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The most incompetent police force in the history of the world
This is a poor show and there are many reasons why. Firstly, the Ninghai police force are just ridiculous. They are useless beyond belief and if I was a citizen living their city, I would be in fear at the incompetent buffoons that are meant to serve and protect me. These guys have guns and generally when they were taking on the villains, they outnumbered them. They always seem to be on the wrong end of the beating. Meant to be highly trained but they were always on the wrong end of any exchange with a villain. Totally useless.The FL. Now I understand she went through some trauma PTSD and guilt but her behaviour to cut ties with the ML for eight years. Yes, eight years showed her level of maturity and gullibility to be off the scale rock bottom. She clearly didn’t love him. Not in the all consuming way we’re meant to believe to allow him to leave her life for eight years. I found the whole reconciliation way too smooth and easily fixed and I also found her to be quite childlike throughout the whole drama. I wasn’t impressed. The bad guy wasn’t that smart but he seem to always be at least 10 steps ahead of everybody including DML‘s police force which he was the captain of by the way. Now I get you’re supposed to suspend belief for these kind of things but as an audience you’ve got to capture at least some moments of realism and this show completely failed in that regard.
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I need to talk to Johnny Huang's manager
I never dreamt that one day I will write a comment before watching all 30 episodes of a drama but ever since the poster came out and the list of leads was published I knew it will not make it to 8.0 ratings..I love Johnny,He was my first cdrama actor and he will always top my list but ever since "Love designer" the casting directors have let him down with FLs except maybe "Bright eyes in the dark"
Johnny is one of those actors who have a niche that he does well and in recent years he has really done amazing projects around, military,police and fire fighters.. Someone made a funny comment that Huang Jingyu is few episodes away from being registered into the Chinese National Police 😂
He is at the point whereby without adding Romance tag he can hold his head and lead a story.
The problem of this drama lies entirely on trying to mix tropes that will be a piece of gabbage if they are together..
Let's assume this would work,at least pick a good female lead who is not one dimensional,who does have one facial expression and a messy hairdo..
I know aesthetic might be a minor issue here but it still plays a big role in the psychology of the viewer..
Unfortunately or fortunately Johnny has build his physic and aura that call for him to play strong characters mainly in uniform or some type of law enforcement and I hope he can stick to that..
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Just not for me
If you just want to watch this show for the romance go on and enjoy, but I can't really say that the romance was worth it for me when the production was lacking as much as it was.If you are or have enjoyed the show don't read this just continue enjoying it for what it is to you. But I just needed to rant a bit and just speak my peace on this and move on.
Okay, so as a production girlie...this one just doesn't quite meet my expectations. The editing is all over the place and almost like they didn't get the shots they needed and didn't realize until they were editing the episodes together. A lot of scenes just end out of nowhere, not in a suspenseful way but in a...did they forget about the other people in the scene, kind of way.
It feels very unfinished/unpolished. The crimes are really only there to bring the main couple together or tear them apart....it wasn't even a serial killer...I'm also a true crime girlie, so words matter. He's a killer, but doesn't fall under the definition of a serial killer, and with a whole plot dedicated to a professor of criminal psychology....it becomes a bit eyebrow raising with how lazy the writing is with regards to the actual crimes. There were whole episodes that could have been boiled down to about 5 - 10 minutes and then combined instead of showing the same shot over and over again. Also the bg music when they are showing a cop take down or whatever seriously gave me heavy blinks
I watch too many shows to not catch on who the bad guy was once her nurse friend is murdered. I thought it would get better, but it never felt like anything or anyone was actually developed as a character outside of like the bad guy and even he was so lazily written it felt like a checklist of personality traits rather than a real person. Also, can we stop with the crazed laughter when the character is shown repeatedly to mask his emotions? Like why are we going full comic book villain in the 11th hour?
Pretty much everything would have been solved within 2 hours had people actually communicated with one another. If the whole plot hinges on one character just not speaking to the people around them...what was the point? Seriously, lets not tell our mother's that we are the targets of a stalker who has used people to kill our friends. Maybe don't try and met up with him or accept rides from him. I seriously hate when smart characters do stupid things just to make the plot move in a direction the writer wants it to.
