 |
| Sword Rose Ending Explained: Who Is the Real Villain and What About Ranran? |
If you’ve just finished Sword Rose — the 30-episode Tencent Video Chinese crime thriller starring Dilraba Dilmurat as Deng Yan — you’re probably swimming in mixed feelings.
This gripping drama wrapped up recently, and as someone new-ish to cdramas (mostly idol dramas before this), I found it a surprisingly refreshing watch with top-notch casting, solid performances, and a storyline that keeps you hooked. Dilraba truly shines here — you forget she’s an actress and just see Deng Yan in action.
 |
| Life comes and goes, and the family is finally reunited |
Directed by Su Wancong, Sword Rose focuses on the Anti-Trafficking Office's six-member team battling a brutal criminal network.
The story’s deep dive into child trafficking and the hidden dark underbelly of crime, paired with complex characters, makes it well worth the watch — even if it’s a low-budget show with minimal promotion internationally.
Quick Recap of Sword Rose Final Episode
The finale unravels major mysteries and brings the criminal network crumbling down.
 |
-
Liu Gang, initially suspected as the infamous “Crippled Brother” (瘸哥), tries to escape but is captured thanks to Deng Yan and Chang Rui’s efforts.
-
Liu Gang confesses he was just a scapegoat and the real “Crippled Brother” is Ye Xiuming, Deng Yan’s brother-in-law.
 |
-
Investigation clears Ye Xiuming of being the villain; in fact, he’s attacked and left a vegetable after falling from a building, confirming foul play.
-
Police then zero in on Wu Bin, the actual mastermind behind the trafficking ring. Wu Bin attempts a desperate escape involving hostage-taking and shootouts but is ultimately arrested.
 |
-
Twists reveal Wu Bin killed his own mentor (the original “Crippled Brother”) to take control of the crime syndicate.
-
The heartbreaking mystery of Ranran, the kidnapped child, is finally resolved when Deng Yan finds her alive, years later, in a village called Tingchang.
 |
-
The series closes with justice served and the team victorious, though the scars of the cases remain.
Characters Wrapped
Deng Yan (Dilraba Dilmurat): Strong, intelligent, and determined, Deng Yan leads the charge to expose the trafficking network while battling personal loss and betrayals. Her growth from a grieving girlfriend to a respected leader is compelling. |
Chang Rui (Jin Shi Jia): Deng Yan’s reliable partner, supportive and tactical, helps navigate complex investigations.
 |
Supporting cast members contribute well-rounded performances that give depth to the intense plot.
In-Depth Sword Rose Ending Explained
The ending of Sword Rose ties up its core themes — justice, sacrifice, and resilience — in a satisfying yet bittersweet way. The drama doesn’t just show a victory over criminals but digs into how personal loss, deception, and trauma impact everyone involved.
 |
The reveal that the “Crippled Brother” was a red herring adds a clever twist, while Wu Bin’s downfall reinforces the idea that crime inevitably catches up with the guilty.
Finding Ranran alive after all those years brings emotional closure, showing that despite the darkness, hope persists.
Deng Yan’s unwavering commitment, even when facing betrayal by her own family, highlights her strength and the importance of perseverance in fighting injustice.
The final episode’s balance of intense action, heartfelt reunions, and revelations makes it a fitting conclusion to a drama that’s as much about human spirit as it is about crime fighting.
 |
TL;DR + Short Review
Sword Rose is a gripping crime thriller with a standout lead performance from Dilraba Dilmurat. The plot twists keep you guessing, and the emotional core about family, loss, and justice hits hard.
Though low budget and under-promoted, it’s a hidden gem in the cdrama world with strong rewatch value. The ending brings closure while reminding viewers the fight against evil is never simple or clean.
FAQ
 |
Q: Who is the real “Crippled Brother” in Sword Rose?
A: The real “Crippled Brother” is Ye Xiuming’s deceased mentor. Liu Gang and Wu Bin were pawns and successors but not the original leader.
Q: What happens to Deng Yan’s boyfriend’s murder case?
A: The truth slowly emerges alongside the trafficking case, revealing complex connections but justice is eventually pursued through the investigation.
Q: Is Ranran found alive?
A: Yes, Deng Yan finds Ranran in Tingchang village years after she was kidnapped, bringing emotional relief and hope.
Q: Was Sword Rose a high-budget production?
A: No, it’s reportedly low budget with minimal promotion, but the quality of story and acting far exceeds expectations.
Q: Will there be a sequel to Sword Rose?
A: As of now, no official news of a sequel. The story concludes neatly but leaves room for further exploration.