The story revolves around Ji Bai and Xu Xu, who are cops. At first Ji Bai is not happy with Xu Xu’s qualifications in joining the team and asks her to retake the physical exam in three months. She is known to be a genius because of her ability to psychologically analyze situations and people, that’s what got her a spot on the team, but her physical ability fails to meet the expectations that Ji Bai holds for his team and for becoming a cop. The two work together to help one another with their problems, and to solve the crimes committed and uncover who is behind it all. Starting in China with a kidnapping crime and eventually they make their way to Myanmar where they put a stop to a huge drug and human trafficking business.
Overall, the story was very well written but for this drama you need to pay close attention to the plot, as it will get confusing very quickly. I had to watch the drama twice (a year later) in order to grasp some of the things I missed. The first time around I got lost and was confused how everything connected together, but the story is actually one whole case comprised of crimes that lead/link to one another. But don’t let this be a reason to not watch the drama. You can still perfectly enjoy it without picking up on every single detail of the story. If you are not looking for a heavily focused romance story, this is perfect. The romance is enough to leave you entertained but does not take away from the rest of the plot. The chemistry between the main leads are undeniably cute!
The plot was very unique and different from a traditional detective story. What I wish was different would be that instead of one big case, they could add in just a few more smaller ones. The story sometimes got overwhelming because it was always one thing after another. Right when you thought you could take a breather and pick up your phone to respond to some text messages, something sudden happens and you end up not replying. But don’t get me wrong, this is a great and very entertaining story, I didn’t even mind watching it a second time.
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As for the crime parts, it is the emphasis of the drama. This drama requires brain and focus for you to keep understanding the whole situation. They have domino effect from one case to another. Ji Bai and Xuxu are just human, they sometimes did it wrong, they accepted it and move on. That's the most important part about the investigation side of this drama that I like. Each characters complete the other.
Music and cinematography are great. Not only fair enough, but they really put extra attentions to these factors. I love the OSTs, background music and cinematography which helps me understand more about the scene.
Definitely the best Chinese drama I have ever watched so far.
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And Wang Olivia as Xu Xu was so cute.
Her cute little oblivious moments.
AND Wang Kai so handsome!!!!!!!!!
both the characters was so beautifully played.
the suspense in the drama was nervw wrecking.
you so could not expect the twists and turns in this drama.
though I felt the ending was not complete and maybe there will be a sequel.
who knows? but i read the book and there was more in it so maybe a sequel will be there.
i hope there is a sequel.
it is such an awesome drama i want to watch more an more!!!!
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Snail and a Lion a weird pair but perfect in crime
This is my first time watching a crime mystery c-drama but the i love it. The storyline its more like Mystery Queen(kdrama) vibes but it did not copy the story its very different and i love it it has only 21 episodes becoz im not a fan of lot of episodes it bores me the whole time. And i like the fast paced of this drama and with more twist and turn of events and also very entertaining to watch. The acting of wang kai and ava wang are both PERFECT in executing ther respective roles esp. With ava wang im so in love with her role as xuxu its so extraordinary and shes so cute and quirky i cant heheheh and wang kai is so hot when he is into fighting scenes it makes my flutter and melt huhuhuu i love him. I hope theres a season 2 but its a cliffhanger so it might be in the works. I highly recommend yall watch this drama it is one of the RAREST GEMS OF C-DRAMAS that are worth watching for.Was this review helpful to you?
Not as appealing as Novel
Here its completely my personal issue....because as i read the novel first ....I completely picturized Ji bai and FL in my mind as good as possible .... because of that iam not able to correlate with drama.Of course i like ML as i also see him in Love me if you dare and other dramas and movies...But he is not the Ji Bai I Imagined and FL is mostly 80% as explained as in Novel .
Here in Drama concentrated more on Male Lead by linking so may cases in one like 1st case girl character to blade case character and all, but they are individual cases and in novel there is much more scope and character development for both ML and FL.
I dont feel that much chemistry between the leads, i can only see it as a detective drama but not romantic and thriller/detective drama .
