Twenty-Four Hours in Chang'an

Synopsis

"The Longest Day in Chang'an" is a 2019 historical suspense drama directed by Cao Dun, starring Lei Jiayin and Yi Yangqianxi, adapted from Ma Boyong's novel of the same name. It tells the story of Chang'an City falling into crisis on the eve of the Lantern Festival during the Tang Dynasty, where death-row prisoner Zhang Xiaojing and young minister Li Bi must save the city within twelve hours. With a Douban rating of 8.1, the series is praised for its exquisite production that vividly recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

Overview

The Longest Day in Chang'an is a Chinese historical suspense drama that premiered on June 27, 2019. Directed by Cao Dun, it is adapted from Ma Boyong's bestselling novel of the same name. The series stars Lei Jiayin and Yi Yangqianxi in leading roles, with Zhou Yiwei, Lu Fangsheng, and Reyizha among the supporting cast. Comprising 48 episodes, it holds a Douban rating of 8.1 (having initially reached as high as 8.7 upon release). Set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty capital Chang'an, the story follows a thrilling counter-terrorism operation unfolding on the eve of the Lantern Festival.

The series' greatest highlight is its meticulous recreation of the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty's golden age. The art team invested heavily in constructing large-scale sets of Chang'an, striving for historical accuracy in everything from the bustling shops of the West Market and the solemn architecture of the Jing'an Department to the clothing of commoners and the ceremonial carriages of officials. Details regarding Tang-era etiquette, cuisine, religion, and military affairs underwent rigorous historical verification, leading audiences to praise it as a drama that could double as a historical documentary on the Tang Dynasty.

Plot

In the third year of the Tianbao era, the imperial capital Chang'an is immersed in the festive atmosphere of the Lantern Festival. However, a shocking conspiracy is brewing in the shadows—a group of Turkic Wolf Guards has infiltrated the city, planning to launch a large-scale terrorist attack during the Lantern Festival celebrations.

Li Bi (played by Yi Yangqianxi), the Director of the Jing'an Department, is the youngest fourth-rank official in the court, a prodigious talent with a mind for the nation's welfare. Upon learning of the crisis, he boldly enlists the help of Zhang Xiaojing (played by Lei Jiayin), a former police captain imprisoned and awaiting execution. Zhang Xiaojing is the most skilled investigator in Chang'an's underworld, but he is also a death-row convict.

Tasked with this critical mission, Zhang Xiaojing teams up with Li Bi to identify the Turkic Wolf Guards hidden within Chang'an and prevent the attack—all within twelve shichen (twenty-four hours). As time ticks away, Zhang Xiaojing pursues clues through the streets and alleys of Chang'an, while Li Bi strategizes from the Jing'an Department, coordinating various forces.

As their investigation deepens, they discover the conspiracy is far more complex than imagined. The mastermind is not only a foreign enemy but is also entangled in internal power struggles within the court. Various factions vie covertly for influence, with the lives of millions of Chang'an's citizens hanging in the balance.

Cast

Cultural Impact

The Longest Day in Chang'an set a new visual standard for Chinese historical dramas. Its depiction of Chang'an recreates the majestic grandeur of the Tang Empire—the chessboard-style city layout, the prosperous commerce of the East and West Markets, and the convergence of merchants from various Silk Road countries—transporting viewers to the world's capital of over a thousand years ago.

The series also sparked a wave of interest in Tang Dynasty culture. Following its broadcast, discussions about Tang-era clothing, cuisine, etiquette, and religion spread widely online. Sales of Ma Boyong's original novel surged, and tourism in Xi'an experienced a notable boost.

Yi Yangqianxi proved his acting prowess through his portrayal of Li Bi. Holding his own alongside seasoned actors like Lei Jiayin, he adeptly captured the noble demeanor and inner turmoil of the young, brilliant official. Lei Jiayin's Zhang Xiaojing serves as the soul of the series; he vividly brought to life this rough-around-the-edges yet justice-driven hero of the streets.

References

1. Douban Movie: https://movie.douban.com/subject/26849758/
2. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/长安十二时辰
3. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/长安十二时辰