Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (2024)

Must Rewatch!

Love love love this cdrama. So much so that I stayed up all night to binge the last 8 eps because I couldn’t stop watching. I will rewatch this cdrama again soon. I would put it right up there with L&P and Go Go Squid. The actors and the storyline in this cdrama didn’t disappoint. LYY and his facial expressions were on point. You could read a lot into his lingering glares. The chemistry between the ML and FL was amazing. I wished that the storyline with Lin Lin and MXD was explored. MXD should’ve gone on that last trip. He was so critical to their relationship development. Who did JY end up with? What happened to little brother Tian? Maybe there will be a spin-off as the storyline with Lin Lin and MXD story deserves to be told imo.

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HOW DO I MOVE ON?????????

I thought I had seen and felt it all with Hidden Love. But no...this masterpiece was just lying in waiting, gearing up to bombard me with emotions I had no idea I had the capacity to feel.

First of WU LEI, the man that you are😫😫. How does he do this? How does he play a character so good you'e left wanting more? Let's not even talk about the man's expressive eyes...

Most CDramas have an avalanche of red flags, toxicity, misunderstanding and an ex somewhere who's richer than Midas and has got legs for miles. It gets frustrating to be honest. But, here is a drama with zero red flags... none. Even the love rivals are too hard to hate, they're actually relatable. No stupid love triangles. No agonizing family feuds and parental influence.

There's not a single moment I spent on hating anyone while watching this, and it was refreshing, which made this all the more enjoyable.

THE BROMANCE PEOPLE THE BROMANCE! Had me wishing I was a man so I could have amazing man friends who'd do anything for me. Like how are they so close after years of separation and being each other's competition????? Their relationship made me tear up honestly.

The drama was such a wonderful way to bring the largely ignored games mainstream; had me wishing I could hold a cue stick without threatening to disembowel anyone in my immediate vicinity, so I could go to games and look all sexily formal with a secret boyfriend cheering me from the stands...yes folks...the delulu is deluluing.

On to the golden point in this review. The CHEMISTRY. The leads had the sparks flying so hard I was third-wheeling a freaking on-screen couple. The eye contact, the COMMUNICATION, the little acts of service, the secret visits and touches!!!!!! Argggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!

I need me a Lin Yi Yang. I need to be courted as Yin Guo did. Fuck asking me out with flowers or chocolate, text me declaring your intentions while we do laundry😣😣

All in all, this is a must-watch. And it had me reviving my online dating profiles because even if I'm done being single this introverted idiot can't talk to anyone face to face without having a panic attack or babbling like a fool, let alone a man.

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So cute!

This was a really nice drama. The main couple was very cute, and they had a lot of chemistry between them. Seeing them together put a smile on my lips. I loved them.
Overall, I found the story a bit slow at times, but I liked how the plot developed. It had no major conflicts beyond the romantic story and the personal growth of the protagonists, mainly the ML, who had to overcome some problems from the past.
The only thing I didn't like was that it seemed like she was always dodging his kisses, even though they had a long, solid relationship. That frustrated me a little. I don't know if this was because of the age rating of the series or because the actors are too young. Anyway, I think that "turning the lips away" so many times was unnecessary; showing the tender interaction between the two of them was enough.
I liked the other characters as well and I enjoyed learning about snooker in Asia.

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opinioni contrastanti, le mie

