Snail and a Lion a weird pair but perfect in crime
This is my first time watching a crime mystery c-drama but the i love it. The storyline its more like Mystery Queen(kdrama) vibes but it did not copy the story its very different and i love it it has only 21 episodes becoz im not a fan of lot of episodes it bores me the whole time. And i like the fast paced of this drama and with more twist and turn of events and also very entertaining to watch. The acting of wang kai and ava wang are both PERFECT in executing ther respective roles esp. With ava wang im so in love with her role as xuxu its so extraordinary and shes so cute and quirky i cant heheheh and wang kai is so hot when he is into fighting scenes it makes my flutter and melt huhuhuu i love him. I hope theres a season 2 but its a cliffhanger so it might be in the works. I highly recommend yall watch this drama it is one of the RAREST GEMS OF C-DRAMAS that are worth watching for.Was this review helpful to you?
Story:
It isn't ordinary detective story at all. First of all I would recommend to you watch this drama with attention. I made mistake when I didn't concentrate on it from the start because every episode has its own meaning. And I found about it later. But nevemind in my opinion it doesn't matter at all because this story is amazing and I enjoyed it till the end.
Actiong/cast:
Xu Xu and Ji Bai are extraordinary and I think that you will defenitely fall in love with them. Yes they have amazing chemistry but I love not only them but also their characters. Xu Xu was so cute, determined, teachable, loyal and her mind wasn't joke at all. Ji Bai was the same as her, his ability to solve problems and help oters got me. Yes of course his look is one extra plus. Not only them but also others have so many potential. And like I said in story paragraph: "every episode has its own meaning" I can say it about the actors too. But this drama has only 21 eps and from my point of view it is not enough for them to grow up.
Music:
In chinese dramas music is sometimes nothing remarkable but in this drama I thing that it was okey. Nothing disturbing and when the drama came it make a great atmosphere. So don't worry about it.
Rewatch value:
In fact I saw first 7 episodes last year but I forget about it somehow. And now I know that it was mistake. It is a great drama and I think that someday I will definitely rewatch it again.
Overall:
9/10 only? Nope, I think that this is enough. The end is open and I will wait for season 2. I don't think that there will be sequel but I want it. Last episode could be devided into more eps because the plot was a little bit rushed but it isn't nothing horrible. So just try it! I would definitely recommend it to you. It is like mix of Kdramas: Healer, City Hunter and in some way it reminds me also chinese drama: Love Me If You Dare.
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It did not waste any screen time being overly dramatic nor display nonsense script and unnecessary acts. Every facial and body expression from that little twitch of the male protagonist's finger to his wrinkled eyebrows are all on point and entice a great sense of heightened euphoria within me. It is very seldom to see a drama/flick that does not romanticizes the idea of "romance" itself and overlooks the quality of the story in the process. This drama makes a good use of every seconds running to showcase everything patiently in a creative way of story unfolding; being sensitive in every angle possible. The connections, the behaviors, the relationships, and even the psychology of everything is well crafted.
Even the art--Xu Xu's comics is very creative and warm. It does not feel out of place in the overall visual nor in the very story. Every puzzle fits perfectly like they should be there because they must be. Amazing mind is what the mastermind of the story have.
I might as well hunt for the novel itself.
Can't get enough of the mysteries and warm and sincere display of affection.
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This review may contain spoilers
NO ROMANCE?
As other reviews have pointed out, there isn’t any romance at all, except for the last episode, which went from 0 to a marriage proposal and a very passionate kiss! 🤣 That’s it though! The storyline did show that XuXu liked Ji Bai but nothing materialised until the end. So the title is very misleading.What was good were the Kung fu and fighting scenes. It was quite refreshing for me after watching too many Rom-coms with overbearing ceo themes 😂 The plot is mainly focused on crime solving and police work. It was quite confusing at the beginning cos they introduced a lot of different characters and sub plots. I found it got more interesting between episodes 14-21. I did skip some few scenes which had a lot of talking about I don’t know what😅
Watch if you’re interested in CSI/ Criminal Minds type of series. Wang Kai (ML) was yummy to watch 😍
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Blend of crime-fighting theatrics, a love story slower than a turtle's marathon
Buckle up for a ride with Detective Ji Bai and the most unconventional profiler, Xu Xu, in "When a Snail Falls in Love." The drama kicks off with an action-packed train fight that promises high-speed excitement, only to hit the brakes on the thrills shortly after.Xu Xu, our resident profiler, is the Sherlock Holmes of oddities. Her tilted head and dead-eyed stares might not scream genius, but hey, crime-solving isn't your everyday fashion show. The investigations unfold like a mystery novel narrated by your grandma - more "tell" than "show," leaving us yearning for a little more detective drama.
