FanofMinMin
An highly enjoyable period drama if you could just ignore crappy fighting choreography
Sword Snow Stride is my most highly anticipated period drama of 2021. I thought the strength of this c-drama even before watching a single episode was the cast and wuxia storyline. Casting was impressive with Zhang Ruoyun and a whole bevy of beauties in Li Gengxi, Frida Li, Janice Man, Zoey Meng, Zhang TianAi, Zhang Yishang, Ding Xiao Ying, etc. The storyline is my cup of tea with various martial artists competing for the jianghu’s supremacy. The ML started out as a complete noob who transformed himself into the most powerful martial artist who eventually ruled the world, secured the throne, and got the love of his life. Not exactly a unique storyline but it’s a favorite theme for me growing up with Jin Yong’s masterpieces.
Unfortunately, Sword Snow Stride (SSS) premiered while Yang Mi’s Pearl Eclipse, and Luoyang were still broadcasted on several platforms. Yang Mi’s period dramas have always been high budget and quality production and Pearl Eclipse was no exception. Luoyang was the surprise of the year. My only reservation is that SSS might fall below expectation because of the lofty standards set by Luoyang. Nevertheless, having watched most of Season 1 episodes, I can safely conclude that this is a highly entertaining period c-drama despite a rather average production.
Plusses for Sword Snow Stride
• The storyline. It revolves around martial arts practitioners, palace, various kingdoms, warfare, etc. Not much sub-plots because everything revolves around Xu FengNian’s adventures. But at least Xu FengNian is a funny lad, and he reminds me a lot of Joy of Life’s Fan Xian. His bantering with Jiang Ni and the other female cast is a joy to watch.
• The casting. Would prefer to see more screen time for Frida Li, Janice Man, Zoey Meng, Zhang TianAi, Zhang Yishang, Ding Xiao Ying, etc. These are all leading ladies in their own rights, but were relegated to supporting cast in SSS. Some like Janice Man had cameo appearances only. Less screen time for Xu FengNian; more exposure and beefier roles for these ladies would be preferred.
• This period drama is launched in two tiers – Season 1 and 2. The producer probably has difficulties in limiting this drama to 50 episodes only – the original number of episodes slated for SSS. Making it in 2 seasons could push this drama 60-65 range. One thing that I learnt from watching Renascence early this year is that when you cut-down the number of episodes just to satisfy the broadcasting slot requirement, you will throw away the quality. Sometimes the haphazard editing could make the series unwatchable.
Negatives for Sword Snow Stride
• The fighting choreography is too crappy with too much slow-motion actions. It is so bad that I cringe every time there is a fighting scene. Saying that fighting choreography is sub-par is a compliment to SSS.
Highly enjoyable period drama. Give it a try. Just make sure to ignore all those slow-motion fighting scenes, and you will be fine. My rating is an excellent 9.0/10.0.
Unfortunately, Sword Snow Stride (SSS) premiered while Yang Mi’s Pearl Eclipse, and Luoyang were still broadcasted on several platforms. Yang Mi’s period dramas have always been high budget and quality production and Pearl Eclipse was no exception. Luoyang was the surprise of the year. My only reservation is that SSS might fall below expectation because of the lofty standards set by Luoyang. Nevertheless, having watched most of Season 1 episodes, I can safely conclude that this is a highly entertaining period c-drama despite a rather average production.
Plusses for Sword Snow Stride
• The storyline. It revolves around martial arts practitioners, palace, various kingdoms, warfare, etc. Not much sub-plots because everything revolves around Xu FengNian’s adventures. But at least Xu FengNian is a funny lad, and he reminds me a lot of Joy of Life’s Fan Xian. His bantering with Jiang Ni and the other female cast is a joy to watch.
• The casting. Would prefer to see more screen time for Frida Li, Janice Man, Zoey Meng, Zhang TianAi, Zhang Yishang, Ding Xiao Ying, etc. These are all leading ladies in their own rights, but were relegated to supporting cast in SSS. Some like Janice Man had cameo appearances only. Less screen time for Xu FengNian; more exposure and beefier roles for these ladies would be preferred.
• This period drama is launched in two tiers – Season 1 and 2. The producer probably has difficulties in limiting this drama to 50 episodes only – the original number of episodes slated for SSS. Making it in 2 seasons could push this drama 60-65 range. One thing that I learnt from watching Renascence early this year is that when you cut-down the number of episodes just to satisfy the broadcasting slot requirement, you will throw away the quality. Sometimes the haphazard editing could make the series unwatchable.
Negatives for Sword Snow Stride
• The fighting choreography is too crappy with too much slow-motion actions. It is so bad that I cringe every time there is a fighting scene. Saying that fighting choreography is sub-par is a compliment to SSS.
Highly enjoyable period drama. Give it a try. Just make sure to ignore all those slow-motion fighting scenes, and you will be fine. My rating is an excellent 9.0/10.0.
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