Reviews

Delusional cult following ending in a disastrous watching experience

It was very much a disappointment, as the drama promised depth yet only provided a surface-level spectacular and absolutely miserably failed at living up to its title. The story revolves around the meteoric rise of an aspiring performer to fame and can effectively explore ambition, sacrifice, and the grit of showbiz but instead felt contrived and very uninventive. Characters were written with reprehensibly little dimension; FL herself was the usual tired cliché of a dreamer whose motivations were never fleshed out. The dialogue was supposed to be emotionally packed but came off as empty and repetitious, eating into the seriousness in connecting audiences with actual struggles of the lead. The rhythm of the show was also wanting, with plot points either being belted out too fast or stretched beyond reason, thus stealing much of the momentum and excitement in the story. Even music sequences that should amaze and excite were uncouth in choreography and even without energy, to one's surprise. Instead of whisking viewers away on some sort of immersive rise-and-fall tale of celebrity, the drama shuffled its way through plot points that rarely offered anything new or impactful throughout. It's a drama that wanted to shine bright and turned into a flash in the pan that's hardly memorable; it left me to consider what could have been if it reached for believability instead of reaching for empty theatrics.

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what's wrong with editing department

Okay let me see where should I start my review
yes first I need to thank god
I mean, I'm blessed so far that I didn't come across any other drama with this much bad editing. The poorest editing award goes to this drama.
They should Fire the whole editing department as well as those who are satisfied with this editing. They are all from the evil path sect.
Every single scene of this drama was badly edited. They just jump from one scene to another to another to another, cutting the ongoing conversation in half. Even child can tell their cuts.
it's like they put scissors ✂️ on a child's hand, and he cuts (destroys the whole house) whatever comes under his radar, and his parents don't even care. I feel, how dare they pollute their art.
There is so much to point out, but I'm not gonna since they didn't have much consideration for their work. Why should I waste myself writing a long review? I'm considerate enough to at least finish what I've started to watch.
Besides editing, the one and only reason it's not a complete waste of my time and their resources is the least I can enjoy Zhang Ling and Jing Tian such perfect eye candies.
Everything else feels rubbish. Credit goes to the director, and editing department and everyone who didn't even care about their project.

I know it's an adaptation of the novel, I haven't read it, so I have no idea about the storyline. I don't know if it's that simple novel. please do tell me if they made changes, or is it exactly like the novel?
Points I want to point out :
First, it was the first fantasy idol-based drama with a minimum cast. Characters appeared just to disappear within an episode. Everything about everyone was missing; u catch a glimpse of an idea because they considered to vividly putting everything in a few sentences here and there, so u know, okay, this and that might have happened, but that is it. Because of that, there is no impact on you. Characters die, and things happen, but u don't feel anything. There are no emotions u feel. 🚨Ml sacrificed himself, but u know he gonna come back, so it was that easy, u don't even care. (This was my first death ever from fantasy drama or any other drama where I don't feel anything, even if it's ML who dies. There is no impact or reaction of any kind. It was that tasteless and all because of editing).
I don't know if it was called fast-paced drama or no-nonsense drama, like the director telling us indirectly that u already watched 100s of this kind of drama, so whatever u feel are missing, add those elements urself. Let's move to another scene we have limited time and episodes.
I so hard to explain this drama the feeling I got from this drama let's say the episode is 30 minutes long without opening and ending credits but I didn't feel I watched anything in that 30 min, every single episode gave this same feeling ( like what today episode finished but their nothing much happen even ml die in that episode) and it all because of their edit style for some reason they focus on their silly funny comedy and so Called romance no romance angle. Tbh, I don't feel any romance it was like in one episode they put it that way.
21 episodes in ML Become Demon Fl Become Demon Slayer only 15 left I wonder if in the next 5 to 6episodes ML or FL, one of them die one more time since usually in this kind of demon and demon slayer love drama there are three lifetimes than last 9-10 episode everything reveals related Shao cang falsely convict and main villain came from great path sect non-other than the premier of great path leader ying zi wei our ml sifu 😆😆😆🥴😆😆😆🤤if that happens it was so typical I didn't even need to read novel I can predict.
Lastly, the whole drama so far gives Sen Lou vibes the so-called demon lord no need to take him (it) seriously.

p.s. so far the new demon ml and the thousands year old most hated demon lord sen lou conversation are funny. I mean I like how it was ml controlling him and didn't take him seriously. it was funny.


