2
5
1
2
This review may contain spoilers
The Early Spring surpassed my expectations because of the acting, romance and styling
I had been waiting for this drama ever since I found out Jing Bo Ran was cast as male lead. I liked his acting in Road Home. I discovered Sun Qian 2 years ago on Fresh Drama's YouTube account. There was a scene in Islands where Sun Qian's character felt belittled by Chen Jing Ke's character. It was a short clip but her acting moved me to tears. I had expectations coming into The Early Spring even though I had not read the novel. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how The Early Spring turned out for a Chinese drama with modern romance setting. I watched my favourite scenes on repeat while waiting for new episodes and I think I could watch this series repeatedly in the future.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I kept playing Taemin's song "Want" when I wasn't watching The Early Spring because the song perfectly captures the essence of Jing Bo Ran's Luan Nian.
What I liked:
1. Acting - Chemistry is a subset of acting and wow, the chemistry between Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian was electric. They seemed attuned to each other. Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian also excelled in their individual roles. Both showcased excellent micro-expressions (Jing Bo Ran's eyes and Sun Qian's natural delivery). I cried when Luan Nian broke down in Norway. Praises have to be given to supporting cast too, in particular Liu Xiao Bei, Qi Tian Qing and Zhang Ye Zi. Liu Xiao Bei brought this quiet energy that left lasting impression to viewers. Qi Tian Qing and Zhang Ye Zi gave sublime performances as women who support other women.
2. Romance - Romance is the core theme of this drama. Some have described their relationship as sex buddy but I didn't see it that way. They were already some feelings between them after the rescue. Anyway hiring an intimacy coordinator definitely helped boost the feels. Both sides expressed desire (I hate it when FL played coy) and the kisses were toe-curling passionate. I also enjoyed watching their tender moments from the cuddles to sulky moments - these scenes were repeat watches while I waited for the next episode to be released. Luan Nian's love language is definitely act of service from osmanthus milk to caring of Lukke. I also loved this drama for not forcing a secondary romance like other modern romance dramas.
3. Styling - Kudos to Jing Bo Ran and the styling team. I know most CEO dramas feature stylish wardrobe (yes I remember the brands advertising in Only for Love) but none made a huge impression on me than this drama here. Jing Bo Ran's handsomeness was elevated because of the sophisticated outfits. Oh, he was even hot wearing a white tank top. Outfits for the female cast were stunning too - I particularly like Shang Zi Tao's dress when she was staying at hotel and Tracy's pale pink business suit. Lumi wore the best swimsuit.
4. Luan Nian's characterisation - Yes, I liked his arc because there was growth. He was a fair boss who set high standards for himself and his team. He seemed perfect at his job but he was flawed. He often brought over his bossiness to his romantic relationship making him a lousy boyfriend. Case in point, when Shang Zi Tao didn't get the promotion. Instead of consoling her like a boyfriend would do, he berated her like a boss defending his actions as the right thing to do.
5. Shang Zi Tao's characterisation - Yes, I liked her arc too. She started off as a naive intern eager to learn the business and please her bosses. I liked her timidness because not every ambitious new joiners have outgoing personality. She enjoyed the guidance given by Lumi, Luan Nian and Tracy. She was flawed too as she never really confided in Luan Nian about her insecurities.
6. Supporting characters - My favourites were Sun Yu, Tan Mian and Lumi. Sun Yu and Tan Mian were great pillars of strength to Shang Zi Tao and Luan Nian respectively. I enjoyed watching scenes of Luan Nian and his close friends - that Norway scene showed mature male friendship. I was shocked with Sun Yuan Zhu's arc - I didn't expect it to turn dark. Oh, I also loved Lukke for being so adorable on and off screen. I found it reasonable for Shang Zi Tao to be naming him after her boss/lover. Last but not least, Tracy proved to be a significant character too. I particularly enjoyed her speech about the workplace being a safe place for female employees.
7. Friendship - I loved the portrayal of friendship in this drama. From Shang Zi Tao's housemates-turn-Beijing family to Lumi's mentorship and Luan Nian's male buddies. There was also good scenes of female friendship when Dony was around Lime Advertising.
8. Music - The opening theme is fabulous. Liu Yu Ning's yearning voice suits the lyrics of Her. Another memorable song is You Should Know. Well when you hear the guitar strum, you should know!
What I disliked:
1. Narrative - This drama started with a voice over by Sun Qian so I expected The Early Spring to be driven by her p.o.v. I was disappointed that Shang Zi Tao's career arc was only given a glimpse. I would have liked it if the viewers could see her grow professionally away from Luan Nian, in particular the Northeast project and her Harbin startup. Luan Nian did provide leads in Harbin but I would have liked to see a scene or two of Shang Zi Tao's convincing big prospects of her pitches.