allora, partiamo col dire una cosa importante, se vi piacciono serie slice of life/dove succede poco, ecco questa serie fa esattemante per voi, se invece amate l’azione vi sconsiglio di cominciarla, anche perché è vero che c’è il quadro sportivo che è molto interessante, ma viene rilegato in secondo piano rispetto ai valori di amore, amicizia e fedeltà verso un club, di conseguenza qualsiasi ambientazione sportiva poteva funzionare e anche le gare, a parte l’ultima non ti fanno provare quell’ansia che invece si prova in altre serie che ho visto. bene, ora passiamo alle cose che mi sono piaciute:
1. mi è piaciuta l’ambientazione in un mondo sportivo (quello del biliardo) un po’ di nicchia rispetto al normale, ma è una cosa che ho notato spesso nelle serie cinesi. credo che parte sia associata ad un senso di orgoglio nazionale che li porta a creare serie con qualsiasi sport possibile, purché si facciano risaltare bei valori nazionali (e sono felicemente anche sorpresa da questo fatto perché le serie occidentali hanno quattro ambienti sportivi, nell’ordine, basket, baseball, football e calcio)
2. la loro storia d’amore. mi è piaciuta sia come è stata costruita sia come si è sviluppata. mi è piaciuta come questo amore li abbia fatti crescere, abbia permesso al ML di diventare migliore di quello che era prima e abbia aiutato la FL a diventare più confident in se stessa e nelle sue capacità
3. mi è piaciuta la FL: molte volte le FL cinesi sono troppo childish, mentre lei no, sa chi è e sa quello che vuole (infatti l’attrice ha anche interpretato un’altra protagonista che ho amato in Reset, super consigliato, fra parentesi) e l’unica cosa che forse le serve è qualcuno che sia sempre al suo fianco e che comprenda il suo amore per il biliardo.
4. il ML. è praticamente una GREEN FOREST (non flag) e anche il fatto che si sia dimostrato a volte vulnerabile me lo ha proprio reso piacevole (poi vabbeh, mi piace l’attore, che è pure mio coetaneo)
5. lo spirito di camaraderie che si vede sia fra i giocatori delle singole “squadre” che durante la competizione internazionale quindi con la squadra cinese al completo, ma sapevo mi sarebbe piaciuto perché questo spirito di camaraderie è qualcosa che vedo spesso nelle serie e che mi piace molto.
6. l’amicizia fra i tre massimi giocatori di biliardo. questa condivide poi un punto che non mi è piaciuto pure, ma per quelli a dopo. anche se alla fine sono rivali fra di loro e si ritrovano a combattere sul verde tavolo di biliardo la scena alla fine della 29 puntata dove si fanno fare la foto tutti assieme è forse una delle più carine della serie (o anche quando Meng Xiao Dong va a trovare Jiang Yang subito dopo l’intervento è molto carina come scena).

bene passiamo alle cose che non mi sono piaciute:
1. la lentezza. allora, capiamoci perché capiamoci: Meet Yourself è una delle mie serie preferite ed è un po’ l’epitomo del “prendiamocela con calma” come serie quindi non ho problemi con le serie lente, solo che vorrei ci fosse dell’organicità in questa lentezza e non che in alcuni punti sembra vada tutto di fretta per poi rallentare di colpo, avere flashforward di qualche tempo, per poi rallentare di nuovo di botto… dopo una prima parte molto coerente con se stessa, la seconda (letteralmente dopo che lui torna in Cina) sembra tutta un flashforward - pausa - flashforward - pausa. ecco io preferisco le cose, che ok, lente, ma linearmente lente o con degli step temporali ben caratterizzati (tipo Hospital Playlist, per intenderci).
2. e ora arriva il tasto dolente. allora, partiamo da due piccoli preamboli: io amo la bromance, the untamed è letteralmente la mia serie preferita in assoluto e non la cambierei in una romance per nulla al mondo, quindi quando farò questo commento non prendetelo come un “ah, lei vede i BL, quindi vede coppie gay ovunque”, va bene. e secondo non vedo perché se ci sono due coppie automaticamente la seconda coppia deve comunque essere fra i main lead se alla fine uno dei due della second couple lo/la si vede molto poco. terzo, so che essendo una serie cinese, se fosse stata fatta una serie slash sarebbe scomparsa dalla faccia della terra nel giro di due minuti. quindi fatte tutte le premesse del caso ecco che vi dirò il forse vero punto dolente della serie per me: la second couple e il rapporto fra Meng Xiao Dong e Jiang Yang. allora, il problema con la second couple è che compare a caso, la si vede a caso e ha letteralmente meno screen time della bromance fra Meng Xiao Dong e Jiang Yang. a sto punto potevano togliere la second couple e lasciare solo una bromance fra i due. poi ripeto, per me avrebbe avuto più senso che i due si mettessero assiemo punto fine stop. poi, come ho detto nella premessa so che è impossibile viste le vigenti regole sulla censura, ma lo avrei ritenuto più calzante rispetto a questa cosa con Meng Xiao Dong e Lin Lin che sembra non avere ne capo ne coda (parentesi poi, mi chiedo come mai Lin Lin sia considerata un main character quando Jiang Yang mi sembra molto più un main character di lei). alllora, ho visto altre serie, con anche più coppie di questa e devo dire che comunque tutte queste coppie avevano comunque più screen time di quella che tecnicamente doveva essere la second couple. ripeto la bromance fra i due ha avuto se non più, lo stesso amount of screen time.

per il resto è carina, si fa vedere anche in fretta, quindi consigliata

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Acosy, warm and lovely story.