FINAL REVIEW : FINISHED WATCHING WHOLE DRAMA, END CONCLUSION IT'S A WASTE OF EVERYTHING MONEY TIME DATA HEALTH
IN ONE WORD SKIP IT


THANK ME later

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frankly? ...boring

I don't why but I couldn't get into this drama. On paper there is everything: two passionate leads, a sad backstory, a trauma to resolve, some cheeky moments but in reality I didn't feel anything.
The plot revolves around 2 childhood friends that for some unknown reason to the viewer (until episode 3) are unable to connect again after years.
We follow these characters while they open up their hearts and let go of a painful past.. sounds good? On paper.. yes.
The male lead is obnoxious and the female lead is annoyingly stubborn , basicly a tsundere.
Even though the drama is filled with "heart breaking" moments I didn't feel anything for them.
The drama is full of flashbacks that interrupt the natural flow of the drama. 2 characters are in the middle of a conversation and the time goes back to the past to feed us some details to better understand what it is going on. I get that this style of story telling can be interesting but it was overused in this drama.
It is a constant back and forth, back and forth and at the end it became annoying.
The theme of the drama is "summer" because the protagonists used to meet only in this season because of circumstances but the talking about summer, seasons in general, stars is too much.
They keep repeating the same stuff over and over again.

Spoiler: the main actors plays 2 roles, 2 twin brothers and I must admit he did a pretty bad job. I like the actor but his portrait of the 2 twins was confusing. Is some scenes I was confused about who was who or maybe they did in purpose just to confuse the audience and make things more "dramatic".
The love story is typical of this kind of drama. Very surface level love between two childhood friends. I didn't feel a strong connection. The fact the actors didn't have much chemistry didn't help.
Mid drama I was more interested in the second couple.
The main leads were annoying , repetitive and boring even though they have interesting back stories but we don't explore them too much in depth.
I watched the last 2 episodes skipping here and there because I lost interest in the story.

This a standard drama and if you don't have anything on your watch list or don't care about "explosiveness" I think you might enjoy it.

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A Bumpy and Underwhelming Fantasy Ride

K (Seo Hyun) escapes into her favorite fictional world as Cha Seon Chaek, a supporting character who crafts modern cocktails, lives her dream life, and even shares a one-night stand with Prince Gyeong Seong (Ok Taec Yeon). The premise is fun, whimsical, and full of charm—at first.

But very soon, things start to unravel. Gyeong Seong's constant proposals and overplayed rivalries get repetitive, and the story takes a hard left into heavy political intrigue, abandoning the playful tone that made the beginning enjoyable. The sudden tonal shift, combined with increasingly frustrating character decisions, makes some later episodes feel like a slog. Let’s be real—fast-forwarding feels tempting.

And then there’s the subplot of the real Cha Seon Chaek swapping lives with K. It’s barely touched on, leaving us wondering why it’s even there. If you’re not going to explain how she survives in the modern world, why include it at all?

Seo Hyun and Ok Taec Yeon have solid chemistry and bring life to their roles, though Seo Hyun’s character sometimes leans too much into “cute” territory, which can feel out of place compared to the more grounded supporting cast. That said, the series shines brightest when Cha Seon Chaek interacts with her fictional family, delivering humor and heart that balance out the heavier plotlines.

Overall, the show starts strong but struggles to keep the magic alive. Fans of time travel and romantic fantasy might still enjoy it, but don’t expect a perfectly smooth ride..

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Disgusting plot!

What a waste of good actors.The plot is very boring and disgusting. Now,I always look for spoilers that includes the ending,so I will decide if I want to watch it or not.Unfortunately there was none for this ,as it just came out today,so decided to watch it anyway because of the good actors.Big, major disappointment.
So,here are major spoilers for people like me who try to decide if the movie/series will be worth their time.

MAJOR SPOILERS !!!!
PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS!!!