2. Reconciliation - It was too short. I know they both loved each other but Luan Nian needed to grovel more after both break ups. There should be 4 more episodes for us to see them working on their communications as a couple. I would also love to see Luan Nian as assistant.
Favourite scene
Norway - I cried every time I watched that scene.
Edit: Forgot to mention that I kept playing Taemin's song "Want" when I wasn't watching The Early Spring because the song perfectly captures the essence of Jing Bo Ran's Luan Nian.
What I liked:
1. Acting - Chemistry is a subset of acting and wow, the chemistry between Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian was electric. They seemed attuned to each other. Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian also excelled in their individual roles. Both showcased excellent micro-expressions (Jing Bo Ran's eyes and Sun Qian's natural delivery). I cried when Luan Nian broke down in Norway. Praises have to be given to supporting cast too, in particular Liu Xiao Bei, Qi Tian Qing and Zhang Ye Zi. Liu Xiao Bei brought this quiet energy that left lasting impression to viewers. Qi Tian Qing and Zhang Ye Zi gave sublime performances as women who support other women.
2. Romance - Romance is the core theme of this drama. Some have described their relationship as sex buddy but I didn't see it that way. They were already some feelings between them after the rescue. Anyway hiring an intimacy coordinator definitely helped boost the feels. Both sides expressed desire (I hate it when FL played coy) and the kisses were toe-curling passionate. I also enjoyed watching their tender moments from the cuddles to sulky moments - these scenes were repeat watches while I waited for the next episode to be released. Luan Nian's love language is definitely act of service from osmanthus milk to caring of Lukke. I also loved this drama for not forcing a secondary romance like other modern romance dramas.
3. Styling - Kudos to Jing Bo Ran and the styling team. I know most CEO dramas feature stylish wardrobe (yes I remember the brands advertising in Only for Love) but none made a huge impression on me than this drama here. Jing Bo Ran's handsomeness was elevated because of the sophisticated outfits. Oh, he was even hot wearing a white tank top. Outfits for the female cast were stunning too - I particularly like Shang Zi Tao's dress when she was staying at hotel and Tracy's pale pink business suit. Lumi wore the best swimsuit.
4. Luan Nian's characterisation - Yes, I liked his arc because there was growth. He was a fair boss who set high standards for himself and his team. He seemed perfect at his job but he was flawed. He often brought over his bossiness to his romantic relationship making him a lousy boyfriend. Case in point, when Shang Zi Tao didn't get the promotion. Instead of consoling her like a boyfriend would do, he berated her like a boss defending his actions as the right thing to do.
5. Shang Zi Tao's characterisation - Yes, I liked her arc too. She started off as a naive intern eager to learn the business and please her bosses. I liked her timidness because not every ambitious new joiners have outgoing personality. She enjoyed the guidance given by Lumi, Luan Nian and Tracy. She was flawed too as she never really confided in Luan Nian about her insecurities.
6. Supporting characters - My favourites were Sun Yu, Tan Mian and Lumi. Sun Yu and Tan Mian were great pillars of strength to Shang Zi Tao and Luan Nian respectively. I enjoyed watching scenes of Luan Nian and his close friends - that Norway scene showed mature male friendship. I was shocked with Sun Yuan Zhu's arc - I didn't expect it to turn dark. Oh, I also loved Lukke for being so adorable on and off screen. I found it reasonable for Shang Zi Tao to be naming him after her boss/lover. Last but not least, Tracy proved to be a significant character too. I particularly enjoyed her speech about the workplace being a safe place for female employees.
7. Friendship - I loved the portrayal of friendship in this drama. From Shang Zi Tao's housemates-turn-Beijing family to Lumi's mentorship and Luan Nian's male buddies. There was also good scenes of female friendship when Dony was around Lime Advertising.
8. Music - The opening theme is fabulous. Liu Yu Ning's yearning voice suits the lyrics of Her. Another memorable song is You Should Know. Well when you hear the guitar strum, you should know!
What I disliked:
1. Narrative - This drama started with a voice over by Sun Qian so I expected The Early Spring to be driven by her p.o.v. I was disappointed that Shang Zi Tao's career arc was only given a glimpse. I would have liked it if the viewers could see her grow professionally away from Luan Nian, in particular the Northeast project and her Harbin startup. Luan Nian did provide leads in Harbin but I would have liked to see a scene or two of Shang Zi Tao's convincing big prospects of her pitches.
2. Reconciliation - It was too short. I know they both loved each other but Luan Nian needed to grovel more after both break ups. There should be 4 more episodes for us to see them working on their communications as a couple. I would also love to see Luan Nian as assistant.
Favourite scene
Norway - I cried every time I watched that scene.
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