The Long Ballad (2021)

First of all, the journey was exhilirating. If I should say, it's a really good one plot-wise. No episode is boring at all. The story can sometimes be a bit farfetch and unrealistic, but we're in a drama here and if they want to glorify women so much why not right? We have scheming princesses that are gentle at heart, and victimized princesses that poison their husbands and control his people. This drama -- in general, is one that has a lot of alternatives for every character.

Like for how Chang'ge and Leyan are each other's alternatives. Changge showing the decisiveness, hostility and cunningness a woman is capable of. Why Leyan is good-natured, and represents that gentility can be a strength too.

Princess Yicheng being an alternative to Leyan's fate, had she been married off against her will. And she might have harbored strong emotions, leading to malintent and a dark heart. Likwise, her guard also counters Hao Du -- a bodyguard that cares and thinks for himself, and will not blindly follow the princess but thinks what is best for her.

Sher and Sun. The coward and the brave. The one who chases glory, and the one that is so responsible and capable success chases him. In their relationship, we can see how nurture precedes nature. For they were both raised by the same man, and they were apart from their mothers. Hence despite the expectations their mothers put on them, it's their brotherhood that withstood all that.

Next, I'm tackling character development. Sher, Hao Du, Leyan and Changge have the most impressive character developments.

Since Sher was partly at fault with the death of Sun's mother, he has started to think about the consequences of his actions since then. And Mimi is a huge part of his development too. It has gotten to the point where Sher is no longer blinded by filial love and was mature enough to think that he has to mitigate his mother's sins, and even pay for them. Yes, he makes dumb choices, but he's a whiny lad since the beginning too we should give him some leeway.

Then, Hao Du. Where do I begin... His character is very interesting. From a hunter, to a devoted guard, a man that harbors a secret admiration towards someone he thought he does not deserve. It's undoubtedly Leyan's slap that woke him up. Ceased from being a pawn, and began to think what's for the greater good. Liu Yuning fits the formidable soldier, but when he started acting all whipped and began smiling, it became sort of weird? Hahaha. He needs improvement on his acting on the more emotionally investing scenes, but with the stoic-faced Hao Du, he delivered it really well.

Leyan. I really like Leyan's character. She's gentle, she's pretty. Then she got thrown into the harshness of the world, witnessed hunger, death and injustices. I am loving how the docile princess turned into someone that vows to protect her people. She's amazing. I would have loved her more if I dont know about Zhao Lusi's shady actions, but still, she gave justice to the character. She fits the role so well.

Changge... How she had started to let go of her plans for revenge, when she started to act to protect her people. She is just so strategic and wise. She would've made a great Queen.

Now let's talk about the acting.

The guy that plays Mu Jin... He's the winner. The character has been through so much and he delivered jt really well. He cries when it's necessary. He's quite good. I think, aside from the more experienced, older actors like Princess Yichen, this guy was the best. Yes, that includes Dilireba and Wu Lei. There were still times the leads were kind awkward with their characters, but for Mu Jin -- he is Mu Jin through and through.

There was little chemistry between Dilireba and Wu Lei, forgive me for saying. Despite them having a bunch of scenes together, they werent as captivating as a CP as Hao Du and Leyan. Perhaps it's because the characters they play are both very capable people, hence there aren't a lot of moments where they can idle away and flirt. Their conversations are about strategies and politics too. Or maybe because Wu Lei is still a kid in my eyes. I don't know, but something feels off on their sweet scenes.

There's a lot that can improve on this drama.

First, the graphics. The manhwa transitions ruin it. It's risky to mix them together because it takes a lot of adjustment in the eyes, but the plot has so much potential they could've do away with the manhwa excerpts.

And then the camera angling... It pains me when there are such good scenes with good lines, but the camera work ruins it.

The casting all in all. Wu Lei have done well, but I think there are a lot more actors that are fitting for this role. I dunno maybe they wanted someone with a less daunting appearance because this is a female-centric drama and there's a lot of scenes where Changge saves so getting a manlier actor could've ruined the dynamics. I have an actor in mind that also suit Sun and I think would also do a really good job .

Dilireba is reaally good. I love her. She's very pretty. Not the best at acting, but I am looking forward to her improvement in future projects.

Anyway, that's all for now. There's a lot of good and bad, but all in all, I enjoyed it.

