This review may contain spoilers
The essence of truly loving someone.
The First Frost is a 2025 Chinese drama that tells the story of love and overcoming challenges between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. Six years after graduation, Wen Yifan encounters Sang Yan, her former high school friend, in a bar. Initially, they pretend not to recognize each other, but fate leads them to become roommates under unexpected circumstances. Throughout the series, the drama explores not only the rekindling of an interrupted love but also deep issues such as sexual harassment, emotional healing, and the process of forgiveness. Together, they face challenges, discovering that true overcoming comes from learning to deal with the wounds of the past and moving forward. The series offers an intense reflection on how love can be a source of strength and healing, even in life's darkest moments.
POSITIVES:
1. Chemistry between the protagonists: The interaction between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan is the biggest highlight of the series. The way actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan portrayed their characters was simply incredible, creating a strong emotional connection. The bond between them was so genuine and exuded so much authenticity, especially through subtle glances and gestures. Filled with intense emotions, the drama went beyond a simple romance, showing us, as the plot progresses, the evolution of their chemistry, from unresolved tension to a mature relationship built on mutual support. This network of support and love that Yifan received from Sang Yan was vital for her emotional healing, adding a new dimension to their connection.
2. Addressing complex themes: The series sensitively tackles themes such as sexual harassment, loss, and overcoming difficulties. Wen Yifan deals with these experiences, and the narrative shows how this trauma affected her personal and professional life. The harassment she faces makes her question her own reactions and the impact it has on her self-esteem and relationships with others. The series not only illustrates the act of harassment but also focuses on its psychological consequences, such as fear, stress, shame, loss of trust, and challenges in establishing healthy relationships. By addressing these issues, the series conveys an important message about the need to approach these matters with empathy and care.
3. Cinematography and soundtrack (OST): The cinematography of the series was of high quality, with the use of a color palette and filters that complemented the emotional tone of the story. The winter atmosphere and seasonal changes are also used symbolically, reflecting the cycle of the characters' lives. Additionally, the soundtrack complemented the cinematography, with several tracks of a melancholic and introspective tone, reflecting the central theme of the series: overcoming trauma and the healing process.
4. Time anchoring: Throughout the narrative, the drama used an interesting technique of showing the timeline of significant events. This stylistic choice played an important role in how the plot was presented. I found this tool useful, as it added a touch of realism to the story, allowing us to observe the process of their lives since high school.
AREAS I WOULD ADJUST:
The script was well-structured, aligning with the initial plot proposal. However, some aspects could, in my opinion, be adjusted:
1. Development of the secondary couple: Although this couple's arc was not entirely unsatisfactory, I feel there was room for a more interesting story for them. It's not that I disapproved of what was presented, but I believe that, with a more creative approach, their partnership could have been explored in a deeper and more engaging way, as they had good chemistry.
2. Dance scenes: I don't think the dance scenes were bad, but I believe they could have been executed better to deepen the immersion in the scenes. While dance has the power to convey intense emotions and reflect the relevance of this activity in Yifan's life, at times, the movements performed by the actress didn’t seem to fully explore the potential that the character appeared to have, especially since she had been practicing ballet since childhood.
3. Yifan's disappearance: I understand that Yifan’s six-month disappearance represented an important period of emotional and physical distancing for the character. During this time, she withdrew from her relationships and daily life, using the time to reflect on her personal traumas and challenges, intending to protect those she loved. This six-month interval was a time of isolation and self-discovery, allowing her to return stronger and more determined. However, in my opinion, I think this plot could have been left aside, as Yifan did not explain her absence to anyone, causing suffering to Sang Yan, who was left wondering what happened or where she was.
OVERALL VIEW:
The First Frost is an engaging and intense series that presents a more mature romance and addresses deep themes. The performances were excellent, and the plot has a significant emotional impact. My rating is 9.5/10.
POSITIVES:
1. Chemistry between the protagonists: The interaction between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan is the biggest highlight of the series. The way actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan portrayed their characters was simply incredible, creating a strong emotional connection. The bond between them was so genuine and exuded so much authenticity, especially through subtle glances and gestures. Filled with intense emotions, the drama went beyond a simple romance, showing us, as the plot progresses, the evolution of their chemistry, from unresolved tension to a mature relationship built on mutual support. This network of support and love that Yifan received from Sang Yan was vital for her emotional healing, adding a new dimension to their connection.
2. Addressing complex themes: The series sensitively tackles themes such as sexual harassment, loss, and overcoming difficulties. Wen Yifan deals with these experiences, and the narrative shows how this trauma affected her personal and professional life. The harassment she faces makes her question her own reactions and the impact it has on her self-esteem and relationships with others. The series not only illustrates the act of harassment but also focuses on its psychological consequences, such as fear, stress, shame, loss of trust, and challenges in establishing healthy relationships. By addressing these issues, the series conveys an important message about the need to approach these matters with empathy and care.
3. Cinematography and soundtrack (OST): The cinematography of the series was of high quality, with the use of a color palette and filters that complemented the emotional tone of the story. The winter atmosphere and seasonal changes are also used symbolically, reflecting the cycle of the characters' lives. Additionally, the soundtrack complemented the cinematography, with several tracks of a melancholic and introspective tone, reflecting the central theme of the series: overcoming trauma and the healing process.
4. Time anchoring: Throughout the narrative, the drama used an interesting technique of showing the timeline of significant events. This stylistic choice played an important role in how the plot was presented. I found this tool useful, as it added a touch of realism to the story, allowing us to observe the process of their lives since high school.
AREAS I WOULD ADJUST:
The script was well-structured, aligning with the initial plot proposal. However, some aspects could, in my opinion, be adjusted:
1. Development of the secondary couple: Although this couple's arc was not entirely unsatisfactory, I feel there was room for a more interesting story for them. It's not that I disapproved of what was presented, but I believe that, with a more creative approach, their partnership could have been explored in a deeper and more engaging way, as they had good chemistry.
2. Dance scenes: I don't think the dance scenes were bad, but I believe they could have been executed better to deepen the immersion in the scenes. While dance has the power to convey intense emotions and reflect the relevance of this activity in Yifan's life, at times, the movements performed by the actress didn’t seem to fully explore the potential that the character appeared to have, especially since she had been practicing ballet since childhood.
3. Yifan's disappearance: I understand that Yifan’s six-month disappearance represented an important period of emotional and physical distancing for the character. During this time, she withdrew from her relationships and daily life, using the time to reflect on her personal traumas and challenges, intending to protect those she loved. This six-month interval was a time of isolation and self-discovery, allowing her to return stronger and more determined. However, in my opinion, I think this plot could have been left aside, as Yifan did not explain her absence to anyone, causing suffering to Sang Yan, who was left wondering what happened or where she was.
OVERALL VIEW:
The First Frost is an engaging and intense series that presents a more mature romance and addresses deep themes. The performances were excellent, and the plot has a significant emotional impact. My rating is 9.5/10.
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