Now, let's talk romance! The title promises a snail's pace, and boy, do they deliver. Ji Bai and Xu Xu's love story unfolds slower than a snail in a marathon. But hold your escargot, because a random lion (yes, a lion) decides to jump into the romantic jungle out of the blue. No stolen glances, no electric chemistry - just a sudden "I'm in love" moment that left us more confused than enchanted.
Despite its quirks, "When a Snail Falls in Love" has its charm. The initial episodes set the stage for a promising show, and the shorter run time makes it a breezy watch for a lazy weekend. If you're into crime dramas with a side of slow-burn romance and quirky characters, this might just be your cup of snail slime tea.
In a nutshell, "When a Snail Falls in Love" offers a mix of crime-solving antics, a romance that's slower than a GPS update, and characters that dance to their own beat. Whether you're a detective, a hopeless romantic, or just a fan of peculiar storytelling, this drama's got something for everyone! 🐌💕🕵️♂️
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This review may contain spoilers
Another open ending
This is the second time I can imagine person as an animal. Xu Xu (XX) is fit perfectly as a snail, but unfortunately except XX actually no one is fit with the animal image this drama want. Like Yao Meng (YM), for me she more like cheetah than a pig, I don't know am I get the influence from kungfu panda or what, but I simply can't imagine YM as a pig.Actually as detective drama, this drama at first will gonna confuse you with the plot which all over the place. The story like have no connection with one and the other at first just simply like being force together. But turn out everything much more complicated that what I guess at first. And the dark setting no help at all. I got confuse with all the people, sometimes I remember wrong or just reverse one and the other.
This drama of course also tell the story of how our couple just simply being together. I really like how YM explained to XX about her feeling toward Ji Bai (JB). JB himself we don't really get the answer why or how he can fall for XX. But in my opinion it's maybe one of the most male chauvinism reason, he just simply find the woman that really need his protection & he is really happy & willing to protect :)
What lack:
- Once more where is our timeline :(. From the accident in the Laos border until the wedding of YM, how long it already pass...
- The romance between YM & Zhao Han (ZH). Just simply press to be together. Yeah we got the feeling YM will gonna be with ZH, but how & how long... Is it just simply because they the one left behind so they just got closer...?? Weird right. Maybe if there was the timeline it will help a little :(
- What the most unfortunate for me is the comic... Why...? Why...? Why...? They the hell they don't show us the complete picture of the comic, just simply a little bit here & there :(.
Overall: This is one of good detective drama. The plot still about the crime, romance not too exaggerate. But the best of course not. Oh yeah the ending is an open ending with peeking of probable next journey. But because it's 2016 drama, I think we will not gonna get the continue of this drama...
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One of fave tandem!
Because of this series i really got to love Wang Kai and Wang Zi Wen, they have the best chemistry out of all the tandems i have seen so far.The story is quite unique and intriguing. I also like tha fact that they shoot some scenes outside of china, means the series has a budget.
Every scenes are well thought of and the actors are really great as well as the fight scenes.
The only feedback i have on this series is, it could have been longer or a season 2 perhaps. because I would love to see them solve more crimes together!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
I summarize my review per point for you, I hope it can be useful for you who looking for review before start the drama. (The rating is exluded the music and rewatch value)1. This drama adapted from Ding Mo's novel with the same title.
2. I suggest that you watch the drama first before read the novel.
3. You'll find some differences between the novel and the movie. Both the drama and the novel are very good.
But in the novel, it will explained more details and more to Ji bai and Xuxu relation (romance), Super sweet guys, please read it after you watch the drama.
In drama, It's more to the criminal case, and less skinship between Ji bai and Xuxu. But Wang Kai and Olivia chemistry were so good, plus Xuxu's drawing makes this drama still cute and sweet even without intense skinship.
4. The cast in drama less than in novel. And it's different character of Yao Meng. But I believe this decision was good for the drama,because of the efficiency of the drama. You will not find unnecessary scene in this drama.
5. I love Wang Kai as Ji Bai so much. He is so handsome, so cool and really suitable for the role. And Olivia even different from the Xuxu in novel but here she develop her own character as awkward, serious , and more mature. Her acting as criminal profiler also very good.
I can say this drama is really recommended and you will not feeling bored when watch it. I never skip any scenes of this drama. 21 episodes is never enough for me. Enjoy watching guys :)
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Race winner
Not sure if this actually comes from the novel, or the talented writer that adapts it, (probably both), but there's something almost fascinating about this scenario. It's the kind that looks like layers : when the first layer is removed, another one, a slighly thinner one is discovered both by the viewers and the characters (not necessarily at the same moment). To me, a part of this chinese drama success lies there :With a very good sense of pace, just a slight amount of mystery is adding up when another amount is answered, steering up the viewers attention towards the story. And of course, it helps when actors are at their best.
