LayarHijau– The Chinese costume drama The Vendetta of An (長安二十四計), starring Cheng Yi, officially premiered on December 12 and quickly drew widespread attention. Set during the Tang Dynasty and centered on themes of revenge and political intrigue, the series had already generated strong buzz ahead of its release thanks to a cast filled with veteran actors who have earned major acting awards in China’s film and television industry.
Following its debut, the drama posted impressive early results. Its CCTV broadcast rating reportedly surpassed 2, while its online popularity index climbed above 7,500. Viewer engagement was also striking, with the number of real-time comments (danmu) said to exceed 900 million. On its premiere day, the series ranked third on Maoyan’s list of most popular Chinese dramas, reinforcing its status as a breakout hit across both television and streaming platforms.
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In promotional materials, The Vendetta of An was described as featuring “five yingdi and shidi,” a term commonly used in the Chinese entertainment industry to refer to actors and actresses who have won top acting awards in film or television. The label was intended to highlight the overall acting caliber of the cast, particularly the seasoned performers whose careers have long been recognized by the industry.
Cheng Yi plays Xie Huai’an, a strategist with no martial abilities who appears gentle and frail on the surface, yet harbors a decade-long vendetta. To prepare for the role, Cheng Yi reportedly lost around 7.5 kilograms. His white-haired look and sickly scholar styling enhance the character’s sense of fragility and emotional weight.
Many viewers have praised Cheng Yi for holding his own opposite the veteran cast. His restrained performance, especially his somber and hatred-filled gaze, has been described as chilling and effective. At the same time, some criticism has emerged, with a portion of the audience feeling that his understated, commoner-like presence weakens his aura as a leading character. Others have pointed to issues with his line delivery, particularly in scenes involving poetry recitation.
From a storytelling perspective, The Vendetta of An has earned positive feedback for its tight pacing. Within the first ten minutes of the opening episode, the background of the family massacre is laid out. The first two episodes alone deliver several major twists, including an assassination attempt on Xie Huai’an that he ultimately turns to his advantage, eliminating enemies through calculated manipulation. Many viewers have noted that the drama leaves little room for filler and is difficult to watch at accelerated speed. The large-scale, practical sets depicting Chang’an have also been praised for their cinematic quality.
The presence of veteran actors is widely regarded as one of the drama’s strongest assets. Liu Yijun portrays the newly crowned Emperor Xiao Wuyang, a calm and cold ruler capable of shifting the political landscape with just a few words. Wang Jinsong plays Wu Zhongheng, a secretive and unpredictable figure who becomes a key variable in the unfolding power struggle. Performances by Ni Dahong and Zhang Hanyu further add depth to the series’ complex political dynamics.
Some viewers have drawn comparisons between The Vendetta of An and the classic drama Nirvana in Fire, particularly in terms of the protagonist’s archetype and the overarching framework of a brilliant tactician driven by vengeance who gradually destabilizes the imperial court. Others, however, believe such comparisons are premature, arguing that the drama’s ultimate standing will depend on how its story develops in later episodes.
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