The Long Ballad (2021)

10/10 no doubt

Wow... I stopped watching dramas for a bit after I dropped "About is Love".

But here I am back again and this drama was literally amazing. Tbh, I really only chose this drama because of its cast, since I'm familiar with most of the actors/actresses. I have never loved historical dramas more :D

For these kinds of dramas, life and death are literally like breathing. Once someone dies in historical dramas, they no longer serve a purpose for the rest of the story, and often times aren't even mentioned at all after their presence is removed.

Personally, I'm someone who likes to see a little more romance, and the leads never had a "real kiss"- there were birds that did that stuff for them. (that may seem confusing, but if you watch the drama and get to that part you'll understand)
Even the support roles had a real kiss...

But the amazing plot and acting made up for the lack of romance. I really wish to see a part two, since I feel that some parts of the story were left unfinished. This drama was crazily good, and I'm glad I watched it. Typically, I don't like watching dramas that are more than 36 episodes long (36 episodes just seems really long for me), since I don't have that much free time. But I just want to say, this drama was definitely worth my time. 100% recommend!!

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Very intricate story plots, compelling cases and reasons

I think this is the best play of Dilraba Dilmurat (Princess Chang Ge) in all of her series so far. She has been progressing very well since I watched her first time in Ethernal Love 1st (with Yang Mi). Rosy Z Zhao playing Princes Le Yan is not bad either, she postures herself to always look beautiful, even though it is not naturally played as well as Dilraba. I'd think Leo Wu (Ashile Sun) and Kudousi (Ashile She Er), JIn Song (Khan) and Geng Le (Li Shimin Emperor) play the best among the actors. Alan Feng (Shu Yu) is the worst if I may say, I cannot see his affection shown to us nevertheless to who he like, this can also be by design. Liu Yining playing Hao Du is even better, we know how he is in agony in liking the one he loves.

I also like the progress of the characters that changes from one state to the other state with compelling reasons, as well as consistency of attitude to solve problems. How the romance been progressing between multiple couples are also storied very well. Kudos to the director that is able to cast the best characters. The writer did a great job with all the saying and discourses between and among characters that become the ground of how they see things, and what they do and accomplish. If you watch the series you will know what I mean!

Just like many Jiang Hu series, there are cases to solve. In this series, cases are separate cases and not much linked one another and never escalate from simple to complex or culmination. However, IMO, cases is built to make compelling reasons that change the characters and change the way the character solve problems and interact with one another. The flashbacks are good to explain many, imo, there are too many hidden plots presented to us. But these are what we like right? Many sweet surprises!

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Outstanding depiction of love and story building

This has to be one of the most rounded, best written dramas out there, with every single episode of 49 episodes enticing and engaging!

Starting off with an outstanding opening song, the story and the characters pull you in with real suspense, great character development and the best written and acted out depiction of a healthy love I have seen. Its a slow burner that gets so strong, that one can easily start to obsess about some of the characters.

Especially the male lead Ashile Sun was written so perfectly, that I can't remember a book, manga or series, where the male lead in a romance plot was written and/or acted out better. The writers outdid themselves and set a new standard.

There is so much to say about this drama. But to sum it up, it delivered something, that most dramas nowadays fail to: something real and a love story unbound to the clichées of late. It's fresh, relatable, admirable and so new. It seems like the whole production is teaching us, what a great story is all about and how it's meant to be done originally: not reheating the same old over and over again and letting fantastic characters unfold themselves naturally and come together naturally instead.

Spoiler:
If not for the missing scene of the two main leads kissing (they blurred it up and instead showed 2 cutesy little birds kissing instead), the missing wedding scene (though they declared each other their spouse, we didn't get to see their wedding) and the happy but half-open ending - I would have given this drama a straight 10.
Spoiler end.

