Zhu Yan (2023)

IT IS A 50-50. NOT THE BEST OR THE WORST. NOT GOOD BUT ALSO NOT BAD.

4) this is a series that I had high hopes for and it might be because of the same reason that I feel disappointed after watching the series.

If the story's main agenda and other things are not something you care about and you solely want to watch the drama for the romance or because of some actor, then feel free to choose the story. If not then do consider reconsidering. Some things just made me so fucking triggered and some things were truly beyond something I would understand or even some things were logically speaking complete nonsense.
But then again don’t just drop it because of my review as many have found this drama to be a good one

At first let me make this clear, from the very beginning I was not satisfied by the story. a few minutes into the story you hear the female lead calling the male lead ‘shi fu’ which translates to master. i am not someone who agrees to a story where the master falls in love with the student and if that disturbs you please do not watch the series but if that is not an issue then go ahead and watch the series.
The plus points of the drama include the cast and their acting xiao Zhen did well up to my expectations and Ren Min also did her role well. Some other characters also had notably wonderful acting skills. Then comes the vfx the vfx was a believable one, more than that a good one. The fantastical setting was brought to life with the help of such a great VFX. Some things are enjoyable in this series. The actors look, they look adorable and the costumes and other artifacts used were also elegant. Throughout the story production, an ethereal feeling was preserved.

Now the negatives. The main issue with the story lies in its plot. The plot itself doesn’t have many plot holes and things match up but the plot seems to be too long with useless incidents that were meant to contribute to the character development but then it wasn’t of much use. the way characters react to different emotions and under the influence of different emotions seemed unacceptable to me. (I mean no one would behave like that) then again each character wasn’t well written and thus that affected the overall performance of the actors. The story wasn’t based on and or wasn’t following any main concept. in other words, the story did not have much of any main plot other than the main leads' relationships with each other. the main lead evidently died three times and somehow just resurrected (ok that is fine for once but thrice felt too much for me). the next problem is something related the story just pulls up concepts and facts out of thin air to aid the story. The relationship was also formed based on some incidents only.


All together I cannot say that this was a good drama neither can I say that this was a bad one.

So all the best and happy watching.

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Was kind of okay. The romance in it wasn't my cup of tea.

In the beginning, I had high hopes from the drama. The visuals were pleasing and I was hoping that the leads would impress me. For a while, the story seemed to be going in a good direction, but even I a watcher go tired of the ML's constant rejections. The FL was someone who just couldn't take a no and kept on annoying him to no ends. She just put him on a pedestal and decided to worship him, accepted all his decisions were right and made up excuses for the way she was treated. This is what happened between them for the first 35 episodes. They finally got together in the final 5 episodes for a short-lived romance. It was an open ending, thankfully I got to read the novel ending, where they get married become the Emperor & Empress. When they die they are buried next to each other.

The drama ending reminded me a lot of Love between fairy & Devil. They should have done a better job.

Bai Xue Lu was the most frustrating character to watch. The way she just shamelessly tried to pursue people would have been okay if both of them didn't love other women, who cared for them in return. She didn't even care about her own sister and would have tried to break apart her relationship because she wanted to be empress. The sad part is she did not even want the men, and treated the one man who wanted her shabbily. She liked him but chose ambition over him. Then suddenly she had a change of mind, maybe had a epiphany and decided to become a decent person. Both the Bai sisters got their happy ending.

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I love everything about this drama. Xiao Zhan is a great actor indeed. The music is good and eargasm. I hope they will play it every touching scene because i fell in love with the song. Please someone can give me the title or i can find it on YouTube?

The flowering romance between the two lead is giving me butterflies, though the concept of the master and disciple romance is always used to in most dramas. I yhink they already given us justice with the plotof it.

I also like the second lead A'Yuan. He os a hopless romantic merefolk and also the Sea Emperor. Hope he will realize it soon. As for the other couple XueLu and Qing Gang , hope that they can love each other freely. Hoping also for the character development of that cunning Xue Lu. Shi Yu and Xue Ying also please. I want Chong Ming to have a fl so that he will not be a third wheel anymore to Shi Ying and Zhu Yan. hahahahhaah.

For now i enjoying the friendship between him and Shi Ying because soon they will fight against each other for their own principles and for Zhu Yan. They are destined to be enemy.

