Patience will pay off
The story, plot is a bit slow and it requires patience. It does get more interesting as the plot slowly unravels keeping the viewers guessing what’s next and who is really a bad character. This drama makes you cry and make you smile in many ways.I can’t help but think of the Untamed in many of the scenes and some parts of the storyline. The set and costumes are beautiful. I keep watching the teasers just to find the theme plot and almost tempted to read the novel lol. I think all the casts again are great and you really can’t hate any one of them like in “The youth memories” or “Where dreams begin” with XZ. If you have not watched that, check it out, XZ is great and it is a really good storyline!!
Actors:
ML - Xiao Zhan again challenge himself with the drama and consistency proves he is a great actor. He deserves all the credits because no one can act at his level right now. He can play multi-facet roles ranging with emotions from being cold to be loved and to be sad. Esp 35-36 are so memorable and wow, what an actor he is!! Watching the BTS, he directed some of the critical scenes or inserted more memorable scenes to make the script and acting flow better and that was definitely great to watch and appreciate.
Shi Ying is such a great character, he is smart, powerful, decisive, direct, responsible, not needy, loving, honest and caring.
As always XZ didn’t disappoint, his ability to express his emotions, his crying scenes, no other actors can compare. He always takes his acting skills to another level every drama I’ve seen him in and always ingrained himself into each of the different character he plays. Hope we can see more of his dramas or movies in the future and especially can’t wait to see him play a good/evil cute and naughty villain character as he has always said he wanted to be!! He would be great in a character like that!
FL - I think she did a great job and was very complimentary to XZ considering she is young, 21 and new when they filmed this drama in 2021. If anyone watching found her to be annoying and childish, that meant she did a good job and fit her character well. She isn’t the prettiest actress out there, but she can definitely act. She is cute and seems humble too! There were a few scenes that she could have done better with expressing her emotions or acting more naturally, but overall she did good and she fits the character/role.
Supporting casts - they all did good, but 2nd male lead (Alen) was memorable and his character was good. He acted well too! He should get more attention and gigs after TLP and so will all the other casts.
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Fantastic Xianxia drama with a great performance by Xiao Zhan
After having seen more than half of all episodes, I can confidently say that The Longest Promise is truly a great drama. It's indeed strong in all important aspects:– Storyline
While it takes an episode or two to fully understand the setting, from then on it's a captivating story with good setups and payoffs, never letting plotlines drag on for too long but also not cutting interesting story elements short.
– Characters & casting
The stars of the show, Xiao Zhan as Shi Ying and Ren Min as Zhu Yan, are the heart of the show. Shi Ying is the tragic center of the story, while the character of Zhu Yan adds the necessary sweetness and a bit of lightheartedness to the story. Especially Xiao Zhan's performance of Shi Ying brings a lot of nuance and heart to the character.
The supporting cast is also very strong: they are well acted and all have their own motivations, ambitions and struggles. They are all written 3-dimensional and make the world and its inhabitants seem more alive (with the only exception so far being the Ice Clan).
– Visuals & CGI
This series is simply beautiful to watch. Sets, costumes, lightning, fight choreography, "magic", CGI background and creatures - they are all masterfully done and really work well with each other. For that alone it's a great watch.
– Music
I often don't notice music, even when it's well done. In this drama however I often notice music in a positive way, consciously realising that it improves the scene I'm watching even further and motivating me to go back and watch the scene again.
All in all a great drama to watch for any fantasy fan, and definitely a must-watch for any xianxia drama fan.
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Why must you watch THE LONGEST PROMISE!
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is a mesmerizing costume drama masterpiece that demands the attention of every drama and novel enthusiast. This epic fantasy adventure is a testament to the extraordinary talent of Xiao Zhan and other actors and the visionary creativity of its production team. With its captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and brilliant performances, this drama stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the realm of Chinese dramas.1. Enchanting Storyline:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan takes viewers on an enchanting journey through a world filled with cultivation magic, love, and self-discovery. The intricately woven plot follows the character portrayed by Xiao Zhan as he embarks on a perilous quest to save his country and protect the important person in his life. The narrative effortlessly combines elements of romance, action, and fantasy, creating a riveting and immersive experience for the audience.
2. Visual Spectacle:
From the very first frame, The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan captivates viewers with its breathtaking visuals. The cinematography transports you to a realm where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy. The drama's stunning landscapes, intricate costume designs, and imaginative visual effects create a feast for the eyes. Each scene is meticulously crafted, showcasing the attention to detail that went into the production.