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Story:
It isn't ordinary detective story at all. First of all I would recommend to you watch this drama with attention. I made mistake when I didn't concentrate on it from the start because every episode has its own meaning. And I found about it later. But nevemind in my opinion it doesn't matter at all because this story is amazing and I enjoyed it till the end.
Actiong/cast:
Xu Xu and Ji Bai are extraordinary and I think that you will defenitely fall in love with them. Yes they have amazing chemistry but I love not only them but also their characters. Xu Xu was so cute, determined, teachable, loyal and her mind wasn't joke at all. Ji Bai was the same as her, his ability to solve problems and help oters got me. Yes of course his look is one extra plus. Not only them but also others have so many potential. And like I said in story paragraph: "every episode has its own meaning" I can say it about the actors too. But this drama has only 21 eps and from my point of view it is not enough for them to grow up.
Music:
In chinese dramas music is sometimes nothing remarkable but in this drama I thing that it was okey. Nothing disturbing and when the drama came it make a great atmosphere. So don't worry about it.
Rewatch value:
In fact I saw first 7 episodes last year but I forget about it somehow. And now I know that it was mistake. It is a great drama and I think that someday I will definitely rewatch it again.
Overall:
9/10 only? Nope, I think that this is enough. The end is open and I will wait for season 2. I don't think that there will be sequel but I want it. Last episode could be devided into more eps because the plot was a little bit rushed but it isn't nothing horrible. So just try it! I would definitely recommend it to you. It is like mix of Kdramas: Healer, City Hunter and in some way it reminds me also chinese drama: Love Me If You Dare.
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It did not waste any screen time being overly dramatic nor display nonsense script and unnecessary acts. Every facial and body expression from that little twitch of the male protagonist's finger to his wrinkled eyebrows are all on point and entice a great sense of heightened euphoria within me. It is very seldom to see a drama/flick that does not romanticizes the idea of "romance" itself and overlooks the quality of the story in the process. This drama makes a good use of every seconds running to showcase everything patiently in a creative way of story unfolding; being sensitive in every angle possible. The connections, the behaviors, the relationships, and even the psychology of everything is well crafted.
Even the art--Xu Xu's comics is very creative and warm. It does not feel out of place in the overall visual nor in the very story. Every puzzle fits perfectly like they should be there because they must be. Amazing mind is what the mastermind of the story have.
I might as well hunt for the novel itself.
Can't get enough of the mysteries and warm and sincere display of affection.
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This review may contain spoilers
NO ROMANCE?
As other reviews have pointed out, there isn’t any romance at all, except for the last episode, which went from 0 to a marriage proposal and a very passionate kiss! 🤣 That’s it though! The storyline did show that XuXu liked Ji Bai but nothing materialised until the end. So the title is very misleading.What was good were the Kung fu and fighting scenes. It was quite refreshing for me after watching too many Rom-coms with overbearing ceo themes 😂 The plot is mainly focused on crime solving and police work. It was quite confusing at the beginning cos they introduced a lot of different characters and sub plots. I found it got more interesting between episodes 14-21. I did skip some few scenes which had a lot of talking about I don’t know what😅
Watch if you’re interested in CSI/ Criminal Minds type of series. Wang Kai (ML) was yummy to watch 😍
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Blend of crime-fighting theatrics, a love story slower than a turtle's marathon
Buckle up for a ride with Detective Ji Bai and the most unconventional profiler, Xu Xu, in "When a Snail Falls in Love." The drama kicks off with an action-packed train fight that promises high-speed excitement, only to hit the brakes on the thrills shortly after.Xu Xu, our resident profiler, is the Sherlock Holmes of oddities. Her tilted head and dead-eyed stares might not scream genius, but hey, crime-solving isn't your everyday fashion show. The investigations unfold like a mystery novel narrated by your grandma - more "tell" than "show," leaving us yearning for a little more detective drama.
Now, let's talk romance! The title promises a snail's pace, and boy, do they deliver. Ji Bai and Xu Xu's love story unfolds slower than a snail in a marathon. But hold your escargot, because a random lion (yes, a lion) decides to jump into the romantic jungle out of the blue. No stolen glances, no electric chemistry - just a sudden "I'm in love" moment that left us more confused than enchanted.
