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the fairy and her most handsome man, the love that kept the ghosts away.
Love was never something to give expecting something in return.. that’s what their love was like, sublime, pure, selfless, unrealistically real.. their love was greater than anything, so they’re to me..Perfectly opening, perfectly reaching the climax, then perfectly writing the last line..
While it sounds ridiculous to some, this is the greatest modern romance drama that came out from China, not meaning that anything else is mid, but for me, everything else is below The First Frost.
The slow burn burned me, in a good way..
The heartbreaks also broke me, in a perfect way..
I never felt so connected and related to a character story like I felt with Wen Yifan, we didn’t have the same struggles, but it was so relatable and natural that I cried for her like I was watching myself going through all of that.. and while accepting her ‘only’ bad decision would be hard for somebody, not understanding her is possible, let alone blaming her.. it doesn’t take you an experience to empathise with a survivor..
At the same time, loving Sang Yan was only natural, such a lively man, confident and kind, gives without expecting, and waits for you like a fool—
How can a lady's heart not swoon for him? not even fairy Wen Yifan resisted his charms.. even in her sleep she walked to his embrace..
while watching them yearn for each other, and suffer alone, how bad I wanted to give her a hug, how bad I wanted to heal their scars, to unalive whoever made them unhappy.. how bad I wanted to rewrite their story so it would be less painful for them..
What I loved the most about this story is the angst and complexity of the characters, especialy Wen Yifan, you don’t see this often in modern romance dramas, that’s what makes The First Frost undeniably special.
“It seems like Beiyu rain soaked my bones, no matter where I go, I can’t run away from that rainy night” Wen Yifan - Is the line that broke me the most .. no matter how hard you try, how far you run.. you can’t escape from that prison, that memory will keep haunting you until you collapse, and you’re no longer you..
But don't let anyone deceive you and tell you that Sang Yan is one-dimensional just because he sees Wen Yifan as his life, being madly in love won’t make him a poor-written character.. he’s not you typical cold/bad childhood/vendetta/bad behaved male lead.. rather, he was raised with love, wealthy, energetic, determined, picky, talented, intelligent, lazy, emotionally sensible, responsible, understanding, cocky.. and much more! He’s the perfect blend of a bad guy and a bubbly girl..
And please, Wen Yifan is the only one who deserves Sang Yan, no one will make him happier than she did, she's the only one who sees the real him, the bright, humble and confident him behind the arrogance appearence and sarcastic tone.. despite being broken and stuck in her pitch-dark nightmares, she stayed gentle and kind, elegant and proud.. not even the worst turns of life kept her from living on.. she's literally the strongest and the most brave one in this drama..
The acting? Never seen characters alive as I've seen here..
Cinematography? Can't get enough!
Chemistry? Watching them from my screen isn't enough I want to be a chair in their room.
Music? Yeah baby, already memorised it
Storyline? I don't think I can describe how hooking it is..
My only issue with this one (besides the grandpa filler story) is that it ended too soon !! I wanted to see a lot.. much more than this !! Not even my daydreaming will help fulfill my needs !
Other than this, it’s subjectively 10/10, objectively 9.2/10… it feeds the passion of a writer (me) now all I want is to write fanfictions about them.
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Becoming Each Other's Sunlight: A story about growth, healing and enduring love
The First Frost is easily one of the most well-produced Chinese romance dramas of 2025. From its brilliant acting and plot progression to the impressive official soundtrack and meticulous attention to detail, The First Frost takes viewers on a journey about what it means to love another, and oneself. If you were waiting for a Chinese modern romance drama with enduring love, the most loveable couple and healthy character growth, say less. Although much more “melo” than Hidden Love, The First Frost will leave you looking forward to every loving interaction between the leads (and perhaps swooning at Sang Yan’s good looks).ꨄ OVERVIEW------------
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Zhu Yi, The First Frost documents the decade-long romance between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan. Despite becoming close friends in high school and agreeing to attend university together, Wen Yifan breaks the promise, leaving Sang Yan questioning their relationship for years. Their reunion is bittersweet yet provides the leads with the new opportunity to say their unsaid words, feel the unfelt love, and truly be together.
