The First Frost

I didn’t expect this drama to grip me like this, but it did.

THE FIRST FROST – DRAMA REVIEW

If I were to describe The First Frost in one sentence, it would be: A hauntingly beautiful tale of rekindled love, quiet trauma, and tender second chances wrapped in subtle storytelling and poetic cinematography.

I’ll say this first – this is not your average romance drama. It feels different. The atmosphere, the soundtrack, the characters – everything is designed to immerse you into a world of unspoken regrets, lingering pain, and love that never really went away.

WHAT I LOVED

1. The Vibe – Melancholic, Consistent, Beautiful.
From the opening episode with "Goodbye, Sang Yan" to the slow burning tension in their shared apartment, the tone is masterfully held throughout. The drama starts with a bittersweet re-encounter and continues to bleed nostalgic hues all over its plot. The rainy nights, dim lighting, quiet bus rides, stolen glances – it’s all so soft yet heavy. The soundtrack? Always on point. It swells with the emotion of each scene and lingers long after the screen fades to black.

2. The Character Depth.
Wen Yifan is one of the most complex female leads I’ve seen in a while. She’s not outspoken. She doesn’t yell. She doesn’t explain herself often. And yet, you feel her pain, her guilt, her hesitation in every single expression. The sleepwalking? A literal manifestation of her past trauma and emotional suppression. And then there’s Sang Yan – the quietly wounded, lovesick boy turned man who’s been carrying the weight of a heartbreak he never truly understood. His affection is consistent, almost annoyingly so – from protecting her silently to setting up safety precautions in the house because she sleepwalks. And don’t even get me started on how he remembers her birthday, her perfume, and her university switch even after years of silence.

3. The Acting – Micro-Expressions Carry the Whole Show.
There are moments where no words are exchanged, but the tension is louder than anything. Their chemistry is aching. So real.

4. The Flashbacks – Piecing the Puzzle.
The drama beautifully balances past and present, slowly peeling back the layers of what went wrong.

WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE

1. Mu Chengyun. Just… No.
Persistent in a way that wasn’t charming but invasive. He doesn’t understand boundaries. Keeps popping up where he’s not wanted. Even after being told no, he keeps pressing. I get that he represents a parallel love interest, but he didn’t need to be this annoying.

2. Wen Yifan's Reluctance Sometimes Feels Drawn Out.
I understand her trauma. Truly, I do. But there were times where her refusal to acknowledge Sang Yan’s obvious affection, or her own feelings, felt a little too prolonged. Girl, how much more do you need? Maybe it was meant to mirror her fear of loss, but a part of me wanted her to at least apologise sooner or make a bold move without hiding.

3. Su Haoan's Tragic Backstory – Felt Forced.
This is going to be controversial but… I didn’t feel much when he talked about his trauma story. It felt inserted to give him depth, but it didn’t land for me. Compared to the emotional realism of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s arc, his came off more as a plot device.

All in all, it's a beautiful story of how healing can come in the form of one person who never gives up on you. Someone who shows up, and patiently waits for you to come around – again.

Rating: 9/10.
Would’ve been a 10 if not for Mu Chengyun and the mid-season drag. But this one will stay with me for a while.

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My Dear, Don’t Say Goodbye!

The First Frost is so much more than a romance drama. It's a beautiful love story, with plenty of emotional moments, heartbreak, unspoken feelings, patience and healing. Its warmth makes you root for the characters and their relationship.

Sang Yan is charming, confident, and playful, yet secretly devoted. He never truly forgets Wen Yifan and shows his love through his actions. His love for Wen Yifan is one of the most touching parts of this drama. His patience, devotion, tenderness, and quiet protectiveness make their relationship incredibly special.

Wen Yifan is a gentle, independent reporter carrying emotional scars from her past. Over time, she learns to trust again and open herself up to love.