The first thing that stands out it's the cast, which is conformed by some of the hottest and most talented young chinese actors nowadays, which includes Wu Lei, Zhao Jinmai, Wang Xing Yue, Chen Jing Ke and Wang Run Ze just to name a few.

I think this drama it's a good choice for their careers as they are able to deliver more quiet, subdue and nuance performances in comparison to melodramatic historical stories. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love it's more on the mature and calm side of Dramaland, something that I really appreciated.

This is a soft-spoken story, a mirror to our leads' personality and relationship. There are no grand gestures, insurmountable challenges, or family opposition. Instead we find, front and center, a story about love, friendship and personal growth.

Tien Jen Huang and Yu Bo knew what they were doing. I am guessing Amidst a Snowstorm of Love had two directors because half of the dramas was filmed outside of China, and they had to combine filming styles of storytelling, rhythms and aesthetics, among other practical and technical things. Both teams did wonderful, maintaining the same leve of production through the entirety of the show.

If I have to mention something that bothers me, it would be the sport side of the story which inevitably ends on the characters trying to get to the Olympics. I like it more when the story focuses on their growth as people through their personal relationships. But this is a minor point in a bigger story that it's perfectly cosy, warm and lovely.

I recommend it.

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After stumbling upon clips of this drama, I was intrigued by its charming aesthetic, prompting me to give it a watch – a decision I don't regret. 'Amidst a snowstorm of Love' delivers a delightful blend of slow-burn romance, endearing moments, and a touch of seriousness amidst the lightheartedness, all wrapped up with impeccable English dialogue rarely seen in C/K/J Dramas.

Pros:
From the handsome leads to the heartwarming friendships and healthy competition, 'Amidst a snowstorm of Love' beautifully portrays themes of love, friendship, and ambition. Despite its slow start, the series gradually won me over with its adorable portrayal of falling in love and the dynamics of rivalry. Special mention goes to Meng, Yin Guo's brother, whose initially cold demeanor hides a heart of gold, promoting healthy competition and showcasing true sportsmanship. Yin Guo herself is a commendable character – strong-willed, independent, and amicable, she's a role model for empowerment. As for Lin, his character's development from a troubled past to a devoted partner is compelling, even if his perfection may seem exaggerated. The drama's portrayal of friendships and family dynamics adds depth and humor, resonating with viewers on multiple levels.

Cons:
While this drama excels in sweetness, an excess of saccharine moments occasionally detracts from its realism. Some viewers may find certain aspects, like Lin's extravagant gestures and excessive chivalry, bordering on unrealistic. Additionally, the narrative's focus on food and pool becomes repetitive, and the transition to Lin's career revival feels somewhat disjointed. Despite these flaws, the series manages to deliver a heartwarming conclusion, albeit with missed opportunities in certain character arcs.

Conclusion:
In summary, 'Amidst a snowstorm of Love ' offers a charming blend of romance, comedy, and heartfelt moments, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. While not without its flaws, its slow-paced narrative and engaging characters are sure to captivate audiences seeking a feel-good drama experience.
Ending with Lin's favorite word (i guess)
Cheers!
🍻

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Those intense stares/looks. Gaddaman ???

The chemistry in this drama was chemistry-ing lemme tell you. The intensity of the chemistry was the most I have ever watched in any Asian drama even Lighter & Princess ( but Lighter & Princess was still a better and superior drama all around IMO) but I feel this series was let down by the weak make out sessions especially after it still continued after years of dating, I’m not expecting them to shove their mouths down their throats like western shows but the kisses were way too tame and so very unrealistic for not only the level of chemistry, passion and love they was portrayed but also the length of time they been dating.
I really liked the no toxic character in this drama, it was really a breath of fresh air, as it’s a departure from one of
CDramas favorite tropes.
Someone in the comment section on VIKI where I watched said that all the characters in the drama were there to propel the leads romance forward and that was such an accurate statement. I liked the camaraderie and sportsmanship that was displayed. I liked all the characters. The eye candy is this drama was overflowing. Special shoutout to our MVP brothers/cousins.
Although i won’t be rewatching this, it was a really good drama to watch once and i recommend.

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Pool Tour of Helsinki

There's a lot to say about this diamond of a drama, but I'll try to keep it brief for your sanity. Absolutely loved the story and acting. It felt so different and natural that I honestly thought I was watching a drama based on a true story.