Also, in what world would he be allowed to stay on the investigation of his step-brother without having a briefing with his chief? because once you are the target/victim you don't really get to pursue that suspect anymore.
I wanted to like this show, but no amount of liking an actor(s) will let me see past lazy writing and production to this degree. If it was just a straight forward romance I think I would have been more forgiving. But there were multiple character choices that just didn't make sense for their shown personality nor their actual profession. It's just like a Dick Wolf show in the USA with kind of pumping up the cops and the profession of a cop. As some would say, copaganda. China really is just the USA of Asia.
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Second chance in life and healing
Love Song in Winter really surprised me with how emotionally deep it was. I expected a typical romance, but what I got was a heartfelt story about second chances, healing, and unresolved trauma. Jiang Chengyi and Lu Yan’s complicated past gave their reunion so much weight, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time. The mystery subplot added just enough suspense without overshadowing the emotional core. The pacing was slow in places, but it worked for the tone. Overall, I really connected with the characters and their journey — it’s a quiet, touching drama that stayed with me.Was this review helpful to you?
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Psychological romance with a scenery chewing villain…
I enjoyed this drama overall. I have not seen a modern cdrama that has such a large amount of collateral damage. (I’ve seen plenty of costume ones that have so many dead bodies, but no modern ones). That alone made this a novel watching experience. At its heart, this is a psychological study of the female lead and the killer.I liked Sun Yian. Sure, she was a noble idiot for breaking up with Jiang Cheng Yi not once but twice. However because this is a psychological study of how she handles the death of those around her, I minded this less than I normally did. The relationship between the leads was good. In both flashbacks and the present, we saw all the ways in which their relationship worked. And it was obvious that the only real impediment was Sun Yian’s guilt over her friends’ death. She is subdued as a lead, but this is supposed to be a consequence of the depression she feels because of her guilt. The winter setting really adds to the somber vibes in my opinion.
Jiang Cheng Yi is a likable hero. Johnny Huang has plenty of charisma and plays the lovable dork well. It works here too. I did get the sense that he didn’t figure out the mystery of who the bad guy was until late mostly because the plot needed him to do so. It does make the entire police department seem like they can’t do their job. However, I really like that he believed Sun Yian and he didn’t hold a grudge for long. Many times a past relationship between the leads keeps them apart arbitrarily when they “can’t get over the past…” except they show them not caring about the past unless it’s convenient for the plot. I didn’t get that sense here. Also, some viewers had an issue with the fact that when she breaks up with him, he gets an apartment next to her and keeps an eye on her that way. I did not have a problem with this. He isn’t trying to force her to take him back. He’s generally worried about her because someone is stalking her and he wants to make sure she is safe. Plus he is a police officer and actually has the resources to keep her safe.
The friends were also good. They were likable and sympathetic to both leads. They struck me as college friends who could see both sides and because of that, they felt like genuine friends as opposed to simply comic relief or a fount of bad advice for our main couple. Their story tied in with the main one and worked for the flow of the drama.
Wan Peng is honestly one of my biggest problems and still a good part of this drama. Watching him slowly devolve and become unhinged where he had held things together well before was definitely compelling. I thought they gave him a good back story and a reason to be obsessed with Sun Yian. It’s true that little encounters we view as insignificant can be life changing to others. That being said, one of my biggest problems with Cdramas is the idea that the 2ML or 2FL has that our main lead “must” love them. And so in that sense, his obsession with Sun Yian seemed more along those lines and very much something we have seen before. Until the end when it became over the top. The transition from menacing background figure to full blown villain was clunky for me. And the reveal about his parentage came completely out of left field for me.
I enjoyed this best when I focused on the relationship between the leads and their family and friends. The police stuff felt a little flat to me. That being said, their relationship was compelling enough to me that I minded the flaws less than I sometimes do. Also, this gets bonus points for being different in a sea of same-y type modern dramas. I had no trouble finishing it and enjoyed it very much. I don’t see myself rewatching though.