3. Xiao Zhan's Exceptional Performance:
Xiao Zhan, known for his exceptional acting skills, delivers an extraordinary performance in The Longest Promise. He effortlessly embodies the complexities of his character, showcasing a wide range of emotions throughout the film. His portrayal is nuanced and captivating, making the audience empathize deeply with his journey. Xiao Zhan's on-screen presence and charismatic performance are undeniably a highlight of the Chinese Costume Drama.
4. Emotional Depth and Themes:
Beyond its dazzling visual and narrative prowess, The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan delves into profound themes that resonate with the audience. Love, sacrifice, self-discovery, and the pursuit of destiny are expertly explored, creating a tapestry of emotions that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Even from just 20 aired episodes this drama successfully tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impact and provoking introspection. There are more exciting, heartbreaking, and sweet moments in the next episodes to come. So excited until its last episode (40).
5. Cinematic Excellence:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is a testament to the artistic brilliance and technical expertise of its production team. The seamless blend of CGI, practical effects, and exquisite set designs elevate the drama to a whole new level. The attention to detail, impeccable sound design, and skillful editing contribute to an immersive cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Conclusion:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is an unmissable drama experience that showcases the pinnacle of Chinese drama-making. With its enchanting storyline, breathtaking visuals, exceptional performances, and profound themes, it is a true masterpiece that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, or romance, or simply appreciate exceptional storytelling, this drama is a must-watch. Prepare to be transported to a world of cultivation magic, wonder, and emotional depth that will leave an indelible mark on your Chinese Drama journey.
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Bittersweet
I am only writing this to counter the slander against Ren Min right from the time the main cast was announced.This is my first encounter with her work and it will not be the last. She can definitely hold a lead role in my opinion. Looking forward to checking out her other work.
Having said that, I was less than satisfied with some subplots to the point the ending was not a surprise. This is bittersweet to a certain extent. Maybe on another day I might say it is pointless, who knows.
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Their Love is True but Their Fate is So Painful
I really love this drama even the ending is not very satisfying but the storyline is very interesting. At least in the end Shi ying still kept her promise to Zhu yan. Slow-burn Romance between Shi ying and Zhu yan is very good as a master and disciple. It is very sad to love someone we cannot love. Shi ying is a very good character because he still believe that destiny can be changed with effort, with the power of love even though it can't be changed even Shi ying doesn't waste the time to be together with the person who he love.It's been a long time since I finished this drama but until now I still can't move on. I think maybe because their story is so tragic, too sad and so many challenges happened that it is still scarred in my heart. All actors did a very good job. The chemistry between Xiao Zhan and Ren Min is undeniable. They really did a good job. They are so cute together. I hope there will be another project for them. 🤍
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This review may contain spoilers
I see it two times
I really like the story and overall acting. Now, I am waiting for season 2. I am from Bangladesh, after seeing this series I really start to like Xiao Zhan. I like to see more series from xiao zhan like this. And he is so cutie. I like his acting and after seeing this series I saw the Untamed which made me so emotion. At least 2 times I saw it. Again I want to see it. The longest promise is best action, best romantic. I think I almost finish the drama from Xiao zhan, I am waiting for new drama. In traditional customs, Xiao zhan so cute. I feel like I am crush on him.Was this review helpful to you?
This show deserves a better rating
It's actually 43 episodes.I give this show a 10 to contribute to raising its rating, it certainly deserves more than a 7.9. At least 8.2 at a minimum. I've watched an 8.7 (One and Only) & an 8.9 (Love Like The Galaxy) that were down-right boring compared to this.
I read in another review it's a "refreshing take on xianxia" and I agree. The two leading characters are mortal, which makes a change for a xianxia, and makes their time all the more precious (as well as their sacrifices). The story, too, is refreshing in it's way and full of suspense. The disciple-master relationship developing into something romantic is nothing new but this one seems different.
Zhu Yan has some very satisfying character development from her childish younger self and a good deal of independence. Shi Ying is the seemingly aloof master while still being very in-touch with his emotional side. And Zhi Yuan is the selfless, gentle but powerful third lead who carried half the show. His character is so endearing you never tire of seeing him, with a sprinkle of Chong Ming to keep things lively.
The story starts a little cliche but gets a lot better later on and becomes something to be truly invested in and enchanted by. The ending was a little rushed and some explanation was lacking, but the final fight was a pleasant suprise as the show goes into full xianxia mode.
