A lot of potential missed

Snowdrop is a political based drama more than anything, the romance element was an marketing plan which I feel like delivered snowdrop the attention it needed, amongst other things. But if you're going into this drama thinkings its all romance. Don't. The actors all did a spectacular job in portraying their characters, what an cast. That is what kept Snowdrop afloat mostly. Although every episode kept you on the edge, it was hard not to notice it becoming repetitive towards the middle and ending, the whole time the SK party was trying to win the election and the hostages were trying to escape alive with their plans changing all the time. It kind of got frustrating. Screen time was wasted going back and forth in terms of getting out of the dorm and that impacted the rushed ending. In the last episode, stories of the characters were finally revealed which could of been more flushed out and extended.

There was so many questions unanswered in the last episode and rabbit holes not addressed. I have to say the story and screenplay got weak in snowdrop towards the middle and ending. What kept me hooked was the romance between the leads, the limited scenes between them created more anticipation but also disappointment as this was marketed as a romance. The politics in the drama can get very confusing if you don't keep up and even if you do, you may still find yourself struggling to remember. This was truly an sad and tragedy filled drama with so much pain. I feel like they tried to deliver this drama too realistically that they forgot about the screenplay. The politics was realistic as in real life politics is very messy, no one trusts anyone so things get complicated but their romance felt like drama romance. Maybe they should of balanced out the drama and realism aspect. The OST was one of the best things. The director mostly grabbed the audience's attention with emotion filled scenes and the unrequited love between the leads, which did the job for me as I'm a sucker for this type of romance but if you're not, the drama won't suffice. A lot of potential missed, but the ambience, the OST, it being set in the 70-80s, the cast, their love and being a huge fan of Jisoo and Jung Hae-in kept me watching till the end. I would still say give it a shot.



She fell like a raindrop
And I finally felt love for one
-Sooho

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Subtle, warm and simple

Of course because this is only 4 episodes, the dramas focus was not on the story but honestly it didn't need to be. Even though the premise is predictable, this drama is more about feels and connection. If you're looking for that i would suggest give it a shot for sure. A drama doesn't always need to have a million things going for it, to be considered good. Sometimes a simple feel good story can do the job just as well and let this drama speak for that.

The cinematography felt so warm, set in winter and added to the ambience and mood the director was trying to create. An classic story about unrequited love but even with only four episodes, the writer did a great job in the screenplay and it didn't feel rushed. The fact that they kept the story simple contributed to focusing on the main thing which was their friendship rather than overcomplicating it. The emotions and thoughts for the characters in every episodes felt justified and flowed smoothly across the the whole drama.

The chemistry that the friends shared came across very beautifully, not overly over the top. I can't seem to put my finger on how they did that so perfectly. The character Han Sun Woo (played by Park Hyung Sik) was so wholesome and the actor did a brilliant job delivering that across the screen. Lee Sun Soo played by Han So Hee also played the part really well, her acting was subtle but in an good way. The only downfall is that i wished it was longer. Subtle, warm and simple. If you want to enjoy a night in with that fuzzy feeling, get a blanket, light a candle and enjoy!

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It's all too real

You know how they say a film is different to a movie, well this is an perfect example. This was truly a film drama. There was no real solid storyline, the focus was on how two people different in age deal with the taboos of being in a relationship in society. The authenticity and realness in the story will surprise you, they do not sugarcoat the struggles of family pressure, sibling relationship, expectations of being married at a certain age and to a well off person. The director has done a great job in portraying all the perspectives of the characters, the ones in love but also the families and people around them. There was no bias I saw as a viewer.

The beginning consisted of their love developing and then the second half with the challenges they face, their relationship and struggles were shown with such honesty and rawness that it kept me hooked till the end. The screenplay can get slow at times, but there isn't a episode where it felt like a waste of time, every scene and episode contributed to the journey of all the characters and their emotions. Hats off to the intimate scenes in this drama, you really felt the main leads chemistry, intensity, maturity and understanding they have for each other. The cast all did an brilliant job. Although the one that make an impact for me was Jung hae-in. If you enjoy a nice lead with an protective nature. You'll enjoy this love story. That being said all the characters in this drama are shown to be flawed, from the lovers to the parents. The drama doesn't hide away from this. They all make mistakes, like manipulating others, being selfish, suppressing others feelings and emotions. Although what was troubling is that the writer never addressed these flaws or let the characters take proper accountability. Maybe, the aim was to show we are all flawed and troubled but of course that doesn't mean it's condoned in my opinion.