The cast was diverse and we surprisingly saw a lot of internationals, which is a rare treat in Mando-dramas. I do admit that it was hard to follow the English lines at times, but it was truly necessary for the plot and you get used to it quite quickly. The familiar shooting locations around Helsinki added so much flavor to the overall experience - high fives to all the Finns reading this!

A super interesting drama about 9-Ball and snooker athletes was not something I thought I needed. Still, I clearly did as I got to see a couple that left me almost breathless. The main couple's chemistry was just off the charts. I truly loved how carefully they built the romance and added that realistic, awkward feel to it through their acting. By the end, I was watching some real 9-Ball and snooker tournament videos because I was just so fascinated by the whole thing. It's almost magical how this drama created an urge in me to learn the game even though I have absolutely zero talent.

Really recommend this drama to viewers, especially the Finns out there, who need something new in the predictable world of romance dramas.

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Chemistry!

Honestly, I didn't expect to enjoy this one but wow, the standout of this drama were the two leads and the chemistry between them. Both lead actors are so good at showing subtle emotion, and the cinematography, the soothing OSTs, and the slow pacing of the show does an amazing job to highlight that.

For me, I do think it required a little bit of suppression of disbelief on my part, albeit only at the very start. The romance, while it's soft and comforting, is definitely a "love at first sight" situation. If the actors didn't sell it so well and have such good chemistry, I probably would never buy into it.

Also, although it's technically a sports romance, however, I think the sports/billiards aspect of the show is actually not very important. When you think of a sports drama there's usually a clearer through-line — maybe a character wants to make it to the Olympic team or win nationals. While there's SORT of one here (LYY overcoming his trauma and playing again), the focus is more on the emotional journey and less on the sports itself. Even though YG was also a pool player, she doesn't have a clear arc. The main focus is the romance and the characters just happen to be pool players, and they occasionally play games, but I as the audience was never clear on what the next step of their journey was, or honestly, even on the rules of the game. That's not a deal-breaker for me, but it's just a heads up for anyone who was interested in this drama because of the sports aspect.

Overall, though, this was definitely a comforting watch. I'm glad I watched it during winter because the snowy vibes were perfect.

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Makes your heart flutter in the best way

I never thought that a romance in another country between billiards players will hold me in a chokehold

This drama was just an unexpected watch because I wasn't sold on the plot. I usually don't like romance in another country plot because there'll be a lot of angst and drama. But this one gave me butterflies from episode 1 and just felt warm to watch. I was hooked.

Let me start with the positives:
- Leo Wu stole the show
The reason why I was sold on the first episode was because of his infatuated gaze. Listen, love at first sight sometimes cringes me out but I still believe it's possible and Leo Wu's acting just gave me proof. His smoldering eyes and lovesick gaze gave me butterflies. Even though his character is quiet and stoic, his gaze alone spoke a thousand words. He was just a walking green flag ! He was the perfect boyfriend character.
- Realistic sports scenes
I was never interested in billiards but this show made me want to learn it. I thought they used stunt doubles for the sport shots since it looked authentic but I was suprised to see that the actors did everything (I watched the bts scenes) under the coaching of national coaches. They were fun to watch and weren't boring !
- Great supporting characters
They had some A-list supporting characters. The acting was great and their relationship dynamics was fun to watch. They had a found family aspect to them and each supporting character shone on the screen.
- Heart fluttery romance
I loved that the romance was almost slow burn and wasn't rushed. It felt realistic since she only met him recently and they have an age gap as well. I liked how they showed both of them exploring the relationship before they committed to each other and it just made my heart flutter the entire time.

Now let's move onto the negatives:
- Please give the female lead some personality!!!
The female lead was sometimes annoying to watch. I mean, I get that she's a little quiet and shy but she just seemed bland the entire time. Because of that, even when she was playing the sport, she didn't look charismatic or cool. She was boring to watch since Leo Wu outshone her in terms of acting. They could've given her more growth or some defined personality traits to make her more interesting.
- Two separate stories combined into one
As much as I liked this show, I do wish they separated it into two seasons or two separate shows. The first half was clearly about the romance while the second half was only about sports. It was like a genre change and I wish they only focused on one aspect.
- It should've been 25 episodes or shorter
Like I said, I think they got greedy with the story. It would've been more cleaner if they stopped at episode 24 or 25. The last few episodes were unnecessary and just made the story go in a weird direction.

Overall, an unexpected watch that turned into an all time favorite. I'll recommend this to anyone who likes a heart fluttering romance with great sport scenes. 8.5/10

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