Despite its quirks, "When a Snail Falls in Love" has its charm. The initial episodes set the stage for a promising show, and the shorter run time makes it a breezy watch for a lazy weekend. If you're into crime dramas with a side of slow-burn romance and quirky characters, this might just be your cup of snail slime tea.
In a nutshell, "When a Snail Falls in Love" offers a mix of crime-solving antics, a romance that's slower than a GPS update, and characters that dance to their own beat. Whether you're a detective, a hopeless romantic, or just a fan of peculiar storytelling, this drama's got something for everyone! 🐌💕🕵️♂️
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This review may contain spoilers
Another open ending
This is the second time I can imagine person as an animal. Xu Xu (XX) is fit perfectly as a snail, but unfortunately except XX actually no one is fit with the animal image this drama want. Like Yao Meng (YM), for me she more like cheetah than a pig, I don't know am I get the influence from kungfu panda or what, but I simply can't imagine YM as a pig.Actually as detective drama, this drama at first will gonna confuse you with the plot which all over the place. The story like have no connection with one and the other at first just simply like being force together. But turn out everything much more complicated that what I guess at first. And the dark setting no help at all. I got confuse with all the people, sometimes I remember wrong or just reverse one and the other.
This drama of course also tell the story of how our couple just simply being together. I really like how YM explained to XX about her feeling toward Ji Bai (JB). JB himself we don't really get the answer why or how he can fall for XX. But in my opinion it's maybe one of the most male chauvinism reason, he just simply find the woman that really need his protection & he is really happy & willing to protect :)
What lack:
- Once more where is our timeline :(. From the accident in the Laos border until the wedding of YM, how long it already pass...
- The romance between YM & Zhao Han (ZH). Just simply press to be together. Yeah we got the feeling YM will gonna be with ZH, but how & how long... Is it just simply because they the one left behind so they just got closer...?? Weird right. Maybe if there was the timeline it will help a little :(
- What the most unfortunate for me is the comic... Why...? Why...? Why...? They the hell they don't show us the complete picture of the comic, just simply a little bit here & there :(.
Overall: This is one of good detective drama. The plot still about the crime, romance not too exaggerate. But the best of course not. Oh yeah the ending is an open ending with peeking of probable next journey. But because it's 2016 drama, I think we will not gonna get the continue of this drama...
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One of fave tandem!
Because of this series i really got to love Wang Kai and Wang Zi Wen, they have the best chemistry out of all the tandems i have seen so far.The story is quite unique and intriguing. I also like tha fact that they shoot some scenes outside of china, means the series has a budget.
Every scenes are well thought of and the actors are really great as well as the fight scenes.
The only feedback i have on this series is, it could have been longer or a season 2 perhaps. because I would love to see them solve more crimes together!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
I summarize my review per point for you, I hope it can be useful for you who looking for review before start the drama. (The rating is exluded the music and rewatch value)1. This drama adapted from Ding Mo's novel with the same title.
2. I suggest that you watch the drama first before read the novel.
3. You'll find some differences between the novel and the movie. Both the drama and the novel are very good.
But in the novel, it will explained more details and more to Ji bai and Xuxu relation (romance), Super sweet guys, please read it after you watch the drama.
In drama, It's more to the criminal case, and less skinship between Ji bai and Xuxu. But Wang Kai and Olivia chemistry were so good, plus Xuxu's drawing makes this drama still cute and sweet even without intense skinship.
4. The cast in drama less than in novel. And it's different character of Yao Meng. But I believe this decision was good for the drama,because of the efficiency of the drama. You will not find unnecessary scene in this drama.
5. I love Wang Kai as Ji Bai so much. He is so handsome, so cool and really suitable for the role. And Olivia even different from the Xuxu in novel but here she develop her own character as awkward, serious , and more mature. Her acting as criminal profiler also very good.
I can say this drama is really recommended and you will not feeling bored when watch it. I never skip any scenes of this drama. 21 episodes is never enough for me. Enjoy watching guys :)
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