During the Snowstorm (2024)

A treat to audiences who like romance

I absolutely loved the couple. They give butterflies in my stomach! Sizzling chemistry. I loved how Yiyang looks at her. He really has the look of a man in love. Loved how he thinks she's perfect and too much for him when he is Wu Lei. Loved that first awkward-getting-to-know-each-other phase they had. Loved how they felt comfortable with each other almost instantaneously after they start dating. Loved their skinship. Loved how they were super affectionate with each other. All of their scenes together were just pure romance.

Liked the turn the drama had in 15-16~ ep. It was heartbreaking but important for their development. Actually, there is not much of narrative in this drama. It's all basically just the couple, their love for sports and for each other. But that's not bad. It's the highlight of everything. There were no unnecessary dramas and no annoying characters trying to break up the leads. It all went smooth and without big troubles. The side characters are good. Specifically Xiaodong and Jiang Yang. It was so refreshing how Xiaodong, as FL's big brother, was the n°1 fan of the couple. And Jiang Yang too was a really supportive friend. Wished he had more screentime and Xiaodong's story with Linlin had closure. But we can't have everything :(

The production of this drama was superb. Really! Besides shooting in Finland and France, which is huge in itself and they did it beautifully, the games were well portrayed (at least from an outsider's pov) I understood most plays and the direction of them was good. The romance scenes were very well done. It was so delicate and swooning and passionate. Ofc they had good actors doing a good job but they explored them and their chemistry really well with the locations and situations. It could've been cringe and ridiculous some interactions they had, but instead they were cute and lovely together.

If I had to point out smth negative, I would say that the geographical and cultural inaccuracies and vagueness bothered me a little. Not one non-chinese player had a name that made sense with their nationality. Besides, we don't get to know where exactly they are. Where is Hel and Helsin? I assumed it was in Finland bc that's where the drama was shot. But it was confusing how they flew from Finland to France like it was just there. I just think that these details make the overall more real, if explained. But that wasn't big enough to annoy me.

So, anyways, I basically loved it. It was full of what I always like in dramas. The leads go through few difficulties which they work it out together. The drama doesn't feel cliché in how it is written. Good OSTs, good visuals, good acting. It's a treat to audiences who like romance just like me.


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EDIT: ok, so months after watching the drama, and after some reflection, I came to the conclusion that I changed my opinion on some things in the drama. Although I still stand for most of what I said above, I think this drama wasn't as perfect as I made it seem in this review.

I still love the leads' romance. They have amazing chemistry and are great together. However, after they become a couple they have little to no relationship development. They go from flirting as singles to flirting as a couple. But their interactions remain superficial. He doesn't talk with her about his life decisions, his feelings and problems. Even when he talks about his past is because she had to insist on it. And the fact that there's no real plot here makes it worse. Because we don't get to see them evolving as people. There are no hardships. He had to overcome his past with billiards but other than that it's all shallow and not explained. She has no personal story or anything. That would be ok cuz she could be there to support the ML. But he never shares his feelings with her to begin with, so she has no part in his decisions. These are actually some questionable relationship behaviors that he has. He doesn't speak his mind and he wants to provide for her like she needs someone to support her. As a matter of fact, she is portrayed almost like a child or a crystal. She must be taken care of and pampered. She is not that convincing as a fierce and strong billiards player precisely due to that. She seems much too delicate and fragile for the role.

I made it seem in the review above that I didn't really mind that Xiadong's story with Linlin is not closed. Actually I do mind. It's weird to introduce a plot point that won't come back or be given the deserved conclusion. It gets weirder as the drama is 30-eps-long, which means they had a lot of time for developing whatever they want. But wasted it all showing only the couple. The first 15 eps, although personally very enjoyable, could be far shorter as few things really happen. After that, it begins the development of ML's past, which could also be told in fewer episodes. Furthermore, I didn't like the fact that ML has a masters in something AND he owns a billiards place, but he's said to be poor and not being accomplished for his age. In what world do people live in where studying hard and having a business, at the same time, is not something to be proud of?!