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A rare gem of a drama

I mostly prefer Korean to Chinese dramas and there are only a few Chinese dramas that i would rave to friends about (much less write reviews for), but The Long Ballad is certainly one of them and it truly exceeded my expectations, with fantastic performance from a well-put together cast, a realistic plot with minimal CGI effects (yay!) and some tissue-grabbing moments. There are people out there who lament (quite needlessly, i think) over the lack of kiss scenes between the ML/secondary lead couples, but fail to appreciate that romance is more than powerfully made up for from the body language and words exchanged between lovers. If kissing on the set is the criterion to determine professionalism in acting (even if the genre is romance), i think these viewers have been spoilt rotten by the deluge of kissing scenes in dramas/movies since a few years back and unreasonably place such demands on actresses/actors. Sure, some passionate kisses on scene would have been nice but to be criticized/denigrated for the lack/absence of it? Ridiculous.

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The most Scarred Female Heroin ever && 2nd CP nearly robbed the show~!

Definitely a Must Watch!

Although this drama is not perfect and has its own confusing flow, it surely catered and entertained me all throughout.

Main Flaw - What made it confusing is the fact that the change of reign were mostly off-screened and not all of the characters who were given a title actually appeared on the drama. For example, Prince Qi was never on screen and it took me so much research when the hell did he appeared and what he has done so far for me to know him. Same with how Li Shimin was just a Crown Prince then episodes after he's already the Emperor. Like, How? Where? When? It's very confusing to the point that you'll have to do your research to actually understand what's happening (Because they never explain it properly in the beginning).

Also, I felt so bad for Li Changge/Princess Yongning. It feels like she was there to be hit every episode and most of them are major injuries! Like who the hell survives that? Most of her wound were on her upper body and it made me wonder how did she made it till the end. 😅 Her Stubborness at one point irritated me but I guess this is just how the story goes and those events were necessary for her character growth. At the end, it has proven its worth as she's able to realized her aspirations and was able to free herself from revenge and grudges.

The Sceen stealer of the show!! The greatest CP of all Princess YongAn and Hao Du. Their character development was insane. I started this drama hating on Le Yan for being fragile, weak and a cry baby & Hao Du for being ruthless and unreasonable. But they turned out to be the Dark Horse of this drama. When everything's going north and south, their Couple Scenes stole the viewers interest and they succeeded in literally owning half of the show.

Story - 9.5, IF not only for it's confusing changes of reign this drama is easily a 10 even considering the plot holes and such. Nonetheless, It is a great watch and I truly enjoyed it.

Acting/Cast - 10, Top notched! I mean, Dilraba + Wu Lei + Zhao Lusi is already an all kill for me then they even added Liu YuNing and Alen Fang (Although his character's kind pathetic lol). I only got praises for the actors/actress because they all nailed it. I just wish they didn't use the Kissing Birds for Dilraba and Wu Lei's kissing scenes... Such a waste...

Music - 10, Epic! I love all of it's Soundtracks & BGMs. Like I always says "Ballad will never go wrong". Eargasm and very soothing.

Rewatch Value - 10, IF given a chance I would definitely watch it again and will recommend it to anybody who got interest to such genres. An enjoyable piece.

Overall - 10, despite the plot holes it is an easy 10. No arguments needed. This show just served its purpose and that is to give great entertainment to its viewers. It is indeed a good show to watch.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Pas le pire, mais cela n'est pas loin...

Soyons bref, j'en attendais beaucoup. Si j'ai aimé? Non. Pourquoi m'être infligé 49 épisodes?
Par ce que je suis une fan de Wu Lei et de Luo Zi (Ah.... leur duo dans "Love Like The Galaxy").
Par ce que l'histoire était intéressante.

