The Vendetta of An

What a masterpiece!

I am just never motivated enough usually to actually write a review but this is so good I have metaphorically at least put pen to paper and so wow! What a masterpiece!
No drama is without its flaws but The Vendetta of An just glides past that and delivers an absolute riveting drama that will not allow you to look away. I am not a Cheng Yi fan, I have never been able to finish watching any of his previous dramas but he is a must watch in this. Flawless performance and I like a darker Cheng Yi. While I came to see Tong Meng Shi, the entire cast delivered a an absolute outstanding drama! Kudos to all!
A season 2 would be the icing on the cake but either way just watch it, you will not be disappointed if you like a satisfying revenge drama.

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The deserted memories of Chang'an.

The Vendetta of An —
It would be a lie if I said I didn’t know the ending, or didn’t sense from the beginning what kind of story this would become. And yet, I kept watching episode after episode each one like piercing arrows straight through my heart. I kept wishing for tomorrow to come faster, just so I could watch the next episode, even when I knew it would hurt me again.
Now, time has brought me to the moment of goodbye… but my heart simply refuses to agree. I don’t even know how to fully put into words what I felt while watching this masterpiece. All I know is that it will forever stay in my heart like deserted memories we carry quietly in our own lives, never fading, never leaving.
The acting portrayed by every single actor was on an extreme level raw, powerful, unforgettable. I have nothing to say except thank you. Thank you to the actors, the production team, the director, and the writer for creating something so painfully beautiful. ❣️
And especially… to my Chengyi _
I knew the ending long before it reached me… I knew it from the very beginning. And yet, I kept watching, episode after episode as if my heart was hoping you would escape fate this time. Every tear you shed felt heavier than my own, every moment of your pain carved itself into my chest. I told myself to be prepared, but nothing prepared me for how deeply you would break me.
Accepting the ending became the most haunting part. It lingers like a ghost _quiet, merciless shattering my heart into pieces that refuse to come back together. This story didn’t just end; it stayed with me, breathing inside my thoughts, replaying your sorrow over and over again.
Chengyi… you won. 💔😭
Not because you survived, not because you got what you wanted but because you made me feel everything. You are you. And no one absolutely no one can replace the space you left behind. That hollow place in my heart exists only because of you, and no other character has ever filled it the same way.
I watched you love, endure, sacrifice, and lose—silently, painfully, beautifully. And maybe that’s why it hurts so much. You deserved peace. You deserved warmth. You deserved a happy ending that the world refused to give you.
So please… just once,
Let me see you smile without pain.
Let me see you live without loss.
Let me see you reach an ending where your tears finally stop.
If not in this story, then in the next one.
I will wait.
Because my heart already chose you. 😢💔

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Vendetta of An is not just watched, it is felt.

The Twenty-Four Strategies of Chang’another/Vendetta of An is a slow-burning revenge drama that emphasizes patience, emotional cost, and subtle storytelling, rewarding attentive viewers with a realistic, deeply affecting narrative brought to life by strong performances and polished production.

I MUST SAY I FIRST WATCH THIS DRAMA BECAUSE OF CHENG YI AND I CONTINUE TO WATCH THIS DRAMA UNTIL IT REACHES THE ENDING BECAUSE OF CHENG YI BUT HEAR ME OUT.

The cast of Vendetta of An deserves sincere praise for delivering performances that elevate the drama beyond its plot. Each actor brings depth, restraint, and emotional honesty to their role, making the characters feel grounded and believable rather than exaggerated or performative. Their portrayals capture not only the motivations behind revenge, but also the quiet pain, inner conflict, and moral weight that come with it.

What makes their work especially commendable is the control and nuance in their acting. Through subtle expressions, measured dialogue, and well-timed silence, the actors convey complex emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. These performances demand attention and trust the viewer to read between the lines, which greatly enhances the drama’s impact.