At last, that's my opinion. I still like this drama despite all that I said here. I felt great watching it but it's undeniable that it has a lot of flaws that need to be addressed.

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A breeze of fresh air that will be remembered for years to come

Lin in yang and yin guo are the purest souls of the drama world. Their relationship is a green forest. Leo wu and zhao jin mai nailed this series. They had the perfect chemistry and such rich emotions. Leo wu's eyes were so damn expressive in this series and zhao jin mai's subtlety in high emotion scenes were so graceful. The scenes of Lin in yang and yin guo were just beautiful. There were so many details in their interaction scenes which conveyed so many emotions of the character without any spoken dialogues (obviously the actors' efforts made these details visible to the audience). The story, the acting, the chemistry, the cast, the portrayal of foreign students in Western countries everything was perfect. This had the ideal level of romance, sports spirit, friendship, slice of life and familial love. I loved how several serious struggles of life were addressed in this show, but none of them got overly dramatic; each struggle had its genuine reason and proceeded & concluded in a realistic manner without any unnecessary twist or streak of good luck. All the turmoil and issues of the characters were well portrayed and beautifully expressed by the actors. Overall, this was a wonderful delight! This show will definitely become legendary, and viewers will remember it even years after its release. Kuddos to the cast and crew for creating such a novel, emotion-packed drama. It was a breeze of fresh air that left me mesmerized throughout the story.

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Masterpiece of work

I love almost every scene in every episode, the chemistry of acting, cinematography, ost. Some scenes in every episode are heart warming and moving . The development of storyline from erlier episode to finish is connected and make sense in couple life. People around ML and FL are just like a star that shine on its own and they make FL and ML love stories even more sweet and into deep. The storyline does not only about love but the challenges their face from family, financial stability, and fame which human need most life and that make the love stable and even sweet. The ML, FL and the crews perfectly portrait its character perfectly just like the reality. In overall, amidst snowstorm of love is a masterpiece of work of romance drama.

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pure, beautiful, romantic, brilliant acting

The love story of pure, romantic, beautiful faces & magistic scenery along with the brilliant acting of the main lead deserves 10/10 ratings. From episode 1 -30 zhaojinmai & wulei acts so naturally. Their chemistry is perfect for an idol drama. As young actors, their pairing truly can move every simple details/scene amazing & magical. Some of my favorite includes, airport scene when Yinguo is heading back home, when Lin Yiyang take YinGuo to no mans island, when Yin Guo said You're my queen, lin Yiyang's english confession at the arena and married proposal. These scenes are just sincerely & amazingly protrayed. Can't help shed tears and laugh with them.

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Heart warming, beautiful and peaceful. Definitely worth watching

I knew that all the episodes are going to be full of good feelings and it really was. I really enjoyed watching it and the best part of this drama was the acting, especially wu lei's. His character is absolutely beautiful and the chemistry between the two leads is amazing. I was really impressed with wu lei's acting skills and I will definitely keep appreciating his character and he himself.
OSTs are so much beautiful and I really enjoyed listening to them. Honestly, the love depicted in the series is a rare thing, does such love exist in the real world? In any case, this series will make you look at the whole thing with a big smile
And also the sports part gives you a very good feeling.
The three main male characters have a such a beautiful and deep friendship and I loved them a lot :(
What I wanted to be talked about more was Lin Lin and Meng Xiao Dong relationship and actually i have to say that i fall in love with wang xiang yue badly again. I hope to see him in more dramas also as main role

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"Amidst a Snowstorm of Love": Navigating the Depths of Love

"Amidst a Snowstorm of Love," a Chinese romantic drama aired from February 2 to February 14, 2024, presents a narrative interwoven with love, motivation, and the pursuit of dreams.
While the chemistry between the lead actors, Leo Wu as Lin Yi Yang and Zhao Jin Mai as Yin Guo, has been praised, it is essential to critically analyze the various facets of the drama, including its thematic elements, character dynamics, audience reception, and the apparent rating discrepancies on Douban.