My only qualm is that Ren Min and Xiao Zhan sometimes failed to convey strong-enough emotion in their expressions for the circumstances they were in. But I love the whole cast, Alen Feng was a favourite in this one and it's great to see Xiao Zhan in a fantasy show again. I only give the rewatch value a 6.5 because a lot of what holds you in on this show is the suspense which is gone on a rewatch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Let down during the final episodes
I wanted to like this drama so although it wasn’t outstanding during the first half, I still found joy in seeing the ML’s subtle expressions in keeping with his loner persona. Unfortunately, the last few episodes spoilt it for me.First, it had the classic mysterious open ending which is a pet peeve of mine.
Second, the storyline after the ML was resurrected felt very disjointed and forced. I would have rated this drama higher if they ended it then and tied up all the other loose strings for the other characters. But, the story decided to give another conflict for a dramatic ending which felt almost humorous when the evil spirit kept going into different bodies. The interaction between the ML & FL also suffered and I cringed every time they looked at each other in surprise or worry whenever they were faced with something new.
What I did like about the drama was the production quality. Sets looked good and outdoor scenery was gorgeous. CGI was a bit of hit and miss but generally ok especially during fighting scenes. I generally don’t comment on make up but really liked the eye make up for the Merfolk. Nice and subtle but enough to show they are different.
Another good thing about this drama is that it didn’t push the jealousies tropes. Although there was a SML, I liked his attitude towards and interaction with the FL. The character of the scheming princess was one I also liked as I enjoyed her being fleshed out as someone not purely evil but as someone who also does care. The actress playing this role did it wonderfully and I looked forward to watching her expressions to see this changes.
The FL’s acting was acceptable to me but I didn’t like her hairstyles and that kept getting in the way of me seeing her as a good match to the ML. When she had a fringe, she looked like a little school girl and it made her face look rounder. When it was swept to the side during the later episodes, it looked plastered down and like a wig instead…
As for the ML, I am biased as I am a fan from his work in the Untamed. While some see him as expressionless, I see the subtle changes in his eyes which the director does well in close ups. It was nicely contrasted with more carefree actions and expressions during the time he lost his memories. So if you are his fan, give this drama a go. Otherwise, best to skip it.
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Different from previous fairy tale dramas
First, The Longest Promise is different from previous fairy tale dramas in that it abuses the male protagonist, not the female protagonist. Shi Ying has a deep affection for the heroine and always thinks of her. In the end, he went through hell and narrow escape to be with the heroine. He was always honest and sincere, and was killed by the heroine twice.Moreover, the female characters in it are all very good, focused on their careers, motivated, and women can inherit the throne. For example, the heroine Zhu Yan is the heir to the throne of the Red Clan, Bai Xuelu finally becomes the White King, and Qinggang finally gives up the position of Qing Wang and chooses to be with Bai Xuelu.
Secondly, the purpose of the play is very high. There is love, but also the righteousness of family and country! Although Shi Ying died at the hands of the heroine, he actually sealed his soul with his body, died to save the common people, served the country and the people, and was a great chivalrous man. Shi Ying's self-sacrifice bought Kong Sang 70 years of peace.
Moreover, Shi Ying used his own death to teach the heroine what it means to be a Dharma student and what it means to take responsibility. In the face of great right and wrong, the love between men and woman can be put aside!
Thirdly, Xiao Zhan's character is very stunning. I have never seen him like this before. A tall and straight figure, and an extraordinary demeanor.
You will regret it if you don't watch it. The special effects, costumes, and scenery of the drama are also very good!
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I doubt my feelings will change.
Let's start with the Music. The intro is pretty nice song. The outro reminds me of the Mavis Bacon typing program from the 90s so at least it brought back fond memories.The actors. A lot of reviews I see came for the male lead as someone who watched both The Untamed, Doulou continent, all 3 seasons of The Eternal Love, The legend of the White Snake, The Imperial Coroner. I can safely say I'm familiar with a good portion of the cast in this show. Honestly I will give the casting director props for picking a good looking cast in the male department. The female department is basically not very unique and you could literally show me a screenshot of the female character and I would honestly not be able to tell you what show or who they were that's how little the female casting stood out to me in the looks department.
When it comes to acting I can say that no one out shine anyone and they all did an amazing job with what they were handed. But honestly I would have loved at least one actor to look like they actually was having funny with their role the closest that look like that was the White King.