Their story reminds us that sometimes love doesn't disappear with time. No matter how many years pass or how much pain someone carries, the right person can still feel like home…

Their chemistry is unforgettable, and every little moment between them feels meaningful.
What makes this drama so beautiful is how it shows that love isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes it's about staying, understanding, waiting, and making someone feel safe enough to love again.
A beautiful story that breaks your heart a little, warms it a lot, and leaves you wishing you could experience their love all over again.

My biggest issue, though, was the pacing. Some scenes dragged on far too long, and I ended up skipping quite a few. The constant flashbacks and frequent shifts between the past and present also made the storyline a little confusing at times. I understand the flashbacks were meant to add depth to the characters and their relationship, but honestly, there were just too many!

My favourite OST is MY DEAR; it expresses their emotional state in a way beyond words!

Overall, I really liked the drama. The love story, emotional depth, realistic acting, profound character growth and the way they slowly find their way back to each other made it special. It is an absolute must-watch. Let's say, easily one of the best modern Chinese dramas in years!
Some stories end when the screen goes dark. This one stays in your heart and mind!

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No character or story development throughout

This is the most disappointing drama I have ever watched, as someone who likes slow burn romance, and also the lighting of the drama as well the OSTs the whole drama was a big dissapointment with no proper character development whatsoever for any of the leads and definitely no real story progress happens either and this drama doesn't even contain anything much about jobs of the main leads to keep story interesting and romance alone isn't compelling either

Overall very boring and plain drama something I never expected from BJT or ZRN!(I love most of their other dramas so expected better here)

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The First Frost Turned My Cold Heart Into a Puddle

This drama is truly a 2025 gem, and even the title itself carries a deep meaning within the story you’ll understand it as you watch. I haven’t loved a modern drama this much since Lighter & Princess; I honestly place them on the same level. They’ve become my ult dramas. There’s so much to say… At the moment, I’m still watching and I’m currently on episode 18.

The atmosphere is melancholic, dramatic, and romantic at the same time. It’s a true slice of life, grounded in reality, with no exaggeration or unnecessary drama which is exactly what I love. It’s subtle, never over the top. This drama takes a much more realistic approach, far from the clichés and caricatures of overly formulaic rom-coms. This feels like real life.

As for the story, there isn’t really a traditional plot. We simply follow the daily lives of young adults and the gradual development of their relationships, while touching on many meaningful themes such as family, friendship, love, illness, and grief.

I really appreciated how the past relationship between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan is revealed through short flashbacks at the beginning of each episode. It’s far more effective than having a long “teenage” arc placed in the middle of episodes, which often breaks the pacing. Here, the flashbacks are thoughtfully structured and never disrupt the rhythm of the story.

The characters are genuinely lovable (except for Yifan’s awful family). Sang Yan, in particular, touched me deeply he’s such a human and sincere character.

At first, Wen Yifan appears cold, sad, and emotionally drained, almost lifeless. But as the episodes go by, we slowly understand why. She gradually changes: she smiles more, reacts more, gets shy, and starts breaking down her emotional walls.

Sang Yan is very tsundere he acts like he doesn’t care, yet he’s always there for her. What I love most about him is that he’s professionally reliable and incredibly considerate toward Yifan. He gives her exactly what she needs: a quiet, reassuring presence, never forcing himself or his feelings onto her. He treats her with so much delicacy, pays attention to every small detail, and it’s truly admirable. He loves her deeply, but never excessively.

The second couple is just as compelling and has nothing to be ashamed of. Si Qiao, the female lead’s friend, is such a joy to watch the kind of friend anyone could have in real life: energetic, funny, full of life, and coming from a big family. Hao An, on the other hand, is a socially awkward young man who simply longs for love. It feels like he didn’t even realize the small joys in his life until Si Qiao helped him open his eyes.

All in all, this is a 10/10 for me. And I’m convinced that once you finish it, it will stay with you you’ll remember everything.

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Melo meets angst meets fluff meets slow burn in a memorable romance of a lifetime!

