BK NG – Google

3 star because the plot just goes on and on about how most of the characters in the show manipulates others for their own personal motives that it got abit stale after a while (and yes, I am disgusted by them too even the seemingly righteous characters who think they plot for the greater good), considering this is a 70 episode long series. What I do like is the fact that the male lead is unlike the typical princely knight in shining armour. Instead he's abit of a martyr complex personality who will whine and weep to get out of sticky situation. And sacrifice his happiness in view of bigger picture without appearing too self pitying and clingy. The actor Chen Kun did great in the portrayal of the 6th Prince Ning Yi too. Unlike others, I actually don't mind the ending because the male and female leads appear better partners in crime rather than in a love relationship. They are pretty chilled on the love line in the series, given they have own personal agenda to achieve. It's not an easy watch I have to say, does require fair amount of patience on my part. It does get abit tiresome on the 3rd segment of the show which focuses on the female lead's legacy and birth.

The drama is pretty lengthy, but thanks to the cringy sub-plot on Dilireba's Bai FengJiu and Dong Hua's romance which I simply cannot stomach, i fast forwarded all their parts and get through the 58 episodes fairly well. Yang Mi's act as Su Su, Bai Qian and SiYin are good and believable and I'm able to tell them apart in their respective segments. Mark Chao is remarkable too in his roles and I can resonate with his struggles. The other supporting casts are interesting too with good subplot which I enjoyed. A pretty enjoyable drama to pass time in leisure.

The drama title The Long Ballad lives up to its name - it's really long and a tedious watch, if I may add. I caught it because of Dilireba but find somehow that her fit is a bit off in this drama. Her acting are apt and good but maybe the focus of this whole plot are pretty wide and scattered amongst the various cast members, so making the whole drama watch quite draining. It did not work for me. I still like more laser-focused plot such as Nirvana in Fire. I ended up fast forwarding the whole drama after episode 10+ just to catch the few scenes of the second female and male leads who I think have a much easy-to-relate plot as well as better chemistry. They are easier on the visuals too, both look and feel like their role in this Tang ancient drama. My biggest gain from this drama is really getting acquainted with the Liu Yu Ning (who played Hao-du) -- he's really a singer and a very good one esp in OST - very cool music maker in reality!!

It’s the best coming-of-age dramas for me. I watched this after finishing “A Love so beautiful” but the vibes from the 2 dramas are really different. This one focus more on friendship, parent-child relationship and studies issues which are very real and relevant even in today’s times. I can definitely relate and empathize both as a child to my parents and being a parent to my teenage kids. It actually reminded me more of Kdrama Reply series namely Reply 1988 but this one is alot closer to my heart because the 1990s trend (ie Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok, Japanese manga Dragon Balls, Slam Dunk and those Jin Yong wuxia novels, etc) presented is what I’m familiar with, compared to Koreans. I have a great time reminiscing my past youth. The drama crew did a great job 1. Acting by the cast is on point and natural 2. I like it they appear simple as school kids and not overly made up or “flowery”. 3. Each of the 24 episodes has relevant theme and it’s not at all draggy Despite some stating that the ending is bad, I really beg to differ. It’s up to individuals to interpret. I thought the ending is quite fitting and not at all bad. Watch it!– the journey the drama brought us on is beautiful!

Great storyline in this drama and recommended to watch WITH the condition to overlook some loopholes which undermine human intelligence esp during fight or flight situation. If not for that, it will be a perfect score. Nonetheless, the plot is good, the cast did a superb job and the acts are well paced without much lag. It's a thrilling 10 episode drama that seems more like a movie film with unexpected heart-wrenching moments towards the end.