There's no fancy attitude there, no useless gesticulation. Maybe a bit of clichés here and there (the main male lead way too strong, without flaws ...). But then, since there's also something elegant and carefully thought about the characters actions and reactions, finely described by the actors, the drama almost never feels unrealistic or inadequate.
Almost. The only flaw I could find a bit annoying is that since some clichés remains (the smart weak girl, the flawless leader...), when the characters meet an actual problem in the scenario, it almost look like the protagonists are "forced" into making mistakes just in order to tell the story of their struggles and the answers they will find to help themselves. And that's the annoying bit : When you create a character that flawless, viewers won't understand its true nature if he suddenly falls on his face on a flat ground (rest assured, it's a random example here, this specific fall doesn't actually happen in the drama ^^).
Still, in its whole, this is a very good drama, one that can answer a lot of different expectations for very different viewers :
While maybe not the best of his kind, with of bit of romance, action, and mystery, this drama slowly grows and lightly remains in your mind, as the enjoyable moment it provides.
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Respect for different talents leads to successful teams and successful relationships . . .
The strength of the plot and acting here really sets this one apart. Unlike a lot of dramas where things start falling apart at the 2/3s mark, this is consistent and strong all the way through - with the little mysteries building to a bigger and bigger problem.
To be clear this isn't a 'whodunit?' but what do you do about suspected corruption that is buried deep and in positions of power - perhaps even within your own family?
The acting is realistic, naturalistic and touching with very little overacting. Friendships are well sketched out, relationships quietly build over time.
The music is serviceable. Certain moments will stick with me, but I'm not sure if I will actually pick up and rewatch.
Complex Themes -7
(The themes here is about corruption, how seductive it can be, how no one can be 100% immune...and the real barriers to cleaning it up. There's also a smaller theme about respecting others strengths and weakness, and that brilliance in one area doesn't exempt you from pulling your weight in others. In the end, it's just presented as is - there is no complex or new takes or understandings you take away from the show.)
Character Growth -6
(The character growth is 80-90% on Xu Xus part - growing from a individualistic, slightly arrogant talent into a team player who values the different strengths each person brings, Ji Bai is presented perfect as is)
Nuanced Women -9
(Strong points for having multiple interesting many-shaded female characters. From the 'villians' to the heroes, there are many different women with their own motives and reasonings. Also pluses for showing positive and strong female friendship.)
Cinematography/Production Values - 9
(It's mainly shot in the real world, set use is minimal and well-done. Action scenes are well choreographed and they have the budget to shoot the Burma scenes properly.)
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This review may contain spoilers
More focused on the criminal aspect than romance (Not bad but wish it had more romance)
The leads were amazing. I liked the ML and FL both as individuals. They also have good chemistry, sadly it was underutilized. We get to see how the FL developed her feelings for the ML, but we have no clue about how it happened for the ML. In his case, it simply seemed too abrupt and without any explanation. They got together in the final episode and he directly proposed marriage. Had the romance been better paced or more present, it would have had some rewatch value for me. But right now, I won't be coming back to this.I did find the actors a refreshening change and will be checking out more of their dramas, hopefully some with better romance.
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Title is a bit missleading.
When I went to watch this, I thought the girl was suppose to be as slow as a snail, but she looked faster than me.... I was a bit disappointed. ;)I read some comments about her drawings, they made it seem childish, and like she did it a great deal, but that's not really the case, yes, she did make some drawings, but it didn't really take up much time in the series, but there was a point to them that was cool.
The ML was pretty awesome! Never seen him before, but he really did a good job. I'll have to see if there is anything else he was good in.
The FL was also very good. Very smart, and very calm.
The last part of the series for me was a bit of a drag, and started feeling like I wanted the series to come to a end. This might be more my problem, than the series though. I tend to put myself in the shoes of the characters, and I didn't really want to be there. :) Like I don't like the desert, so don't really like any show that's in the desert.
For at least 3/4 of the series I really enjoyed. It was the last 5 or 6 episodes that started to drag for me, and I started to fast forward through the boring parts.
There is some good fighting in this series. Also the ML is very smart, and he carried this whole show on his back. Without him, and it probably wouldn't be much good.
I think the ML is better than most of the American leads we have. I was very impressed by him.
Over all the show is worth watching. Especially the first 3/4's, and I think it's always good to know when going into a show, that it has a happy ending. I think shows that have unhappy endings, are insulting to the audience, and are just a waste of everyone's time.
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