- 1er point négatif et pas des moindres. Je n'ai jamais accroché avec Dilraba Dilmurat. Je n'ai rien de particulier contre elle (contre personne d'ailleurs) mais je n'ai jamais été attirée par ses dramas, ni par ses rôles. Je ne la trouve ni laide, ni jolie. Je suis partie sur ce drama sans avoir de réel apriori. Ce drama confirme donc que son jeu n'arrive pas à me convaincre. Elle n'a aucune subtilité faciale et son jeu, s'il n'est pas mauvais, n'a pas su me toucher. C'est très embêtant, le drama tourne essentiellement autour d'elle (en même temps, nous retrouvons son prénom dans le titre)....
Son personnage était, sur papier, intéressant, une femme forte et de caractère, mais très vite on se sent frustré par la stupidité de ses actions (principalement dans la première partie du drama) qui reflète l'impulsivité de sa jeunesse et son inexpérience. D'où mon incompréhension sur son "talent" sois disant naturel à convaincre et à séduire des personnages dont le talent n'était plus à prouver. Lorsque Ashina Sun la décrit comme une femme "extraordinaire" je n'ai pu retenir une grimace, un " heu où?....". Je pense que l'on devrait revoir le terme d'extraordinaire....
La deuxième partie nous la dépeint un peu plus mature et moins "bête", mais j'avoue qu'il était déjà trop tard.
Le mal est fait, le personnage déplait.
Par ailleurs, on se plaît à nous la conter en femme forte, intelligente et dont les arts martiaux sont redoutables, permettez-moi d'en douter : tomber dans un piège aussi nul que celui ourdi par le "serviteur" du prince héritier ou bien ne plus savoir se défendre contre deux serviteurs de bas étage va un peu à l'encontre de la légendaire Princesse Yongnim... et ce sont des exemples parmi d'autres.

- Asina Sun.... protagoniste intéressant jusqu'à ce qu'il suive Chang Ge, je dirais crûment les choses, comme un brave toutou. Si dans la première partie, Sun rayonne de par sa prestance et son aura de froideur, dans la deuxième partie tout s'effondre.... Je veux dire, WTH ! : Allooooooo! Ashina Sun apprend qu'il y a un truc qui tourne pas rond avec son père, malade, son père!!! la situation étrange et les actions peu commune de la femme de son père ...Non, non, il préfère roucouler avec sa belle....
Je veux dire, n'est-il pas un dieu de la guerre, loyal à sa patrie, loyal à son père???
Mais rien! il abandonne tout pour un amour qui n'est même pas "abouti", pour une femme qui par sa stupidité a fait tué sa mère....Ahhhh rien que d'y penser, j'ai envie de m'arracher les cheveux.
- La romance? pfffffff alchimie zéro, et je pèse mes mots. Ashina Sun et Chang Ge n'ont aucune crédibilité en tant que couple. Il n'y a pas d'étincelle qui fait battre le coeur comme un acharné, pas de pétillement entre eux. Leur dialogue est soporifique et les moments de tendresse ressemblent plus à des moments entre potes. Quelle déception !
- L'empereur ne sert strictement à rien, que cela au niveau de l'intrigue ou du personnage en lui même..... Nous sommes loin du charisme incroyable de l'empereur of Qing (Joy of life) ou de la drôlerie de l'empereur Wen (Love like the galaxy), pour ne citer que mes préférés.
- Mimi Gulli aussi ne sert à rien.... je n'ai pas du tout aimé son personnage. (Hum....elle peut sacrifier sa vie pour Chang Ge, prendre des risques insensés pour elle, aller au bout du monde pour la sauver mais et son frère? Son frère quoi!!!!).
- Une antagoniste horriblement ennuyante et bourrée de cliché... Et franchement sa façon de parler, on avait envie de s'arracher les oreilles.
- Une OST larmoyante et grinçante (à la limite de la caricature, on se serait cru devant un dessin animé des années 80 quand le méchant apparaissait à l'écran).

Malgré tout, certaines choses m'ont poussée à regarder ces 49 épisodes (sigh)
- Luo Zi. Son personnage aurait mérité un temps à l'écran supérieur. Son évolution était intéressante mais la progression du personnage fut anecdotique et on a du mal malgré tout à s'attacher au personnage.
- Sa romance avec Hao Du fut plus agréable à regarder que celle de Sun et Chang Ge. J'aurais aimé une relation plus aboutie. Le peu de temps qui leur furent accordé n'a pas permis de faire évoluer lentement une relation qui était bien plus prometteuse que la romance principale.
- le lien entre Hao Du et son père, le ministre Du fut mon préféré. On ne s'y attend pas et surtout l'émotion qui en ressort est réelle (et la seule du drama).
- L'arrivée tardive de personnages intéressants mais sous-exploités ( Le maitre taoïste ou le général Li et sa femme...)