Again i love everything about the drama. I don't care what other people are saying about the female lead. If you just gocus on her acting and not on her ,you will see that she is a great actress in the making.

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Patience will pay off

The story, plot is a bit slow and it requires patience. It does get more interesting as the plot slowly unravels keeping the viewers guessing what’s next and who is really a bad character. This drama makes you cry and make you smile in many ways.

I can’t help but think of the Untamed in many of the scenes and some parts of the storyline. The set and costumes are beautiful. I keep watching the teasers just to find the theme plot and almost tempted to read the novel lol. I think all the casts again are great and you really can’t hate any one of them like in “The youth memories” or “Where dreams begin” with XZ. If you have not watched that, check it out, XZ is great and it is a really good storyline!!

Actors:
ML - Xiao Zhan again challenge himself with the drama and consistency proves he is a great actor. He deserves all the credits because no one can act at his level right now. He can play multi-facet roles ranging with emotions from being cold to be loved and to be sad. Esp 35-36 are so memorable and wow, what an actor he is!! Watching the BTS, he directed some of the critical scenes or inserted more memorable scenes to make the script and acting flow better and that was definitely great to watch and appreciate.

Shi Ying is such a great character, he is smart, powerful, decisive, direct, responsible, not needy, loving, honest and caring.

As always XZ didn’t disappoint, his ability to express his emotions, his crying scenes, no other actors can compare. He always takes his acting skills to another level every drama I’ve seen him in and always ingrained himself into each of the different character he plays. Hope we can see more of his dramas or movies in the future and especially can’t wait to see him play a good/evil cute and naughty villain character as he has always said he wanted to be!! He would be great in a character like that!

FL - I think she did a great job and was very complimentary to XZ considering she is young, 21 and new when they filmed this drama in 2021. If anyone watching found her to be annoying and childish, that meant she did a good job and fit her character well. She isn’t the prettiest actress out there, but she can definitely act. She is cute and seems humble too! There were a few scenes that she could have done better with expressing her emotions or acting more naturally, but overall she did good and she fits the character/role.

Supporting casts - they all did good, but 2nd male lead (Alen) was memorable and his character was good. He acted well too! He should get more attention and gigs after TLP and so will all the other casts.

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Fantastic Xianxia drama with a great performance by Xiao Zhan

After having seen more than half of all episodes, I can confidently say that The Longest Promise is truly a great drama. It's indeed strong in all important aspects:

– Storyline

While it takes an episode or two to fully understand the setting, from then on it's a captivating story with good setups and payoffs, never letting plotlines drag on for too long but also not cutting interesting story elements short.

– Characters & casting

The stars of the show, Xiao Zhan as Shi Ying and Ren Min as Zhu Yan, are the heart of the show. Shi Ying is the tragic center of the story, while the character of Zhu Yan adds the necessary sweetness and a bit of lightheartedness to the story. Especially Xiao Zhan's performance of Shi Ying brings a lot of nuance and heart to the character.

The supporting cast is also very strong: they are well acted and all have their own motivations, ambitions and struggles. They are all written 3-dimensional and make the world and its inhabitants seem more alive (with the only exception so far being the Ice Clan).

– Visuals & CGI

This series is simply beautiful to watch. Sets, costumes, lightning, fight choreography, "magic", CGI background and creatures - they are all masterfully done and really work well with each other. For that alone it's a great watch.

– Music

I often don't notice music, even when it's well done. In this drama however I often notice music in a positive way, consciously realising that it improves the scene I'm watching even further and motivating me to go back and watch the scene again.

All in all a great drama to watch for any fantasy fan, and definitely a must-watch for any xianxia drama fan.

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Why must you watch THE LONGEST PROMISE!

The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is a mesmerizing costume drama masterpiece that demands the attention of every drama and novel enthusiast. This epic fantasy adventure is a testament to the extraordinary talent of Xiao Zhan and other actors and the visionary creativity of its production team. With its captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and brilliant performances, this drama stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the realm of Chinese dramas.

1. Enchanting Storyline:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan takes viewers on an enchanting journey through a world filled with cultivation magic, love, and self-discovery. The intricately woven plot follows the character portrayed by Xiao Zhan as he embarks on a perilous quest to save his country and protect the important person in his life. The narrative effortlessly combines elements of romance, action, and fantasy, creating a riveting and immersive experience for the audience.

