The Longest Promise

I was really hooked around episode 8

I'm a Wuxia fan but I always enjoy a great Xianxia, and this happens to be one of them. Xiao Zhan is an incredible talent. Xiao Zhan is a consummate actor, able to play any role and become that character. I had just finished his beautiful & latest drama The Youth Memories 2023 not too long ago, where he played the confident, assertive, and gregarious Xiao Chun Sheng. That drama was a slice of life/coming of age. In The Long Promise, he played Shi Ying, a loner, calm, quiet, and introspective with a tragic past. Very few artists can reach that depth of acting in two totally different types of characters as successfully as Xiao Zhan has.

The overall story is solid and the chemistry between all characters is excellent, it's not just 2D between ML and FL so that's another really strong point about this drama that many other dramas lack... The different relationships between all the characters and their character growth. I loved Gen Qing & Yuan. Chong Ming kept me smiling though.

I wanted to add that at first, I was skeptical about the FL because she's not a big-name star but she stepped up to the plate and played Zhu Yan wonderfully. A young, strong girl, who stands up to bullies even if she has to face adversity, and isn't afraid to show her true emotions. I always found little games like playing hard to get so annoying in other dramas (pet peeve) but that isn't the case in this drama. There is angst though, that's Xianxia for you, but the silly games that are annoying are not present in this drama.

Finally, the CGI, cinematography, and fighting scenes are so well done. The usage of natural geological landscapes is stunning. Scenes have a Zen-like quality. My favorite parts are usually the marital arts scenes since as I said, I favor the Wuxia genre. They were seamless and fluid, with great choreography. The color, the lighting, and the movement were done very well. It's just a stunning visual treat from beginning to end.

Highly recommended., especially if you love Xianxia.

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.

I have waited to see half of all episodes before writing a review, but now I can confidently say that this is a great drama series! It shines in may 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 inhabitans 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 imroves 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 definetly a must-watch for any xianxia drama fan.

This is the best xianxia drama I've watched after a long time! Xiao Zhan brought Shi Ying's character alive. Quality drama means an engaging plot and storyline, the directors, scriptwriters and actors who aim for perfection and of course the ability of the leads and supporting actors and actress to captivate the audience with their presence on screen. The longest promise is not only centered in romance, but the love of the country and humanity. Xiao Zhan is not merely a traffic star, he has become an actor with strong presence on screen. I am watching this for the second time, it's that good!!

The longest Promise is a love story recently broadcasting in China. The male character, a prince who was framed and had to exile since he was a teenage, then grew up becoming the most charming, skilled chivalrous was portrayed by Xiao Zhan. He is absolutely stunning in this C-drama. I hardly can move my eyes away from him while watching this drama. His elegant physique, empathic acting and handsome face are irresistible. The story line is very exciting and the special effects are absolutely wonderful. I've never seen any C-drama having such a grand, awesome scenes along the show. I guarantee anyone who starts watching this show will fall in love with Shiying, the main male character.