The Longest Promise

The Longest Promise

A stunning xianxia romance prequel series to the Chinese Lord of the Rings

6.7

TV Show

China
Mandarin
Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
2023
JIANG JIA JUN
Fang Yilun, Han Dong, Li Mingde
45 min

TL;DR

It looks so cool! But as someone new to the story, I’m not 100% sure I understand things.

What it's about

After his fateful childhood meeting with Chi Yi clan princess Zhu Yan, Kongsang’s Crown Prince Shi Ying is forced into hiding after being framed. Later in life, they meet again, falling in love despite the prophecy and royal factions that doom their romance.

The take

As the prequel to what’s been called “Chinese Lord of the Rings”, The Longest Promise has the stunning sets, costumes, and magic to match, but not the worldbuilding or storytelling. The world of Yun Huang has familiar magical fantasy elements, as well as a royalty romance plotline where different tribes and communities vie for power in the continent. However, the way these elements are introduced makes it hard for new viewers to follow, particularly those unfamiliar with the Mirror book series it is based on. It’s still an entertaining watch, especially for fans of the fantastic xianxia genre.

What stands out

Regardless of whether or not viewers can go along with the story, The Longest Promise undeniably has production value. The show does not skimp on its sets and costumes. Even for short scenes, all the nobility’s robes are elaborately embroidered, meticulously beaded, and had multiple sets that match their respective region’s color schemes. The physical palaces are decked with all the fancy furniture one expects it to have. That being said, the excellence of the in-person sets contrasts so much with the green screen scenes. The CGI varies in quality as the show goes by, but certain moments still strike the eye.

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