The story is about Da Eun,who exhausted from work and ignored by her boyfriend Jang Hyeok,who started having interest in his colleague Bo Yeong,found refuge in one of her patients who happens to have the same name as her boyfriend (Lee Jang Hyeok).
The boyfriend kept on lying to her to hide the fact that he was already interested in Bo Yeong.After finding out she is 4 weeks pregnant ,she was pretty much forced into terminating the pregnancy.After coming home from the clinic,and him kept getting messages, he decided to leave her broken and crying ( though she did say she was ok with him leaving, but what crazy guy will do that)
Eventually they break up when he calls her by his colleague's name,and she gets out of the car,while he is pissed ar her (have no freaking idea why he is the one pissed).
He not only ends up kissing Bo Yeong,but he also sleeps with her,and end up in a relationship.
After being there for Da Eun when she is sad,lonely,depressed,Lee Jang Hyeok and Da Eun ends up in a relationship.
While Jang Hyeok is going out with his new girlfriend,things around him starts reminding him about Da Eun.At the party, while being sad that he may not be hired as a permanent employee,he is again reminded about Da Eun after finding out that the prize was a 5 days Jeju Island vacation.He takes Da Eun's ring and runs to the airport (they were supposed to go to Jeju Island together) trying to get her back (after sleeping with Bo Yeong ,yeah right) .There he bumps into Lee Jang Hyeok,who so happily was trying his new shoes which Da Eun bought for him.
Da Eun and Jang Hyeok's eyes meet in shock,and she gives Lee Jang Hyeok a hand to help him get up.They both leave for the plane flight,while Jang Hyeok stays there in shock .He then leaves swearing at her (Again,have no freaking idea why he is pissed at her) and goes back to the party where Bo Yeong is waiting happily after she ends up winning the Jeju Island prize.He then tries to figure out where things started to go wrong,ending up blaming his ex boss for everything that happened to him.At this point he puts Da Eun's ring on Bo Yeong's finger,asking her not to leave abroad
and telling he loves her,but she refuses saying she's not there yet.
The movie ends with him saying "Shit! " after a sip of water? (or whatever was inside that glass)
Garbage!

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Falling Short of What Could've Been The Best Drama Series in a While

Having thoroughly enjoyed the 1'st part of "Lost You Forever," I was excited to dive into the second half. The first half stood out among other Xianxia dramas with its unique storytelling and well-developed characters. Each character, despite their flaws, was compelling and drew me into their world effortlessly. The intricate plot and emotional depth of the first season set a high bar, and I had high hopes that the second season would continue this trend.

However, as I began watching the second half, I quickly realized within the first two episodes that it fell short of the high standards set by its first half. The pacing felt off, and the character development that was so strong in the first half seemed to stagnate. The magic that made the first half so captivating was noticeably missing, leaving me disappointed.

One of the major issues was the pacing and the way scenes were cut. Some scenes didn't make sense, and the flow of the story felt disjointed. Critical scenes from the novel, which were essential to the plot and character development, were inexplicably left out. These omissions not only disrupted the narrative but also left significant gaps in the storyline, making it difficult to stay engaged.

Most notably, I was disappointed with the lack of Tushan Jing's character appearance and development. It felt as though the creators had given up on his character, which was a stark contrast to his importance in the first season. Tushan Jing's absence and underdevelopment were glaring issues that detracted from the overall experience. His character had so much potential and depth, and seeing it wasted was truly disheartening. Deng Wei did well with what was given to him. Wishing him the best in his upcoming drams.

Additionally, the decision to deviate from the novel's script was a major letdown. A pivotal scene, which was crucial for Xiaoyao and Cang Xuan, was reduced to an illusion. This lackluster execution undermined the emotional weight and significance of the moment. In the novel, this scene was a turning point for both characters, but the drama's adaptation failed to capture its essence, leaving it feeling hollow and unsatisfying.

The best part about the second half of the season was undoubtedly Cang Xuan. This season truly belonged to him, showcasing his descent from a loving brother to an obsessed and tormented brother. Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal of Cang Xuan was exceptional. His performance was so compelling that even when Cang Xuan made horrible decisions, it was impossible to hate his character. Instead, you felt a deep sense of pity for him. As someone who sits on the throne, you'd expect Cang Xuan to have more choices and freedom with his power, but instead, all you see are the restraints and burdens that make him a prisoner to the throne and people.

Despite my disappointment with his development in season 2, Tushan Jing remained my favorite character. He is sweet, kind, intelligent, and most importantly, loyal. No matter how badly people, especially his brother, treated him—even wanting and attempting to kill him—he never had any malice towards them. As a clan leader from a huge and powerful family, he could easily use his power to his advantage, taking out anybody who poses a threat to him and his loved ones. But he chooses not to because that is not who he is. Tushan Jing is resilient and respectful, and while some audiences might see this as weakness, it is precisely why he stands out as my favorite.

Though I disliked Xiang Liu at first, I started to appreciate his character as the story progressed. Initially, he came across as greedy and ruthless, making questionable decisions that aligned with his nature as a feared nine-headed demon. However, the more I watched, the more I realized how kind and loving he could be. His love for Xiaoyao was evident, yet he couldn't be with her due to his loyalty to his Chenrong army. Xiang Liu embodies the chaos and danger that Xiaoyao is trying to avoid. Having experienced turmoil in her early life, Xiaoyao now seeks peace and loyalty, which she finds in Tushan Jing. Xiang Liu is a morally grey character who sacrificed much for Xiaoyao's happiness, adding layers to his complex persona.

