Best Cdrama
I love this drama so much this drama is the bestest cdrama I've ever watched thankyou so writer for writing this gem and also choose a best actor to act in this play ,they performed so well they just make this simple story to once in a lifetime experience nd bestest cdrama and the way director direct this drama he captures every scene so beautifully and the ost of this drama is so good 😊I know iam going to re-watch this drama so many times 🤗
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Melo meets angst meets fluff meets slow burn in a memorable romance of a lifetime!
After 'Hidden Love' ended, news began to circulate that Sang Zhi's big brother was getting a drama of his own. Mind you, I only watch modern dramas once in a while and HL happened to be it at the time. I wasn't crazy about it, but I enjoyed it very much for a 'coming of age' drama and so of course, 'The First Frost' news piqued my curiosity. Initially, having gotten used to Victor Ma as Sang Yan, I was feeling some sort of way when news came that the original cast wouldn't be a part of this new drama in the works. However, when Bai Jingting was named as the main male lead, I was more or less content because I've watched at the very least, 4 of his prior top dramas in the years past.I also had become a passerby fan of Zhang Ruonan by that time, after watching her in "A Date in the Future', continuing on to watch her works such as 'Love of the Panacea', 'My Boss' and her some of her movies which included her debut work, "Cry Me a Sad River". So, knowing both of their flexibilities and strengths as actors one a method actor, the other an experimental, my initial interest morphed into anticipation.
In waiting, I did the next best thing I could as a l book lover and avid reader. I read the novel and quite liked it because it had more depth, more maturity, and more complexities in comparison to the almost lightheartedness of 'HL' even with the growing pains and unrequited love, in retrospect.
Fastforward to the middle of last month when this drama was about to air. I had promised myself I wouldn't tune in until after either most of the episodes were out or after it all finished airing. Lo and behold, that promise was broken within the first two days of it airing (lmao). I began watching expectant but unsure of what...but...
The cinematography amazed me.
The storyline was strong, and yes even the subplot that had some of the masses revolting because it was different from the novel. I myself found that I liked the changes because while the novel/comic gave us a 1D/2D understanding of WYF and how she dealt with the trauma revisiting her, 3D/4D WYF in this Drama Adaptation underwent all the emotions and the heartbreak to make the decision and it was an experience in itself to be witness to it. It's so true that if an actor or an actress can make you feel a certain way, he/she is doing his/her job right.
The dialogues between the characters, especially the main leads?? Seriously, constant chef's kiss* because adds to their tension, angst, love, admiration, devotion, and interactions etc. The way those dialogues are delivered adds so much to the atmosphere too.
THE CHEMISTRY...between the mls/SangYan and Wen Yifan is the type of chemistry that is my book, VERY RARE. I think Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan are meant to be onscreen soulmates (lol). Yes, SY and WYF's love story is very slowburn but it's NOT a typical almost boring slow burn. One could feel the crackles in the air when they are onscreen together. The push and pull. The TENSION as their characters meet again face to face after many years.
When they do get together, it's not just the passion of the kisses but also the comfort of each shared hug...the belonging that silently shouts, "You're my world. You're my home." Their words for one another...sigh.
I love that the director gave the actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan leeway to interpret the characters of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan for themselves, therefore making the 'becoming' simpler yet exact and tailormade for them.
All in all, without giving spoilers, "THE FIRST FROST" is an absolute work of art. Now there are many art forms and various people prefer various pieces but not before they keep an open mind about every piece out on display.
Granted "The First Frost" in its drama form is an adaptation, therefore it will sometimes veer away the novel and comic but it is appreciated and also gives a more real and humane aspect that may not be there in its written and drawn form.
An absolute gem for any modern drama lover who is looking for a little bit of everything and more. Once you open your heart to 'The First Frost', it's going to heartbreaking to say goodbye. It's going to be exactly like saying goodbye to a first love.
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Best feel-good drama there is
This is one of those dramas where you press play, sit back and enjoy. Every minute of it.It might feel slow at times, but the scenery, music and acting are so good that you do not want to miss anything. Chemistry between leads is palpable through the screen, and I especially enjoyed the little banters they had and the teasings.
May be an unpopular opinion but I enjoyed this one far more than Hidden love, and would recommend everyone to watch it, even if you are not a fan of C/Kdrama.