The writing -
I could tell by the very first 3 episode that the show was going to be a hot mess. There's 40 episodes yet we have a dragon, mermaid, palace drama, school drama, tribal drama, a wedding, picture coming to life, a sand demon, a fake death, a fire, an inept Emperor, a flower, etc. Was it even reasonable to expect any of these plot lines to be successfully fulfilled 😂 no not at all. I get they were ambitious but at the same time it wasn't going to work.
I wish they would have picked a few storyline and work with it. Hell they didn't even do a good job with the school life. It was a blink and you would miss it. That's what they synopsis said it was about yet that wasn't even correct.
Characters-
Shi ying- honestly this character is your stereotypical prince who was raised outside of his role, that faked his own death. Honestly I don't think I expected much from this character. Was the writing shallow very but if you are one of the people complaining about romance yet came from the show The Untamed, I'm going to question you about how you thought that show was packed with romance yet this show was lacking. The romance was on the same level, where if you know what to look for you can see it. The moment were more acts of service as the love language. Plus there's I'm pretty sure they kissed in the first 10 episodes when they were in the cloud demon thingy. Am I going to comment on how old Xiao Zhan looks to be playing 17. Not at all because the female lead didn't look that much younger than him the only reason people think so is because the crew used the age trick of bangs. While none of the other female characters around her age had bangs. Also I don't blame the Actor for acting like a plank of wood because that's the writer and directors fault for not giving better instruction
Zhu Yan- let's just say can we stop this troupe of female being childish to appear youthful at her age of 15-17 (I'm going to guess she wasn't that much younger than the prince) she would be trying to act like an adult to prove herself worthy and capable as the other student who seem to be older than her. As someone so willing to learn magic how as she not taught the foundation of magic, even if female learning is something to be frowned upon, she is still the only child yet alone daughter of the Red King so surely he would have trained her to be a good ruler of her tribe, but no she was so lacking in the basics of not only magic but also magic her family inherited, that to me shows why they are considered the weakest clan. I actually feel bad for her to be so weak. I thought going through the schooling would have made her better but I didn't see any improvement in her magic abilities when she left the mountain. Did I mention she is a Mary Sue, she might not know magic but somehow when the time comes she suddenly can perfect any spell, or have a solution to any problems. Also I agree that the dress scene took me out, That's just bad writing, folks.
Zhi Yuan- I have a question what are the mermaid rules, because I honestly don't know. I'm 20 episodes deep. He thinks he is in love with the princess because the dragon fed him some nonsense about him crying finally. I have to say I course he didn't cry when his lover died because he had his memory wipe not only that he knew she would be reborn, imagine crying everytime your husband went to work... It's that feeling that yeah it seems like a lot but he knew that death isn't the final good bye, it's only the finally good bye when he dies. Not to mention the who set gender thing that got introduced, what was the point of that so are you telling me that he wasn't a male this entire time, because he didn't fall in love with the great whatever grandma? I'm sorry but would he not think of all the children of the family as his own since he raised them as if they were. Did the grandma have a husband and that how the family had kids? Are the kids of the Crimson tribe half mermaid and they just don't speak about since the gene are probably recessive/or bred out? That's why this entire plotline to me is a waste of time it leads to more questions than answers.
Bai Xuelu- she is the character that has the most stereotypical character development. She the illegitimate daughter of the White King. So she is trying to prove herself as being more than what her mother was a lady of the night (putting it nicely) so she will do anything to become the Empress which if you honestly think about it or if she had half a brain no one would allow her to fill that role with her background. I don't know why she didn't settle on taking over the role of her father instead of the Empress but , I guess dumb people with a chip on their shoulders can be talk into anything if you put the right carrot on a string.
Qing Gang- honestly he is perfect for the role of self righteous plank of wood. He is a general, and all around good guy who just wants to save the girl who has proven time and time again to a worthless p.o.s, because he thinks love can conquer all. I'm sorry but take that method to the battlefield and see if it works... It didn't well that was a lesson worth the price of underestimating your opponent just because they are a female.
Chong Ming- honestly this is going to be a hot take but they should have switched his actor for the actor that played Shi ying. Only because he makes a more convincing 18 year old. I sat the entire time thinking that he looks so much younger than Xiao Zhan and honestly I think they miscast both of them, I get why they casted Xiao Zhan as the main character but it gets extremely distracting seeing both of them together.