However, as a viewer when you follow two people's journey and the struggles they face, the end becomes important. As disappointed as many people were, the arch towards the ending never developed. After a few weeks reflecting on it I can understand why. I don't want to spoil it so i want to say the ending or towards the ending, it was realistic. Although it definitely could've been more extended and flushed out than rushed. But it's still worth the watch. I have to say i haven't seen a drama where they tackle a taboo with such honesty.

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Look past the surface

If you get really triggered by infidelity, don't want this show. But If you dig deep and look past the surface of these wives lives you'll see more than woman just cheating on their husbands. I'm not condoning cheating because no matter what the circumstance is, infidelity is just wrong in my opinion. But having that said i did not go into this show having that perspective as my main focus. You can still understand the character's perspectives without condoning their behaviour. You watch the journey of Sakura throughout the show with new woman and their stories being introduced in each episode and it all comes together at the end.

The writer and director have showed that these women are flawed, like every other human, whether it was their loneliness, insecurities, being exploited or their vulnerabilities that caused them to take the decisions they did. You can still empathise with them. This show clearly emphasized that women have needs too and settling for whatever is provided is not enough and shouldn't be. The continuous sex scenes focus was to show the viewers pleasure from the perspective of a woman and how often flawed characters still end up living a life depict not taking accountability for their actions. To really enjoy this show, you have to look past the storyline and feel each characters emotion, that they just wanted to be loved and cared for, to understand every decision they make. They face different problems, whether it's physical insecurities, emotional or physical abuse, lack of intimacy, past trauma etc. The woman have this connection, they all feel as if their trapped in a fishbowl, similar to a goldfish which is foreshadowed throughout the show. The question now is, can they escape it? To find out, give the show a try. It's worth it.

The actors, every single one of them did an amazing job in portraying their characters, the ambience and cinematography just added to the story and helped carry the emotions of the actors onto the screen smoothly. Overall, an refreshing watch that needs an open mind and perspective to really enjoy. If anything we need more shows like this, where women and their perspectives are the focus.

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Fear bounds us all

I have seen such negative criticisms about this show and I'm honestly so surprised because this was amazing. First of all if you're into psychological, thriller, suspenseful and dark shows, this will be an treat for you. It doesn't focus on supernatural elements but rather the philosophical and psychological aspects. So if you're expecting Train to busan or Squid game vibes, you'll be disappointed. I actually enjoyed it being more psychologically focused, it was refreshing to see and helped create a more deep connection with the audience than if it was heavenly based on supernatural elements. I can't even begin to explain how brilliant the screenplay, direction and story was. Hats off to every single person working on the show. The show is split into two halves. The first half is setting us up about the story and second half involves the action and consequences following the first half. It actually caught me off guard with how the writer decided to take forward the story.

The main focus of this drama was fear and how fear can make humans do some unquestionable things. The cult and religion, mentioned in the story throughout was just the backdrop rather than the writers main focus. I believe the writer wanted the audience to see the impact fear and humans have upon each other, the cult was just a vessel of expanding that fear, the people in the drama couldn't bear to face hell and their bad deeds that they'd rather turn on each other and throw their humanity away. The screenplay was brilliant, the show did not feel rushed, confusing or slow and produced an effective story within 6 episodes which is difficult to do. This is a show where you actually have to think, the writer doesn't spoon feed you the answer rather they let you interpret what the show was trying to represent.

The actors, every single one did a great job, there was no main character which i appreciated about this, the location, cinematography and ambience only added to the dark aspect of the show. Just a pity that this wasn't appreciated enough but that's ok because the people that did know it was worth it. Fear I believe is one of the biggest emotions and this show tackles it so rawly and honestly that it left me wanting more. If you love a psychologically story that involves hell and fear, a supernatural and human element, don't even hesitate to give this a shot. One of my top shows.

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Wholesome

if you want a review, this is not it. Rather i'm writing this simply from my heart. I hadn't watched this drama for the longest time, you know i saw previews but i thought ahh it's probably boring since its about an older man and a young man learning ballet. Initially i thought it's probably the old man making the younger man a better dancer and from there, their relationship grows. But oh my, was i wrong about that or what. The storyline caught me off guard but in such a good way, rather the young man played by Song Kang teaches the older man played by Park In Hwan ballet. But that's not it, there's so much more to this drama than just one concept its about family, love, dreams, acceptance and above all passion.