1. Thematic Exploration: Love as a Motivator:
I am so appreciating that "Amidst a Snowstorm of Love" explores the profound impact of love as a driving force behind individual aspirations. The romantic relationship between Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo serves as a catalyst for both characters to pursue their dreams, particularly Lin Yiyang's return to professional billiards. The drama portrays love not merely as an emotional connection but as a motivational tool, compelling the characters to overcome challenges and strive for excellence.

2. Character Dynamics and Chemistry:
The chemistry between Leo Wu and Zhao Jin Mai is lauded as a standout element of the drama. Their portrayal of Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo contributes to the overall light, refreshing, and highly romantic atmosphere of the series. The interactions and emotional depth displayed by the actors enhance the authenticity of the characters, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.

3. Supporting Cast and Storytelling:
"Amidst a Snowstorm of Love" benefits from a talented supporting cast, including Wang Xingyue, Ding Xiaoying, and Chen Jingke. The drama promises captivating and inspiring storytelling, adding depth to the romantic plot. However, a comprehensive evaluation requires a closer examination of character arcs, plot development, and the overall coherence of the narrative.

4. Musical Ambiance and Emotional Resonance:
The lovely OST of "Amidst a Snowstorm of Love", plays a pivotal role in creating a rich and immersive atmosphere. Each musical piece is carefully selected to match the emotional beats of the scenes, amplifying the romantic moments and intensifying the dramatic sequences. The synergy between the visuals and the music elevates the storytelling, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper, more emotional level. The Theme song Love and Shine, written in English poetry, shows that this C - Drama is targeting the international market.

5. Audience Reception and Douban Rating Discrepancies:
Despite the drama's seemingly positive reception, the Douban rating of 6.9, based on 43,000 reviews, has sparked controversy. While some users express satisfaction, a significant number award only 2 or 3 stars, suggesting a divide in audience opinions. The reasons for this discrepancy warrant investigation, as it raises questions about the reliability and representativeness of Douban ratings.

6. Weibo Response and Public Opinion:
The immediate reaction on Weibo reveals a divergence of opinions, with many netizens expressing disagreement with the Douban rating. Supporters argue that the drama's sweet storyline and impeccable performances deserve a higher rating. Analyzing these public sentiments sheds light on the complexities of audience expectations and the potential influence of online platforms on perceptions.

Overall, "Amidst a Snowstorm of Love" emerges as a drama that successfully integrates romance, motivation, and individual pursuits. While the chemistry between the lead actors contributes to its appeal, the apparent rating discrepancies on Douban highlight the challenges in evaluating subjective elements like personal preferences in storytelling. A comprehensive critical analysis requires an exploration of the drama's thematic nuances, character dynamics, and the diverse responses from both critics and the general audience. As the drama concludes, the discourse surrounding its reception invites further reflection on the intricacies of viewer expectations and the evolving landscape of Chinese romantic dramas.

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Drama para volver a mirar varias veces.

Lo encontré de la nada y sin dudarlo se convirtió de mis dramas favoritos.
Los actores son muy buenos y los main tienen una química increíble, la historia es hermosisima al igual que la cinematografía, el ost completa para que todo sea perfecto, no hay discusiones, ni terceros, nada extra y eso lo vuelve todavía mejor.
Mi escena favorita sigue siendo cuando él se le confiesa en la lavandería y también la cual él ve que los granos de café que le había dado, ella los tenía guardado.. de solo hablar de esas escenas me da muchas ganas de tener tiempo y volver a mirarlo completo así que si quieren ver un drama que los haga sentir muchas mariposas esta es la opción correcta.

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Anything with Leo Wu I'm in

Finished watching it 2 weeks ago but was too lazy to write a review.

The first C-Drama where they actually went abroad to film & didn't fake it.

Lin Yi Yang is a student living in Finland. He is reserved, not a big talker, good with people, hard-working. A snooker player who is good at his studies. He is studying communication but doesn't know how to do it in person.

It was funny to see the way Yin Guo was suspicious of Lin Yi Yang being a fraud & him showing her his IDs.

The way Yin Guo was saying that Lin Yi Yang wasn't that handsome & suddenly he suggested a place to visit was so funny.