Xiaoyao, the female lead of the story, was the only constant character that needed no development because her character was already perfect, even with flaws. She was someone who could love deeply but would easily abandon anyone she disliked. She was a good person as Wen Xiao Liu to her family in the rejuvenation hall, a loyal sister to Cang Xuan and A Nian, a wonderful companion to Xiang Liu, and a loving partner to Tushan Jing. Actress Yangzi outdid herself in "Lost You Forever," bringing Xiaoyao to life with such nuance and depth. Her performance was compelling and heartfelt, capturing Xiaoyao's strength, vulnerability, and complexity. Yangzi's ability to portray a character with such emotional range and authenticity was a highlight of the series.

In conclusion, while "Lost You Forever" season 2 had the potential to build on the solid foundation of the first season, it ultimately fell short. The first season's unique blend of storytelling and character development set a high bar, and unfortunately, the second season was unable to live up to those expectations. The pacing issues, critical scene omissions, lack of Tushan Jing's character development, and deviation from the novel's script all contributed to a disappointing viewing experience. However, Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal of Cang Xuan was a standout, bringing depth and complexity to his character's tragic arc, and was the highlight of the season. Tushan Jing, despite his limited screen time, remained a beacon of resilience and integrity, making him a truly unforgettable character. Xiang Liu's evolution from a feared demon to a character of depth and sacrifice also added a compelling layer to the drama. And finally, Yangzi's portrayal of Xiaoyao was nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying her as a central, unwavering force in the series.

OST is a 10/10. I love love Cang Xuan's theme song.

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Guilt from the past

This Drama is about the FEUD of the Han and Di family, but then behind the unveiling of the truth there are some hidden motives from the OTHER People that would be slowly revealed. This drama will have a slowpaced part I think from Ep. 11-19. The FL and ML's chemistry is SPARKLING alot..

Why do others don't like this is that maybe because some of the scenes are like not needed but they still put it, but as for me its not a of a problem I just skipped it hahah..the romance and the revenge parts, also the revelation will somewhat going slow BUT that would only be on the beginning episodes 11-19 AFTER that its going to be a very interesting plot again...


I recommend that you watch this if you still haven't. Don't mind other peoples Good and Bad Comment, one thing for you to know if you want this is to Give It A TRY.. :-)

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This is a hard movie for me to rate, and review, because I have such mixed feeling about it. Old Boy is an expertly told thriller, full of suspense, that I simultaneously loved and hated.

What I absolutely loved was the beginning. I would even dare to call it the best beginning of a revenge story that I've ever seen. From the opening moments to the time he is finally free, I was on the edge of my seat. Oh Dae-Su's transformation is also amazing to watch, and I was completely impressed with Choi Min Sik's performance.

From there we get to the heart of the revenge story. Oh Dae-Su's search for the man who ruined his life is full of intrigue. Yoo Ji Tae brilliantly plays the antagonist Lee Woo Jin, with a really creepy sophistication. There's also an epic hallway battle scene, that shows some amazing direction, and is pretty iconic. I was falling completely in love with this movie, and then there's Mi do...

It's hard for me to express how much I hated this character. At first she seemed interesting, but then it was clear that her character would be weak, and shallow. I watched a rescreening of this film recently, and overheard two women complaining in the bathroom about how offended they were by her character, and how this ruined the movie for them. I was also offended. Then there's a minor character, Lee Soo Ah, who I found to be equally shallow, and offensive. I cannot blame the actresses, these characters were simply written poorly. The female characters are my first major problem with this film.

The other issue I had was with the ending. The story behind Oh Dae-Su's kidnapping, and how this revenge story is resolved, is meant to be shocking, but I thought it was just ridiculous. Some people may love the over the top story, with it's controversial subject matter, but I thought it was too unbelievable to take seriously. This was a major let down after loving the beginning so much. The end just kept on adding shocking twist, on top of shocking twist, and then ended in a bloody confrontation that was also shocking. When it was all over I felt like I had watched two different movies. I definitely preferred the beginning movie over the end movie.

I can agree that this is a well made film, and very original, but I can't exactly say that I liked it. I would still recommend it because of the parts that were exceptionally well done. The great moments are what stayed with me once it was over, and made me almost forget why I didn't really like it.

It's also worth seeing if you're simply in the mood to watch something twisted.

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I started watching this drama due to great ratings and great reviews, but I soon came to regret my decision. I couldn't come to terms with wasting my time with the first 5 episodes, so I decided it might become better along the way, but boy was I wrong!
It was painful to watch the main actress, she made a mess of her role, and I must say Jin Ho was really shallow with his portraying of this particular character, and I must say I have enjoyed his talent and adaptability with his other roles as well. Moreover, I found the script messy, quite lacking and very artificial.
The funny moments were seldom, but the were indeed nice to watch, but honestly, feeling a pain in my stomach because I had just watched a 40 something minute long drama for only 10 enjoyable minutes was not my cup of tea.
I guess personal taste does play a major role in watching this drama. 3/10 from me, and that's putting it mild.

