A slow burn romance that was good but not great
I love both the actors and I actually like drama plots surrounding very niche careers. So I was excited for this drama.Let's start with the positives:
1. The cast- The cast can't be anymore perfect. I have watched the main actors' other works so I knew they could act well. The supporting characters were a hit or miss since some of them had cardboard stiff faces while acting but the second male lead definitely delivered on account of how much I disliked him.
2. The chemistry- The chemistry between the main leads were off the charts. It was there from their first scene together and didn't feel awkward at all.
3. The character design- I liked how well written the characters were. I liked how both of them were unapologetic about who they were and weren't your usual grumpy ceo x naive fmc combination. I liked how we could understand yet dislike the second male lead. Like I understood why he did the things he did but I still don't like him which I suppose is the purpose of his character.
4. The cinematography- I liked the wintery setting of the story. The scenes were shot beautifully and added to the cozy vibe of the story.
Now let's move onto the negatives/rant:
1. A cringe fest of a plot- There were a lot of cringe or cheesy scenes that were totally unnecessary. I know cdramas come with a certain level of cheesiness but this had one too many. I was especially thrown off when it was a serious moment in the story but the dialogue is so cringe that i had to skip some lines.
2. The nonsensical plot points- Again, the plot had so many nonsensical aspects that were tough to get over. You have a male lead who's under 30 yet has a phd in neurosurgery, was a surgeon for a few years and then suddenly becomes a director in a major corporation (when he's just 28). The female lead is supposed to lead a major large scale sttuctural project while she's a fresher with a finance degree, is in the admin team and hasn't even worked in the company for a year. I don't understand chinese writers and their obsession with very young characters who have career positions usually held by people with many years of experience.
3. The long episode list- This drama would have heavily benefitted if it was at least 5 episodes shorter. It definitely dragged out in some parts and the final episode was almost unnecessary.
4. The relationship dynamic- I was ok with their dynamic towards the end but at the beginning, it was icky because I thought the mmc was in his 30s and a company director (tho it was revealed he was 28 later) while the fmc was 22 and a new hire. I'm ok with office romance but a new hire x director was a little hard to swallow.
5. The unrealistic story- (again plot related, ik) I just can't get over how both the main leads do what they do careerwise while they're not even 30. I don't know why chinese writers are against late 20s or early 30s adults who's resume actually makes sense to what they do for work. Also, I can't believe that their workplace accepted their romance without any pushback. We're talking about a orthodox chinese company in the early 2010s and they don't have a problem with a romance like in the story? If the writers made the scenarios realistic, it would've just enhanced the story and made it even better. It felt like they couldn't bother with some of the plot points.
6. The costumes- As a designer, I've got to say that I was pulling my hair out regarding the wadrobe. The setting is 2011-2012 but they were wearing clothes that are trending now. I get they have to promote a few brands but atleast put some effort to make it believable. And they were working in a factory, but the characters were wearing designer street wear in some scenes. It just took me out of the story.
Overall, I liked this drama mainly because of the actors and their portrayal of the characters. The plot definitely has its mishaps but was enjoyable in a lighthearted way. I would recommend this for beginners who want a sweet fluffy romance with suprising character depth. 8/10 stars for me.
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An unforgettable healing love story
This story is a heartwarming reminder that everyone deserves to be with someone.After watching 100s of dramas, very few leave a lasting mark after a while. But this one definitely left it's traces in my heart and I'm going to treasure my experience of watching this for the first time.
The many positives I felt in this drama:
1. The main actors- The cast for the main characters were perfect. The subtle way they expressed their emotions and how they yearned for each other, everything felt real. Some people criticise them for their wooden acting, but they are actually supposed to be a little stiff and withdrawn. Both of them are calm people with heavy backstories, of course they aren't going to act cheerfully.
2. The sizzling chemistry- The main leads had great chemistry. Their conversations and actions together didn't feel cringey. It felt real and it was like we were taking a peek into their world.
3. The cinematography- I liked how they played with the cinematography to enhance the emotions in the storyline. The use of a greyish filter showed the somberness and resignation of Yifen's life. But the coloring does get brighter and warmer as she foes through her healing journey.
4. The discussion of mental health and trauma- These kinds of heavy topics are rarely shown in cdramas. Though it wasn't 100% realistic, they showed some rarely discussed nuances when it comes to mental health, trauma and assault victims.
5. Sang Yan's quiet devotion- Some people might mistake his love as loud and obsessive but if you really think about it, he was quite passive and quiet in his approaches. He never burdened her or even showed it directly to Yifen. He just did things to support her behind the shadows and waited for her to come to him when she was ready. His love really touched my heart.
Now, nothing can ever be perfect and thus let's move onto the few negatives:
1. The second couple - I didn't care much about the second couple. They were too chaotic and all over the place. I didn't get much chemistry from them and their scenes burst the bubble of afterglow I felt after watch Sang yan and Yifen together.
2. Recasting of hidden love characters- I understand the decision to recast hidden love characters to not overshaow the story or the current main actors. But I don't know why they had to change even the supporting characters and locations too. It gave me whiplash and I was confused whenever I saw the changes. I esepcially hated the casting choices for Sang Zhi and Jiaxu. This Sang Zhi literally looks like a kid when she's supposed to be in college (which feels more awkward when she's supposedly a couple with Jiaxu) and Jiaxu doesn't look more handsome or charismatic than Sang yan which is one of his distinct qualities described in the book. It felt weird.