The only downside worth mentioning is the FL coming home every day and NOT saying hello to her cat first!
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Genuine Lead Chemistry Shines in a Slow-Burn Romance, but Repetitive Storytelling Holds It Back
If you enjoy heartfelt performances and a romance that takes its time, this drama might be worth a try for you.What really stood out to me in “The First Frost” was just how sincere and emotional the lead actors were. Their chemistry felt so real that I actually found myself getting a little interested in their relationship, it was genuinely touching to watch. I also liked that the pacing didn’t rush things. The fact that there were episodes after the main conflict made the ending feel more complete, which I really appreciated.
But I have to be honest, some episodes did feel a bit slow and repetitive, especially with all the flashbacks. There were moments where I wished the story would just move forward instead of circling back to the same memories. I also wanted more from the secondary couple and the side plots as they had potential but just weren’t developed enough for me.
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"First Frost" vs. "Hidden Love" – A Tale of Two Love Stories
Both First Frost and Hidden Love are romantic dramas that explore deep emotions and relationships, but they offer vastly different viewing experiences. While First Frost is a beautifully crafted story about enduring love, Hidden Love stands out as something refreshingly unique. Here’s why:*Story & Themes"
The First Frost follows a more traditional romance arc—childhood friends, separation, reunion, and emotional struggles. It’s well-executed, with strong acting and heartfelt moments, but it doesn’t deviate much from the classic tropes we’ve seen before......Hidden Love, on the other hand, breaks away from the usual formula. It focuses on a slow-burn, secret crush that evolves into a mature relationship. The storytelling feels more intimate, capturing the nervous excitement of unspoken feelings in a way that’s rare in dramas.
"Chemistry & Characters"
First Frost has solid chemistry between the leads, portraying deep emotional bonds and sacrifices. However, their dynamic follows a somewhat predictable path......Hidden Love thrives on its realistic and tender interactions. The way the male lead gradually realizes the female lead’s feelings—and how she navigates her hidden emotions—makes their relationship incredibly engaging.
"Emotional Impact"
First Frost delivers heavy emotions—longing, heartbreak, and reconciliation—which are moving but somewhat expected in melodramas......Hidden Love tugs at the heart differently. It’s lighter yet deeply affecting because it captures the small, quiet moments of love—the stolen glances, the hesitation before a confession, and the thrill of being seen by someone you adore.
"Final Thoughts"
First Frost is a well-made drama with strong performances, but Hidden Love stands out as something special. It’s not just about love—it’s about the anticipation of love, the fear and excitement of confessing, and the sweetness of mutual pining. If you’ve seen many traditional romances, Hidden Love will feel like a breath of fresh air.
First Frost (Great, but familiar) but Hidden Love (Unique, addictive, and unforgettable)
If you want deep, dramatic love, First Frost is a good pick. But if you crave a love story that feels real, tender, and different, Hidden Love is the one to watch. ❤️......lastly this is what I feel and my POV.
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I didn’t expect this drama to grip me like this, but it did.
THE FIRST FROST – DRAMA REVIEWIf I were to describe The First Frost in one sentence, it would be: A hauntingly beautiful tale of rekindled love, quiet trauma, and tender second chances wrapped in subtle storytelling and poetic cinematography.
I’ll say this first – this is not your average romance drama. It feels different. The atmosphere, the soundtrack, the characters – everything is designed to immerse you into a world of unspoken regrets, lingering pain, and love that never really went away.
WHAT I LOVED
1. The Vibe – Melancholic, Consistent, Beautiful.
From the opening episode with "Goodbye, Sang Yan" to the slow burning tension in their shared apartment, the tone is masterfully held throughout. The drama starts with a bittersweet re-encounter and continues to bleed nostalgic hues all over its plot. The rainy nights, dim lighting, quiet bus rides, stolen glances – it’s all so soft yet heavy. The soundtrack? Always on point. It swells with the emotion of each scene and lingers long after the screen fades to black.