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A river that whispered depth, but politely kept me afloat!

This drama had a beautiful idea. The Gyeonggang River, which was once pure, now thick with silt and sorrow, is a reflection of a nation sinking under corruption and decay. On paper, they got everything right. The whole premise had beautiful imagery-a river that mirrors its people, a mirror that refuses to flatter. Yet in the execution, all the ambition and artistry become too heavy to carry. Somehow, the weight of the premise is what sank this ship.

At its core, we have Siyul, Choi Eun and Jeong Cheon, each with their own demons to deal with. Siyul is caught between the guilt and survival of his brutal past and trapped in a cycle of choices that blur between justice and vengeance. Opposite him stands Choi Eun, the merchant whose integrity becomes her curse. I liked how she refused to let the corrupt system dictate her but I feel the writing didn't do her justice at all. The lack of screen time just made her seem like a haughty noblewoman but we see glimpses of so much from her towards the end. Somewhere in the middle stands Jeong-cheon, the official who dreams of power without corruption, a dream that steadily unravels.

The three are meant to represent different moral shores of the same river but the current never quite pulls them together. The 3 leads somehow felt like supporting characters in their own story. The first three episodes did a great job at setting up the story but the middle four (4-7) kind of lost their way. We wasted too much time on Mu Deok's story in the middle. I get they wanted us to show why he is here, but it could have been shortened and utilised to make the present plot better. The drama was about the 3 leads but somehow became "Mudeok's show".

Again, the idea of moral decay, corruption of people sitting at the top came through, but a bit heavy-handed and very convenient. Arrests and deaths happened too easily without letting the subplot fully bloom.

Too many characters felt underdeveloped as they simultaneously opened too many threads at the setup. By the time we were moving somewhere, it was already time to wrap up.

However, not everything was lost. The performances and acting across the board were solid. Roowan dominated the drama with his excellent acting performance. This is the first time I am seeing him in a non-polished, raw role. Seo Ham also looked very different here, and while the script didn't offer him much, he still left quite a good impression on me. With Ye Eun, the lack of screentime makes it harder to review her performance, but with what was given to her, she did well. The supporting cast had some good seasoned actors and no one disappointed.

Another thing I enjoyed was the bond between the bandits. I won't lie, I despised them at the start and was annoyed by their very presence, but they grew on me and on Siyul. They provided the comedic relief and brotherhood. It was like a mini break of happiness amidst the bleak and tragic premise.

Visually, the drama aced the setup. The outdoor locations, the grainy texture, the constant haze of dust and water...all of it feels lived in. It captures a world that’s both dying and alive, heavy with the smell of labour and loss. But sometimes the set-up was draining. I don't say it in a bad way, but on the front, it was too realistic.

Overall, Murky Stream definitely dared to ask uncomfortable questions about power, corruption and limits of conscience but somehow failed to answer them on the screen. I expected a deep dive into those murky waters, exploring the characters in that morally grey light, but I was never allowed to swim deeper. This quickly escalated into the case of over-ambitiousness.

Will I recommend it? No, I guess. The weekly experience was draining. But maybe binge-watching it can offer a different perspective.

Thank you for reading my review! <3 I hope you enjoy this drama more than I.

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It's been a while since I have felt so much hate for a main character. Arrogant male leads in Korean dramas are everywhere and generaly I don't mind them, I quiet like them actually, because most of the time in the end their "arrogant" attitude is exagerated and underneath all of that, they're good people. But the description of this drama really isn't lying "Se-Gun is handsome and confident, but very vain and shallow".

The STORY here, of course, isn't anything original but it just screams fun! Comedy, romance and a cliche moral about beauty is really all we need to relax after a hard day and it really kind of had all that, but...

The CHARACTERS, especially the main male lead, were unlikable and that's an understatement in some cases. Se Gun is a shallow douche that only cares about looks. He's fine with everything about a girl as long as she's pretty. Sure, by the end he falls in love with the "ugly" (NOT!) girl and magically becomes a better person and a better character with some sappy development driven by, of course, a sad past. Now to begin with Se Gun's character isn't exactly the worst, they just handeled this type of male lead very badly, exagerating his flaws to the maximum and making him seem like the vainest person ever. Were this a full lenght drama I would have dropped it solely because of him. The female lead wasn't exactly a treat either. Her motivation for liking the main lead was the same - she claims to like beautiful things. The difference is that she just wasn't really a bitch about it...I don't know if that makes it okay though. Not to mention the fact that she had little to no self respect which I can kind of overlook as just a character trait but be warned.