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Emotional one
The story revolves around a girl and a boy who fall in love during their college years. Their relationship blossoms beautifully, but it doesn’t last long as the girl decides to end it for reasons unknown to the boy. Years later, fate brings them together again—she is now a doctor, and he has become a cop. Their professions cross paths during a case, reigniting their connection. They attempt to reconcile, but the unresolved issues that led to their breakup resurface, creating tension in their lives. Eventually, they part ways again, yet their work keeps bringing them into contact.The narrative combines elements of suspense, murder mystery, vengeance, and a heartwarming love story. While the plot has its moments of brilliance, the slow pacing and the female lead’s somewhat underwhelming performance might not appeal to everyone. However, the intertwining of professional conflicts with personal emotions keeps the audience intrigued.
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Because many things can be fixed in a relationship... but not everything...
I rewatched this drama and I recommend it because...Sun Qian (FL) - I like him and he can create chemistry with everyone...
Johnny Huang (ML) has a comfort drama, but here we see tears flowing back into his eyes
The supporting actors are all great actors... and every character is multi-dimensional...
The story is never boring for a minute and is full of twists and turns without any logical fallacies.
Everyone has secrets, fears and weaknesses...
There is a tough psychological warfare going on, but no one is evil on their own...
Even the evil has its pitfalls and the good ones are not perfect...
Because bad decisions have consequences..
Because love never fades...
Because friendship is important...
Because violence begets violence, and forgiveness is not easy, but necessary for progress...
Because many things can be fixed in a relationship...
but not everything...
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Well-rounded show
While I was able to guess who the big bad was fairly quickly due to my previous experience with C-dramas, this show did a good job of revealing the intricate details of their motive slowly and in a way that still allowed for plot twists and surprises.The romance takes a back seat to the murder mystery plot and is viewed more as a clue in the story rather than a major component. I had no issue with this; however, the moments in which they decided to allow for romantic moments between the couple were strange and out of place. There were 2-3 episodes in which the investigation was heating up and was completely halted for a few episodes of a romantic subplot.
Finally, I felt that once the investigation was completed, the opportunity for a good conclusion of the couple was lost to more flashbacks and a weird compilation of conclusions to the various side characters' stories that leaving very little room for us to see a true happy ending for the main couple.
Overall, it was good drama, one of the best Chinese dramas I've seen, and it is worth watching.
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Romantic Drama
The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, sparking genuine emotion with every interaction. The storyline is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, exploring complex themes of personal growth and finding love in unexpected places. The writing is sharp, the acting is superb, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional rollercoaster - a must-watch for anyone seeking a truly immersive romantic experience."Was this review helpful to you?
The weak point of the series was the character Lu Yan. Sun Qian is a talented actress, but her role was overshadowed by Kira Shi and Jackie Li's performances as Yu Zheng and Tang Jie. Lu Yan felt lifeless, even in moments where she tried to show some emotion. Maybe that's why the romance between Jiang Cheng Yi and Lu Yan came off as lukewarm. I personally preferred the relationships between Yu Zheng and Yu Bo Feng, as well as Da Zhong and Tang Jie. Yu Zheng and Yu Bo Feng, in my opinion, should've been the main couple. The chemistry between those two actors was outstanding, and their story was far more compelling.
As for Da Zhong and Tang Jie, they were the sweetest couple. I loved their dynamic, the respect and affection between them. And the OST? Absolutely beautiful!
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Why You Should Watch
Johnny Huang shines in his role as Jiang Cheng Yi. His ability to portray a wide range of emotions—from anger and frustration over their breakup to his unyielding love and protectiveness toward Lu Yan—is remarkable. His chemistry with Sun Qian is palpable, making every interaction between them heartfelt and genuine.What makes Johnny's performance even more impressive is his dedication to action scenes. As a police officer, Jiang Cheng Yi is often in the middle of dangerous situations, and Johnny brings an authentic intensity to these moments. Whether he's chasing criminals, defusing bombs, or rescuing Lu Yan from danger, Johnny makes it all look believable and thrilling.
Highlights of the Drama
1. The Love Story: The romance between Jiang Cheng Yi and Lu Yan is the heart of the drama. Their unresolved past adds depth to their relationship, and watching them navigate their feelings while dealing with external challenges is truly captivating. The moments where Jiang Cheng Yi silently shows his care—like arranging lights in a dark alley or reminiscing about their college days—are especially touching.