2. The Character Depth.
Wen Yifan is one of the most complex female leads I’ve seen in a while. She’s not outspoken. She doesn’t yell. She doesn’t explain herself often. And yet, you feel her pain, her guilt, her hesitation in every single expression. The sleepwalking? A literal manifestation of her past trauma and emotional suppression. And then there’s Sang Yan – the quietly wounded, lovesick boy turned man who’s been carrying the weight of a heartbreak he never truly understood. His affection is consistent, almost annoyingly so – from protecting her silently to setting up safety precautions in the house because she sleepwalks. And don’t even get me started on how he remembers her birthday, her perfume, and her university switch even after years of silence.
3. The Acting – Micro-Expressions Carry the Whole Show.
There are moments where no words are exchanged, but the tension is louder than anything. Their chemistry is aching. So real.
4. The Flashbacks – Piecing the Puzzle.
The drama beautifully balances past and present, slowly peeling back the layers of what went wrong.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
1. Mu Chengyun. Just… No.
Persistent in a way that wasn’t charming but invasive. He doesn’t understand boundaries. Keeps popping up where he’s not wanted. Even after being told no, he keeps pressing. I get that he represents a parallel love interest, but he didn’t need to be this annoying.
2. Wen Yifan's Reluctance Sometimes Feels Drawn Out.
I understand her trauma. Truly, I do. But there were times where her refusal to acknowledge Sang Yan’s obvious affection, or her own feelings, felt a little too prolonged. Girl, how much more do you need? Maybe it was meant to mirror her fear of loss, but a part of me wanted her to at least apologise sooner or make a bold move without hiding.
3. Su Haoan's Tragic Backstory – Felt Forced.
This is going to be controversial but… I didn’t feel much when he talked about his trauma story. It felt inserted to give him depth, but it didn’t land for me. Compared to the emotional realism of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s arc, his came off more as a plot device.
All in all, it's a beautiful story of how healing can come in the form of one person who never gives up on you. Someone who shows up, and patiently waits for you to come around – again.
Rating: 9/10.
Would’ve been a 10 if not for Mu Chengyun and the mid-season drag. But this one will stay with me for a while.
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Good drama, but had the potential to be much better.
What I liked:I feel like there are very few romance dramas I’ve watched that actually explore the FML’s trauma in great detail, as it’s done here. In Hidden Love and WIFTY, we get a glimpse of the ML’s trauma but the FML’s issues are rarely discussed, if ever at all. It was nice seeing the reverse for the change. As with every ML that Zhu Yi has written, Sang Yan is such a green flag and I really liked how protective and supportive he was of the FML despite how frustrating she was at times. The FML, despite her issues, was a very interesting character and I think the show did a good job of depicting how she didn’t let her childhood trauma affect her ability to become successful in life.
What I disliked:
Given the premise, I expected this story to be darker compared to Hidden Love, with the FML’s trauma serving as a central plot point in moving the narrative forward. While this drama does a good job of illustrating how Yifan’s trauma has shaped her personality and career, it falls short in portraying her character growth, and how she was able to heal and move past her fears despite her past experiences. Throughout the story, we saw some signs of growth, such as her standing up for Sang Yan and going to her mother’s house after her uncle appeared to frame Sang Yan’s restaurant for food poisoning. Also her choosing not to forgive her mother for not taking care of her after her father died. Aside from that though, I feel like it could’ve been executed a lot better. Yifan never opened up to anyone about her issues, which is understandable to an extent given the negative circumstances she was in. Although I was getting increasingly annoyed in the later half of the story when she and Sang Yan were already in a relationship, and not only did she lie to him about what happened but she completely up and left him and her entire life in Nanwu without any warning. I understand that in certain situations, people with PTSD have a tendency to make irrational decisions. But I really wish she had at the very least, told her friends and Sang Yan the reason behind why she left. Their reunion felt extremely underwhelming too. I feel like Sang Yan and Yifan needed to have a more serious conversation about her issues. I was also hoping she’d finally open up to her best friend about her past trauma after they reunited, but that never happened. I feel like this show had more opportunities to delve into her communication issues and family trauma but instead half of its runtime was spent on the 2nd lead couple (which btw, barely contributed anything to the main leads’ story) and grandparent’s relationship, which I did not care for at all. Speaking of which, I thought the 2nd leads’ relationship had a lot of potential in the beginning, but fell short because much of their relationship revolved around Su Hao’an’s grandpa, rather than them actually getting to know each other as people. Another complaint I have about the ML and FML’s romance is the development of their relationship felt a little shallow for my liking. Aside from being conventionally attractive, I’m not entirely sure what it was about the FML that captivated the ML so much. Don’t get me wrong I loved seeing Sang Yan display his unconditional love for Yifan but some of his actions felt a little over exaggerated. For example, him following the FML home without her knowing, flying to Yihe for her graduation, following her around the airport. I also felt like it was obvious that his devotion to the FML was also probably the only reason she even noticed him to begin with. As a result, Sang Yan’s character felt a little bit one dimensional for me and I wish the story could’ve explored his struggles separate from Yifan’s.
