Chang’an Review

Chinese animation is gaining momentum in the UK and on the global stage. In 2024, audiences were treated to the breathtaking Deep Sea, and in 2025, Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, driven solely by the Chinese box office. As Chinese animation continues to flourish, it will become impossible to ignore in broader discussions of the medium. One of the first Chinese animated films to be released in the UK is Chang’an, a two-hour and 50-minute epic that, despite its considerable length and somewhat dated visuals, remains utterly captivating.

The film opens with Gao Shi, the Governor of Southwest Sichuan, leading his army in a successful siege of a fort. However, their victory is short-lived, as they are soon forced to abandon the stronghold when the main force of the Tubo army advances. Retreating to Lushui Fort, Gao Shi receives a visit from an Imperial Guard Lieutenant, who has pressing questions—primarily about a famous poet and old acquaintance, Li Bai. Through a series of flashbacks, we witness how Gao Shi and Li Bai’s lives intertwine over the years and how their poetry becomes renowned across the land.

Gao Shi and Li Bai are complete opposites. Gao Shi is stoic, struggling with reading and writing due to learning difficulties, yet confident in his abilities with a spear—though there is no war for him to showcase his skills. Li Bai, on the other hand, is flamboyant and naturally gifted, but he believes his talents go unrecognized, primarily because society views him as a nobody. Their dynamic is the heart of the film; whenever the two share the screen, it’s impossible not to be drawn into the drama. Yang Tianxiang and Ling Zhenhe excel as Gao Shi and Li Bai, delivering standout performances that bring their characters to life.

At two hours and 50 minutes,Chang’ancovers a wealth of drama. While I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, a tighter runtime could have made the emotional moments hit even harder. The film’s conclusion features stunning callbacks to its beginning, but by the time these reveals unfold, both the audience and the characters need to be reminded of earlier flashbacks, simply due to the sheer number of plot points.

Visually, the CGI often feels dated, reminiscent of a 2010s DreamWorks film. However, the action sequences benefit from creative camerawork and consistently strong animation, making them stand out.Chang’an also employs striking stylistic shifts in key moments, transforming into a breathtaking traditional Chinese watercolor aesthetic. These scenes, particularly one where Li Bai performs and is transported to a heavenly realm alongside the gods, are utterly mesmerizing.

Despite its flaws, Chang’an is a deeply refreshing animated film. Chinese animation is rarely distributed in the UK, and for one aimed at mature audiences, this feels like a breath of fresh air. Long and poetic, it’s a film I cannot wait to experience again.