2. Visual Spectacle:
From the very first frame, The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan captivates viewers with its breathtaking visuals. The cinematography transports you to a realm where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy. The drama's stunning landscapes, intricate costume designs, and imaginative visual effects create a feast for the eyes. Each scene is meticulously crafted, showcasing the attention to detail that went into the production.

3. Xiao Zhan's Exceptional Performance:
Xiao Zhan, known for his exceptional acting skills, delivers an extraordinary performance in The Longest Promise. He effortlessly embodies the complexities of his character, showcasing a wide range of emotions throughout the film. His portrayal is nuanced and captivating, making the audience empathize deeply with his journey. Xiao Zhan's on-screen presence and charismatic performance are undeniably a highlight of the Chinese Costume Drama.

4. Emotional Depth and Themes:
Beyond its dazzling visual and narrative prowess, The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan delves into profound themes that resonate with the audience. Love, sacrifice, self-discovery, and the pursuit of destiny are expertly explored, creating a tapestry of emotions that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Even from just 20 aired episodes this drama successfully tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impact and provoking introspection. There are more exciting, heartbreaking, and sweet moments in the next episodes to come. So excited until its last episode (40).

5. Cinematic Excellence:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is a testament to the artistic brilliance and technical expertise of its production team. The seamless blend of CGI, practical effects, and exquisite set designs elevate the drama to a whole new level. The attention to detail, impeccable sound design, and skillful editing contribute to an immersive cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Conclusion:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is an unmissable drama experience that showcases the pinnacle of Chinese drama-making. With its enchanting storyline, breathtaking visuals, exceptional performances, and profound themes, it is a true masterpiece that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, or romance, or simply appreciate exceptional storytelling, this drama is a must-watch. Prepare to be transported to a world of cultivation magic, wonder, and emotional depth that will leave an indelible mark on your Chinese Drama journey.

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Their Love is True but Their Fate is So Painful

I really love this drama even the ending is not very satisfying but the storyline is very interesting. At least in the end Shi ying still kept her promise to Zhu yan. Slow-burn Romance between Shi ying and Zhu yan is very good as a master and disciple. It is very sad to love someone we cannot love. Shi ying is a very good character because he still believe that destiny can be changed with effort, with the power of love even though it can't be changed even Shi ying doesn't waste the time to be together with the person who he love.

It's been a long time since I finished this drama but until now I still can't move on. I think maybe because their story is so tragic, too sad and so many challenges happened that it is still scarred in my heart. All actors did a very good job. The chemistry between Xiao Zhan and Ren Min is undeniable. They really did a good job. They are so cute together. I hope there will be another project for them. ?

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Lame!!!

Finally! It took 9 months to finish this series. Almost going to drop it. I had a great hope last year when I start, first is because of Xiao Zhan and the good ratings (back then).
40 episodes is way too much! And the female lead, bad selection to give this role to this actress!
The story line is all over the places, not sure what is the focus of this series? Is it love? Is it the war between Kong San and Melfork? Is it the long waiting time for the sea emperor? Is it about who get the throne? No focus at all!
in the beginning it seems like it is about Shi Ying return to get back the throne, but shift to Zhu Yan the stubborn girl.
I never saw this actress playing Zhu Yan before, so my opinion on her is solely according to her acting in this drama.
1. This Zhu yan character is really stupid and far beyond like. When the Sumo real sea emperor said : I want revenge, can she said that revenge is not good instead of teaching a stupid magic to send a "bird" to his mother??
Then when Sumo suddenly "sick" is this Zhu Yan so unknowledgeable to even don't know anything at all?? she think bring this to a normal doctor will help?
2. The actress acting is really terrible, especially episode 1 to 25. When she act happy, the smile ( the mouth, lips stretch like being forced) very unnatural and doesn't seems like happy at all. And this is happen many may times
When she cried, there's no tears at all. When she "act" with a wah sound her eyes is not "wah" she tried with the fake open happy mouth but it failed terribly.
When she "fight" every time need to spread her 2 hands whenever go down or do some magic action?
She always use a stuntman in every fighting (only rolling the body, not even falling down).
And her face so big, not suitable for the outfit?
This actress suitable for maybe police roles, her dub voice so sweet, but it does not suit her at all.
The actress playing Xue Lu is a better choice for Zhu Yan role.

