A Captivating Tale of Love and Emotional Struggles
Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is a Chinese drama that attempts to blend romance with political intrigue, set against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving world. While it has an undeniably beautiful premise, filled with grand landscapes, intricate relationships, and emotional twists, the series ultimately struggles with pacing issues, predictable plotlines, and underdeveloped characters. Despite these shortcomings, there are still moments of depth that give the series its charm.The premise of Amidst a Snowstorm of Love initially piques interest: a young couple whose love is tested by the conflicts around them, with elements of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice woven into their relationship. However, the show struggles with its execution of the plot. Early episodes set up a promising world filled with intrigue, but as the story progresses, the narrative begins to falter under its own weight.
One of the biggest issues with the plot is its predictability. While some twists are introduced, they often feel recycled from other similar dramas, and the audience can foresee the outcome well before it happens. This lack of surprise makes the series feel formulaic at times, undermining its potential to be a standout in the genre.
Additionally, the pacing in Amidst a Snowstorm of Love feels uneven. At times, the plot rushes through key emotional moments, leaving little room for the characters' development. In contrast, other episodes drag on, stretching out minor subplots that don’t add much to the overall narrative. This inconsistency affects the flow of the series, making it harder to stay fully invested in the characters’ journey.
The character development in Amidst a Snowstorm of Love leaves much to be desired. The protagonists, while charming in their own right, are often one-dimensional. The female lead, who starts off as strong and independent, becomes somewhat of a stereotype as the show progresses, relying on her love interest to define her role in the story. This regression in her character arc is disappointing, especially considering the potential for her to be a more layered and dynamic character.
The male lead, while fitting the classic "stoic hero" mold, also lacks depth. His motivations are unclear at times, and his emotional journey feels underexplored. While he has moments of vulnerability, these are few and far between, which leads to a disconnect with the audience. The chemistry between the leads is certainly present, but the lack of depth in their characters makes it difficult to fully invest in their relationship.
The supporting cast also suffers from underdevelopment. While some characters serve as interesting plot devices, they rarely transcend their basic roles. The lack of fleshed-out secondary characters limits the emotional impact of the show, as it feels as though many key relationships are only superficially explored.
Visually, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love shines. The cinematography is beautifully executed, with stunning landscapes and dramatic snow-covered scenes that complement the mood of the show. The use of sweeping landscapes helps to evoke the harshness of the world the characters inhabit, and the cinematography truly enhances the overall atmosphere of the drama. The attention to detail in the costume design and set decoration also helps transport the viewer into this visually immersive world.
However, despite the visual appeal, the beauty of the show can’t completely mask the flaws in the storytelling. The stunning scenery and elegant costuming sometimes feel like distractions rather than enhancements, especially when the plot falters or fails to engage. While the visuals are striking, they can't make up for the lack of strong narrative momentum.
Amidst a Snowstorm of Love attempts to tackle themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, but it often falls short in fully exploring these topics. The central relationship between the leads is undoubtedly the driving force of the series, but it often feels repetitive and stagnant. While the romance is heartfelt at times, the lack of emotional depth in both characters leads to a relationship that feels more superficial than profound.
The theme of loyalty is explored in fits and starts, with the characters’ personal struggles often overshadowing these deeper concepts. The constant back-and-forth between the leads and their external conflicts detracts from the emotional core of the story, making it difficult for the themes of loyalty and sacrifice to resonate fully.
The series does try to explore the broader implications of these themes, especially within the context of the political and social landscape, but the exploration feels underdeveloped. The drama misses opportunities to dig deeper into these issues, which could have added layers of meaning and emotional complexity to the story.
In conclusion, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is a visually stunning series with a solid premise, but it fails to deliver on its potential. The plot is predictable and struggles with pacing issues, and the character development is lacking, especially for the leads. While the romance is charming at times, it never reaches the emotional depth required to make the series truly memorable.
The show’s beautiful cinematography and compelling setting are its strongest points, but these cannot fully compensate for the underwhelming narrative. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is ultimately a mixed experience—there are flashes of brilliance, but the execution leaves much to be desired. It may appeal to fans of historical romance dramas, but those seeking a more nuanced and engaging storyline might find it lacking.
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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.Was this review helpful to you?
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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Predictable like any other Chinese romance drama
I like that the scenes aren't overly exaggerated/fake compared to the typical Chinese romance dramas, but everything is super predictable. I haven't read the novel, so I can't say it depicted it well or not, but I felt like it was mainly focused on their relationship and not as much on billiards. Moreover, they don't have many challenges to overcome. The little difficulties that come along the way are resolved naturally or with little effort. Everything went super smoothly for the ML, and I'm still not sure how he was able to afford everything for the FL despite being a "poor student." Their chemistry and acting weren't too bad, but the main leads are basically all over each other as soon as they get together. It would've been nice if they could've explored some of the other characters' stories like Jiang Nan, Meng Xiao Dong, and Lin Lin. It just felt everything was repeating and made it super dragged out.Was this review helpful to you?
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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This review may contain spoilers
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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This review may contain spoilers
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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if I were zhao jinmai or wu lei, I'd walk out of the set wondering what we are lol
I mean... the skinship! the chemistry! the gazes! the smiles! yes, it was that good! No complain for the acting department, really.HOWEVER, that's probably the only good thing from this drama. Everything else is just your classic sport cdrama . It's upsetting that the drama set up has so many potentials to explore (I mean, come on.. the leads class difference, the different approach to intimacy, anyone?), yet they just stuck with the usual. Replace any element of this story with any element from any MBFB adaptations and it will annoyingly work.
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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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