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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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Excellent Cast and Wonderful Story

This was a great drama, I love my Cdrama for historical and xianxia, this one was really great. At first i was hesitant to watch it, i thought it would have too much fighting and scheming and not enough romance and balance for the plot, but i was wrong and I'm happy I give it a chance.

Pros
The cast was wonderful, every person fit there role and delivered respectively, Reba came out and did her stuff, truly and amazing and talented actress, Leo this is my first drama with him and tbh I'm impressed, especially knowing that he's only 21 my goodness he did an excellent job, definitely gained a fan here. I'm also very impressed with my girl rosy, she came through, i could not believe it was her, this is such a different role that she took on, and my goodness, she did an excellent job with this role, she was so much into her emotions, I'm so happy she choose this role and did something different from her usual.

The story was great, the flow and everything was pretty good, I also love the different arc, i love that it wasn't done in just one place like the usual palace historical drama, but they went to so many different places and encounter so many different people, friends, and so on. it was great, perfect balance. The plot was great, it had a really good balance with everything that was going on, enough suspense, romance, war/fighting. I don't think i found any annoyance in the plot itself at all. There were some very very sad scenes that i probably would have cried about but did get teary eyed for, got my emotions worked up, the story was well put together and balance

The ost, it's my first to give a 10 for a Cdrama ost, the beginning song was amazing, and the ending song, definitely adding that to my playlist, i already went to YouTube to listen to it while on my spare time, that's how catchy, emotional and good it is.

The relationship, well every relationship in this drama lets just say whether family, friend, foe... the cast and writers did an excellent job, you can feel all the emotions between each person. The romantic relationships, i shipped everybody lool, I love all the relationships that was form, the main couple had excellent chemistry, i loved there stranger to friend to lovers =, it was great being on that journey and seeing how they developed their relationship. The second couple, at first i didn't really care for it, but then i felt soo happy for them and i loved there relationship. Both couple had some amazing romantic growth and i loved that.

This part is my favorite part, character development, the MFL Reba/Changge had amazing character development in this, seeing how she was from the beginning to the end it was great seeing how much she matured, even with her relationship with the MML Leo, they never had any foolish misunderstanding, and they were so genuine. Rosy/Leyan she had amazing growth as well, from being a timid girl to being so brave, going through what she did really changed her for the better. The MML Leo/ Ashile Sun I'm not sure if i should say he had character development, he was pretty awesome and remain awesome, loyal and sweet from beginning to the end, i guess the only change would be what he did and then what he wanted to do if that makes sense. SML he had great growth too, i liked his growth it was weird but cute lool.

The Costumes were all fantastic, my favorite were Ashile Sun war outfit, hmm hmm hmm... hahaha, and the Ashile Tribe long hair with braids, it looked soo good, didn't look out of place or too rugged, it worked 100% hahahaha

Cons?! Preference
There is only two cons personally, one is that they blurred the kissing scenes, not a deal breaker or a big deal, so that's why i probably shouldn't even say its a con because with or without it i loved the couples.

The other thing was i kind of wish some scenes that were animated weren't some of them worked and bended in with the real scenes perfectly, but other times there were just a few i wish weren't, but again not a deal breaker or anything just personal preference.


So that's it, i know it's long but it is my honest review after watching this drama, the story, acting, plot, ost i loved them all and have no regrets watching this, Gonna miss Ashile Sun with his tribal hair and clothes... ohhh sooooo cute hahaha

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Almost perfect with story, acting, cinematography, OST, costumes & sets

It's been a while since I've been this invested in a drama of this length and high quality production and I was initially reluctant since I heard that this drama was based on an ongoing comic--and so I feared that the drama would not end satisfactorily since it didn't have the source material to rely on. However, I was pleasantly pleased that this ended up being one of my top dramas (so far) of 2021! And it even made me interested in the comic too.

This drama is an epic journey of Li Changge who seeks revenge for her family but, in the course of her perilous journey of survival and gathering strength, has to decide between personal enmity or national security. It's full of tragic deaths, heartbreaking scenes worthy of many awards, well paid-off reunions, and is a grand dramatic complex story weaving in politics, war, deceit, secrets, and romance.

