One of the best dramas in Cdramaland

If you are willing to invest your time in watching a drama will remain in your memory for the next decade and beyond, one that could possibly change your life (for the better), this could be it.

Key Features of this drama:

1. Unique storyline of a young, smart, fearless, multi-talented Tang Princess falling in love with a romantic grassland General from the Eastern Turk. She will start off wanting to seek revenge for the killing of her parents, but will end up understanding it is more important to put aside self-interest and see the greater good of her people and her nation.

2. Every character was supremely well portrayed by the respective actors/actresses. The beautiful OSTs, and background music will add to arouse the emotion that the director intended, whether it is sadness, anger, regret or joy. You will not only feel those emotions through the actors/actresses' facial expressions, but also hear it through those songs and background music.

3. Set during the time of the Tang dynasty, it moves almost at the 21st century speed. There are very few moments of dullness, redundant dialogue, silly misunderstanding, or needless charactors added to prolong a series. The cast spoke at a very even pace. Not too fast, as if we are watching in the fast forward mode; or too slow to put us to sleep.

4. Choreography. Whilst many of the live battle scenes were replaced by animation, it was well compensated by the excellent choreography of the many one-to-one fight scenes.They are an excellent feast for the eyes that will keep you captivated.

5. CGI. I find some of the CGIs used in this drama rather amazing. Especially all those flying arrows. And there were lots of flying arrows used in this drama, much more than those daggers in House of Flying Daggers (Zhang Ziyi, 2014). If you like those flying daggers there, you will love the flying arrows in The Long Ballad.

6. Iconic scenes. This drama has countless iconic scenes that will remain in your memory for years. Watch it, and you will know what I mean.

7. Excellent screen chemistry. Especially for the first two couples. Some might add, even for the 3rd and 4th couple. This was largely achieved through good acting, rather than kissing or bathtub or bedroom scenes. There was one or two well executed kisses, but by and large, magical connections between actors and actresses were achieved through tender holding of hands, sweet forehead kisses, gentle hugs, subtle eye-connections, large scribbling of name and gentle caressing of hairpin which conveyed just how much one party misses the presence of the other.

8. Life Lessons. The hidden gems of this drama series are the many life lessons one can learn through the adventures and character development of the two princesses. Li Changge sought to avenge her parents, seemingly murdered by her uncle. You read this in the synopsis. By the time the series ended, you will see her learning to forgive; even the person who killed her biological father. In the process, she found healing and closure in her relationship with her uncle. She also learned to forgive two other characters who were constantly trying to hunt her down.

Besides forgiveness, you will find many other important life lessons conveyed through this drama. Lessons of mutual trust and respect between healthy mature loving partners; making personal sacrifices for the greater good of a nation; finding ways to acheive peace instead of resorting to violence to settle conflict and differences. The character Li Changge herself shows us the importance of being brave and courageous, willing to take calculated risks, willing to be humble and learn from one's mistakes. From Leyan, the 2nd female lead, the importance for leaders to get down to the ground, see and feel the needs of the people you lead. Listen to them. Empathise with them.

There you are. I hope this review motivates you to invest your time in watching this excellent drama, and be blessed.

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