After 'Hidden Love' ended, news began to circulate that Sang Zhi's big brother was getting a drama of his own. Mind you, I only watch modern dramas once in a while and HL happened to be it at the time. I wasn't crazy about it, but I enjoyed it very much for a 'coming of age' drama and so of course, 'The First Frost' news piqued my curiosity. Initially, having gotten used to Victor Ma as Sang Yan, I was feeling some sort of way when news came that the original cast wouldn't be a part of this new drama in the works. However, when Bai Jingting was named as the main male lead, I was more or less content because I've watched at the very least, 4 of his prior top dramas in the years past.

I also had become a passerby fan of Zhang Ruonan by that time, after watching her in "A Date in the Future', continuing on to watch her works such as 'Love of the Panacea', 'My Boss' and her some of her movies which included her debut work, "Cry Me a Sad River". So, knowing both of their flexibilities and strengths as actors one a method actor, the other an experimental, my initial interest morphed into anticipation.

In waiting, I did the next best thing I could as a l book lover and avid reader. I read the novel and quite liked it because it had more depth, more maturity, and more complexities in comparison to the almost lightheartedness of 'HL' even with the growing pains and unrequited love, in retrospect.

Fastforward to the middle of last month when this drama was about to air. I had promised myself I wouldn't tune in until after either most of the episodes were out or after it all finished airing. Lo and behold, that promise was broken within the first two days of it airing (lmao). I began watching expectant but unsure of what...but...

The cinematography amazed me.

The storyline was strong, and yes even the subplot that had some of the masses revolting because it was different from the novel. I myself found that I liked the changes because while the novel/comic gave us a 1D/2D understanding of WYF and how she dealt with the trauma revisiting her, 3D/4D WYF in this Drama Adaptation underwent all the emotions and the heartbreak to make the decision and it was an experience in itself to be witness to it. It's so true that if an actor or an actress can make you feel a certain way, he/she is doing his/her job right.

The dialogues between the characters, especially the main leads?? Seriously, constant chef's kiss* because adds to their tension, angst, love, admiration, devotion, and interactions etc. The way those dialogues are delivered adds so much to the atmosphere too.

THE CHEMISTRY...between the mls/SangYan and Wen Yifan is the type of chemistry that is my book, VERY RARE. I think Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan are meant to be onscreen soulmates (lol). Yes, SY and WYF's love story is very slowburn but it's NOT a typical almost boring slow burn. One could feel the crackles in the air when they are onscreen together. The push and pull. The TENSION as their characters meet again face to face after many years.
When they do get together, it's not just the passion of the kisses but also the comfort of each shared hug...the belonging that silently shouts, "You're my world. You're my home." Their words for one another...sigh.

I love that the director gave the actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan leeway to interpret the characters of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan for themselves, therefore making the 'becoming' simpler yet exact and tailormade for them.

All in all, without giving spoilers, "THE FIRST FROST" is an absolute work of art. Now there are many art forms and various people prefer various pieces but not before they keep an open mind about every piece out on display.

Granted "The First Frost" in its drama form is an adaptation, therefore it will sometimes veer away the novel and comic but it is appreciated and also gives a more real and humane aspect that may not be there in its written and drawn form.

An absolute gem for any modern drama lover who is looking for a little bit of everything and more. Once you open your heart to 'The First Frost', it's going to heartbreaking to say goodbye. It's going to be exactly like saying goodbye to a first love.

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oh, to be loved

There's something so beautiful about being loved by someone who has patience for you and sees you as someone worthy of kindness, understanding, and support. Their love doesn’t rush, doesn’t demand, but instead gently supports you in silence. (YET SO LOUD) In their eyes, you are a piece of art! Every part of you, every emotion you feel, is met with grace and tenderness. It’s not just about the grand gestures or the moments of intense passion it’s the quiet moments, the ones where they wait for you to open up, to feel safe, and trust. They find joy in your laughter, pain with your sadness, and peace in your presence. You become the most beautiful person in their world, not because of anything you do or don’t do, but because to them, you are everything. To be loved by someone who wants nothing but your happiness, who takes the time to understand you and always encourages you to be your best self, is a rare and precious gift. It’s the kind of love that makes life feel lighter, easier, and fuller. I don't think you should live for love, but i do believe that a life that gets to experience this kind of love, is a life well lived.