There's (sometimes brief but) great action, perfect OST (especially haunting vocals accompanying instrumental tracks), strong acting from the famous "mainstream" actors (Dilreba, Leo Wu, Zhao Lusi, etc.) but especially the supporting (and older) characters who play the roles of fathers, mothers, uncles, masters, etc. They were also fantastic and deserve much praise. What ties this altogether is the great cinematography--reminding me of the great cinematography from Goodbye My Princess--as it is imbued with a lot of artistic and metaphor and there are several scenes that left a lasting impression.

I feel like this story and production was almost at the level of Goodbye My Princess--one of my absolute favorite dramas of all time--just that it's not a tragedy. It's hopeful and delivers, I think, a pretty good ending.

There were just a couple things that felt like it was at 98% and not 100% like the way I feel about Goodbye My Princess.

1) Dilraba: I can see that she's an experienced actress and performs everything with technical precision. She is indeed very good and I enjoyed her performance as our main FL. However, perhaps an unpopular opinion, I think the drama would've been at 100% quality if a different actress had embodied the aesthetic and physical look of Li Changge. This has been mentioned before I think but the signature long bangs of Li Changge, on Dilraba's face, made her naturally long face looked even longer and wasn't as pleasing to the eye. At a couple points they even felt annoying as they were just so, ugh. On the other hand, when the bangs were a bit shorter, she looked so much better. So, in my dreams, Dilraba's Li Changge would have shorter bangs for the entire drama or a different experienced actress with a shorter face would play Li Changge.

2) Mimi, Mu Jin--characters and their relationship: I understood their purposes in the story but I have to be honest that I skipped over a lot of their relationship arc. Nothing about their characters nor actors pulled me to care enough. Maybe different actors or if the characters were written a bit differently--I heard that Mimi in the comic is a lot better.

3) There are some emotional lines that didn't draw through to the very end or did not feel organic enough. Ashile Sun and his brother Ashile She'Er. Enjoyed the shift in their dynamic toward the latter half of the series but would've wanted a stronger emotional set-up.

4) The comic scenes: I wonder if this was just due to budget? But I doubt it since they had all these actors and production and sets. I think the comic scenes were intentional to pay homage to the original comic--but it was a bit off-putting because it was not consistent about when it would show up. It just showed up whenever it wanted and then disappear for a while. For the most part, it seemed to cover the war battles that might've cost the production too much or felt unnecessary to drag out. For that, I'm a bit grateful.

Overall, I enjoyed this drama so much, I unhealthily watched it for like three days straight as each episode's cliffhanger had me searching for the next one. I don't regret watching this drama and followed along the suspense each episode and also immensely enjoyed the main couple and second couple's romantic storylines. I hope these actors and production get to reunite again in another historical drama. If not, I definitely know that I've been impressed and will be watching out for their future projects.

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Amazing Drama

I never expected this drama to impress me but it really did. It's more like a political/power struggle/revenge kind of drama with a strong female lead. If you are looking for a lot of romantic scenes and butterflies, you won't find it in this drama but still i ended up loving Li Changge and Ashile Sun. From the very first episode I really liked the plot. The other characters were also really good. Acting was good. Talking about music, i really like the song by zhou shen.


I may not rewatch this drama but it has made it's mark on my mind and it will be on my top 5 drama list for sure.

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Recommended for those who like action drama

Overall, this drama has an interesting story. Each character has their own character development. Actors, and actresses also work hard to bring the characters to life. But even so, I'm sure everyone has their own opinion about the characters they like. Li Chang Ge is someone strong, and seriously, maybe she will be less liked by those who like the main character who is able to act funny. And in my opinion, the character that the audience will hate the most is not Li Shi Min or Gengis Khan but Khatun. Because Khatun is always cunning, and a hypocrite. The music is well done. I love the ending of the drama.

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This was an epic story that truly exceed my expectations.

Albeit some of it's shortcomings (a.k.a) this one scene i found quite predictable the rest of the story made up for it.

I did not expect much from Dilraba cause i've only seen her do romantic tv shows but oh my goodness her performance here was epic. I felt for her, cried with her was in pain with her, happy with her.... You get the point. I felt every damn emotion that she was trying to portray and to me that is something.

It's a pity that there is not one decent kissing scene from her and the main ML (i was looking forward to that or atleast some kind of skinship that will make me feel like they are desperate for each other) but there wasn't i guess that's the tiny bit of flaw that this series had. I wanted to feel the love between the FL and ML, but that fell short for me. I felt the longing when they were apart and there was always tension when they didn't know any better but when all was out in the open and they were constantly together, it went mehhhh. I guess i was expecting more.