Shi Yu- honestly I can see him being a good emperor and a bad emperor at the same time because he has no back bone. If it wasn't for the emperor finally stepping up to be a good father, he would have married Bai Xuelu. Just pitiful.
Bai Xueling- honestly they could have CGI the word Pitiful over her and it would honestly be the same, she didn't even try to fight for anything. If it wasn't for everyone around her pushing her and helping her, she would have been mark with a scarlet letter and the sister in law of the prince. She really was the worthless Best friend.
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This one isn’t for me.
I was really excited to see this drama as I’m a XZ fan and have enjoyed his dramas. He’s a great actor. I’m not as familiar with Ren Min but I think she was doing a decent job in this show and I will definitely check out more of her work. In the end, I still dropped this after 11 episodes.The good
All the cast members did an amazing job. I’ve seen most of the main/supporting leads in other projects so I had no doubts here. The production value is really high with really great visuals. Their costumes are typical for Xianxia but they fit pretty well here too.
The bad
The story is dragging for me. I find myself falling asleep during each episode and if that happens, then the drama isn’t strong enough to hold my attention. It’s one of those slow build up type of shows which if done well, can work. I just didn’t quite like it with this drama. The story also has a typical Xianxia feel from what I’ve seen so far. It’s a love to hate story that we typically see with Xianxia following a forbidden love/doom. Lots of CDrama tropes with the way they set up the camera shot for the romantic scenes and you will find this is most Xianxias. Story doesn’t stand out from the others.
If you are okay with these things then definitely check it out or if you are a fan of the leads, then watch. Make your own judgement on the show.
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Longest Promise Worth Rewatching 10 times over
I grew up watching Asian movies and haven't had a favorite male/female lead for some time. I came upon this Asian drama after Word of Honor, and this is it. I absolutely fell in love and have rewatched it 10 time already. Let me tell you whyThe storyline is unique and interesting. This is not typical as they start off as a master-disciple relationship. Zhu Yan is supposed to be a teenage girl that matures and develops, which she does. Ren Min played the role perfectly with her acting skills alongside Xiao Zhan. She is cute and stubborn/tenacious but down to earth, willing to learn and be enlightened by her Master. The casting is fabulous. Xiao Zhan looks amazing at the top of his game. Ren Min is beautiful in a very unique way. She is different. She did exactly what she was supposed to do. I believe that a big time production, director, and A-list actor wouldn't choose someone they think couldn't fulfill the role.
The scene and setting is majestic, beautiful, attractive, and eye catching. I can watch this over and over again because there really isn't anything like it. The martial arts and cinematography along with special effects alone is already eye-catching.
The score and music is fantastic. I can listen to it over and over again. It is beautiful and emotional. I can connect and attach emotion to listening to it. The costumes are BEATIFULLY designed.
The one constructive criticism is the age difference in the story alongside the romance that develops. It took awhile, so slow to burn and I was just waiting for it to happen. When she matures, and the design of appearance changes, the sense of chemistry and CP is there and I think matches nicely. They weren't supposed to have CP in the beginning due to the master-disciple relationships. However, Shi Ying is supposed to be 18, in which of course doesn't really fit in appearance. Ren Min's original look actually can capture the little cute girl she was supposed to. Second, some of the storyline that develops isn't really realistic and sometimes didn't make sense, but again this is fictional drama right. I expect it NOT to line up to everything being realistic. You'll have to see for yourself.
The acting: There is no other word to describe for the 2 A-list actors and supporting actors/actresses all the way around. It is exceptional, excellent ,and top notch. Xiao Zhan is already know for his acting, but I actually find Ren Min matching him on his level. The integration of emotion for both of them is beautiful and in an instant, tears flow with empathy and feeling that is natural and authentic. I feel them both, and I've never cried with a drama NOR rewatched a drama before except for the old Legend of Condor Heroes with Barbara Yung some 30 years ago.
The ending: Oh....I can't say. I like it and I don't like it. What I want now is a season 2, which I doubt will happen.
The Lesson: the message and wisdom the storyline brings is deep, but it is easy for people to just judge in other ways without seeing this. The test of defying fate or letting fate take its course is clever! The details to how this unfolds and executed by the actors is also delicate and balanced.
Conclusion: This is a must watch and re-watch because it is different. It is captivating. They breathed life into the story with multiple layers of complexity. You would have to look at the layers and see for yourself! Thank you as the drama has elevated to a whole other level I think most dramas have not met yet!
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