Together, the cast creates a powerful sense of cohesion, allowing the story’s emotional tension to unfold naturally. Their commitment to their characters transforms Vendetta of An into a compelling and memorable experience, earning them well-deserved applause for performances that linger long after the final scene.

Also, sincere praise goes to the director and the screenwriter for their exceptional vision and craftsmanship in bringing Vendetta of An to life. The director’s meticulous guidance is evident in every frame, from the controlled pacing to the precise emotional beats that allow each scene to resonate with purpose and restraint. Every choice feels intentional, creating a viewing experience that is both immersive and thoughtfully composed.

Equally deserving of acclaim is the writer, whose brilliant storytelling weaves depth, intelligence, and emotional weight into the narrative. The layered plot, meaningful dialogue, and carefully constructed character arcs reflect a deep understanding of human motivation and consequence. Together, the director and writer form a powerful creative partnership, delivering a drama that is not only compelling to watch but also leaves a lasting impression through its refined storytelling and artistic integrity.

The technical and production team behind Vendetta of An also deserves the highest recognition for their dedication and meticulous craftsmanship. Every aspect of the production reflects careful planning and a clear creative vision, resulting in a drama that feels polished, immersive, and thoughtfully executed. Their work provides a strong foundation that allows the story and performances to shine.

The lighting is especially effective, skillfully shaping mood and atmosphere while emphasizing emotional tension and narrative depth. Sound design and music are used with precision, enhancing key moments without overwhelming the scenes, and guiding the audience’s emotional experience in a subtle yet powerful way. Camera work, set design, and overall visual composition further contribute to the drama’s refined and cohesive aesthetic.

Through their attention to detail and commitment to quality, the production team successfully elevates Vendetta of An into a standout drama. Their technical excellence transforms the storytelling into a rich sensory experience, proving that behind every great series is a team whose dedication and artistry deserve equal applause.

I, myself, cannot really praised this drama with just words. Even if I told people about this in a creative way, it still felt not enough so if you wanna know how this drama is a MUST-WATCH, then that alone is the reason - you need to watch in order to know.

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Put Your Phone Away & Pay Attention

You know those shows that you can watch while scrolling through your phone? The kind you can easily look away, and even without understanding the language, look up again and be able to piece everything, or at least most of it, together? This isn't one of those.

This is a show that demands your attention, which was fantastic for me since I really needed a good reason to put my phone away.

This is a beautifully written revenge story with brilliant characters. Such stories often fail because they are filled with dumb characters who risk the plans and lives (both their own and others') in their stupidity. No one here is like that. They know what the plan needs, and they stick to it, executing it as needed.

Xie Huai An's smarts are something to be admired and feared. I totally understood why his enemies were afraid of him. He will not face you on the battlefield with a sword. But he'll plan your defeat and your death, largely from the shadows, and you'll never see it coming.

I loved watching the growth of Xiao Wen Jing / Zhang Mo. From a spoilt, angry puppet emperor to a worthy young man. One who not only understood the plight of his people but was also able to make lifelong friends. Unfortunately, the Tiemo arc (more on that later) ruined his character growth a bit for me.
He'd grown so much as a person & come to trust Huai'an, but the plot throws away all this character growth, turning him back into his former cowardly self for shock value. I admit, I was shocked, as they wanted, but also felt disappointed

I commend all the actors for their effective portrayal of emotions. This show is heavy, and it always has this feeling of death and sadness hanging in the air. I loved that whenever the characters had to express their emotions, I, as the viewer, could connect with them

The story gave us two main villains, Yan Feng Shan & the King of Tiemo. Yan Feng Shan's arc was much more interesting to me. The amount of maneuvering and cleverness used in this arc was... breathtaking, for lack of a better word. The Tiemo arc wasn't bad per se, however, I did feel that as from ep 21 (or there about) the script relied a lot on plot armour to keep Huai'an alive.
There were so many times that he could've died in this arc, specifically from ep 21 to 24/25, yet he miraculously survived. I mean, he did survive while facing Yan Feng Shan, but here his escapes were less believable in their overall 'miraculousness'.