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A Beautifully Heartbreaking Masterpiece

The First Frost is an emotional masterpiece, weaving love, pain, and healing into a story that lingers long after it ends. With breathtaking cinematography, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and some of the most emotionally raw performances, this drama is nothing short of unforgettable.

Sang Yan – The Greenest Forest, The Deepest Love

I absolutely loved watching Sang Yan. He isn’t just a male lead—he’s a character who carries an immense depth of emotion. His love for Wen Yifan is quiet but intense, steady yet heartbreaking. He never demands love in return, nor does he push beyond what she is willing to give. Instead, he waits, loving her in the only way he knows how—with patience, quiet devotion, and unwavering loyalty.

Sang Yan doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve, but the way he looks at Yifan says everything. He’s the kind of person who would rather suffer alone than burden the one he loves. Every scene with him felt like a quiet storm—his love was always present, even in silence. This boy deserves pure love, and watching his pain unfold throughout the drama was absolutely gut-wrenching.

Wen Yifan – A Woman Learning to Love Again

Wen Yifan’s journey is one of the most painful yet rewarding parts of the drama. She carries the weight of her past, her trauma shaping the way she views love. Her pain is deeply ingrained, and sometimes, I found it hard to relate to her expressions. However, that only made her struggles feel more real—she isn’t perfect, and her healing isn’t linear.

Her relationship with Sang Yan was as much about love as it was about healing. His patience, his quiet support, and his willingness to wait allowed her to slowly open up. Watching her learn to trust again, to accept love instead of pushing it away, was one of the most beautifully heartbreaking arcs in the drama.

A Love That Speaks Through Silence

The chemistry between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan is pure magic. It’s not about dramatic declarations or grand gestures—it’s in the way they look at each other, the way their presence alone speaks volumes. Their love story is built on years of unresolved emotions, longing, and pain. Every scene between them feels heavy with unspoken words, yet their connection is undeniable.

Their moments together are soft yet intense, painful yet comforting. They don’t need to say much because their emotions are so deeply embedded in their actions. It’s the kind of love that never truly fades, no matter how much time or distance separates them. Watching them find their way back to each other, step by step, was an emotional journey I didn’t want to end.

Shen Zai & Zhao Mingxi – A Love That Feels Like Home

While the main couple carried the emotional weight of the drama, Shen Zai and Zhao Mingxi were a breath of fresh air. Their love story was lighthearted, full of warmth and playfulness, but still deeply meaningful. They balanced each other perfectly—Shen Zai’s unwavering devotion and Zhao Mingxi’s strong-willed nature made their relationship dynamic and exciting.

Their chemistry was natural, effortless, and full of heart. Unlike Sang Yan and Wen Yifan, whose love was tangled in past pain, Shen Zai and Zhao Mingxi’s love felt freeing. Their moments together brought a sense of relief from the intensity of the main story, yet they were never just a side plot. They had their own struggles, their own emotional depth, and their relationship felt just as real and significant.

I absolutely loved watching them, and honestly, they deserve a drama of their own. The way they supported each other, the way their banter felt so natural—it was impossible not to root for them.

Wen Yifan’s Family – A Pain That Should Be Left Behind

Her mother made my blood boil. The emotional neglect, the complete lack of remorse—it was infuriating to watch. Some families don’t deserve redemption, and this was one of them. Seeing Yifan struggle with the weight of her past, carrying wounds inflicted by the very people who should have protected her, made her story even more heartbreaking.

