This review may contain spoilers
A deeply romantic, comforting, heart warming story
This is my first detailed review on MDL and I feel compelled to express my deep love for this story amongst all the negative feedback.Firstly I feel the need to state that I am a fan of Esther Yu. I prefer a spunky, sweet and upbeat FL. One who charms everyone around her and pulls in an icy ML with the warmth of her heart. I do not find her annoying, and I am happily watching everything she has been in after falling in love with her in LBFAD.
Secondly, I should share that I loved this story so much that I read the entire novel after watching the drama. Esther Yu is a perfect cast for Wei Zhi and I would even venture to say that the author wrote the original novel with her in mind, or someone very similar to the sweet, childlike characters that Esther is known to portray. Wei Zhi is spoiled, pampered, childish and has a huge, loving heart. She effortlessly makes friends in every situation, and is always optimistic - even when learning a difficult sport from a cold coach. Esther's goofiness and sweetness is easy to love, and her ability to deeply express sorrow really grounds this character in a way that the novel did not.
This was my first introduction to Lin Yi, and I was incredibly impressed with his ability to change from a frosty, cold no-nonsense prodigy to a deeply devoted and besotted lover. It was a joy watching them both fall helplessly for each other, and tied together by the strings of fate. The differences in the novel, in my opinion, greatly add to the story. Their several chance meetings ahead of the ski resort, and Wei Zhi's entire plot about her career and scandal added much needed depth to the story.
Esther and Lin Yi are both incredibly charismatic on screen, and convincingly portrayed lovers who are also best friends. The break up plot, while slightly heavy handed, brought the appropriate amount of longing and heartache that this story needed to fully carve itself into my heart. My heart was TORN APART for both of them, who are both so deeply in love, but building a life together takes more than devotion and willingness.
The level of comfort this drama brings is helped incredibly by the supporting cast, their friends circle, enemies turned friends, Shan Chong's younger sister's story, and ever present winter atmosphere. The ending did feel rushed - most likely due to the reduction in episodes by YOUKU, and the iconic break up like "...but life is not a ski resort. It doesn't snow in Nancheng" will forever make me laugh out loud. There are lot of flaws in the story telling, but for me all is forgiven but the love story that is told.
Shan Chong's confession of love to Wei Zhi is the most romantic I have ever seen in any drama. Not even including their night before in a snow hut, sharing one sleeping bag. The gentle intimacy of inching closer to rub noses BRINGS ME TO TEARS. This is everything I want in a love story. Deep feeling and longing, devotion and support of each other's dreams.
Was this review helpful to you?
