The Glory of Tang Dynasty (2017– ) User Reviews

Where can I watch with English subtitles?

[succesby · 10/10 · 6 February 2021]

Please I would like to know where I can watch this drama with eng sub.

A much under-rated TV drama

[hitomi69 · 7 April 2017]

The main plot of the drama was about Chen Zhen Zhu (沈珍珠)(played by Tian Jing)(景甜) who actually existed during the later part of the Tang Dynasty. She is a most interesting character as she was the ONLY EMPRESS in Chinese history who had gone missing! Reputed to be stunningly beautiful and intelligent and was well loved by her husband, Prince Li Chu, who later became the 8th Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Chen Zhen Zhu, however, fell into rebel hands, twice, when the capital was sacked and it was during the second captivity that she disappeared from history. Her husband, who later became emperor, did not forget her though. For sixteen years, the new emperor made no woman his empress. (He did have other concubines of course to produce heirs). Later, when their son became the ninth emperor, the title of Empress was conferred to her in absence. (somewhat like Ines of Portugal)

The drama was divided into two parts and was probably the best of the recent "history" dramas produced. Of course, for sake of entertainment, there are parts dramatized. Still, the main events followed historical facts and were not exaggerated out of proportion, like many others. The only part which was not that realistic was the war-scenes, which was understandable, given the budget of production.

Tian Jing (she also appeared also in Kong-Skull Island, in a minor role), who played Chen Zhen-zhu was breathtakingly beautiful. And her character, kind and ready to sacrifice herself for the benefit of the empire, won the hearts of those who watched the drama.

The drama is now being hailed as one the best in recent years (and many viewers admitted that they cried their hearts out after watching). Tian Jing also received high acclaim for her acting (which previously, was jeered at) and her popularity in China suddenly surged.

A highly recommended work for those who are interested in learning about later Tang Dynasty (after the era of Yang Qui-fei).

Wonderful Historical Period Drama

[facesofine · 9/10 · 3 October 2020]

This long drama was really divided into 2 seasons--60 and 32 episodes, respectively. During a tumultuous time in the Tang Dynasty (although it seems Chinese history has always been tumultuous), palace/court power struggles, usurpation, filicides, fratricides, and self preservation and survival all took center stage. Wrapped around all of that was the love story between Prince Li Chu, who later ascends to the throne as Emperor Daizong, and his beloved concubine, Consort Shen, and voila! you have a thrilling and intriguing drama carried upon the shoulders of a talented large ensemble cast.

I love Ren Jialun, so whatever role he's in would seem perfect to me. However, I was less impressed with Jing Tian as his love interest, and her character Shen Zhen Zhu. Her character was supposed to be very intelligent, yet, time and time again, she seemed to be outsmarted by her own cleverness and created so much angst and frustration for the people around her, including me the viewer. There were times I'd be screaming at the screen for her to speak up, or don't do it! She also looked much more mature/older than Ren Jialun so I couldn't buy into any chemistry between them. And this is purely my conjecture, but her disproportionately large eyes and deep heavy double eyelids just didn't look natural as if due to plastic-surgery-gone-wrong which bothered me to no end during her closeups.

As a side arc and probably for upping entertainment value, the fictional love story between Li Chu's brother Li Tan and Shen Zhen Zhu's BFF, was at once beautiful and heart wrenching. The actors who portrayed them were superb. Be forewarned--have tissues ready!

Some humor was speckled here and there to lighten up the somber overtone of this drama given its place in history. It also attempted to provide an explanation for the inexplicable disappearance of Consort Shen in history books. Needless to say, at 90+ episodes, there were too many drawn out scenes that could have been curbed. Still, highly recommended for the history buff and those who appreciate beautiful costumes and sets.