90% of the cute moments in this drama were torture, because they were fake! While Nan Hee had her ring on, everytime something nice happened it was extremely bitter sweet because the writers just had to make sure that you know that Se Gun is only dating her because of her looks! I just could not overlook it, especially when the second love interest for our female lead was 10 times better than this jerk.

Sure the ending was cute as hell and I'm very into this "inner beauty matters the most" moral that I could almost overlook everything that's bad about this drama but I just can't, I won't even let myself! As a woman I respect myself too much to see such chararter as Se Gun be romanticised and justified. He even blamed everything on Nan Hee...*sigh* I just can't

Didn't notice anything horrible about the acting. Not a fan of So Hee's acting though. Happy that Seul Gi finally got a main role, sad that it had to be this drama. Don't remember anything about the music. The cinematography was as unintresting as ever.

There is absolutely nothing about this drama that's worth your time, you can look at a screenshot of the beauty that is Hyo Seop and you would have seen everyting good about this drama. Maybe...maybe if you're easily pleased then you will enjoy it but I really don't recommend it.

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A Poetically Crafted Story That Deeply Captured The Essence Of An Unconditional Love

"The First Frost" is a modern romance drama adaptation of the novel titled "Nan Hong" which means "Hard To Coax", written by a well-known author, Zhu Yi. It focuses on the romantic tale between Sang Yan and his high school deskmate, Wen Yi Fan. The drama immerses into the nostalgic youthful idea of first love and intertwines it together with the melancholic pining of second chances. While its cinematography visually creates a gloomy and dreamy-like vibe, the OSTs adds a sentimental touch that completely draws you into its romantic tale. However...

The First Frost is no ordinary modern romance drama, it is a poetically crafted story that deeply captured the essence of an unconditional love and engraved it as a lasting imprint. An unconditional love that embodies unwavering commitment and fosters a heartfelt emotional journey which leads to personal growth and self-discovery. It is where love isn't a mere consolation or healer of wounds and scars, instead it is where love is a guiding light that illuminates through the darkness bringing peace and safety. It is also where love is depicted to be more than just an emotion and feeling, but a constant deliberate choice that comes from ones willingness to choose to love every single day without any exceptions — no matter the uncertainty or the storms ahead. This drama meaningfully entails an invaluable love while also beholding an important message about self-love.

STORYLINE₊ ⊹❅
The storytelling follows a nonlinear timeline that instills flashbacks of the main protagonists' high school life into their present adult life exuding a reminiscent nostalgic feel. It generally revolves around the female lead, Wen Yi Fan's point of view but it also glimpses through the point of view of the male lead, Sang Yan by the end of each episode which further adds enrichment to the story. The drama begins with a heartbreaking memory that occurred on one rainy night where Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan separated in tears, then courses straight into more heavier scenes that can be triggering as it tackles a sensitive topic which women in real life faces, these scenes highlighted the life struggles of Wen Yi Fan and serves as a necessary element that allowed viewers to have a clearer grasp of her character. The defining line is drawn here as the drama's trajectory focuses not solely into romance, but also into trauma; its effect on life and love itself.

The first half of the drama creates a somber atmosphere that eventually balances out with warmer tones and a mixture of lighthearted moments as Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan crosses paths once again — they become two strangers living together under one roof with a shared painful past. This showed the contrasting differences in their lives and opened the door to their feelings. What I love during this part of the story is how both yearning and loneliness is set-up so gut-wrenchingly yet soothes it with understated affections through the conscious acts of Sang Yan and the unconscious acts of Wen Yi Fan. I found the sleepwalking scenes of Wen Yi Fan to be made not only as a mere catalyst that shortens the distance between her and Sang Yan, but a significant metaphor that reflects Wen Yi Fan's deep-seated feelings which even her conscious self isn't aware about. How she walked amidst the darkness towards the sun to embrace its warmth speaks about her pains, fears and her desperate call to be found — without knowing the sun she had reached out to was Sang Yan, the only person that ever brought warmth and light to her world — this scene was meaningfully executed and deeply tugged on the heartstrings.