The structure of each episode is unique and appealing, as it starts with flashbacks that dive into scenes that molded the leads into who they are today, and end with scenes in Sang Yan’s perspective. The beginning flashback ends with a timeline that documents how many days the leads have known each other for, as well as an unfinished sentence that is completed at the end of the episode. The novel is written in Wen Yifan’s perspective, an aspect that the drama maintained. While some have expressed disappointment over the supposed imbalance between the leads’ efforts into their relationship, I would argue that Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s romance is one built off of immense mutual respect and care. However, Sang Yan plays a pivotal role as the sunshine that melts the frost. Growing up in a successful family that has showered him with love, he aims to do the same with Yifan. One of my favorite quotes from the drama is Wen Yifan’s response after the nagging Mu Chengyun asks, “Has he (Sang Yan) ever confessed to you?” to which she answers, “He treats me so well that it’s like he’s confessing to me everyday.” The way both leads treasure one another is the sweetest thing ever. We also see Wen Yifan’s outpouring of love towards Sang Yan, the immense worry she has for his safety as she regains confidence in herself.
ꨄ ADAPTATION------------
While TFF is set in the same universe as Hidden Love, the timeline between the two dramas is slightly different. There was much debate over the leading roles of the drama adaptation, especially among Chinese netizens, as the original web novel is extremely popular. When the lead casting was announced to be Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, the news received extremely mixed reviews. Never having watched Zhang Ruonan in a drama before and looking forward to another Bai Jingting hit, I dived into the first few episodes of TFF with curiosity and basic expectations (coupled with excitement after having watched cute Hidden Love). 10 episodes in, I could simply not imagine another pairing embodying Sang Yan and Wen Yifan as remarkably as Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan. As with all novel adaptations, whether shows or movies, it’s impossible for the entire progression to remain the exact ‘same,’ and quite unrealistic. Having read the novel, I was pleasantly surprised by how true to the original story the drama was, down to the small details. Despite certain scenes that may have fared more preferably if aligned with the original plot, the overall story was well-paced and sprinkled in the sweetest scenes at the perfect times. Given the nature of the leads and their history together, their reunion starts off slow, but their relationship and romance quickly picks up from there.
ꨄ SECOND COUPLE------------
When it comes to the second lead couple (portrayed by Chen Haosen and Zhang Miaoyi), the leads’ best friends, they were certainly cute, but I couldn’t feel much chemistry that kept me on my toes. Perhaps this is because they have a much shorter history than the leads, having known each other for much less time. However, much of their screen time together was partially overshadowed by the grandparents arc, which quickly turned dull IMO and took away screen time from both couples that could have been utilized to better develop and expand on their relationships. However, given the time allotted to side characters, I do have to say that Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s relationship was developed very well.
I’d also like to take a moment to address the drama relationship between TFF and Hidden Love. While established in the same universe and both dramas have the same characters, a major concern among Hidden Love fans was the total change in casting. While I greatly enjoyed Ma Boqian’s portrayal of Sang Yan, an annoying older brother, Bai Jingting fully embodies the other side to Sang Yan, the composed yet loving man who silently stayed at the side of the only girl he has loved, and the only girl he will ever love. Given that Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan weren’t present in Hidden Love, it makes no sense that Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan would even make a cameo in TFF. Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu are also not a main focal point in TFF, and I personally enjoyed watching the bantering interactions between the Sang siblings, as well as the strong bromance throughout. Liu Chutian and Wu Yuheng were satisfactory as Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. If the connection between these two Zhu Yi romances does capture your attention, however, you may or may not have noticed Sang Zhi’s phone case in both series, which have been the same.
ꨄ ACTING------------
As mentioned before, Chu Yuning did brilliantly casting his lead roles. I’ve watched Bai Jingting a few years ago in Reset and later in historical dramas, but he really brings out another extraordinary aspect to his acting in TFF. There’s such an obvious difference in emotions that Bai Jingting carries in his eyes. The eye candy is such a plus (and even Bai Jingting himself said that TFF captured him at his handsomest lol), but it is clear that Bai Jingting is the perfect Sang Yan.
Going back to watch the lead’s reunion scene after six years in Jia Ban (Sang Yan’s restaurant), you can see the sadness and longing in Sang Yan’s eyes, and the disbelief and denial on Wen Yifan’s face. The chemistry between Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan subtly increases, and if I could say so myself, this pairing is absolutely perfect, and just the couple we needed in the Cdrama romance world. The crying scenes also particularly stood out to me; The leads poured their heart and soul into their roles, allowing the viewer to feel the pain they have felt over the past decade and feel that same hatred towards the antagonists.