But the rest was splendid! As usual, Rosy Zhao did amazing!! (Honestly did not expect any less from her), and to all the supporting cast. There was not a moment that i wanted to skip. I loved this and will definitely watch it again. Would've been a perfect 10 if the romance bit wasn't lacking but everything else...... SO GOOD. You wouldn't wanna miss it!!!

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Dilaraba great performance

This series is about our FL, Dilaraba, a princess that found herself orphaned and as a consequence she starts her journey wanting to revenge her family.. but between various difficulties and encounters, she divert her focus on helping the people she meets, interfering in situations that were sometimes taking her far from her original purpose... to the point her revenge gets moved aside to prioritise other situations... clever move that shows how the dynamic of life can take us naturally where less expected... and the FL was going with the flow. DILARABA is a well established actress with great expression skills of course, but the team she has been paired with is nothing less! The ML, Leo wu doesnt look his age, is very imposing in his role, and it is not just about his s muscles, but his expression, the way he speaks and the make up/costumes that makes him a very credible tribal prince. Another praise go to the second couple, which at times were stealing the trophy to the main couple as both actors are beautiful and great! I LOVE Zao Luzi, i have seen all her costume dramas and i love her cheekiness and comedy side, i find her funny, but this role was a different one for her.. she was perhaps crying too much at the beginning, but as her character was developing episode by episode, she became less of a cry baby and more of an adult able to support herself. Her man, liu Yuning,,, well i am in love with him and the series left me very satisfied with his character and his ending,, so much deserved! The series has a good start and development of events until episodes 40... you are really intrigued by what is happening, there are several unexpected twists of the story that makes the production a good one.. but note that i haven't read the comics where this series is based on, so i cannot comment on the genuinity of the story. From episode 40 i feel the story started to slow down a bit and had put too many details on situations or dialogues, that were not needed. The romance is there, you can see it and feel it... just a note that many have highlighted already... this series is described as historical and ROMANCE and the type of audience watching these type of drama are at least expecting a kiss... but for many reasons that many have already commented on, this was obscured/ covered. Which i disagree. It is satisfactory to watch a kiss, and you don't need to be a pervert to watch it!.. but we got to see nice BIRDS making out.. and if you have watched the series you get the funny reference 😆 🤣 😂 I agree that it is not a kiss that makes the series, but it would have been nice! You can still get the feeling.. but it is different. Overall i will advise people to watch this series if you like to see your favorite actors in this new drama.

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many first

This drama for me is so many first thing that makes me suck into this drama more and more.... The main reason I watched this drama of course dilireba. Usually I quite like her drama. I happy I can watch this drama.

The first thing for me:
- Many scene in here where it's usually CGI replaced by animation. I say it's quite charming & give us some new perspective. Yeah I know the one that became animation is not that important so it can be replace, but still it's also remind us this is from comic not novel like usual ^_^
- The first time I don't detest Rosy Zhao. Sorry for her fans, but usually I don't too like her acting, for me she act intentionally cute. But here I really have to give praise for her. Her acting growing a lot, I really like Le Yan Princess.
- No kiss scene... Hey I read in discussion still kinda not believe it. But after watch it, it's really no kiss scene, yeah the scene is very blurry or very closed, so you can concider it no kissing scene. Wonder what make the kissing scene disappear in this drama :p.

This drama is about journey to find friendship, love, justice, sacrifice for the greater good & most importantly discover yourself. I think in here half of the drama is about finding something/someone. Either it's find Le Yan (LY) or Chang Ge (CG).

Ok now about that character:
* Li Chang Ge (CG): Her journey start when her world crumbling with the assassination of her family by her uncle. In this drama she grow up & learn that not everything as seen by the eye. She grow up from a girl that only want to revenge to find companion & friendship along the way. She discover herself & find forgiveness when everything clear.
* Li Le Yan (LY): She grow up from naïve little girl, who is very protective, to a woman who have a voice & courage to chose her own way. She learn the truth about world outside palace & learn the truth about mankind.
* Hao Du (HD): He start as very robotic military man, who only know to obey his foster father word. Until later he learn to have his own judgment about the whole situation & start to doubt his foster father word. But from the first until the later what he want just for the good of Tang Dynasty so we can't too blamed him :P.
* Wei Shu Yu (SY): The first I saw him as a weak man who doesn't have like his opinion, he like just follow what other said, like his dad of even HD. But later I quite impressed by him when he say heart to heart word to LY before battle Ashile She Er (SE) to rescue LY from married him, his reason is simple because he can't let down LY with giving her hope of marriage with him. Hey not many character in the drama can say this kind of word, usually the writer just let him sacrifice himself in the name saving the beauty :D.
* And of course the last but not least our Ashile Sun (AS): Not many I want to write about this man. This man just the straight up as usual man lead. From the first until the last not much changing in his character.

