The Long Ballad
The Long Ballad
Now Showing

The Long Ballad

8.6
Yr 2021
Rt 45m
Status Ended
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Li Chang Ge's family was murdered by Li Shi Min, the Emperor of Tang, during the Xuanwu Gate Incident. She heads to Shuo Province under the guise of a man with hopes of raising an army to kill Li Shi Min to avenge her family's death. However, as a captain of the army of Shuo Province in Zhangzhou, she loses a siege by the Eastern Turkic Khaganate General Ashina Sun, who takes her to serve him as a personal military strategist.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 85 /100

The Long Ballad was widely praised by drama reviewers for its compelling narrative, well-paced plotting, and strong character growth throughout its run. Critics noted that the series successfully balances historical drama, action, and political intrigue without becoming too light or overly depressing, keeping viewers consistently engaged episode after episode.

Reviewers frequently highlighted the show's rich character arcs, inspirational themes of friendship and heroism, and unique stylistic elements, such as using comic-drawn scenes to supplement live-action storytelling. While a minor critique emerged regarding the main lead couple's chemistry compared to the second leads, the general consensus praised the performances, soundtrack, and overall storytelling quality as a highly worthy watch.

“a well told story that isn't too light or depressingly heavy and each episode has something going on”

“won over me with its inspirational characters and life lessons, strong friendships and bonds, and unique storyline”

“a surprisingly great drama to me”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Plex
US • CA
Rakuten Viki
US • CA
Why fans love it

The Long Ballad centers on a high-stakes power struggle set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty. Following a violent family betrayal, Li Chang Ge navigates a dangerous path of cross-dressing and hidden identity to reclaim her honor. The series blends political intrigue with military strategy as the protagonist shifts from a vengeful daughter to a brilliant military strategist under the command of her former adversary.

The relationship between Li Chang Ge and Ashina Sun forms the core of the drama. Dilraba Dilmurat anchors a performance that emphasizes calculated survival over simple affection. The shifting dynamics between the lead characters develop through a slow burn that prioritizes mutual tactical respect before personal intimacy. This progression, paired with the series' roots in manhua, creates a distinct rhythm that balances large-scale conflict with quiet moments of personal transformation and shifting loyalties.

Production Board

Crew

Comic Book
Assistant Director
Original Music Composer
Writer
Presenter
Signal Match

Similarity

Where The Long Ballad overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

tang dynasty romance cross dressing hidden identity slow burn romance friends to lovers based on manhua
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
March 31, 2021
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
45 minutes
Origin
CN
TMDB Votes
38