Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Long Ballad, which delivers an epic tale of love, revenge, and political maneuvering set against the stunning backdrop of ancient China, creating a historical drama that will sweep you away with its grand storytelling and breathtaking visuals.
The Long Ballad premiered in March 2021 with 49 episodes averaging 45 minutes each, available on Netflix in multiple regions. This Chinese historical drama is based on a popular webtoon and takes viewers on an epic journey through the Tang Dynasty era. The series masterfully combines elements of historical fiction, romance, political thriller, and adventure, creating a sweeping narrative that spans kingdoms and cultures.
The show explores themes of revenge, forgiveness, love transcending boundaries, and the clash between personal desires and political duty. With its lavish production values, intricate plotting, and strong performances from its lead actors, The Long Ballad stands as one of Netflix’s most visually stunning historical dramas, proving that epic storytelling can still captivate modern audiences when executed with passion and authenticity.
A Princess’s Quest for Vengeance Becomes Something Greater
Li Changge, a Tang Dynasty princess, watches her world crumble when her uncle stages a coup that destroys her family and forces her to flee the palace. Disguised as a man, she embarks on a mission of revenge against those who destroyed her life, but her journey takes unexpected turns when she encounters Ashile Sun, a general from the Eastern Turkic Khaganate who becomes both her greatest enemy and her deepest love.
The Long Ballad excels at showing how personal tragedy can drive someone toward revenge, but also how new experiences and relationships can transform that desire for vengeance into something more meaningful. Changge’s evolution from vengeful princess to wise leader provides the emotional core that keeps viewers invested across nearly 50 episodes.
Li Changge: From Vengeful Princess to Visionary Leader
Dilraba Dilmurat delivers a commanding performance as Changge, portraying a woman whose intelligence, determination, and martial arts skills make her a formidable protagonist. Her character development spans the entire series, showing how someone driven by revenge can learn to channel that passion into protecting others and building a better world.
What makes Changge compelling is her refusal to be defined by victimhood. Even after losing everything, she maintains her agency and fights for what she believes in, inspiring loyalty from unlikely allies and proving that true leadership comes from serving others rather than seeking personal glory.
Ashile Sun: The Enemy Who Becomes Her Heart
Wu Lei brings depth and charisma to Ashile Sun, a Turkic general whose initial antagonism toward Changge gradually transforms into deep respect and love. Their relationship develops naturally over many episodes, built on mutual recognition of each other’s strength, intelligence, and moral character rather than simple physical attraction.
The romance between Changge and Sun represents one of The Long Ballad‘s greatest strengths, showing how love can bridge cultural divides and transform former enemies into allies. Their relationship provides hope and emotional satisfaction while never overshadowing the larger political and historical context of their story.
Supporting Characters Who Shape Destinies
The Long Ballad features a rich ensemble of supporting characters who each contribute to the larger tapestry of the story. From loyal friends who follow Changge into exile to political rivals who become unexpected allies, the series creates a world populated by complex individuals with their own motivations and character arcs.
The show particularly excels at portraying the relationships between women, showing how female characters support each other through political intrigue and personal challenges. These relationships add emotional depth and demonstrate that strength comes not just from individual heroism but from the bonds we forge with others.
When Love and Duty Collide in Epic Fashion
The series reaches its most dramatic moments when Changge and Sun must choose between their personal happiness and their duties to their respective peoples. The Long Ballad builds to climactic confrontations where political alliances shift, long-hidden secrets are revealed, and characters must make sacrifices that will determine the fate of kingdoms.
These pivotal episodes showcase the series’ ability to balance intimate character moments with grand historical spectacle, creating emotionally satisfying resolutions that honor both the personal journeys of the characters and the epic scope of their historical setting.
Success on Netflix
The Long Ballad has garnered international acclaim on Netflix for its high production values and compelling storytelling that makes Chinese history accessible to global audiences. The series’ lengthy episode count allows for detailed character development and complex plotting that rewards patient viewers with rich, satisfying story arcs. International audiences have particularly praised the show’s gorgeous cinematography and costume design, making The Long Ballad a standout entry in Netflix’s collection of Asian historical dramas that showcases the beauty and complexity of Chinese culture.
Perfect Series for Historical Romance and Epic Drama Fans
If you love sweeping historical romances with political intrigue and strong character development, The Long Ballad is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This isn’t just another period drama, but an epic tale of love, revenge, and redemption that shows how individual choices can shape the destiny of nations.
Why This Drama Deserves Your Complete Attention
The Long Ballad proves that historical dramas can be both educational and emotionally compelling, delivering an epic story that combines personal transformation with grand historical events to create television that is both entertaining and enriching.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 49
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2021
Current IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Historical Drama, Romance, Political Thriller
Status: Completed series
Protagonists: Dilraba Dilmurat (Li Changge), Wu Lei (Ashile Sun)
Antagonist: Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong) and various political rivals