Au final, un drama que je ne qualifierais pas de mauvais mais presque. Un scénario mal exploité avec des non sens frustrants et une protagoniste ennuyante....

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The Long Ballad

''The Long Ballad'' The series tells the life of the Great Tang Princess Chang Ge. This series left an impression on me in many ways. The deep sibling bond between Chang Ge and her cousin LeYan is very impressive. Apart from this, the friendship bonds, strong characters, and family relationships in the series impressed me. The fact that it had different content made me more attached to the series. Although I discovered the series late, I watched and finished all the episodes in a short time.

Cast;
The relationship between Chang Ge and Ashile Sun is clearly evident from their actions and facial expressions, how much they care for each other.
The second couple of our series, LeYan and Hao Du, were my favorite couple of the series. The cowardly, weak princess and the tough, ruthless commander.
The leading men in the series were very handsome. Leo Wu and Liu Yu Ning were both handsome and mature.
Three actors I love very much were acting in a series, and this made the series even more appealing to me.
Leo Wu, Liu Yu Ning, and Zhao Lusi are my favorites. Dilruba's acting was also good but I didn't really feel her role in the series.

Rewatch value - 8.0
The series is very good to watch both in terms of the plot and the talent of the actors. But I don't plan on watching it again. But the series had many good scenes that could be watched again. Especially LeYan and Hao Du's scenes.

Overall: 9.5

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Important Facts of this Drama

Honestly this was the first historical drama i have watched and this is the first review i'm doing because i like this drama very much .
So let's start with the positive fact acting of dilireba she performed her role very well and leo wu after watching this drama i searched alot about him in simple i'm in love with him. And the plot Chenge life journey how she traveled throughout the country and face many difficulties independently honestly this give motivation to the girls for me she was a strong girl with a strong character who independently even the loved one Ashile Sun he understood her and even support and being a person being a girl i think every girl have dreams that she want a partner like that i think he is idol and Hao du how he changed just bcz of Li yan .
Now the negative facts i don't think i see any negative facts every worked hard story was Excellent. Hope my first review will be helpful for someone. Hope for the best!

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> I was very hyped about this drama. Always checked for updates. Desperate to see what’s coming next.  

> I loved the cinematography! Loved the way the scenes were captured from every angle.

> I dig Ashile Tribe style. It just looked somewhat different and beautiful and ML always looked amazing .

> The fight scenes were something to watch. The music -- beautiful. I especially loved the comic input.

> The Long Ballad started off at a decent pace. I found it was very captivating. It was upbeat, but 30 eps in and I started to lose interest. In the beginning, without question, I knew what was driving Li Chang Ge ... but soon I was left to wonder what her purpose “really” is.  It got lost in transition and the memento the series started off with was lost somewhere around this time as well.

> The writers tried to make Li Chang Ge into some sort of Godlike saviour, but the way I see it— only the life she deeds important is important.
 
> Overall, the series isn’t bad but neither is it great. I really thought The Long Ballad would have been 2021 “2020 Love and Redemption”, in the sense that, Love and Redemption was such a great hit.

> Maybe I will pick it up again in another year or so. No promises thou. But hey! Go ahead and give it a watch. You all might like it better than I did.

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Quintessential - Deserves more seasons and Epic Movie version

I have my previous review written here, and now I must continue be proud with this series.

Acting.
Chemistry is the key for a great ensemble creating perfect harmony and romancing amazing stories. This one got it, for sure!
The actors and actresses delivers this ripen micro expressions of love, crush, bravery, intrigue, devastation, heartbreak, faith, optimism, timid, malicious, devious, heroic, wit.
Sword fight and Archery performance, flawless. Tear-jerking moments, heart-rending. Endearments moments, flutters hearts. If you’d like to be taken to an adventure, then this is your cup of tea.
It is so exciting to found another great drama works, since a few of my preferences. To mention best two titles thus far was: Secrets of Three Kingdom and The Longest Days in Chang’An. Now we have a third with The Long Ballad.