ꨄ CHARACTER GROWTH------------
The First Frost also effectively touches upon a very delicate topic. In the face of her father and grandmother’s death, Wen Yifan no longer has anyone in her life besides Sang Yan who really cares for her (with the exception of her best friend Zhong Siqiao, who is truly the sweetest), and even Sang Yan is far away from her, unaware of her situation. As a teenage girl with no adult family member to protect her from the threats of harassment, she is left to fend for herself. Her experience parallels those of many women in real life. The nuances in Zhang Ruonan’s facial expressions reflected that of Wen Yifan’s past experiences, encouraging sympathy and admiration for her personal growth. As the drama progresses, we witness Wen Yifan’s transformation: She starts standing up for herself, and later, others with similar grievances. She ‘rediscovers’ ballet, something so dear to her. She addresses her strained relationship with her mother. And of course, she gains the confidence to reach out to Sang Yan. I simply cannot express how much I adore Zhang Ruonan in this role. Her acting was just so realistic, from the nights of sleepwalking to Wen Yifan’s cute, bubbly moments. She nailed it all.
ꨄ PRODUCTION------------
The editing and filming aspects are also top-notch. Chu Yuning and his team absolutely found the best angles and lighting for their shots, capturing the leads in the best atmosphere possible. Filmed mostly in Chongqing, the audience was able to admire the cityscape and beautiful modern culture, from the trains that ran through tall buildings to serene night scenes strewn with fireworks and lights. The transitions were also seamless, allowing for the best-quality watching experience and satisfaction.
ꨄ OST------------
When it comes to the OST, I have to say that there are not that many Cdramas that can compare to the quality of these songs. We have well-written lyrics, a line of talented singers, and catchy tunes. Whether it’s “Willful” by Mayday, a song filled with strength and determination, or the dreamy “Like a Sunny Day, Like a Rainy Day” by Silence Wang, there’s a song for every scene. And by every scene, I really mean it. I fell in love at first sight with the OST the way Sang Yan did with Wen Yifan:
“Willful” - Mayday: Theme Song
“Like a Sunny Day, Like a Rainy Day” - Silence Wang: Romance Song
“Late” - Zhang Bichen: Past Pain Song
“Serenade” - Mao Buyi: Self-Healing Song
“It’s You” - Li Yuchun: Ending Song
“My Dear” - Zhang Zhenhao: Reunion Song
“The Invisible Man” - Bai Jingting: Waiting Song
“I’ve Never Liked Anyone Except You” - Zhang Lei + Fine Band: Longing Song
“Everything” - Zhang Ruonan + Zhang Miaoyi: Friendship Song
“Look at Me” - Yan Yidan: Heartwarming Song
“I Want To Quietly Slip Into Your Soul” - Xiao Bingzhi: Protection Song
“There Is You Amidst Raindrops” - Chen Kexin: Memory Song
“Stubborn” - Sandee Chan: Heartbeat Song
“Crush” - Chen Haosen: Adoration Song
This drama has carved a special place in my heart with its moments filled with love, acceptance, growth and resilience. There are so many admirable traits in both leads, and their love story will give you butterflies in your stomach until the very last episode, the cutest little ending that marks the continuation of their happiness together.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ “Besides me, there will be many people who love you.” - Sang Yan
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ “Love is…becoming each other’s light.” - Episode 31
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ “It’s okay. The boy you like will also think that you were so brave. He’ll thank you for protecting yourself.” - Wen Yifan
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ “Tell me, were you sent down by my dad to be good to me?” - Wen Yifan
“No, I willingly do so.” - Sang Yan
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This review may contain spoilers
The First Frost changed the trajectory of my life and will forever be etched in my heart.
The First Frost is not for the faint-hearted. It tackles themes of suffering, sexual harassment, and heartbreak, but beyond that, it delivers an important message: the pursuit of justice is essential, especially for those who, like Yifan, have endured unimaginable pain. Above all, it tells the beautiful love story of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan, who faced countless trials before finally getting their happily ever after.Bai Jingting perfectly embodied Sang Yan’s blend of shamelessness and arrogance, while also capturing his deep yearning, empathy, and unconditional love for Wen Yifan. His portrayal feels raw and genuine, as if he’s living Yifan’s pain. Zhang Ruonan’s portrayal of the gloomy Wen Yifan is equally powerful — her performance will move you to tears.