I'm not sure about the ending; it looked like he died. Idk how he'd have survived that explosion, unless more plot armour was applied. And while I would have loved for him to stay alive, I think that part of me was prepared for his death.

Xie Huai An was clever and brave, but also angry and incredibly sad. He rarely smiled, and when he did, it was always a sad smile. It always felt like his heart, his very soul, were very sad and very heavy. If he died, I'd take consolation in the thought that he finally got to rest

Points To Note
1. The rewatch value isn't that high. Not because the story isn't worth rewatching, but because I feel like this is one of those stories that works best the 1st time. A rewatch could work to help you pick up on a few factors that you may have missed in the 1st round, but the suspense and intrigue will no longer be there. Because of that loss, I wouldn't find myself rewatching this.

2. About 30 minutes after completing the Netflix version, I found out that this show has a special episode. The special episode very clearly insinuates that Huai'an is alive, just staying hidden in Yulong Ridge. We don't see his face, but the alcohol given to his friends and the voice of the guy in that cell belong to Huai'an. I'm sure he's still busy plotting and strategizing in there for the good of the realm.
But part of me wishes that he would've, instead, fulfilled the wish that his sister had for him. To sit under a (what I believe) plum blossom tree with a fat cat in his arms. With Ye Zheng & Zhang Mo bickering around him (This last bit is purely my wishful thinking)

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For you who love plot dense, no romance drama!

FINALLY, a plot dense drama without romance. I really love when a plot is focused on theme and stay on track, like this one.

This is now my favorite Cheng Yi's drama after Mysterious Lotus Case. I really love to see a different side of Cheng Yi's acting. He portrays a darker side we usually don't see much. Plus, he doesn't fight here, can you imagine? When I think of Cheng Yi, I think of him flying around with swords lol

Of course, at the core he is still our heroic character. I really enjoy this show a lot.

On a sidenote, I am low key wishing to see Cheng Yi play a lighthearted, funny, happy character with happy ending, just for once.

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THE IRONY OF IT ✨️✨️

(The rewatch value is not 10 only because its a heavy watch, and rewatching will also need a break.)

1️⃣OVERVIEW-
The Vendetta of An is a highlight of 2025 and a must watch revenge dramas. The show very well portrays the thin line between 'good' and 'evil'.
It is one of those very few dramas which doesn't tone down the ‘revenge’ plot. Even though the ML is called Xie Huai’an, his identity as Liu Zhi/White Hair is an open secret to both his allies and enemies.

2️⃣CHARACTERS (GREY GREY EVERYWHERE)-
The friendship and brotherhood is memorable and unforgettable. All the characters are fleshed out with their own back story. I feel when the ‘heroes’ suffer, but I also feel for the villains. We know why they did what they did. Every decision they made has a consequence, a well portrayed consequence with a long lasting effect & the wheel of 'karma' doing overtime. Every character plays a role in moving the plot ahead and no one is an idiot.
Xie Huai’an is clearly not the only ‘genius’. And that's what makes the story more interesting. Sometimes he win, sometimes he lose, but he will never accept defeat.

3️⃣STORY-
Even though it's a fast-paced drama and requires full attention and time, it's all worth it. Every twist, every hidden scheme and every surprises are unpredictable till the end. Chang'an changes hands multiple times and shadow wars going here and there. Naturally the story is not just about revenge and there are other hidden plots but throughout, revenge is the main focus.

The reasons story got 9.5- Firstly, a choice, XWJ's choice, I will just say this much to avoid spoiling. Second, from ep 21 they took some time to develop the new arc (which is natural) but by the time it was ready, it was almost the time for the finale. So, compared to 1-20 (which was perfect in every way), it seemed a bit slow. It was not bad, but it's just that I am comparing them with 1-20.
That being said, they did close strong (considering ep 28 was one of the most impactful to me), the ending was not rushed. In my eyes these little problems were too minute to affect the overall 10.

