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Well-paced healing journey of two individuals you want to root in a beautiful setting
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
At first glance, “Falling Before Fireworks” seems to be just another healing drama of two lonely individuals who have very different personalities and lifestyles. But as you dive deeper, the way the story and tropes are a little bit unconventional in a good way. It’s not a perfect drama, especially the last arc (which I’ll write more later). But the drama has good pacing for a healing drama, a strong and independent FL, beautiful sets and scenery and cute puppies.
It took me a couple episodes to really like FL. She was introduced as a money-hungry, super career-focused individual who will do anything to get a promotion. But as you get to know her and think about the cultural difference in China and the Western world, you may start to like her, empathize with her and root for her success. I am glad that her focus and independence as a strong career woman remains true from start to finish. ML is a quiet craftsman living in a rural area surrounded by peace and culture. A very different life and experience from FL. But who doesn’t like an opposite attracts romance, especially when affection and understanding are developed slowly. It’s totally my kind of drama and romance, especially when we have a marriage of convenience on top of it.
Yes, there are misunderstandings but not too frustrating. I think it stems more from the upbringing of the main leads. They may seem very different, but what they long for is the same - to be loved and to have a home. Both are self-sacrificing, withholding the need to ask for help from each other, because throughout their lives. They had to in order to survive, fight and maintain affection from their loved ones. For that, I am willing to give the non-communication a pass. However, they are also super supportive of each other in interesting ways. Once they found out the other half was being mistreated (big and small ways), they seek revenge for the others. This brought us some funny and heartwarming moments.
The love triangle is unique in a way. I was worried that it’s going to drive me crazy but it didn’t (except I don’t quite like the voice of 2FL). OK, I did question why FL continues to remain friends with 2FL after her ‘open’ pursuit. She should be smart enough to see through her sly actions. The brother’s arc brought on some anxiety but I was pleasantly surprised by how that ended. The support cast is lovely, even those co-workers in the beginning.
I love the ML’s house and that quiet part of town. It’s nice to take a break from city life and see how simple people can live. That house is beautiful. Find me a bed and breakfast like that, I would love to stay there, especially when the host is as handsome as Chen Xin Hai. The drama also spends a lot of time showcasing Chinese arts and crafts from lantern making, to wood sculpting, to drawing and painting. I love all that except for the last business arc. I knew it’s coming and I dreaded it. I wish the drama has focused those episodes on FL and her parents and more couples. It's just a little preachy and nationalistic for my taste. But I also understand if I am not a foreigner, the local audience would love it. That’s why this drama has an excellent score of 7.7 on Douban, especially when it has no big name actors.
“Falling Before Fireworks” gave me quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. I’ve shed some tears (god bless you, grandpa), cooed at the cute puppies (they never seem to grow big but who cares as they are cute), grinned and smiled through a few cute and romantic scenes and gestures. I do want better kisses though.
It’s a somewhat low budget drama that went under the radar. I may not love the dubbing and the business arc in the end, but I had a great time binge watching these 23 episodes. If you are looking for a healing drama that’s not too slow-paced, with great scenery and lovely individuals, this is worth a shot.
Completed: 9/7/2025 Review #622
At first glance, “Falling Before Fireworks” seems to be just another healing drama of two lonely individuals who have very different personalities and lifestyles. But as you dive deeper, the way the story and tropes are a little bit unconventional in a good way. It’s not a perfect drama, especially the last arc (which I’ll write more later). But the drama has good pacing for a healing drama, a strong and independent FL, beautiful sets and scenery and cute puppies.
It took me a couple episodes to really like FL. She was introduced as a money-hungry, super career-focused individual who will do anything to get a promotion. But as you get to know her and think about the cultural difference in China and the Western world, you may start to like her, empathize with her and root for her success. I am glad that her focus and independence as a strong career woman remains true from start to finish. ML is a quiet craftsman living in a rural area surrounded by peace and culture. A very different life and experience from FL. But who doesn’t like an opposite attracts romance, especially when affection and understanding are developed slowly. It’s totally my kind of drama and romance, especially when we have a marriage of convenience on top of it.
Yes, there are misunderstandings but not too frustrating. I think it stems more from the upbringing of the main leads. They may seem very different, but what they long for is the same - to be loved and to have a home. Both are self-sacrificing, withholding the need to ask for help from each other, because throughout their lives. They had to in order to survive, fight and maintain affection from their loved ones. For that, I am willing to give the non-communication a pass. However, they are also super supportive of each other in interesting ways. Once they found out the other half was being mistreated (big and small ways), they seek revenge for the others. This brought us some funny and heartwarming moments.
The love triangle is unique in a way. I was worried that it’s going to drive me crazy but it didn’t (except I don’t quite like the voice of 2FL). OK, I did question why FL continues to remain friends with 2FL after her ‘open’ pursuit. She should be smart enough to see through her sly actions. The brother’s arc brought on some anxiety but I was pleasantly surprised by how that ended. The support cast is lovely, even those co-workers in the beginning.
I love the ML’s house and that quiet part of town. It’s nice to take a break from city life and see how simple people can live. That house is beautiful. Find me a bed and breakfast like that, I would love to stay there, especially when the host is as handsome as Chen Xin Hai. The drama also spends a lot of time showcasing Chinese arts and crafts from lantern making, to wood sculpting, to drawing and painting. I love all that except for the last business arc. I knew it’s coming and I dreaded it. I wish the drama has focused those episodes on FL and her parents and more couples. It's just a little preachy and nationalistic for my taste. But I also understand if I am not a foreigner, the local audience would love it. That’s why this drama has an excellent score of 7.7 on Douban, especially when it has no big name actors.
“Falling Before Fireworks” gave me quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. I’ve shed some tears (god bless you, grandpa), cooed at the cute puppies (they never seem to grow big but who cares as they are cute), grinned and smiled through a few cute and romantic scenes and gestures. I do want better kisses though.
It’s a somewhat low budget drama that went under the radar. I may not love the dubbing and the business arc in the end, but I had a great time binge watching these 23 episodes. If you are looking for a healing drama that’s not too slow-paced, with great scenery and lovely individuals, this is worth a shot.
Completed: 9/7/2025 Review #622
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