What ultimately shapes the story more coherently lies in the second half as it dives deeper into the main protagonists innermost feelings and their past. This is where an evident romantic progress between Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan is seen, but it is also where the shadow that has long been haunting Wen Yi Fan comes into the picture. I appreciated their sweet and intimate moments which led into a much livelier atmosphere, although it soon transitioned into the angsty and heavy arcs, such transition helped heightened the emotions evoked during these arcs. The separation in Hong Kong wasn't added simply as a mere trope, it showed the comprehensive depth of the story and stayed consistent to Wen Yi Fan's trauma. As much as it is emotionally gripping, it brought out more layers of Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's characters. This aspect is one of the dramas advantageous feat because of how it had interwoven trauma into the story with an insightful knowledge and at the same time dealt with it respectfully. It did justice in showing how trauma greatly impacts one's life, how coping mechanisms varies greatly for different individuals, and how healing is not linear nor does it heal easily. It gave a realistic portrayal of trauma and wrapped it with a positive message.

As for the romance between Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan, it leans more to slow-burn where their relationship developed intricately, hence, I thought it felt more organic as the characters were made to gradually intensify their feelings. The way their love story was written never felt cringe or cliche, it was mature and brilliantly stood out for how utterly beautiful and unparalleled it was depicted. The drama painted Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's love story in translucid colors that vividly showed the pure unconditional love they have for each other, to the extent that even the words "I love you" pales away in comparison for how wholeheartedly they conveyed love in more than just three words. The second leads romance wasn't able to fully pique my interest at first as their story felt lackluster however, the latter half of the drama showcased a much more interesting plot for them which eventually made me invested in them as well.

The drama ended on a very satisfying note as all loose ends were neatly tied leaving no room for unresolved matters. The antagonists in the story each faced the consequences of their actions, there was no unnecessary redemption arc as every toxic connection was cut off. Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's high school memories were remarkably concluded by how they seamlessly weaved all the details together and the addition of Sang Yan's unseen point of view gave light for viewers to see how absolutely profound their relationship actually truly is. As if it couldn't be more perfect, they executed the proposal scene in a way that magnificently captured the raw authentic emotions expressed by Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan during that moment, making it feel so realistic — the evident nervousness, trembling hands and lips, the tears, and heartfelt words. It is the best proposal scene to have ever been created. The ending they had given is beyond just a happy ending, it is an unforgettable and deeply-moving moment that certainly left a lasting impression.

The cinematography artistically enhanced the overall emotional tone of each scene with the constant use of lights, mirrors and reflections that gives off visuals that are a blend of dreamy, melancholic and nostalgic vibes. It was breathtakingly cinematic and definitely elevated the watching experience.

CHARACTERS & ACTING₊ ⊹❅
Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan
Sang Yan is a character written with so many good qualities in him that it overshadows his flaws and makes him come off as someone too perfect, but actually he is far from perfect. He just happens to have a lot of love in him as he was born surrounded with love which is his greatest privilege. He grew up in a loving home where he is constantly showered with affection and care from his family. He used to be someone spoiled and self-centered as he had never suffered any setbacks in his life, everything had always went well for him and this is what made him flawed. It was through his separation with Wen Yi Fan where he realized that the world doesn't revolve around him. The pain he felt in this heartbreaking experience is one of the important things that helped shaped him into becoming the present Sang Yan. Sang Yan is a character who is the complete embodiment of persistence, regardless of being afraid or the outcome, he just tries and never gives up.

Sang Yan's love for Wen Yi Fan isn't an ever-burning passionate love instead it is a quietly-fierce and unconditional love that is strong and unwavering. Despite how his love is fierce, he had never forced his feelings on Wen Yi Fan. He expresses his love for her through subtle acts of affection, where he notices and cares for even the smallest things about her. What struck me the most about him is how he is able to let down his pride and acknowledge its insignificance compared to the pain and suffering Wen Yi Fan has been through. Sang Yan letting down his pride doesn't necessarily mean he lacks self-respect rather it spoke of his inner strength that emanated from his deep sense of self-worth. Instead of becoming another storm in Wen Yi Fan's life, he became her home, he truly understood and sees through her; not just her heart but her very soul. He is an emotionally intelligent man who loves not because he wants something in return, but because he willingly wants to give love to the person he values — and this speaks about his self-love, he loved himself that loving Wen Yi Fan comes naturally for him.

Bai Jing Ting's acting performance and portrayal of Sang Yan is phenomenal. Every emotion he expressed across the screen was strongly felt. His facial expressions and eye-acting, particularly his micro expressions were so apparent it helped connect with his character in an emotional level easily. His eyes always held so many emotions that his crying scenes are carried out realistically. He is one of the very few actors I know who can really act a crying scene without making it fake. He really gave life to his character.