So many unnecessary misunderstanding. This Zhu Yan isn't she always have big mouth and said what she think and feel??? Why when she heard her master want to leave priesthood she can't just ask him?? She suddenly have a change of character after the 30 episodes of very annoying character that worth a slap.
All the stories will not happen if this Zhu Yan did not do her stupidity since she was a kid until she is grow up.

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I see it two times

I really like the story and overall acting. Now, I am waiting for season 2. I am from Bangladesh, after seeing this series I really start to like Xiao Zhan. I like to see more series from xiao zhan like this. And he is so cutie. I like his acting and after seeing this series I saw the Untamed which made me so emotion. At least 2 times I saw it. Again I want to see it. The longest promise is best action, best romantic. I think I almost finish the drama from Xiao zhan, I am waiting for new drama. In traditional customs, Xiao zhan so cute. I feel like I am crush on him.

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This show deserves a better rating

It's actually 43 episodes.

I give this show a 10 to contribute to raising its rating, it certainly deserves more than a 7.9. At least 8.2 at a minimum. I've watched an 8.7 (One and Only) & an 8.9 (Love Like The Galaxy) that were down-right boring compared to this.

I read in another review it's a "refreshing take on xianxia" and I agree. The two leading characters are mortal, which makes a change for a xianxia, and makes their time all the more precious (as well as their sacrifices). The story, too, is refreshing in it's way and full of suspense. The disciple-master relationship developing into something romantic is nothing new but this one seems different.

Zhu Yan has some very satisfying character development from her childish younger self and a good deal of independence. Shi Ying is the seemingly aloof master while still being very in-touch with his emotional side. And Zhi Yuan is the selfless, gentle but powerful third lead who carried half the show. His character is so endearing you never tire of seeing him, with a sprinkle of Chong Ming to keep things lively.

The story starts a little cliche but gets a lot better later on and becomes something to be truly invested in and enchanted by. The ending was a little rushed and some explanation was lacking, but the final fight was a pleasant suprise as the show goes into full xianxia mode.

My only qualm is that Ren Min and Xiao Zhan sometimes failed to convey strong-enough emotion in their expressions for the circumstances they were in. But I love the whole cast, Alen Feng was a favourite in this one and it's great to see Xiao Zhan in a fantasy show again. I only give the rewatch value a 6.5 because a lot of what holds you in on this show is the suspense which is gone on a rewatch.

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Let down during the final episodes

I wanted to like this drama so although it wasn’t outstanding during the first half, I still found joy in seeing the ML’s subtle expressions in keeping with his loner persona. Unfortunately, the last few episodes spoilt it for me.

First, it had the classic mysterious open ending which is a pet peeve of mine.

Second, the storyline after the ML was resurrected felt very disjointed and forced. I would have rated this drama higher if they ended it then and tied up all the other loose strings for the other characters. But, the story decided to give another conflict for a dramatic ending which felt almost humorous when the evil spirit kept going into different bodies. The interaction between the ML & FL also suffered and I cringed every time they looked at each other in surprise or worry whenever they were faced with something new.

What I did like about the drama was the production quality. Sets looked good and outdoor scenery was gorgeous. CGI was a bit of hit and miss but generally ok especially during fighting scenes. I generally don’t comment on make up but really liked the eye make up for the Merfolk. Nice and subtle but enough to show they are different.

Another good thing about this drama is that it didn’t push the jealousies tropes. Although there was a SML, I liked his attitude towards and interaction with the FL. The character of the scheming princess was one I also liked as I enjoyed her being fleshed out as someone not purely evil but as someone who also does care. The actress playing this role did it wonderfully and I looked forward to watching her expressions to see this changes.

The FL’s acting was acceptable to me but I didn’t like her hairstyles and that kept getting in the way of me seeing her as a good match to the ML. When she had a fringe, she looked like a little school girl and it made her face look rounder. When it was swept to the side during the later episodes, it looked plastered down and like a wig instead…

As for the ML, I am biased as I am a fan from his work in the Untamed. While some see him as expressionless, I see the subtle changes in his eyes which the director does well in close ups. It was nicely contrasted with more carefree actions and expressions during the time he lost his memories. So if you are his fan, give this drama a go. Otherwise, best to skip it.

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