The relationship between the two main leads was so cute and funny i was laughing throughout. The innocence and cuteness of the grandpa won me over. Often elderly people are overlooked, but this drama defied all of that. The way this drama connected everything together so seamlessly i haven't seen so often in other dramas. The screenplay, writing , cast, production and acting all of it was spot on. Not just that but the drama addresses the importance of finding ones passion, relationships between parents and their children, the sacrifices parents make for their children that are overlooked as they age and the fact that everyone needs love and warmth. It also address forgiveness, that bitterness is never the answer but this is all learnt from the main lead, the grandpa. It's amazing how much we can learn from one another depict our differences and age, that is what Shim Deok Chul (main older lead) taught us throughout. This made me cry, laugh, feel warm, positive and also gave me a lot of hope. I'm writing this right after have finished the drama and i'm still feeling so wholesome. A truly brilliant and inspiring show. Don't make the mistake i did by not giving this drama a chance. You won't be disappointed.

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I connected with True beauty

I feel like writing this review might be a little bias because i connected with true beauty personally. Growing up having acne was really touch especially when beauty standards are always set unrealistically. Luckily my skin has cleared up now but i could connect to every emotion Lim Joo Gyung was feeling. Every episode keeps you excited as to what's going to happen next and makes you feel for the what every characters is going through. I like that they made her character goofy and not perfect all the time, especially at home when she would wear those clothes and even her relationship with her brother. Honestly on point I dress like that at home. But all of that aside, this was a very well rounded drama with developed characters tackling serious issues, like body appearance, mental health, suicide and bullying etc but in an light hearted way.

The great humour in the show is credited to how the characters were written and the actors playing the roles, Lim Joo Gyung's clumsiness, cuteness and growth made her the star of the show for me, the actor displayed all the right emotions with ease that i believed her to be Lim Joo Gyung. It was nice to see for a change writers writing characters like her that are goofy and not always behaved well, like how a girl is expected to be. She believed in herself, her dreams and did not value herself less because she wasn't doing well academically which is a great message to sent to young girls and boys watching. Eun Woo and In Yeop also did a great job portraying their characters, the cast was very well chosen for this show. They all added to the story and emotions so well as each character had their own growing to do. Although the time skip was a little off putting it did not hinder the story as much, if anything this drama could of been 20 episodes. All around a amazing romcom. Although the drama was very basic in terms of love and the second lead syndrome, including all the cringey moments it somehow worked.

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Surprisingly enjoyable, but could of done with less episodes

The fact that i watched this all the way through really surprised me, The genre in this that had hold of me was the class division between the families, so if you're into that you'll really love this drama. The beginning starts off strong but the middle weakens a little picking up again during the end which isn't a surprise because it is 52 episodes long. You'll see continuous family drama, class divide, brother/sister rivalry, romance and mental health being addressed. Every few episodes the writers will throw a curveball that you didn't see coming and the ways the actors have portrayed these characters has been astounding. It talks about real challenges in life and how class and money can drive parents to do hard things for their children. Highlighting rich and middle class family differences really gave this drama a lot more depth and kept me watching till the end. The emotions expressed through both families and the characters growths make you feel for them but also makes you feel frustrated watching them go through this.

The drama really didn't fail to make everyone connect to it, it doesn't matter what age you are or where you're from this drama will hit a personal note for you as it reaches out to address a lot of problems and changes within family/siblings relationships. The only downfall i would say it thats its a very long drama to keep up with, and in between does drop and become slow but keep your patience to keep watching. It's worth it. Although i wouldn't watch the whole drama again, i would probably watch bits and parts of it that really connected with me. The love stories in the drama also are not only a side piece, they really are integrated into helping the characters grow and the storyline. The enjoyed chemistry of Eunsoo and Taehwan. Overall, an well done drama, it delivers drama till the end.

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If you like gore more than story then this is for you

Just finished the drama and have so much to say, finally we got a zombie show set in modern day after train to busan. It was long overdue and I just believe korea makes the best zombie content like there's no argument there. I liked that the shows backdrop was bullying like highlighting such an serious issue with zombies somehow worked. It also showed even though there are main actors, there's no bias between each character you never know what's going to happen next and that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The visual effects, makeup and acting in terms of being zombies was outstanding. I feel like the actors especially Yoon Chan Young also did a great job in displaying emotion and pain, it had me crying many times. But like people are saying some characters were just not developed enough and i agree. I wish we got more backstory than just them fighting zombies. I also liked that they showed us how the virus was resolved, otherwises most zombies shows or sci fi shows end on the main leads still fighting zombies and trying to survive. Also appreciate that they got young actors to play high school students, you can tell and it does make an difference.

That being said I know the show is getting a of cristimism in terms of its rabbit holes, but I think they still just an great job in creating an decent show within 12 episodes, could there be changes yes for sure, but i think they mainly wanted to make it an zombie show than a show filled with story and in terms of that boy did they deliver or what.

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