Despite the glaring issues I had with this drama, it was still enough of an enjoyable experience for me to recommend watching it. Although if you’re like me, and get frustrated with a lack of communication, slow pacing, and too much screen time spent on the secondary couple, then you might be left somewhat disappointed.
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In my opinion this cdrama was well overrated
So I think that this cdrama is pretty good the actors are cute. I wouldn’t say that they had THE best chemistry but it was good enough. To me this drama is overrated because I kept on seeing on social media that the story was insane, however it was pretty basic to me. They were friends for a long time and always loved each other. It is a good and cute story that I enjoyed but there are lots of drama having the same scenario. Even though I think that it is overrated, I liked it, it just didn’t match my expectations. If you love chill and cute romance you will definitely like it.Was this review helpful to you?
The First Frost made me cry, dream… and rant !!!
To be honest, this is one of the most beautiful Chinese dramas I’ve ever watched. You get completely immersed in the story — it’s touching, with so many emotionally moving moments that really got to me. I binged it all in one go. It’s romantic and full of hope. The male lead is simply outstanding — very promising, with a natural acting style, and what’s especially refreshing is that he doesn’t have that "celebrity ego" that you often see in other Chinese actors. The actress is beautifulNow, about the plot and storytelling: just like Hidden Love, I really enjoyed this drama. You can instantly feel it’s from the same author — with all their strengths and weaknesses. This story has more dark elements, and I love that (since The First Frost is actually part of the same book series as Hidden Love — it’s a prequel). But honestly, it's better not to know that going in, because it can interfere with how you experience The First Frost.
As in Hidden Love, there were also things that emotionally bothered me here. I absolutely love the male lead’s unconditional love, but again, there’s a clear imbalance — the female lead doesn’t show the same level of emotional commitment. Everything the boy did in his life somehow revolved around her… but what has she done for him? Not even a proper “I love you.” Yes, I get it — trauma, emotional wounds… but in that case, the story should’ve leaned more toward a dramatic tone.
I would’ve emphasized this emotional imbalance if the drama had been tonally dramatic. But here, everything remains soft and romantic, and that imbalance is treated like it’s normal — as if it’s supposed to be that way.
Please don’t tell me this coldness is a cultural thing — it gets in the way of true emotional resonance. I wish there had been at least one small gesture, a little sacrifice from her side, or some sharp, heartfelt dialogue. (By the way, the dialogues often felt childish — for example, in episode 27, this was sorely lacking, especially if we’re supposed to treat this as a “literary” work.)
I really liked the second couple. As for the male lead — he’s completely different from his character in Hidden Love. Maybe a slightly “bad boy” persona like the one in Hidden Love would’ve fit better here, given the context. That said, I have nothing against the actor — he’s amazing, very expressive, and makes the character feel soft, sensitive, stylish, and so on. They made a casting that is very very close to Lusi and Chen Zheyuan instead of differentiating
And one more thing — sometimes I couldn’t tell if certain scenes or actions were unnecessary because of how the story was written, or just because they had to stretch it out to 32 episodes.
Ahhh… if only this same story had been told in just 8 episodes — it could’ve been a masterpiece.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great drama that aired at the perfect time, matching the season and my mood!
Romance-wise this is not far off from the best I have seen in cdramaland. The acting by the leads is fantastic, it's rather hard to believe the FL is played by the same actress I've recently seen in `A Date with the Future `.I've read the novel & I think it's alright & oftentimes very beautiful, but as someone who has read countless Chinese romance novels, I think there are better ones out there. This show is really benefiting from its audiovisuals & the various involved arts besides writing, overall I'd say the drama is significantly elevated over the novel.