Overall, Hidden love is still on top for me because of its rewatchability and overall chemistry but First frost definitely leaves a more lasting emotional impact and memorable watching experience.
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Makes your heart flutter in the best way
I never thought that a romance in another country between billiards players will hold me in a chokeholdThis drama was just an unexpected watch because I wasn't sold on the plot. I usually don't like romance in another country plot because there'll be a lot of angst and drama. But this one gave me butterflies from episode 1 and just felt warm to watch. I was hooked.
Let me start with the positives:
- Leo Wu stole the show
The reason why I was sold on the first episode was because of his infatuated gaze. Listen, love at first sight sometimes cringes me out but I still believe it's possible and Leo Wu's acting just gave me proof. His smoldering eyes and lovesick gaze gave me butterflies. Even though his character is quiet and stoic, his gaze alone spoke a thousand words. He was just a walking green flag ! He was the perfect boyfriend character.
- Realistic sports scenes
I was never interested in billiards but this show made me want to learn it. I thought they used stunt doubles for the sport shots since it looked authentic but I was suprised to see that the actors did everything (I watched the bts scenes) under the coaching of national coaches. They were fun to watch and weren't boring !
- Great supporting characters
They had some A-list supporting characters. The acting was great and their relationship dynamics was fun to watch. They had a found family aspect to them and each supporting character shone on the screen.
- Heart fluttery romance
I loved that the romance was almost slow burn and wasn't rushed. It felt realistic since she only met him recently and they have an age gap as well. I liked how they showed both of them exploring the relationship before they committed to each other and it just made my heart flutter the entire time.
Now let's move onto the negatives:
- Please give the female lead some personality!!!
The female lead was sometimes annoying to watch. I mean, I get that she's a little quiet and shy but she just seemed bland the entire time. Because of that, even when she was playing the sport, she didn't look charismatic or cool. She was boring to watch since Leo Wu outshone her in terms of acting. They could've given her more growth or some defined personality traits to make her more interesting.
- Two separate stories combined into one
As much as I liked this show, I do wish they separated it into two seasons or two separate shows. The first half was clearly about the romance while the second half was only about sports. It was like a genre change and I wish they only focused on one aspect.
- It should've been 25 episodes or shorter
Like I said, I think they got greedy with the story. It would've been more cleaner if they stopped at episode 24 or 25. The last few episodes were unnecessary and just made the story go in a weird direction.
Overall, an unexpected watch that turned into an all time favorite. I'll recommend this to anyone who likes a heart fluttering romance with great sport scenes. 8.5/10
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I have mixed feelings about this one
I liked this drama but you know the feeling that something was good but you just feel a little unsatisfied because it was so close to being great ? That's how I feel about this one.Let me start with positives:
- Interesting plot
The plot had an interesting setting. Though it was slow, it gradually built the suspense and mystery and made you continue the show
- Great casting
The casting was great. Since it was an adaptation, I saw the original character design and I must say that the live action actors suited their characters really well. The acting of the main leads was also good though some of the supporting cast could've been better
- Good action scenes
While the action scenes could've been more realistic, I didn't mind them. Even the spell positions which usually seem cheesy when done wrong, didn't look awkward and felt natural to the plot setting.
Now lets move onto the negatives:
- Too cartoonish for a live action adaptation.
I know it's an adaptation and the original one had some silly humour and body language, but I wish they refined the character's actions or made it more realistic for the live action adaptation. It would've made the viewers more immersed in the story. The unrealistic slapstick humor took me out of the story sometimes and was cheesy to watch
- The weird pacing
The plot pacing was all over the place. I get that they want to relieve the tension using some humor but the moment they decided to show comedy threw me off. Comedy scenes and serious scenes are introduced at the most unexpected times and I didn't how to feel when watching an episode because it suddenly turns light after being so serious.
Overall, it was an interesting watch and I get why people like this show. For me personally though, it was just fine but was so close to being great. So that was a little regretful. But it was a fun watch. 8/10.
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A masterpiece of a drama
Everything was done perfectly in this drama. This is the first time I'm not writing any negatives for a drama.I usually steer away from school dramas and time travel since the former is always cheesy for me and the latter is usually full of angst. But this show had the perfect harmony of warm, angsty, cute, romantic and mystey vibes. The writer needs a standing ovation for making such a brilliant story. No! All the crew members and actors need a standing ovation for this.
Everything in this show was perfect. The story, world building, casting of the actors, character growth...... everything was perfect. Special mention to the actors who showed wonderful acting. Seeing them made me emotional and after finishing this show the vibes still lingered which is what you want from a good show. The chemistry between the characters were great and it was just so great to see disability representation done carefully and with appreciation.
Nothing can stop me from praising this show. If I'm allowed to be selfish, I just wanted another episode for the epilogue or an extended ending to see everyone's life in 2023. But still nothing to complain. But I wonder why this show isn't mentioned much in korea ? I mean, i regularly watch K-shows and it seems like this drama didn't trend among koreans like it was with international fans. If it's true, then koreans really missed out on such a hidden gem. This needs more recognition.
Overall, a wonderful example of what makes a drama a great show. Nothing but respect for the people who worked on this. 10/10.
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