Dream of Chang’an (2021)
A riveting Chinese historical drama set during the Xing Dynasty. Follow Emperor Qi Yan’s journey through intrigue, romance, and political machinations.
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Info
| Original Title | 与君歌 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 49 |
| Duration | 45 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2021 |
| First Air Date | August 8, 2021 |
| Last Air Date | August 31, 2021 |
| Broadcast Day | monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday |
| Network | Mango TV |
Trailer
Synopsis
In the 9th Century Tang Dynasty-era China, the Emperor is locked in a deadly power struggle with a group of formidable eunuchs who wield enormous power at court. He strikes back by ordering the death of their ringleader Qiu Shi Liang. But the mission is botched. The eunuchs get their revenge by murdering the Emperor’s loyal first minister, along with his entire family. But his twin daughters, later known as Cheng Ruo Yu and Qiu Yan Zhi, escape. The Emperor is determined to rid the scourge of the eunuchs once and for all, and Ruo Yu pledges her life to help him do that – even if it means throwing herself in the path of danger. The duo forms a romantic bond as they get closer. But will the Emperor still trust her when he discovers her true identity – and her connection to his mortal foe?
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Editor's Review
A Riveting Historical Drama
Note: This review contains no spoilers.
“Stand by Me” (2021) is a captivating Chinese historical drama that weaves together intrigue, romance, and political machinations. Set during the Xing Dynasty, it follows the life of Emperor Qi Yan, portrayed by the talented Cheng Yi. As a fan of Cheng Yi, I eagerly anticipated this drama, and I’m pleased to say that it didn’t disappoint.
Plot and Characters: The story unfolds in a fictionalized version of Tang-era China, where power struggles, loyalty, and hidden agendas shape the lives of the characters. The drama introduces us to a web of relationships, secret identities, and conflicting loyalties. Each character has their own mission, and as viewers, we’re left wondering who is the enemy and who is righteous. The scheming adds depth to the plot, keeping us engaged throughout the 49-episode journey.
Cheng Yi’s Performance: Cheng Yi shines as Emperor Qi Yan. Known for his multifaceted portrayals, he delivers a vastly different side of himself here—the cold, ruthless, and sensual ruler. His chemistry with Zhang Yu Xi, who plays his significant other, is palpable. Their reunion after “Love and Redemption” adds to the drama’s appeal.
Production Values: The drama’s production quality is commendable. Filmed entirely at Hengdian, the sets and costumes transport us to ancient China. The art direction and set designs are visually appealing, and the attention to detail reflects the Tang Dynasty era. While the technical execution is generally solid, there are occasional editing and dubbing issues, likely due to the change in settings from Tang to Xing Dynasty.
Behind the Scenes: The drama’s original title, “Dream Awakening Chang’an,” underwent changes due to censorship requirements. The shift from Tang to Xing Dynasty altered the historical context, but real-life figures and events remain woven into the narrative. Notably, the Grand Eunuch Qiu Shiliang and the Ganlu incident find their place in this fictional tale.
Conclusion: “Stand by Me” is a must-watch for historical drama enthusiasts. Cheng Yi’s versatility, the intriguing plot, and the overall technical execution make it a standout production. Whether you’re a fan of romance, politics, or rich character development, this drama has something to offer. So, settle in, immerse yourself in the Xing Dynasty, and let the chess game of power unfold. Checkmate, indeed!