So why is it not 10 stars? Well there are a few plot related hiccups. Due to changes the director/script-re-writer made, the drama ended up having 3 rather weak episodes, 24 to 26 was it? It was really unnecessary to turn something sufficiently dramatic into a 6 month force separation due to noble reasons. Sure maybe this is arguably realistic enough, considering our FL's mental state, but there was really no reason to make this such a long affair on our screens. Also the second couple -which does not exist in the novel- is straight up boring & second ML's family things, grandpa's dog burial etc are 5/10 at best. Assuming these things did not exist in the comic either, the director's own touch misfired a little bit here, though it's not that much time-wise..
Mistakes aside, our rewriter has done some good work too here and there, for example the ending 3 episodes are very satisfying & well done as opposed to the what we get from the side stories in the novel.
Overall this is a beautiful and very atmospheric healing drama with a lot of positive messaging, I can only recommend!
I'm especially happy with how the FL has dealt with her mother, I'm shocked that this passed censorship to be honest, I fully expected the drama version to add a mini redemption arc or some kind of concession for the mom, but I'm super happy that the toxic parent got what was coming to them, amazing! (and this almost never happens in Asian dramas)
(triangle haters can safely watch, the flies get dealt with rather quickly)
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perfect chemistry
The chemistry of the both leads are perfect. The story is quite ordinary and it has any cores. He kisses her very beautifully and passionately. She looks quite innocent like a fairy but, on the other hand, I sense of seductiveness of her. The female lead in the drama "you are my hero" is not beautiful at all but she is more adorable than her.Was this review helpful to you?
No other show has left me bawling
In a way, Wen Yi Fan models every single girl out there. Every woman has anxieties about losing her family, not being loved by her loved ones, being harrassed, ending up lonely, and so on. In her case, all of the above happened. Through all these horrible things that will leave any regular woman in shambles, Wen Yi Fan fights her way back. While she has many difficulties along the way, she makes it out to be the best version of herself. At least the best to her limits. But it is a fact that everyone needs another beautiful person to complete them.Sang Yan. Sang Yan was heaven's gift to Wen Yi Fan. In the beautiful city of Chongqing, through teh cold and rainy days, this show brings out teh story of two vulnerable people lost in this world without a direction. I know Sang Yan may seem very privileged, but sometimes, many feel lost despite having everything. Happiness is relative; hence, there is no formula to it. With Sang Yan, money and familial harmony just could not provide him enough to keep living as it did to protect and love Wen Yi Fan. Many say Sang Yan is too perfect to be real, the type to only exist on TV screens. However, what we do not understand is that every one of us. Yes, every single one of us. Deserves a Sang Yan.
I am not going to gaze Sang Yan here because he is perfect. However, there is one detail I want to point out about him. This is not something we see in today's guys, but Sang Yan is vulnerable. He shares every single emotion with his partner and is not afraid of exposing his thoughts and concerns. He always jokes to YiFan about "don't treat me like a flower"; however, that is exactly what we humans are. Fragile flowers with limited time. Now, let's talk about how Wen Yi Fan became Wen Shuang Jiang. WIF was very comfortable with this nickname in high school when her dad was still alive. However, during her dark period, she lost her identity. She lost her family, her dreams, and almost the most precious possession of women. Dignity. Yet she fought back. She protected herself very well to finally become teh Wen Yi Fan Sang Yan met many years later. She never asked for anything more than simple happiness and was satisfied with literally anything. She has "zero temper" and never really wishes for anything in life. It is when u silently do good things without expecting anything in return that you will get the best rewards. Wen Yi Fan inspired me to be a good person. Her natural beauty and grace, along with her simple and kind nature, is exactly what got an exceptional guy like Sang Yan hooked. But ironically, being like her is the simplest thing in the universe.
As a teenager, I am scared of having nothing in my life. Failing in academics, disappointing my parents, not finding a good husband, and so on. But there is one fundamental that I must never forget and was reminded of by this drama: good things will follow good people. As long as u drive to become teh best version of yourself and bring others along the way, you will meet your Sang Yan. I will meet my Sang Yan. And so will you.
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