Osaf

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is one of those dramas that is wonderfully beautiful to look at, but unfortunately, the story doesn't always have enough substance to go with its beautiful appearance.

Without a doubt, the greatest strength of this drama is the romance between Lin Yi Yang and Yin Guo; their first meeting, taking place in the snowy setting of Finland, immediately establishes the atmosphere for the entire drama. The snow, the quiet music, the warm cafés, the beautiful locations, and particularly the way in which Lin Yi Yang looks at Yin Guo all contribute to making their relationship seem very dreamy and as if it were a winter romance film.

I actually preferred the little romantic scenes to the major ones as well; some of the most enjoyable aspects of the drama were Lin Yi Yang looking after Yin Guo, taking notice of the small details about her, supporting her career, the conversations they had, the awkwardness as they became closer, and the quiet times when they just looked at each other. Wu Lei and Zhao Jin Mai had a very natural chemistry and on several occasions their expressions conveyed more than what they actually said.

I also liked the part of the story concerning billiards. Even though I am not very interested in the game, the drama succeeded in making it appear elegant and fascinating. Lin Yi Yang's connection with billiards and his choice to go back into competition added a bit more depth to his character, and it was also pleasant to see his friends and the way they supported him. Certain of the emotional scenes involving his friends, in particular the ones when they realise that he is finally returning to something he once loved, were surprisingly moving.

This is also the point at which my greatest issue with the drama lies.

The pace is simply too slow for me. Although a slow-burn romance can be excellent if each episode contributes something significant to the characters or the story, in this case there were a number of scenes in which it seemed that the drama was merely prolonging moments that could have been considerably shorter. The romance does progress, but the general plot at times gives the impression that it is not moving forward.

I also thought that the drama did not make adequate use of its potential, since Lin Yi Yang's past, his connection with billiards, his retirement, and his return to competition could have generated a great deal of emotional and dramatic tension. Rather than that, most of the serious issues are settled in a rather easy manner, which is why the drama at times comes across more like a series of lovely romantic scenes than as a fully developed narrative.

For me another problem was that once a certain point had been reached, the relationship became a bit repetitive. There are plenty of nice glances, hugs, kisses, dates and sweet moments—which are pleasant—but I wished for more substantial conversations and a greater deal of character growth. I wanted to get to know Yin Guo and Lin Yi Yang as individuals just as much as I enjoyed seeing them as a couple.

It includes no unnecessary toxic love triangles or frequent misunderstandings, and Lin Yi Yang is one of the more caring and supportive male leads in today's C-dramas; his quiet confidence and the fact that he supports Yin Guo without attempting to control her were truly refreshing.

Even so, beautiful cinematography and excellent chemistry can only take a drama so far. Although this drama offered me many scenes that I enjoyed, it didn't provide me with a story that I could love just as much.

Overall, 6.5/10.

Although it has a beautiful romance, stunning winter scenery, and a nice main pair, it is too slow, not sufficiently plot-driven, and lacks the necessary emotional or dramatic impact for me to give it a higher rating. I did enjoy the journey, but I don't believe that the journey turned out as memorable as the visuals and the chemistry had led me to expect.