Final Thoughts

The First Frost isn’t just a drama—it’s an experience. It’s beautifully heartbreaking, with a love story that is both painful and healing. Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s love is the kind that lingers, while Shen Zai and Zhao Mingxi bring warmth and joy. Together, they create a drama that is emotionally rich, deeply moving, and absolutely unforgettable.

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No emotional expressions whatsoever.

I tried really hard trying to like this drama... I even went about watching it with friends in hopes of finishing it since I've only heard good things. But for some reason, all that I got from it was disappointment. As much as I love BJT, the way he played Sang Yan just didn't justify his acting abilities. And don't even get me started on the FL... no emotional expressions whatsoever and from reading other reviews, it seems like there's just no character development until the very end and overall the drama is just very unrealistic. I skipped around quite a bit but only managed to watch 12 full episodes, but i generally know the plot and it's nothing impressive. One thing I'll say however is that i absolutely love the OST and some of the songs I play on a regular basis. I wasn't number fan of Hidden Love either, but TFF was just a even greater let down. From the start nothing cleared how Sang Yan even fell in love and I was so sick of wasting 12 eps just for there to be NO character development at all from Wen Yifan. Anyways I usually don't write reviews but if you see this and think this is a good drama, then please go check other 2025 releases (like The Best Thing, Speed and Love, and Love in the Clouds) to understand what a truly GOOD cdrama is like.

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No other show has left me bawling

In a way, Wen Yi Fan models every single girl out there. Every woman has anxieties about losing her family, not being loved by her loved ones, being harrassed, ending up lonely, and so on. In her case, all of the above happened. Through all these horrible things that will leave any regular woman in shambles, Wen Yi Fan fights her way back. While she has many difficulties along the way, she makes it out to be the best version of herself. At least the best to her limits. But it is a fact that everyone needs another beautiful person to complete them.

Sang Yan. Sang Yan was heaven's gift to Wen Yi Fan. In the beautiful city of Chongqing, through teh cold and rainy days, this show brings out teh story of two vulnerable people lost in this world without a direction. I know Sang Yan may seem very privileged, but sometimes, many feel lost despite having everything. Happiness is relative; hence, there is no formula to it. With Sang Yan, money and familial harmony just could not provide him enough to keep living as it did to protect and love Wen Yi Fan. Many say Sang Yan is too perfect to be real, the type to only exist on TV screens. However, what we do not understand is that every one of us. Yes, every single one of us. Deserves a Sang Yan.

I am not going to gaze Sang Yan here because he is perfect. However, there is one detail I want to point out about him. This is not something we see in today's guys, but Sang Yan is vulnerable. He shares every single emotion with his partner and is not afraid of exposing his thoughts and concerns. He always jokes to YiFan about "don't treat me like a flower"; however, that is exactly what we humans are. Fragile flowers with limited time. Now, let's talk about how Wen Yi Fan became Wen Shuang Jiang. WIF was very comfortable with this nickname in high school when her dad was still alive. However, during her dark period, she lost her identity. She lost her family, her dreams, and almost the most precious possession of women. Dignity. Yet she fought back. She protected herself very well to finally become teh Wen Yi Fan Sang Yan met many years later. She never asked for anything more than simple happiness and was satisfied with literally anything. She has "zero temper" and never really wishes for anything in life. It is when u silently do good things without expecting anything in return that you will get the best rewards. Wen Yi Fan inspired me to be a good person. Her natural beauty and grace, along with her simple and kind nature, is exactly what got an exceptional guy like Sang Yan hooked. But ironically, being like her is the simplest thing in the universe.

As a teenager, I am scared of having nothing in my life. Failing in academics, disappointing my parents, not finding a good husband, and so on. But there is one fundamental that I must never forget and was reminded of by this drama: good things will follow good people. As long as u drive to become teh best version of yourself and bring others along the way, you will meet your Sang Yan. I will meet my Sang Yan. And so will you.

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