What I love most is how involved the actors were in creating certain scenes, including contributing their own ideas. This collaboration made these moments feel incredibly authentic — especially the proposal scene.
Finally, the soundtrack. Every OST was so thoughtfully chosen, perfectly complementing each scene and deepening the emotional experience.
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HOW DO I MOVE ON FROM THIS!!!
OMG...It has been a while since I've watched a drama that was this PERFECT!!!To say it was worth the wait is an understatement!
So how do I move on from this???!!!
An amazing series that had me addicted from Episode 1!
The Soundtrack will make you swoon...
The casting ABSOLUTELY PERFECT...
The storylines amazing...
THIS IS ONE FOR THE AGES.
Everything about this drama is perfect, the music, the casting, the storylines, the production itself...just amazing!
Watching it, I was truly drawn into this beautiful complex story.
I thought the acting of Zhang Ruo Nan as Wen Yi Fan was superb in this complex role. Portraying a character innocent yet flawed and damaged was quite a feat! She was so very believable! A young woman with a past of crippling encounters with males, tentatively opening up and trusting her lover was so beautifully handled by her!
Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan was the perfect combination of bravado and fragility together in his portrayal of Wen Yi Fan's first love/protector. Both of them, as innocent truly ""first time" lovers was, I can't think of a better word, then precious.
The secondary couple, Edward Chen as Su Hao An (my first encounter with him and I think he is fantastic!) . And the wonderful Zhang Miao Yi as Zhong Si Qiao (who I watched in my very first Asian drama: "When I Fly Towards You "...so she holds a special place in my heart) were really wonderful and I found myself almost as invested in their storyline as in the Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan story!
Where many dramas rush the end/resolution of their story, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that The First Frost took the time to give us two beautiful episodes after the "conflict" was resolved to just develop the end to their story...creating such a satisfying feeling of closure to this drama ....perfect!!
Kudos to the director, writers and cinematographer for gifting us with this amazing series...it is one I will savor for a long time, probably rewatch many times in the future and for sure buy the DVD when it is available!
A MASTERPIECE!!!!
Do NOT miss this!!
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Best Cinematography for a n Idol Romance CDrama
The First Frost is the most beautiful melo modern Chinese drama. The cinematography , acting of the casts especially BJT and ZRN and a strong plot like the lat 4 eps were excellent. The OST were so good too. I personally like Willful and Like a Sunny Day, Like a Rainy songs a lot that I kept replaying it on Spotify.This is a must watch drama for people who like slow burn and adult romance drama.
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A Deeply Moving Second-Chance Romance with Outstanding Emotional Depth
Some dramas entertain, while others leave a lasting impact. The First Frost does both effortlessly. It is not just a romance but a beautifully crafted story of love, healing, and self-discovery, brought to life through exceptional performances and nuanced storytelling.The strength of this drama lies in its characters, particularly in the way they are portrayed by Bai JingTing and Zhang RuoNan. Their performances are not just convincing—they are immersive, making every emotion, every hesitation, and every moment of vulnerability feel deeply personal. The drama thrives on subtlety, never over-explaining its emotions but letting them unfold naturally, allowing viewers to connect with the story on a profound level.
Bai JingTing’s portrayal of Sang Yan is undoubtedly one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Sang Yan is not the typical overbearing male lead; he is mature, emotionally intelligent, and endlessly patient, a true representation of a “green flag.” Bai JingTing delivers a multi-layered performance, capturing the playful charm of Sang Yan while also showcasing his depth, sensitivity, and unwavering support for Wen Yifan. His ability to convey emotions through expressions and body language alone makes every scene between them feel organic and real.
One of the most remarkable choices the drama makes is in how it portrays Sang Yan’s response to Wen Yifan’s past. He never blames her, never demands explanations, but instead provides the safe space she needs. He listens, he understands, and he reassures her without pushing. His line, "You did well," is one of the most powerful moments in the entire drama—a simple sentence that encapsulates his ability to recognize her struggles without judgment. Bai JingTing’s measured and deeply affecting performance transforms Sang Yan from just a romantic lead into one of the most well-written and well-acted characters in recent C-dramas.
