On July 2nd, “The Longest Promise” premiered. Directed by Jiang Jiajun and starring Xiao Zhan and Ren Min, this fantasy romantic love story captivates without the need for lengthy world-building narration.
“The Longest Promise” begins with a retrospective narrative of the female lead Zhu Yan (played by Ren Min) fleeing from her wedding. It then delves into the main storyline of the male lead Ying Shi (played by Xiao Zhan), who was framed, faked his death, and left the palace during his youth. The intertwining of their growth and fate unfolds as they meet at Jiuyi Mountain's celebration.
Since its debut, this drama has engrossed viewers with its lively storytelling pace, providing them with a rich blend of humor, sweetness, and heart-wrenching moments. Combined with a fresh worldview and Eastern fantastical aesthetics that enhance the audiovisual experience, “The Longest Promise” has become a focal point of discussion on social media platforms.
The Eastern fantasy colors in “The Longest Promise” are not only superficial but also ingrained in its essence. Behind the immersive Eastern aesthetic ambiance lies the emotional core that shines brightly, the mortal struggle against destiny undertaken by Ying Shi and Zhu Yan illuminates their captivating bond.
Eastern fantastical aesthetics & highly saturated emotions
When Zhu Yan first met Ying Shi, she wanted to pick flowers to give him in order to learn magic. Soon after, Ying Shi's life took a tragic turn as he fell from the clouds and concealed his identity in Diwang Valley, dedicating himself to cultivation at the valley bottom. He was described by Chong Ming (played by Li Mingde) as a “living dead” until he encountered Zhu Yan again.
In Episode 8, they built a bridge of hearts together for survival but ended up delivering their true feelings during their mission. Zhu Yan reminisced about her joyful past while contrasting with Ying Shi's inner solitude and desolation.
When Zhu Yan spoke of “meeting you,” the bridge of hearts bloomed magnificently, green leaves entwined and grew freely towards the other side. The growth and transformation of the bridge reflect Shi Ying's heart awakening like an old tree rejuvenated in spring, nurturing love within.
The protagonist's emotional state is intricately linked to the growth of plants in nature, a visual representation that brings forth the concept of harmony between heaven and humanity from traditional Chinese culture into reality within “The Longest Promise.”
Eastern people possess profound and introverted emotions that are often projected onto external objects. In subtle fermentations, intense emotional releases occur, an astonishing visual spectacle where one's heart blossoms vividly, taking significant steps forward in portraying delicately nuanced emotions between the main characters. This is a unique form of romance found only among Eastern cultures.
Behind this outstanding standout scene lies “The Longest Promise” consistent adherence to its Eastern fantastical aesthetic system throughout its entirety. It establishes its worldview based on Chinese traditional culture and fantasy novels while emphasizing resonance and integration with elements from nature.
The world-building in “The Longest Promise” is vast indeed. On a continent known as Yun Huang, people from different tribes such as Kong Sang Clan, Jiao Clan, and Bing Clan have resided for generations.
The Kong Sang where Shi Ying resides consists of the Didu, Jiuyi County, and the Liu Bu. Undercurrents flow among different ethnic groups, with Zhu Yan being a princess from the Chi Tribe within the Six Departments.
Moreover, elements such as Yun Huang Continent, Jiuyi Mountain, Jiao Clan, and Bing Clan are all derived from records in the Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), providing credibility and a sense of immersion to this fantastical realm.
Surrounding this world, the drama has created the immortal treasure of Jiuyi Mountain with an ink-washed style and the distinctive Chi Clan in the vast desert. The former is ethereal and mysterious, while the latter is hot and expansive. The closest to reality is the Imperial Capital of Kongsang, which embodies a fusion of courtly elegance and bustling city life.
It's worth mentioning that at the beginning of the series, there is a stunning scene set in Tianji Wind City. This scene was shot on location by the creative team, combining natural geological landscapes of deserts and gobi with post-production special effects.
In addition, the costumes and styling of characters are dynamically tailored based on their regional backgrounds and personalities within a foundation of new Chinese aesthetic style.
For instance, when Shi Ying portrays himself as Crown Prince he exudes an air of nobility; when practicing magical arts in a valley he appears elegant with layered garments in shades of gray and white; whereas after falling in love his attire changes colors according to his state of mind. Zhu Yan's clothing makes a visually striking impact with its vibrant red tones that embody exotic charm while reflecting her passionate nature.
Furthermore, prop designs such as jade umbrella and jade bone play significant roles throughout as they witness and symbolize the development and evolution of romantic relationships between our male and female leads – perfectly harmonizing conceptually with aesthetics drawn from Eastern traditions.
The ensemble cast breathes life into captivating storylines
If visual aesthetics captivate viewers' attention towards “The Longest Promise”, then it is through its vivid ensemble cast that this drama captures audiences' hearts. While constructing an imaginative Eastern fantasy world, it also delves deep into character growth with unwavering commitment.
