021 yet!
I love this drama! The chemistry between the leads is fantastic. The storyline is captivating from ep 1, no draggy scenes or sideplots. It is fast paced and full of action. The music is beautiful especially the ending theme song. Each story arc shows charcoal development and growth with good transition between scenes. This is my fav 2021 costume drama so far!Leo as Ashile Sun is masculine, handsome and the perfect hero. His costume as Tegin is 🔥. Diralba as Change Ge is smart, beautiful and strong. I think it is her best drama so far, she has converted me (was not impressed with her previous projects) I love every moment they are on screen together. The acting is superb, all the subtle facial expressions, eye moments makes all the scenes stand out.
My only complaint is the input of additional cartoon scenes were annoying and wish there was more romance scenes between the leads. That’s just because I’m a sucker for romance and will never see enough.
Highly recommended drama for anyone who likes strong male/female lead, no whiny 3rd wheels and good choreography of martial arts and battle scenes.
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100% worth watching story. dont think more just watch it
Short review .I was expecting very high with this drama...and it didnot disappoint me.the storyline is very good with full of emotion the acting done by everyone is perfect ...its just so good one and music every song of this drama is so so so good i listen to it every day and it gives me goosebumps of all those emotional scenes...their is some twist and turns so you will definetly not get bored and the chemistry betn leads is very good ...i would say just watch it ....it is a worth watching drama it gives u some deep message at the end so i find it a bit inspiring to .Was this review helpful to you?
A great epic journey
Watching this show felt like you've lived through a lifetime... in a good way. A lot of things happened, the characters all went through hardships, they've been through one heck of a journey. It's really a fantastic show.STORY
A lot of things happened and the progression of the story was good. I felt the pacing was just right, it wasn't too rushed or too dragging. Though there were times when I predicted what would happen with the leads (ex. will they survive, etc.) but there were times when I was on the edge of my seat. It was intense and I liked that you can understand the characters' motives. It wasn't all black and white, with the villains being bad for no reason. You can still sympathize with them.
It was smartly written, though I understand that the story came from a manhua, still, the way it was written as a TV show, they kept things interesting.
CINEMATOGRAPHY & EDITING
It really made you feel how big and how epic the scale of the production was. It was impressive how they captured the intensity of the war scenes, of the fight scenes and the emotions the characters were experiencing.
There were a couple of awkward shots though especially during the shift to the animated scenes. I don't know if it was purely for artistic choices or because the budget for shooting those war scenes would have been large but putting the actors in front of the animated backgrounds were awkward. They could've just left the animated scenes as is and not mix it with the live action ones.
ACTING/STUNTS
The actors were amazing, Dilraba was so bad-ass and believable as a great fighter and a smart princess. Though I felt the chemistry with her and Leo Wu was a bit lacking. But they were great when fighting and working together.
I've watched Zhao Lusi before as a strong character and seeing her as meek, I saw her differently. She's so effective and really great at crying scenes that she makes you want to cry with her.
Liu Yuning was also amazing. Even just a small change in his eyes, or a quirk of his lips, you can tell what he's feeling even without saying anything. Because of his acting, I was immediately hooked with his storyline and pay close attention whenever he's in a scene even if he's not the focus.
MUSIC
The soundtrack was epic that I never skipped an opening or closing. It really helped to hype me up with the scenes. And made me sad when Hao Du's theme song plays during his scenes.
OVERALL
Highly recommended! It's a great watch and a great journey to take with the characters. Though for people who's looking for romance, this show doesn't prioritize romantic scenes as much but it's okay because the story itself is interesting. You also have to be patient though and keep watching even with the awkward shifts to the animated scenes.
For me, I don't really see it as rewatchable except for certain scenes (like Hao Du's because he's my favorite haha) because there are too many things that happened and part of why the show is great is because you can't really predict the ending.
GREAT SHOW!
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This review may contain spoilers
This was a well made drama.Dilraba shines again! As she shows her acting range as our heroine lead as Li Chang Ge.
She goes through loss, grief, growth and love through the story, making friends along the way.
They evolve her character as a immature tomboy who eventually grows to be a wise strong woman.
As she goes on a quest of revenge, and finding her purpose, she eventually learns the secret about her mother and her father+ uncle. She does everything for her country, even though they've gone after her life, persecuted her, out casted her. Eventually she's able to let go of the hate near the end, and is able to find peace & happiness with her life moving forward which was what her mother wished for early on.
It was confusing at first how they started the familial conflict leading to bloodshed, maybe it could've been explained better other than hinting that bad omen was coming.
Personally I've had some gripes initially of how they wrote Mimi's character, which was frustrating at first because of her actions/behavior but the writes in turn use that as a moment to evolve and build Chang Ge by using the situations as tactics and showing her resiliency.
Even Minister Du finds light, even though he was hell bent on getting rid of Chang Ge, even though some of the minsters probably knew what happened between Lady Jin & Li Simin's history. Not sure what his motivation was or how the point of going after Chang Ge with Hao Du (the adoptive son) drove the storyline other than the fact Chang Ge needed to keep moving from one place to another.
Wei Shu character is probably the only one that missed out, on one hand he was being crushed on by Princess Le Yan but only viewed her as a sister, on the other side he probably had feelings for Chang Ge but could not be honest with himself, and also leaned towards sense of duty than his own feelings.
They do payoff most of the storylines that were created, which gives the audience a sense of closure as well as peace.
If theres something to be learned is not to act rashly, not to let your ego get the best of you as it go to Chang Ge early on, and eventually led to Khatun's own downfall, as there is a much bigger picture that you probably can't grasp.
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