4️⃣THE CHORUS OF VENGENENCE-
At the beginning it might look like the revenge is over amplified, but after thinking carefully, it's not. His enemies are not strangers, but were ones his uncles and aunts he grew up playing with. Betrayal by those whom you trust hurts the most.
Yan Feng Shan killed all Liu faction members he could find but if he had not massacred the Liu family, he himself would be one of them. Xie Huai’an was set on bringing down the Huben Army and "kill every huben soldier he sees until none are left" but if not for YFS's betrayal, he himself would have been a member of the same Huben Army. This is how blurry the line is and how a interlinked web is created by the writer!


5️⃣Reflecting the THEME OF THE SERIES in a few dialogues (and the most memorable ones)-

1-“Liking someone has nothing to do with killing them.” said by Di Lu

2-“Scheming. Both you and I know how to do it. But in the end, it is still a blade going in white and coming out red.” said by Han Zhiling

3-“If you cast reality aside and imagine wildly that the dead could be brought back to your side. Do you not find that amusing?” said by Xie Huai’an

4-“Killing intent is instinct. If one is too driven by instinct, it is easy to lose oneself.” said by Yan Fengshan

5-“Settle the dust to prevent fire.” said by Wu Zhongheng
(backfired pretty hard lmao)


6️⃣MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS-
(Maybe spoiler but not major plot spoiler)

1- (THE IRONY OF IT)x2 -It ends where it began (ep 28)

2- Xie Huai’an scaring Yang Chu Hao just with his words and expressions (ep 16)

3/4/5- Gu Yu’s archery skills (The details + his emotions) (ep 12)

3/4/5- Cangshui river battle (Xiao Wuyang’s fighting scenes) (ep 23-24)

3/4/5- Xie Huan’an and Yan Fengshan remembering the dead (ep 19)


7️⃣COSTUME AND SETS-
The different take on the costume and backdrops (specially Hidden Soldier Valley) was also well fitted, to the point, unique and refreshing…

8️⃣ACTING AND OST-
The OST is great and just DONT GET ME STARTED ABOUT THE ACTING, just one word- FLAWLESS. Everyone did great including the veteran and young actors. But my special shout out to Cheng Yi (Xie Huai'an) and Liu Yi Jun (Xiao Wuyang). The one I saw for the first time and he left an impression- Wang Zu Yi (Wang Pu).
Everyone from the cast to the crew did their best and it can clearly be seen and felt.

9️⃣SURVIVAL SPOILER-
At the beginning it felt like they would kill everyone off but surprisingly many of them survived with a satisfying ending!

🔟Just XHA being himself, (maybe?)-
“I will leave no enemy alive. But I still have some humanity left.” 🔥🔥 (Ep-10)

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BEST DRAMA of 2025!

I’m still a bit at a loss for words after finishing this drama—and honestly considering a rewatch just to catch all the details in such a plot-dense story. Very few dramas keep me constantly on edge or deliver twists that genuinely surprise me. The unpredictability was refreshing. This was a revenge series done right.

Highlights:
- Cast: A star-studded lineup led by Cheng Yi and seasoned veteran actors who fully embodied the complexity of their characters. Every role felt raw, layered, and shaped by experience—they truly were the heart of the show.

- Production & cinematography: Visually stunning. While Cheng Yi’s character leans more toward strategy than martial arts, the action scenes handled by the rest of the cast were beautifully shot and impactful.

- Cheng Yi’s performance: Seeing him take on a darker, morally gray role was refreshing. He excels at portraying tragic heroes which is due to his ability to express very deep and complex emotions. I think he really showcased more his acting range in this role. Xie Huai An’s intelligence and calculated cruelty were almost terrifying. Watching his journey felt like a chess match—perfectly mirrored by the episode intros. You cannot help but root for him and just wish he could freely live his life (maybe lie on a chair with his cat - like the painting his sister made) until his hair would naturally turn gray again with age.