What I like:
+ Even though not so much romance scene, but the relationship & chemistry between the cast quite there. Especially the determination between AS & CG we really can feel it, how they really respect each other space & decision.
+ Every cast growing from quite naïve about the world into something.

What quite confusing for me actually the politic. Especially in my eyes several minister is quite similar, so it's very hard to differentiate them apart :P.

Overall I really like this drama, but I don't think I'll gonna re-watch it.

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A MASTERPIECE

I have not read the manhua but i have to say, this drama is definitely in my list of all-time favourite dramas! Everything about this drama is just wonderful. All characters in this drama (from the main character up till a tiny supporting role) are so beautifully written. No characters were irrelevant or annoying and i have to say, the lineup of this drama is just 💯💯(they were all such eye candies i am in love).
And i absolutely love how they integrated acting with art!! The cinematography of The Long Ballad is super well done.
Kudos to the writer, director, producer, casts and crew for bringing this masterpiece to the world.
Definitely a must-watch!

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Does The Long Ballad show how powerful love can be, as lovers ignore the cost of love?

This post does contain small spoilers in the text.

The Long Ballad is unique in showing what power love has over a person. Many Korean Drama devotees will remember the Korean Drama ‘Nevertheless’ as a drama showing how one can ignore all the red flags which tells you that this is not a love pathway you need to travel. However, you also learn that your heart can so easily ignore all the warning signs as you steamroll over common sense. The story of The Long Ballad becomes a truly tumultuous journey of love for me of the true costs of love.

The Long Ballad (Song) centers around many true historic figures among the plot. The drama is a Romeo and Juliet story of star-crossed lovers from the Tang Dynasty Period (618-907) who should have been enemies, since their Tribes were enemies and were constantly clashing and fighting each other. Our lovers are Li Changge (Dilraba Dilmurat), a Royal Princess from the Tang Dynasty and A’ Shi Le Sun (Leo Wu) who is Commander of the Eagle Military Division of the A’ Shi Le Tribe. Being the only member to survive the loss of all her whole family in a coup for the Tang Dynasty Throne, heroine Li Changge sets out on a quest for revenge, as she remains loyal to her Tang Tribe no matter what the cost. Princess Li Changge is totally reckless in her quest, ready and willing to give up her life at any time. A’ Shi Le Sun becomes the one who wants that life for himself, and he refuses to let her sacrifice herself, as he constantly goes to her rescue. Li Changge and our hero A’ Shi Le Sun meet by chance while she is disguised as a man, who has full expertise in the Martial Arts. Later, when he finds out that she is a woman, love comes almost instantly, as he admires the bravery and skills of this powerful woman fighter. Even at the potential cost of the danger to his whole Military Division and potential disloyalty to his Tribe because of this love affair, A’ Shi Le Sun can not withdraw his heart to the side of reason.

A’ Shi Le Sun is often physically harmed, disgraced, and even loses his mother to death protecting the only woman he has ever loved romantically, as Li Changge continues on her reckless course. A’ Shi Le Sun tried many times to let go of his love for Li Changge, but he was not able to release himself from this burdened love. Love has full power over you, but so does Li Changge’s revenge and loyalty to her cause.

(When A’ Shi Le Sun’s mother was killed, all I could think of was “Release the Kraken”, as A’ Shi Le Sun went on a rampage of blood, ala Vincenzo.)

Along the way, Li Changge begins to realize the depth of the romantic love A’ Shi Le Sun has for her, as she slowly begins to return his endearing love. A’ Shi Le Sun’s love is like a third uncontrollable character in this love story of The Long Ballad. Every time Li Changge endangers herself A’ Shi Le Sun is forced to pay the cost of sanitizing her world to keep his love in this world. He could do no less. While the cost of loving Li Changge was great, losing Li Changge was a price A’ Shi Le Sun found unimaginable to pay.

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