Zhang Ruo Nan as Wen Yi Fan | Wen Shuangjiang
Wen Yi Fan is a character who suffers from trauma and abandonment issues. She is someone who had lived life wearing a facade to mask away all her pain, but before all the suffering she has been through, she used to be someone bright and filled with love. The biggest turning point in her life was when she lost her father, she didn't only lose the person who cherished and cared for her most, she also lost her home and a part of herself. She is someone who had long stopped believing in love and believing in what she deserves. She had built a wall around herself that even her closest friends aren't able to see through her. She is a damaged person who is afraid to reach out for help because she still carried the betrayal of her mother who left her to suffer alone. Running away has always been her coping mechanism and way of survival. The separation and reconciliation arc in Hong Kong is a major event that helped her character to outgrow her traumas, realize her strength and opened her heart to self-love. Wen Yi Fan is actually a character who is courageous and resilient. Her ability to move forward with life despite everything she has been through and her constant determination to continue to live speaks so much of it.

Wen Yi Fan's love for Sang Yan is absolutely selfless and unconditional. Her way of loving Sang Yan does not come in the form of wanting to own him, instead it is in the form of wanting the best for him. Wen Yi Fan had always believed that Sang Yan is a person who deserves all the good things in the world, she sees him as someone so precious that she wants to preserve his brightness. Although, her decision to runaway without reaching out to him wasn't a completely right choice, it was still an understandable act as she did it to protect him from the shadow that has constantly been haunting her, because the last thing she would want to happen is for Sang Yan to lose his life. Her love for Sang Yan helped her break through the shackles that had long chained her, she healed not for herself alone but so that she could be the best for him. She values Sang Yan a lot that she willingly meets him where he is at just as much as he willingly does for her too. In the past, she might have broken his heart but she was one of the reason that helped shaped him to become stronger.

Zhang Ruo Nan's portrayal of Wen Yi Fan is worthy of recognition and praise. She really understood and connected with her character that she conveyed every emotional scene brilliantly. Most especially her crying scenes, they were so heartfelt. She wasn't only good at emotional scenes but her drunk scene is deserving of appreciation too for how natural she portrayed it. Her acting performance is outstanding.

OSTs₊ ⊹❅
The OSTs helped set the vibe of each specific scene which allowed every emotion depicted in the drama to come across the screen more impactfully. They weren't only captivating to listen to, each of the songs were meaningfully written and gives highlight to Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's love. It is definitely one of the key elements of the drama that enriches the watching experience. I love all the songs and my most favorite of them all is 'I'm So Into You' by Xiao Bing Chih.

OVERALL IMPRESSION₊ ⊹❅
The First Frost is a masterpiece that rekindled the feeling of what it is like to have a first love, it is a drama that deeply portrayed yearning and reunion through its rich plot. It is also a drama that takes you to experience an unforgettable and meaningful story that will not only move you, but make you feel seen as well.

The First Frost is a beautiful reminder for when we forget to be kinder to ourselves, for when we forget to remember love..."Treat yourself well, and the world will hold more love for you".

Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan's chemistry is impeccable. I will never forget their portrayal of Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan, they did justice to their characters and truly brought the love between these fictional characters so powerfully on screen. All the other actors and crew of The First Frost did an amazing job as well in creating this drama, their efforts and hardwork wasn't in vain. The First Frost is now officially my top favorite modern romance drama.

FAVE SCENES₊ ⊹❅
- Wen Yi Fan's sleepwalking scene
- Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's confession scene in Beiyu noodle shop
- Sang Yan formally introducing Wen Yi Fan as his girlfriend on Qian Fei's Wedding
- Sang Yan taking care of his drunk girlfriend Wen Yi Fan
- Sang Yan's fight scenes
- Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's hospital talk scene
- Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's entire high school memory
- Wen Yi Fan finding out about Sang Yan's momento or keepsake box
- Sang Yan's "I volunteered"
- Wen Yi Fan's talk with her younger self
- All their intimate scenes
- Proposal scene

p.s all of Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's scenes together are my favorite.

˖ . ݁❅𝜗𝜚❅. ݁₊

"When you're old, gray, and sleepy,
you snuggle wearily by the fireside,
and take a random book for company,
you savor the look in your eyes,
when you were chasing your dreams.
You used to have that look,
and be full of affection.
I loved your great and elegant past,
your mistakes, and your true beauty.
There is only one man who has ever gazed,
into your pious and holy heart,
and fallen inlove,
with your sad and aging face.
In the moonlight,
you bowed your head,
stooped, and murmured dejectedly,
in an attempt to escape from love.
Then you sneaked over the hill,
and hid your face.
Someone who is fierce,
who will love me among the stars, until death,
and know that love is as strong as death,
and be on my side,
forever and ever.
I want someone who is fierce,
and will love me until death,
it's you."
— Sang Yan & Wen Yi Fan (Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson)

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