- Tight storytelling: No filler, no dragged-out arcs. Characters exited the story once their purpose was fulfilled (and yes, the show did not hold back on deaths). Everything served the plot.

- Themes: Beyond revenge, the drama explores cause and effect and how interconnected everyone is. Even as this is Xie Huai An’s story, viewing events from other perspectives makes it hard to truly hate his enemies.

Lows / things I hoped to see:
- Xiao Wen Jing’s development: His actions felt inconsistent at times—especially the impulsive killing early on and later stabbing his brother. While it can be explained as rash decision-making under emotional stress, his shift from 'enemy'/brat to ally felt a little off.

- Plot armor: Xie Huai An surviving repeated encounters with powerful enemies felt unrealistic, particularly the finale. The extra episode really needed a clearer explanation for how he survived the explosion (if the man shown was really him).

- Limited backstories: Some additional context on certain characters and their relationships would have added depth, even though the streamlined plot still worked well without it.

Overall, I still give this drama a perfect score. What I felt were 'small gaps' are far outweighed by the strong performances and gripping plot. If you’re looking for something darker than i.e. Nirvana in Fire, this is an easy recommendation.

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Bloody and Ruthless without Losing Moral Core

This is a drama that choose to tell about fallen emperors, about weak scholars trying to defeat an army, about a crippled general defending his nation, about a person full of revenge turning him into a terrifying character, yet conscience and mercy are still alive in his soul. For me, it is a commentary for the trend and tropes in Chinese historical dramas which are mostly stories about powerful emperors, beautiful prince and princess, and victorious heroes.

Watching this drama reminds me of several older series. Comparing it to the famous Nirvana in Fire (2015), while sharing similar theme of revenge, The Vendetta of An (TVOA) has ruthlessness that is not found in the former show. It is more bloody and cunning. It is a battle in various domains, not only physical, but also psychological and political. It doesn't dwell too much on palace politics, which is refreshing for a historical drama.

And, talking about ruthlessness, it is comparable to Game of Throne, however with a strength that makes TVOA, an Asian show, more shining in my eyes: a profound moral value. Thus, every drip of blood and tears shed here has more weight. They are meaningful, not only in telling the narratives but also heartwrenchingly igniting viewers empathy and even compassionate feeling and other emotions. We watch it for the virtuous to win, for a light in the end of a long dark tunnel to keep shining, not for the thrill and sensation alone. For a drama to be able to cause such effects on viewers, for me, it is a success.

I believe a good drama can defend itself and needs not to rely itself on the popularity of a certain actor. For TVOA, the story itself is its grestest asset that would challenge futures Chinese drama. It is set a higher bar in several areas of drama making and storytelling. For characterization, we got a continuum of personality spanning from the wickest to the most innocents, they are so grey and multidimensional that even turns the villain into a hero in their story, and push the presumed hero to villainy. It is so good at playing with perspectives so that we got a very complete picture of the story and the message this drama trying to convey.

The richness of TVOS's settings is also apparent. The use of real environment with the farming field, mountain, forrest, river, and sea, the potrayals of commoners and their lives through the market, the everyday family life, add more realism to the world. When the story is telling about conflict and war, they also show the impacts on family and societal level, not only individual or personal. It speaks volume for "the luxury of normal life" where family could live together, children have their guardians around, individuals could have idle life while still thriving through their works, where people could enjoy meal without scheming for revenge!

I am so suprised on how well this drama gives voice to the commoner, the marginalized one in almost all historical dramas. They are not merely a background for the elites, cameos walking and running in the back to fill the space, but a collective character that also play some roles through their interaction with main and side characters, their responses to the ongoing situation, and to some extent, they also drive the plot in a subtle manner.

Watching this, I don't care about its lacking of romance or comedy. I don't care about rating and other quantitative measures. I don't pay heed to some harsh commentaries. It is just too phenomenal to be missed, for everything that it can offer to open my mind as an audience. Bravo to all the actors and production teams!

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