Zhang RuoNan’s portrayal of Wen Yifan is equally powerful. Her character is shaped by past trauma, abandonment, and self-doubt, yet she is never reduced to just a “damaged” heroine waiting to be saved. Instead, the drama takes its time letting her heal on her own terms, and Zhang RuoNan embodies every step of this journey with extraordinary sensitivity and grace.
Her acting is subtle yet incredibly expressive—the hesitation in her voice, the fleeting vulnerability in her eyes, the quiet moments where she struggles to let herself believe she deserves love. Instead of forcing dramatic breakdowns, the drama allows her emotions to unfold naturally, making her growth feel authentic and deeply moving.
One of the most significant additions to the drama, which was not in the original novel, is the “Hong Kong's escape” arc. Wen Yifan, overwhelmed and suffocated by her past, chooses to leave for a while, not as an act of running away, but as a necessary step towards self-acceptance. This was a brilliant narrative decision—a realistic depiction of how trauma often makes people feel the need to retreat before they can face their emotions. Her time away is not about avoiding Sang Yan, but about finding the courage to finally speak her truth.
The chemistry between Bai JingTing and Zhang RuoNan is another highlight. It is not loud or exaggerated; it is built on small, quiet moments—the way they look at each other, the unspoken understanding between them, the way their connection feels natural rather than forced. It is a slow-burning, emotionally satisfying dynamic that makes their relationship feel not only believable but deeply earned.
While some viewers initially wished for Victor Ma to reprise his role as Sang Yan after his appearance in Hidden Love, Bai JingTing proves why the casting decision was the right one. Victor Ma embodied Sang Yan as an older brother—playful, caring, and protective, but Bai JingTing transforms him into a fully realized romantic lead. His portrayal allows the audience to see Sang Yan not just through his younger sister’s perspective but as a man in his own right—thoughtful, emotionally developed, and deeply in love.
Beyond the performances, The First Frost is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography and a perfectly curated OST that elevates the emotional depth of every scene. The background music never overpowers the moment but instead enhances the atmosphere, making each significant interaction even more poignant.
What sets this drama apart is its ability to balance romance with personal growth. It does not rely on unnecessary misunderstandings or toxic drama to create tension. Instead, it focuses on how two people—both shaped by their pasts—learn to support each other without losing themselves in the process. It is a love story, yes, but more than that, it is a story about healing, self-worth, and the quiet strength that comes from truly understanding another person.
With a well-written script, mature storytelling, and two of the most compelling performances in recent memory, The First Frost is a drama that lingers long after the final episode. It is a testament to how romance dramas should be written—thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and deeply resonant.
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An Unforgettable Journey
This is one of the most beautiful dramas I’ve ever seen. It delivers a breathtaking story with stunning cinematography, deep emotions, and unforgettable characters. Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan turned each scene into poetry and pure artistry. I was completely captivated from start to finish. It's the kind of drama that lingers in your heart long after the final scene. A must-watch!Was this review helpful to you?
More Than Just a Love Story
Unlike many romance dramas, The First Frost doesn’t treat love as the answer to everything. Instead, it follows two people carrying the weight of their pasts, showing how difficult it is to move forward when old wounds don’t just fade away.The female lead’s pain is central to the story, and the adaptation deepens it even further. It never rushes her healing, making every step feel real. The male lead’s role isn’t to change her but to be there, steady and patient. What makes him stand out is how well written his character is his kindness isn’t exaggerated, and his presence never feels forceful. Instead, his understanding and quiet strength make every moment between them feel natural and deeply felt.
The storytelling is subtle, with long pauses and cold cinematography emphasizing the distance between them. As they begin to change, the atmosphere does too slowly, just like them. The drama is well-written, with attention to detail in both the characters' growth and the way their relationship unfolds. Alongside this, the leads’ chemistry is undeniable, making every interaction layered and meaningful. Their performances bring so much depth to their characters, capturing both their vulnerabilities and resilience. It’s not a drama that relies on big twists, but for those who appreciate character driven stories, it leaves an impact.
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Greenest Flag of 2025
Can his flag can any greener??! Cuz daaaaamnHe’s one cheeky green flag.