2. The Mystery: The show’s crime element is well-executed, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. From bomb scares to stalking incidents, the drama keeps raising the stakes, making it much more than a typical love story.
3. Supporting Characters: The supporting cast, including Lu Yan's friends and Wen Peng, adds layers to the story. Wen Peng's unspoken love for Lu Yan and his own struggles make him a compelling character, creating subtle tension and complexity in the narrative.
4. Beautifully Written Scenes: The show excels in creating moments that stay with you—whether it's Jiang Cheng Yi rescuing Lu Yan in a dark alley, the nostalgic spicy hotpot scenes, or the heartbreaking reveal of Lu Yan’s past trauma that caused their breakup.
"Love Song in Winter" is not just a drama. It's an emotional journey. Johnny Huang's portrayal of Jiang Cheng Yi brings strength and vulnerability to the character, making you root for him at every turn. The story is engaging, with its mix of heartwarming romance and adrenaline-pumping action. The mysteries of the past and the dangers of the present keep the plot exciting, while the chemistry between the leads makes you emotionally invested in their story.
If you're a fan of crime dramas with a romantic twist, this series is a must-watch. Johnny Huang’s performance, the captivating storyline, and the well-developed characters make it an unforgettable drama experience. Prepare to laugh, cry, and hold your breath as you follow Jiang Cheng Yi and Lu Yan’s journey of love and redemption.
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Keep your enemies close 〣( ºΔº )〣
Addictive Romantic Myster thriller series, with Johnny HuangPLOT: 2 ex-university lovers meet again 8 years later at a friends' wedding. He became a criminal police officer, she is an anesthetist. They both haven't been able to forget the other, but they will have to face the enemies and traumas of the past, discover the mastermind behind their successive misfortunes and look forward to the future.
+++ Talented CL, with very natural chemistry. I was already a fan of Johnny Huang, but I also appreciated Sun Qian's performance (in a more mature & more serious role than her previous series). There are lots of sweet moments, an endearing CL2 bringing a little touch of humor, which balances the emotions transmitted.
+++ Perfect direction, with well-maintained suspense (even we can identify the Great Villain quickly - Wang Tian Chen is a very convincing psychopath). The ressources, the missions, the methods of the police/hospital are quite realistic.
+++ All the actors are excellent (including in the fight scenes)
+++ Credible story and very suitable OST
### The Great Villain is too intelligent, too knowledgeable, too resourceful... to be realistic.
### Some obvious filming/editing defects
=> Excellent 50 -50 romantic / detective series, to watch again (at least in part) in a while.
******************************************************************
Série Rom-Myst-thriller addictve, avec Johnny Huang
PLOT: 2 ex-lovers d'université se retrouvent 8 ans + tard au mariage d'amis. Il est devenu policier, elle est anesthésiste. Aucun des deux n'a pu oublier l'autre, mais ils devront affronter les ennemis et traumas du passé, découvrir le mastermind derrière leurs malheurs successifs pr envisager l'avenir.
+++ CL talentueux, avec une alchimie très naturelle. J'étais déjà fan de Johnny Huang, mais j'ai aussi apprécié la performance de Sun Qian (dans un rôle + mature & + sérieux que ses précédentes séries). Il y a bcp de sweet moments, un CL2 attachant apportant 1 peu d'humour, ce qui équilibre les émotions transmises.
+++ Réalis° parfaite, avec un suspense bien entretenu (mm si on identifie le Great Villain assez rapidement - Wang Tian Chen est un psychopathe très convaincant). Les moyens, les missions, les méthodes de la police / de l'hôpital sont assez réalistes.
+++ Tous les acteurs sont excellents (y compris les scènes de fight)
+++ Story crédible et OST très adaptés
### Le Great Villain est trop intelligent, trop bien informé, disposant de trop de ressources ... pour être réaliste.
### Qq défauts de tournage / montage évidents
=> Excellente série 50 -50 romantique / policière, à revoir (au moins en partie) dans qq temps.
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