Finished watching this drama months back but became interested again since I’m watching DD’s new drama. Character wise, both her and Wu Lei did an outstanding job.
I can’t imagine any Chinese actress playing this role. She grows on you. Although, her character being too headstrong was too much, but hey, she was supposed to be 13 in the comics only. So what does she know. Wu Lei accepting this after the original actor dropped out was fate intervening. He was very intense, didn’t even know that he’s only 21. ZLS character was irrelevant to the plot but it’s okay to see her not doing rom-com for once. Even the 2nd male lead acted very well so he deserves to get a project again. This wasn’t just a love story because you’ll be disappointed if that’s the only reason you’re going to watch this. The love between the FL and ML was pivotal but it wasn’t all that. The entire cast did exceptionally well portraying their characters so it wasn’t just on the shoulders of the main leads. The OST was magnificent just watched the documentary on you tube and they should get an award for that. To us international fans The Long Ballad wasn’t a disappointment because it didn’t have the usual stupidity of a so-so palace intrigue that’s common in Chinese dramas. We want smart characters, smart plots and not one dimensional. To be honest I watch more Chinese dramas than Korean ones these days. They have a lot to offer and The Long Ballad is one.