The awkward silence between Lin Yi Yang & Yin Guo.

It was cute to see how Lin Yi Yang slowed his walking speed when he saw Yin Guo struggling to match him. And then he switched places with Yin Guo when he saw her struggling to walk.

Lin Yi Yang treated Yin Guo with expressive things when he didn't have that much money & Wu Wei getting annoyed with him. Also, he arranged everything for Yin Guo's room, even taking Wu Wei's things.

It was funny to see Yin Guo & Meng Xiao Tian so scared when they saw Lin Yi Yang & Meng Xiao Dong face to face.

Love the way Meng Xiao Dong talks, he is cocky, not the kind of brother who stops his sister from pursuing her love and even encourages her to make a move. Everyone needs a supportive brother like Meng Xiao Dong.

Loved Lin Yi Yang & Meng Xiao Dong snooker face off. Also, when Lin Yi Yang signaled Meng Xiao Dong to stop playing, because he needed to message Yin Guo.

Lin Yi Yang gets annoyed whenever his friends come & disturb his & Yin Guo moments.

Wu Lei shirtless Ufffffffffffff

Yin Guo gets shy & breathes heavily whenever Lin Yi Yang is close to her.

Meng Xiao Dong changes completely whenever he sees Lin Lin. And how Jiang Yang & Lin Yi Yang push him towards Lin Lin. I want a drama about them with the same cast, obviously.

I wished they had shown more about their friendship, brotherhood.

And I think steamy kissing scenes depend on the director & not because of restrictions of the government. Because there're many dramas where there are a lot of steamy kissing scenes, like Love is Sweet, Till the End of the Moon, Story of Kunning Palace, Dramas that I haven't watched, like Hidden Love, You Are My Glory Destined, New Life Begins and many more. If there was restriction by the government, these dramas wouldn't have steamy kissing scenes.

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The Best Masterpiece of 2024

Honestly, I went here without any expectations plus I'm not a big fan of Wu Lei. However, I've watched Zhao Jinmai before and she has impressed me in 'Reset'. Months before this show aired, I've read the complete version of the novel so I will make my judgement based on what I watch and read.

The plot, in my opinion, is quite simple. The story basically tells us about two strangers bumping into each other in a bar on a rare snowstorm night. Then, the ML starts having a crush on the FL when they shared the same apartment days later. He also learns that she is a popular nine-ball player and it sparks more of his interest towards her. Because of her, he starts over his already-retired career as a snooker player and becomes a famous player once again.

I can say that the chemistry between the leads is swoon-worthy. I found myself constantly giggling in front of the screen for no reason. Wu Lei and Zhao Jinmai really nailed the role and fitted the description of Lin Yiyang and Yin Guo. I can't imagine any other leads being them. They were just too perfect in being a green-flag couple. Special mention to the supporting characters too, including Meng Xiaodong, Jiang Yang, Wu Wei, Chen An An, and Meng Xiaotian. I also love the master-disciple relationship between Lin Yiyang and Mr. He Wenfeng. I'm usually indifferent when it comes to the angst. However, I shed some tears in Mr. He's funeral scene.

OSTs are quite nice and adds more sweetness in the scene. I like nearly all of the OSTs in this drama. Usually, I would've skipped the OSTs, but this time I'm all ears for them.

I seldom rewatch dramas, so I think I will only watch some clips and try to rewatch it if I have spare time. Kudos to all the casts and the production team. All in all, this the best modern c-drama I've ever watched (the best gift for celebrating Lunar New Year). This is the end of my review. Enjoy your day and happy watching!!!

P.S.
The drama follows closely to the novel except they changed the shooting location from the USA to Finland (and France for a brief moment).

As for the ending, the novel ends after Lin Yiyang proposes to Yin Guo after singing a song. However, in the drama, 3 years later, they return to Finland and take Jiang Yang's son with them. In the last scene, they go back to Redfish (the bar where they met for the first time) and listen to 'Love and Shine' again. The final scene shows that they've left Redfish and walked together side by side. Nevertheless, it's a HE and you won't be disappointed.

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