Costumes, Sets and Props.
It is about adventurous story where most of the scene leads to outdoors. And they were scarce Palaces involves or that grand majestic forbidden city sized Palace. However, the portraying is detailed and well produced. I could’ve swear Ashile Sun’s hair do is my all time favorite here. Even Chang Ge androgyny style is so attractive. Costumes and make-up were fitted perfectly aligned with each character. The Masks are also one of my favorite.

Story.
Well narrated. Eloquent rendition. And unpredictably predictable. It always leaves for more. Like this could becoming a start of invigorating series. Really deserves for more seasons and brought up to movie versions. Fingers crossed. It is a wish (with hopefully the same cast as leads).
The last 9 episodes was astonishing. It’s like maneuvering great journey to the end.
There are a few of awkward scenes, which gives a tad of cringe feelings. Like the fire CGI, would be better if was just smokes and chaos. Then again, during pandemic perhaps it was the consideration. The plague marks were weird too, simple blotch would’ve been okay.
Skinships are only a kiss away. PG-13 Literally. Don’t be let down by it. A Sun’s hugs and affectionate stares is such a great expectations. The same goes with Hao Du angst, despair and sunshine smiles.
Chang Ge is very strong and determined. Focused and sometimes sassy. Dilreba is perfect for this. Le Yan is a becoming princess. Her character is slight similar with Sansa Stark. Evolving with stronger elements. Rosy Zhao bring that charm to screen seamlessly. Ashile Sun is heaven’s matched for Leo Wu. Can’t hardly think anyone would be so perfect to play that role. He did Him justice. Constantly breathtaking. Hao Du is sunshine. Perhaps started of like a grim gray clouds. Then along the way his heart grew brilliant like precious gem stones. Yuning is an immaculate Hao Du.

Soundtracks and BGM.
Suitable and divinely orchestrated. It has all of the emotions components for each scenes. Impeccable.

My favorite top three scenes are: Third would be the kicks off in the first episode. Ball Game. How Heroes meet. Second would be A Sun banishing Chang Ge in order to protect her. First ranking would be all the moments A Sun instantly saved Chang Ge.

Like I said. This drama deserves five more seasons and an epic movie version.

*** previously reviewed
From episode 1, start this curious journey of epic excitement. I am so invested. My chest felt bursting feelings of enthusiasm. This drama is such a casting goals, and you will fell in love madly with both pairs specially. Also the rest of the cast are aces.

Ever since The Longest Day in Chang’An, I seemed to wondered earnestly with titles referring for any production sets during the Tangs’s dinasty and that historical city. Seeking out any action love stories (nothing screams cheesy) drama, well-made and spectacular. And found it here with The Long Ballad.

Chemistry has always been the key for great episodes of drama. Supported with good rendition, well-thought landscaping with wardrobe, make-up and sets, music and all of it just maneuvering with the right direction and coordination.

Most memorable moments is how the love moments being delivered. With patience, passionately.

The two main pairs are incredibly play out modest. However, brilliant with the feelings oozing out their words, stares, gazes, pain, hurt, longing, crush, and divine love. They are great becoming actors and actresses, and hopefully awaits more wonderful projects in the future for them.

Let’s talk pairs up couples. I’ll keep in one sentences.

Changge and Ashile Sun. Steamy couple in a modest way possible, tends to left your imagination gone wild but expected.

Leyan and Hao Du. Devoted Love, arresting.

Must warn for the blood and gore. But honestly, this is a historical genre. And this just one of the bits that done right and makes it gloriously great.

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Roll eyes drama

Whenever I see the lead female protagonist come into action , I’m really rolling my eyes all the way. All she does is “act smart “ , act benevolent , create trouble and others , causing others to die cos of her stupid decisions . She’s really not very intelligent but she thinks she is . This occurs throughout the whole drama and I wonder why the lead actor will fall in love with a woman like her . She should just die in the 1st epi along with her family . Reminds me of another drama love like a galaxy . Not sure why the directors recently like to portray the “strong “ female characters and overdo it . Just so lame .

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