One of the sweetest, charming, loving drama I've watched for 2025.
I know they are just acting, but their chemistry was through the roof.
Though it included a bit of "thriller", it was worth it.
A lot of messages are in this series.
When I say this man knows what love is and knows how to love, believe me!!!
Their love grew soooooo deep for each other.
I am glad the FL let go of all the negative persons in her life.
I just had to add, episode 21- bro was to eating her face up lol
Ummm, I just have to say it and its just me - the FL wardrobe, they could have done a better job.
A little scene in the last episode gave me WIFTY vibes and got me teary because this man will give up the world just to make her happy.
WRITER, THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING DRAMA!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
The masterpiece of our generation
A heart wrenching love story about healing, acceptance and love. Absolutely wonderful in every aspect you could possibly think of and well deserving of the total rating of 9.0.I'll do the unconventional method of reviewing and start from the ending. I've never seen a proposal in any drama, movie or tv-series that was so beautifully executed and so emotional that I just could not stop crying or smiling. The way the main characters were so genuine, so utterly and completely in love with each other, was so touching. The normally put together and shamelessly arrogant Sang Yan turned into a complete mess of nervousness and hope and expectations that he couldn't even speak. He turned into the goofy and clumsy teenager we saw in his POVs at the ends of the episodes and I loved it so much. I also loved the video where everyone told Wen Yifan and Sang Yan's love story from their point of view. I could fell Yifan realizing there were so many people in her life who genuinely cared about her and see her teenage self healing. Just beautiful.
Now to Yifan's family dynamics. I really feel like Yifan did the right choice in cutting ties with her mother. She was never there for her, never thought to think about how Yifan fealt, how she was doing or whether or not she was safe. She literally saw what Yifan's uncle did to her, how broaken and hurt and miserable she was. Heard how scared she was. And....ignored her. What mother would ever even question whether or not her own child was speaking the truth about someone assaulting or harrassing her? Even if she realized she was wrong and that her actions, or more like lack of it, hurt Yifan, it's too late now. I don't even think she genuinely felt remorse, I just think she realized that she was all alone now that her husband had left her and her "family" was going to jail. She realized how empty and miserable it was to be all alone and was selfishly trying to keep at least one person in her life.
Yifan went through so much and even though I kind of understand she didn't feel like she should let Sang Yan into her life, I just wish she didn't hurt him a second time. When she left and ran away to Hongkong, I wanted to scream at her and demand that she'd return to Sang Yan. The first time was fine, she was a scared teenager, but now she was an adult and should've fought harder to stay. What was the point when in the end she didn't even need to be persuaded to come back? The second she set her eyes on Sang Yan she was more than happy to return.
My heart ached each time Sang Yan found out about Yifan's horrible past. The first time he saw where and how she lived? In a shabby little shared apartment with slimy perverted men? When he realized she didn't keep in touch with her family and why. When he learned about her sleepwalking. When he found out about the reason she sleepwalked. When he found out about how she was treated when her "family" saw her sleepwalking. When he found out about why she had to stop dancing...
This drama is worthy of each and every praise it has gotten so far. It was an emotional rollercoaster I wish I could re-visit for the first time again. And in my opinion, 10 x better than Hidden love.
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Really captured your heart from the start!
Though this is a slow burn series but it tells a beautiful story of main leads first love from high school. Love the storytelling of a beautiful love story reuniting after years of separation . The story touched you deeply and lots of teary moment. Absolutely enjoyed the series and beautifully written and produced. Great job, 👏🏻 everyone especially the Director.Was this review helpful to you?
Patience and understanding is what everyone needs to watch this drama!
Do you like watching dramas with high school reciprocated crush, years of yearning, angst, and possibly lovingly stalking said crush for years, from afar, just to see how she's doing? Well, this drama is for you!!This drama teaches you a lot about how your environment and the lack of support can affect your life and personality. It is the total opposite of the male lead's family where he gets plenty of support and happiness compare to the female lead.Trigger warning this drama involves SA, and murder.
The First Frost is definitely part of my list of top modern dramas of all times! Mostly because of how complex Wen Yi Fan's character is. It seems many viewers in the beginning did not enjoy how she is, but in reality this is the result of her environment and you just need to analyze and use critical thinking before saying the character sucks or the actress's acting is horrible.
