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Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
“The First Frost” is a highly rated (currently on MDL at 9.0) and highly anticipated drama since it was announced. Was it worth the hype? Yes and No. There are so many reviews already so I am going to try to keep it short (LOL) and note down my own thoughts of what I like and dislike.
What I Like:
1. FL/ML Acting - I don’t think anyone would complain about the acting by our main leads, Zhang Ruo Nan and Bai Jing Ting. I was especially impressed with Zhang Ruo Nan in playing such a complicated and layered character. We see pain, controlled anger, embarrassment, shyness, flirtiness and love, all in her face. Bai Jing Ting sheds his sunny personality and plays the proud, arrogant, cold-on-the-outside character so well. Both of their acting is controlled and not dramatic.
2. Wei Yi Fan (FL) - Poor girl suffered so much and I wish her all the happiness in the world. It’s satisfying to accompany her on the healing process. She was abandoned and neglected, and does not think she deserves anything good in this world. It took her a long time, stumbled a few times, to get to the point that she is able to and wants to give/receive love, and believes she’s worth it. She had a few great and controlled confrontations with her family members. I was so proud of her!
3. Romance - it was a long, long journey. But when everything unfolds, and you get to see both sides of the story and how they feel throughout their cohabitation and courting, it was very satisfying. ML giving FL time and proceeding with caution. Him wanting to let her take the wheel (and scared that he would be left behind again). Him feeling powerless that he couldn’t take her pain away. Him wishing to break up with him is her biggest pain and not something more horrible. All these emotions and events throughout their journey are beautiful to see.
4. Visuals - Zhang Ruo Nan is so pretty even if she wakes up with bed hair. Bai Jing Ting looks awesome in black, especially in a suit. Edward Chen and Zhang Miao Yi also look good as a pair and give off totally different vibes.
5. Sleepwalking - The sleepwalking moments brought up so many different emotions. At first, it was funny when ML tries to figure out what’s going on, and their morning-after discussion/flirting. Then as daytime trauma really contributes to sleepwalking, it’s incredibly sad to see FL cries and seeks out comfort from ML.
6. .Flirting/Skinship - Despite being a little embarrassed, it’s nice to see FL flirt and want skinship and seek out kisses. When they have sweet moments, they are adorable and I feel like I’m a voyeur.
7. Prologues/Epilogue - I like how their past and different point of views are shown in the beginning and the end.
What I have Mixed Feelings:
1. Sang Yan (ML) - I debated whether to put this in the “Like” section or not. On the one hand, who doesn’t want a man who loves you unconditionally forever and ever. I love a male lead who does all the sweet things for FL behind her back. I love Sang Yan being all proud and arrogant, throwing sarcastic remarks here and there, yet deep down he’s done so much without anyone knowing. HOWEVER, if you look closely, is it really good to have a man who makes every single life decision revolving around FL? That’s a lot of pressure on the woman! Where are his own hopes and dreams? While focusing on FL, did he forget about his family and friends? Is he really a true Green Flag? I also always have a problem with perfect green flags who are bland and boring. Sang Yan definitely is not boring. So maybe his focus on FL makes him a flawed character, thus, actually more believable than a perfect guy? I AM CONFLICTED!!!
2. Hong Kong arc - Many people commented on the Hong Kong arc. I actually am OK with FL going to Hong Kong because I think that’s true to her character. She’s traumatized and she has a lot to lose now. Of course, it’s noble idiocy in a way, but at least it’s somewhat believable. What I dislike is all logic goes out the door during her time in Hong Kong and ML’s pursuit of her. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. I don’t believe you could just walk around and locate her. People just willingly give out information to ML, despite not actually knowing FL or verifying that ML is the boyfriend. FL’s change of heart to contact ML also seems so sudden. She held out for so long, so all of a sudden she has come to her senses after just meeting with Qiao Qiao and Su Hao An?
3. The hijack of Grandpa - The grandparents are important in being the catalyst of Qiao Qiao and Su Hao An’s romance. Unfortunately, instead of spending more time on the couple, too much time is spent on grandpa. The second leads could be so cute together, yet I got bored of their interaction when grandpa is in the middle of it all. I would have liked to see more flirting, loving moments or deep conversations.
4. Sexual Harassment/Assault - The girl can’t get a break. I am not sure we need so much screen time on this subject to inform viewers of the trauma that FL has endured. What’s worse is that we don’t see any satisfying consequences to these men’s actions. They were not punished enough (or we don’t see that on screen). Yes, the main villain might be punished, but those court scenes are so ridiculously done. I would rather see him bleeding to half-dead, or in tremendous pain in the hospital.
I would recommend “The First Frost” for its excellent acting and the incredibly long, steadfast and moving journey between the leads. It’s not a romantic comedy, but quite a heavy watch due to the trauma that FL has endured. I debated rating this a 8.25 or a solid 8.5. In the end, I compared how I felt after watching “The Best Thing” right before “The First Frost” (I know they are different genres), and concluded I like them both equally for different reasons. Thus, I am giving it the same rating of 8.25 (rounding up to 8.5).
Random Observations:
1. Why is Sang Yan always so wet after a shower? Doesn't he towel off? LOL. 😍
2. Who knew Bai Jing Ting is so muscular under that sexy black suit. 🔥
3. Xiang Lang is really annoying. Back off already, little kid.
4. Isn't it weird and rude for FL to butt in and teacher a little girl ballet when the real teacher is sitting right there?
5. Aww.. ML is FL's warm sun that brings her comfort.
6. FL is really adorable when drunk.
7. Thank god no one is dubbed, even those with a Hong Kong accent.
8. Lovely OST
9. Really cute and unique proposal
10. Damn.. this is a long review and I said I wanted to keep it short. 🤣
Completed: 3/19/2025 - Review #556
“The First Frost” is a highly rated (currently on MDL at 9.0) and highly anticipated drama since it was announced. Was it worth the hype? Yes and No. There are so many reviews already so I am going to try to keep it short (LOL) and note down my own thoughts of what I like and dislike.
