7 Facts About The Long Ballad Controversial Mandarin Drama

The Long Ballad (Photo: Antara/Viu)

JAKARTA - The Long Ballad is a Mandarin drama that has become a hot topic of conversation among netizens because it is full of controversy.

This drama is considered to threaten unity, undermine state sovereignty, and distort history. Perhaps, this controversy provoked so many viewers that The Long Ballad was highly anticipated even before its screening day earlier this month.

The Long Ballad tells of a rebellion led by royal prince Li Shi Min (played by Geng Le). He even tried to kill his brother, Li Jiancheng.

Li Jiancheng's daughter, named Li Chang Ge (played by Dilraba Dilmurat) escaped and disguised herself as a man. Chang Ge hopes to gather an army to kill Li Shi Min and avenge the death of her family.

Before watching the 50 episodes historical drama on Viu, here are some facts you should know.

1. Not a usual drama of revenge

The Long Ballad carries the genre of historical drama, romance, and adventure. Apart from telling the story of Li Chang Ge (Dilraba Dilmurat)'s revenge for the death of his family, you are also presented with a spice of political intrigue with the Tang dynasty setting.

Things became difficult when Li Chang Ge lost the siege by General Ashina Sun (Leo Wu). The female lead is portrayed as being tough and brave in getting what she wants.

Revenge is indeed the main goal of Li Chang Ge, but there are friendships, romances, and betrayals that occur as long as Li Chang Ge achieves her goals. Apart from the unique storyline, the beautiful scenery throughout the drama will spoil your eyes.

2. Drama adaptation of the Manhua comic 

Manhua comic is a comic that originated from China and this term first appeared in 1905. The Long Ballad or also known as Chang Ge Xing is an adaptation of the manhua comic with the same title.

Xia Da is the manhua artist behind the story The Long Ballad. In fact, for this one work, Xia Da was awarded the Golden Monkey Awards for a serial Chinese comic.

The success of The Long Ballad as a comic manhua made it an eye for a television drama. The filming for The Long Ballad itself has started since 2019.

3. Dilraba Dilmurat lined up as the main character

Li Chang Ge is the main character in the drama The Long Ballad. This character is played well by Dilraba Dilmurat or also known as Dilireba. She started her career in acting since 2013 when Dilireba got the main role as Anarhan in the drama titled Anarhan.

Her talent in acting is proved by more than 20 award nominations. Besides being good at acting, Dilireba is also known to have the ability in the field of singing. Most of the songs she sings are soundtracks from the dramas and films she has starred in. However, there is also a song for COVID-19 charity entitled Hand in Hand.

4. Nation's Little Brother is paired with Dilireba

The drama The Long Ballad pairs Dilireba with Leo Wu as the female lead and the male lead. Leo Wu plays Ashina Sun, a general who ends up liking Li Chang Ge.

Leo Wu started his career in China as an advertisement star in 2002. In 2006, he began to try acting on the screen to the big screen. Leo Wu's skyrocketing career has made him included in Forbes China's under 30 Asia 2017 list, for the category of 30 people who have a big influence in their field under the age of 30. In addition, Leo Wu also holds the title Nation's Little Brother in China.

5. The ranks of well-known artists as second leads

It's not just the first leads that grab the viewer's attention. The second lead line on The Long Ballad is equally charming.

Liu Yuning played Hao Du, the general assigned to assassinate Li Chang Ge. Liu Yuning is a singer and actor. He is the lead singer of the rock band Modern Brothers.

Zhao Lusi played Li Chang Ge's cousin named Li Leyan. Although Zhao Lusi is still relatively new to acting, she has won two categories of best actress at different events.

6. Supporting actors that should be anticipated

The acting of the supporting actors also affects the storyline, making the audience even more curious. Another actor and actress who took on another important role was Geng Le who played Li Shi Min, Li Cheng Ge's uncle.

Then there is also a folk singer and actress Sa Ding Ding who fills the character Jing Dan. The supporting cast includes Lu Xing Xu, Allen Fang, Liu Yan Bei, and Chao Xi Yue. Their convincing acting makes the drama of The Long Ballad interesting to watch.

7. A reliable director behind the scenes

Zhu Rui Bin or Chu Yui Bin is a famous director behind the scenes of The Long Ballad. Working with Dilireba in a television drama is not her first time.

They have worked on Eternal Love of Dream. Many other famous actors and actresses have worked with Zhu Rui Bin. For example, in the drama Hot Blooded Youth played by Huang Zitao and Sophie Zhang, Skate Into Love played by Steven Zhang and Janice Wu, and Ashes of Love played by Yang Zi and Allen Deng.