Wen Yi Fan played by Zhang Ruonan is not your average bubbly, outgoing female lead. She seems like an introverted, awkward, and reserved female lead. Even when she opened up and gained more confidence, her personality is still there - awkward and introverted which is what I like about the character. You do not see these kind of female very often! I wouldn't say she is popular but she is seen as very beautiful that girls are even jealous of her. The First Frost is definitely about Sang Yan's love life, while Hidden Love was about Sang Zhi's. However, to me it felt like the story was about Wen Yi Fan more than Sang Yan. I felt so much empathy, and sorrow for Wen Yi Fan because of what she went through. It is so understandable why she is the way she is in modern times because of how traumatic her past is. In addtion, the one family member that she needed the most in her time of need was not there for her at all! Due to this traumatic past, WYF rarely open up to anyone, never asked for help because she thinks there's no point in it. Until she met Sang Yan once again. Throughout the drama, you can slowly watch WYF gain more and more confidence in herself as well as opening up more than before. It is mostly because of SY, he was always there for her even if they weren't close. Plese give WYF a chance before you say anything negative because I need yall to understand she has TRAUMA! I can't stress this enough! Maybe some of you can resonate with her in one way or another - I know I did. :(
This is my first drama of Zhang Ruo Nan, and I am quite impressed because her micro expressions were so good! Her awkwardness is very realistic, she acts like someone who definitely had hardships and suffered immensely through the years of isolation, loneliness, and trauma. Just one look at her and you can tell that she has gone through something. I am definitely looking forward to more of her dramas from now on!
Sang Yan played by Bai Jing Ting. I'm sure we have all seen many, many dramas of female leads chasing after the cold, stoic popular male lead. This is the reverse!! Except, Sang Yan tries to play it off coolly, which makes his character quite hilarious. Anyhow, The First Frost is about Sang Yan constantly running after and supporting WYF, even if they weren't in each other's lives, he still looked for her because he never stopped loving her since their separation. They had a plan to go to the same college to begin their relationship but due to other reasons, it did not go as planned and SY was heartbroken for YEARS. He is also stubborn, he still looks from WYF from afar - giving me the stalker vibes ngl. I suppose this only works in fiction, and definitely not in real life, but it's prob rare who knows. I digress. Sang Yan in this drama is more "cold" compared to Hidden Love's version of Sang Yan. He does still joke around, he's also pretty clueless to what has happened with WYF, but he's very patient with her. He's willing to wait for her until she tells him herself. He's the type of guy, minus the stalking, that every woman would want because he's patient, he reassures WYF when she feels down, he cooks for her (basically disguises it as he cooked too much lmao), cleans, and very protective of her even if he didn't understand everything. What I like about SY is he has so much empathy for WYF especially when he knows she's going through something. He would feel helpless because he's not sure what's going on with her. I think it's very poignant to see him cry because that just means she loves him so much. :')
There would be attempts of cockblockers, but I wouldn't worry too much about it because the leads would just shove them off honestly. They're very straightforward with how they feel and will not leave the cockblockers with much thought. Albeit, someone was quite entitled and stubborn but he will be gone eventually.
I've seen a few of Bai Jing Ting's drama in his early years, and he definitely has improved since then. His microexpressions, THE EYE ACTING!! It was just so good to see how much emotion he can portray with his eyes alone. You can tell someone is a good actor from not just their micro expressions but also the eye acting.
I think both BJT and ZYN nailed it! :]
I wasn't too interested in the second lead so I kind of skipped a lot of it. Their storyline was boring. I do, however, loved it when Sang Zhi came around because I wanted to compare it with Hidden Love and see where the timeline matched. ZYN's family did amazing job at acting though, especially the evil guy. Dude just emanates EVIL when he enters. It scared the crap out of me, even in his eyes it was like WHOA. Even the evil aunt was SOOOO fake from he begining, I could tell from the way she looks and acts - I've seen this in real life before and I hated the aunt for acting so fake and then explodes as if she's right. They did a wonderful job at acting ngl. Applause!
THE MUSIC, my new obssession is from the OST - Silence Wang -Like Sunny Day, Like Rainy Day! Every other song in this drama was amazing as well!!
I definitely recommend this drama if you love angst, melodramas, slow burn, and would like to see a male chasing after the female lead for once.
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