What I Like:
1. FL/ML Acting - I don’t think anyone would complain about the acting by our main leads, Zhang Ruo Nan and Bai Jing Ting. I was especially impressed with Zhang Ruo Nan in playing such a complicated and layered character. We see pain, controlled anger, embarrassment, shyness, flirtiness and love, all in her face. Bai Jing Ting sheds his sunny personality and plays the proud, arrogant, cold-on-the-outside character so well. Both of their acting is controlled and not dramatic.
2. Wei Yi Fan (FL) - Poor girl suffered so much and I wish her all the happiness in the world. It’s satisfying to accompany her on the healing process. She was abandoned and neglected, and does not think she deserves anything good in this world. It took her a long time, stumbled a few times, to get to the point that she is able to and wants to give/receive love, and believes she’s worth it. She had a few great and controlled confrontations with her family members. I was so proud of her!
3. Romance - it was a long, long journey. But when everything unfolds, and you get to see both sides of the story and how they feel throughout their cohabitation and courting, it was very satisfying. ML giving FL time and proceeding with caution. Him wanting to let her take the wheel (and scared that he would be left behind again). Him feeling powerless that he couldn’t take her pain away. Him wishing to break up with him is her biggest pain and not something more horrible. All these emotions and events throughout their journey are beautiful to see.
4. Visuals - Zhang Ruo Nan is so pretty even if she wakes up with bed hair. Bai Jing Ting looks awesome in black, especially in a suit. Edward Chen and Zhang Miao Yi also look good as a pair and give off totally different vibes.
5. Sleepwalking - The sleepwalking moments brought up so many different emotions. At first, it was funny when ML tries to figure out what’s going on, and their morning-after discussion/flirting. Then as daytime trauma really contributes to sleepwalking, it’s incredibly sad to see FL cries and seeks out comfort from ML.
6. .Flirting/Skinship - Despite being a little embarrassed, it’s nice to see FL flirt and want skinship and seek out kisses. When they have sweet moments, they are adorable and I feel like I’m a voyeur.
7. Prologues/Epilogue - I like how their past and different point of views are shown in the beginning and the end.
What I have Mixed Feelings:
1. Sang Yan (ML) - I debated whether to put this in the “Like” section or not. On the one hand, who doesn’t want a man who loves you unconditionally forever and ever. I love a male lead who does all the sweet things for FL behind her back. I love Sang Yan being all proud and arrogant, throwing sarcastic remarks here and there, yet deep down he’s done so much without anyone knowing. HOWEVER, if you look closely, is it really good to have a man who makes every single life decision revolving around FL? That’s a lot of pressure on the woman! Where are his own hopes and dreams? While focusing on FL, did he forget about his family and friends? Is he really a true Green Flag? I also always have a problem with perfect green flags who are bland and boring. Sang Yan definitely is not boring. So maybe his focus on FL makes him a flawed character, thus, actually more believable than a perfect guy? I AM CONFLICTED!!!
2. Hong Kong arc - Many people commented on the Hong Kong arc. I actually am OK with FL going to Hong Kong because I think that’s true to her character. She’s traumatized and she has a lot to lose now. Of course, it’s noble idiocy in a way, but at least it’s somewhat believable. What I dislike is all logic goes out the door during her time in Hong Kong and ML’s pursuit of her. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. I don’t believe you could just walk around and locate her. People just willingly give out information to ML, despite not actually knowing FL or verifying that ML is the boyfriend. FL’s change of heart to contact ML also seems so sudden. She held out for so long, so all of a sudden she has come to her senses after just meeting with Qiao Qiao and Su Hao An?
3. The hijack of Grandpa - The grandparents are important in being the catalyst of Qiao Qiao and Su Hao An’s romance. Unfortunately, instead of spending more time on the couple, too much time is spent on grandpa. The second leads could be so cute together, yet I got bored of their interaction when grandpa is in the middle of it all. I would have liked to see more flirting, loving moments or deep conversations.
4. Sexual Harassment/Assault - The girl can’t get a break. I am not sure we need so much screen time on this subject to inform viewers of the trauma that FL has endured. What’s worse is that we don’t see any satisfying consequences to these men’s actions. They were not punished enough (or we don’t see that on screen). Yes, the main villain might be punished, but those court scenes are so ridiculously done. I would rather see him bleeding to half-dead, or in tremendous pain in the hospital.
I would recommend “The First Frost” for its excellent acting and the incredibly long, steadfast and moving journey between the leads. It’s not a romantic comedy, but quite a heavy watch due to the trauma that FL has endured. I debated rating this a 8.25 or a solid 8.5. In the end, I compared how I felt after watching “The Best Thing” right before “The First Frost” (I know they are different genres), and concluded I like them both equally for different reasons. Thus, I am giving it the same rating of 8.25 (rounding up to 8.5).
Random Observations:
1. Why is Sang Yan always so wet after a shower? Doesn't he towel off? LOL. 😍
2. Who knew Bai Jing Ting is so muscular under that sexy black suit. 🔥
3. Xiang Lang is really annoying. Back off already, little kid.
4. Isn't it weird and rude for FL to butt in and teacher a little girl ballet when the real teacher is sitting right there?
5. Aww.. ML is FL's warm sun that brings her comfort.
6. FL is really adorable when drunk.
7. Thank god no one is dubbed, even those with a Hong Kong accent.
8. Lovely OST
9. Really cute and unique proposal
10. Damn.. this is a long review and I said I wanted to keep it short. 🤣
Completed: 3/19/2025 - Review #556
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