THE LONG BALLAD

To be perfectly honest, I only watched this series because the male lead is Leo Wu. I got so impressed by this young actor when he played Fei Liu- the kid martial artist and bodyguard of the main act in the highly-acclaimed, most popular series Nirvana in Fire back in 2015.

Now in this his latest shown series, he plays a general from the grasslands and looks imposingly the part that you would wonder if he is really only 22 years old at the time of the shoot. Anyhow, you can never be bored just looking at him. It must be difficult for casting crews to find a partner suitable to the level of charm and good looks he has. Good thing there is Dilraba Dilmurat, whose legendary beauty could certainly match that of Leo's.

So the first few episodes were kind of common for me after all the Chinese historical and fantasy series I have already watched. Certainly, it could not match my obsession with Nirvana in Fire 1 & 2 series. However, the characters of this series eventually took hold of my attention. You can say it was a slow burn.

Leo Wu, as always, is enchanting in his portrayal of the character Ashile Sun. He looks glorious garbed in his frock with the Eagle helmet that only he has. His character has been consistent from start to finish- dignified, benevolent, protective, strong and decisive. He is the epitome of everything a girl could ever want in a man. I guess, for women who are watching this show, ending up with a man like Ashile Sun will be the ultimate blessing.

Dilraba, as Princess Yongning started out as an annoying character for me, bent on revenge and always putting Sun in a compromising position. However, I appreciate how her character has evolved and became a dependable, trustworthy person- ready to forget personal gains for peace and the people. She is always garbed in a man's clothing, so it's difficult to appreciate her womanly charms and when paired with Sun, doesn't look suitable at all.

The supporting cast are mostly impressive too. Men and women are all good looking and they managed to effortlessly portray their characters to add the right mix of drama and entertainment.

What I want to emphasize though, are the lessons I have come across in this tv series. For one, I love that the humane side of the characters are evident albeit the complication. It reminds me that a person is just is- neither bad or good- until he/she chooses to do bad or good things. And beneath it all, love always wins. When it comes to a choice, they would protect the ones they love rather than persist in trying to achieve their desires- selfish or otherwise.

I also appreciate the display of filial piety, love of country, and loyalty to the tribe. Sacrifices have been made but at the end of the day, nothing matters but that by forgiving, everyone willing to has been given a chance to start anew.

I have read a few reviews on this that expressed disappointment over the supposed "happy ending" of Li Changge and Ashile Sun that was not shown through a wedding or them together on the last few minutes. For me though, it was a fitting ending. Shown in a peaceful setting, living the life they desired. Although there was no wedding to gawk upon, it's easy to assume they are together and as have been discussed by them in the early part of the last episode, what truly matters is that they have each other in their lives.