Sniper Butterfly (2025)

Definetly exceeded my expectations....

"Sniper Butterfly" became a late-year surprise for me,

I've been hooked! It's a "noona" romance, an older woman/younger man story, and I'm absolutely loving it. Before I dive into the show itself, I have to address something that consistently baffles me: the obsession with age gaps. Personally, as long as everyone's an adult, it's a non-issue. Chemistry and acting are what draw me in. I've seen comments on MDL (kisskh) calling out the age difference between the leads, and honestly, I wonder if those people are even watching the show. The female lead doesn't appear significantly older, and even if she did... what's the big deal? It's rare to see this level of scrutiny when the roles are reversed. If the age gap bothers you, don't watch, but please, spare us the unnecessary negativity.

Now, onto the show itself! "Sniper Butterfly" is a second-chance romance, and while I'm not usually a fan of that trope, this one is beautifully done. The story flows seamlessly between two timelines, 2016 and the present, which could be confusing, but it's not. The transitions are clear, and the past and present are cleverly interwoven, connecting past events to the present day. We see the beginning of their relationship in the past, and then jump to the present, where time has passed and their connection is tested.

The show is heartwarming, with emotional undertones that make you feel all the feels. The acting is phenomenal, especially the eye contact and body language between the leads. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their relationship starts with a guardian-sibling dynamic, as she takes him in, which is incredibly touching, especially knowing he's never had anyone. That caring and protective nature evolves into something more, with the emotions, tension, and challenges that come with the transition. It's cute, it's romantic, it gives you butterflies, and they just look great together. The romance is delicate and well-written.

The characters are interesting too. The female lead is refreshing, calm, soft-spoken, and mature. She's not a "badass," nor is she weak. She stands up for herself but also shows vulnerability. I love her and her wardrobe!

The male lead is cute, although I'm a little concerned about how slim the actor is. But the show addresses it, with characters constantly encouraging him to eat more.


I disagree with the notion that the male lead is sluggish. It seems people are stuck on a stereotype for male leads, and anything outside of that is unacceptable. His past, where he was quiet, timid, and slow, actually fit the character's background and what he was going through. We see him evolve; he grows from being closed off to open, and his confidence increases. So, no, he isn't sloppy. It's time to accept that male lead characters can have diverse personalities instead of clinging to a single version.

Conclusively,

THIS show was incredibly beautiful, emotionally charged, and profound, yet it also managed to be funny and heartwarming a truly pleasant surprise!

Walking into a show with no expectations and being completely swept away is the best feeling. This has instantly become one of my favorite jie jie romance shows and is definitely in my top romance cdramas of all time.

It was riveting, with such well-developed characters, not just the leads but even the supporting cast.

The female lead was my favorite, with her maturity, calmness, and wisdom. I also have to commend the male lead for his incredible character development. Watching him grow from being impulsive and timid to confident and understanding was so fulfilling.

These two complemented each other perfectly, and their natural chemistry was a delight. The kiss scenes were incredibly sensual, and I'm now a huge fan of both the leads...I loved everything about this show and highly recommend it.

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Possibility in the impossible

‎‎This drama is such a rare gem. A very interesting story about second chances, hope, courage and compromises. It's been a while since I reviewed something, and this piece deserved my recognition as one of the best modern cdrama rom-com with a slight dose of realism. It's been a while since a show made me anxiously glue to the screen while waiting for its release; this show is one of them. I wish I could erase my memory and experience it all over again.
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‎Story
‎It started pretty warm; as it stirred your emphatic feelings and drew your curiosity; How a poor 19 year old orphan desperate attempt to change his life; and how a pampered 'princess' copes with sudden changes in her almost perfect life; dealing with miscarriage, divorce and betrayal. The whole premise is filled with typical cliches; Age gap, abandonment, second chances, reconciliation; to name a few; however its craft and direction felt fresh and I can't help myself rooting for the main characters to beat all odds and eventually find their happiness. I'm seated; smiling, screaming and sometimes throwing fit witnessing their journey as it unfolds. Although the story was told in a few separate timelines, surprisingly it doesn't confuse me. The jump between the past and the present helps to amplify my curiosity and boost my understanding.
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‎Cast
‎Daniel Zhou as Li Wu is just brilliant. He really captured that innocence as this pure soul who wants to change his life and achieve something for a better future. He made me root for him to succeed in everything that he does. LW's emotions are raw, natural and convincing. His childlike behaviour is addictive and the contrast as he grows into adulthood is done immaculately. His journey is fleshed out beautifully and I could not help but to adore and take his side even when he acts irrational (*yes, I would defend him every time). His growth is even better as we could see his struggle to balance his future goal while managing his inevitable feelings for Chen Jin and face it bravely. He is not perfect; foolishly naive yet his pureness and sincerity will move mountains and melt your stone-cold heart. He is fictional, yet somehow I could feel that there is 'possibility in the impossible' that he exists out there. He made me believe that true love does exist.
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‎A tiny setback for me is the female lead character. Although Michele Chen looks phenomenal and portrays Chen Jin beautifully, the growth in CJ felt a little short. It just scrapes the surface without delving deep further. We get a little glimpse of why she is built that way; A princess who suddenly has her glass castle shattered. How she copes with the struggles of her divorce and betrayal. After her first failure in love, her actions speak as this skeptical and overthinking person, to the point that she thinks she probably destined to be alone. It boggles me how CJ would suddenly turn around in both timelines and casually decides to be with LW; it felt a little jarring, but still it delivers a good outcome of reconciliation. I wish for a dramatic approach I guess. The big plus is that she has her cute besties who keep reminding her to just follow her heart.
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‎The chemistry between the main couple is off the chart; fuel with the contradictory dynamic between them, makes the pull and push effects work. Yes, I am often frustrated at how CJ is clueless or when she pushes/ ignores LW and continue to lie to herself; and I will cheer every time LW would scheme his way in and shamelessly just cave in to her relentlessly. It's so good and addictive; and when they do get together, my teeth are drying from sweetness overload.
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‎Secondary Couple / Third Couple
‎I love both of them. Although I wish that they have more screen times.
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‎Other Supporting Casts
‎All are convincing and play their part really well; even the ex-husband, I just love to hate a character without depth. The parents is commendable. I love the father and daughter relationship.
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‎Favourite Scenes
‎1) Reconciliation in episode 24. LW is amazing in this scene. It felt natural, his awkward reaction and profound realization that no matter what, he will run to her whenever she calls; like a beacon. It's a calm and mature approach, as the two finally break their barrier. I love how LW would pause, try to sink in his mind how surreal it is and how much he yearns for her.
‎2) First kiss in episode 20. The awkwardness scene after their first kiss felt natural and convincing. I love how CJ managed to tame the silly boy who is hype and overly excited.
‎3) The breakup scene in episode 23. It's gut-wrenching to watch two people who love each other but can't agree about their future. I could understand from both points of view; LW's fear of being abandoned and CJ fear of future resentment. Their separation at that time is inevitable.
‎4) The first moment they met in episode 1. It cemented the theme 'age gap' early on and I was hooked.
5) The ending scene; where it all begin. It came full circle and I like how they emphasize that love didn't require much grand gesture; just a simple and sincere act from the heart.
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‎Music
‎I love all the soundtracks. I could hum it all day long. It really amplify the storytelling.
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‎Do I like to watch it again?
‎To infinity and beyond. I lost count already.

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