Amongst characters in this drama lies, most complex one is Shi Ying himself who showcases different facets almost every episode. As a young crown prince, Shi Ying is adored by the masses and possesses charm, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
Later on in the Diwang Valley, he appears reserved and dignified. However, when engaging in verbal sparring with others he can be both petulant and cunning.
Upon learning of his mother's death, he experiences self-blame and undergoes intense emotional fluctuations that influence the weather patterns of Jiuyi Mountain. Despite this turmoil, he remains true to his inherently kind-hearted nature and refrains from wanton killing.
The fair and candid countenance of Zhu Yan, with her lively and chirpy nature, epitomizes the archetype of extroverted individual, perfectly complementing Shiying's character. From a young age, she defied prejudice and as she grew older, remained defiant against advice, always seeking adventure in forbidden territories. She frequently encountered extraordinary experiences and sudden challenges; however, she possessed the remarkable ability to turn danger into safety. With her radiant and fiery personality akin to that of a small sun, she managed to open the desolate heart of the male protagonist.
What sets this drama apart from other romance cdrama is not only its focus on romantic relationships between men and women but also its emphasis on characters beyond just the main couple.
Characters such as Bai Xuelu (played by Wang Churan) and Bai Xueying (played by Lu Yuxiao), who are sisters, along with Dasiming (played by Han Dong) and Chongming have distinct identities that make them easily recognizable. Each character has their own logical approach towards actions.
Besides romance, “The Longest Promise” also presents multiple emotionally resonant relationships such as mentor-disciple bonds, sisterhood bonds, friendships etcetera.
Dashiming admires Empress Bai Yan (played by Zeng Li) wholeheartedly strategizing meticulously nurturing Shiying for vengeance so that his disciple can eventually reclaim Jialan's throne; however Shiying's values and true intentions lead him to abandon revenge in favor of fulfilling his mother's wishes, dedicating himself to spiritual cultivation and abstaining from worldly affairs.
Other characters such as Zhiyuan (played by Fang Yilun), Qinggang (played by Wang Ziqi), Chongming, and others also have their own captivating stories. Zhiyuan acts as the first warrior of the Jiao clan, listening to Zhiyan's innermost thoughts and tenderly protecting her as she grows up.
Qinggang, a stern general and son of the King Qing, becomes entangled in conflicts between various tribes but steadfast in his upright character and refrains from doing harm; as for Chongming, an ancient phoenix who has lived for ten thousand years appears youthful but claims to be old – he only flaps his wings for his beloved friend Shiying.
It can be said that each character is relatable and understandable to the audience while the successful portrayal of this ensemble cast determines its ability to captivate a wider range of viewers.
The spiritual core of The Longest Promise
Fate is an integral part of this Eastern fantasy worldview. The repeated portrayal in “The Longest Promise” revolves around a sense of destiny. However, through depicting fate, this drama actually aims at conveying that everyone has the power to break free from its constraints, advocating for one's freedom of will and promoting defying destiny itself.
Firstly, both Shi Ying and Zhu Yan are not gods despite being referred to respectively as Kongsang Prince and Chi Clan Princess. Their shared destiny is rooted in human nature with layers upon layers of accumulated causes and effects.
Shi Ying does not have the ability to change his destiny. He escapes death by feigning it, but it also brings the backlash of fate. However, Shi Ying's attitude towards Zhu Yan is: “You may kill me in the future, but there is no reason to kill you today when you are innocent.”
Naturally, this will lead to further entanglement and trouble, but Shi Ying still chooses not to kill. Fate oppresses him, yet Shi Ying believes that man can conquer destiny. This is a noble sense of belief, an interplay between humanity and divinity. Shi Ying defies his predetermined fate for his true self, for love, and for all living beings. Apart from the male protagonist himself，everyone else is also writing their own destinies in their own ways.
Zhu Yan learns magic as a girl; on her wedding day she runs away in pursuit of freedom and true love. Bai Xuelu receives little recognition within the Bai family despite her talent; although initially wanting to marry into royalty to clear her mother's name, she eventually lets go of her obsession and displays her martial prowess openly, choosing Qing Gang instead; Shi Yu (played by Ye Shengjia) only wants to be with Bai Xueying but becomes entangled in power struggles.
They all endure the hardships imposed by predestined fate while striving to break free from societal constraints, attempting to seize control over their own destinies. The power of fate may be formidable, but it cannot extinguish the radiance of human nature; fate itself is also filled with variables, and the growth and efforts of the protagonists are rewriting causality, shaking the wheel of destiny.
The struggle between willpower and fate in “The Longest Promise” brings about intense dramatic tension. The fusion of fantasy romance, defying predetermined fate, chivalrous spirit, and patriotism runs throughout the narrative. The profound essence of “The Longest Promise” lies not only in its Eastern fantasy aesthetics but also in its powerful and inclusive core.
