Snowdrop (2021)

One of the best Korean dramas of all time.

Let's go over what most people want to know. Is it distorting history?
The hardcore facts that most Korean people talked about:
1. The ANSP is hardcore evil.
2. The North Koreans are power-hungry.
All of these are displayed in the drama. You just have to watch the entire drama.

The show is a fast-paced hostage political drama that showcases the truth of power and Korea. It has a lot of violence and loud noises so it is definitely not for the weak of hearts. The show has a romance that goes through multiple ups and downs. Every character has dimensions and a backstory to it. Each of them has something the other one doesn't.

Spoilers

Character analysis(Young-ro and Soo-ho)
Soo-ho
His character is based on one emotion, love which controls him and drives him to his actions. He was in love with Young-ro, more than Young-ro was in love with him and that is why the entire story worked out. He visited the dorm to see her again and he came back to save her because he loved her. His sister's life also controlled him for the majority. He was a great character. He was clever but not cruel and merciful but not dumb.

Young-ro
She had more potential. She had the lightest personality of all the characters. Apart from some of her brave moments, she was mostly a damsel in distress. The way a lot of people stomped all over her, I expected a snap but there was none. It would be better if her actions played more significance than her identity. I also wished for closure of Young-ro. She was shown as being heartbroken over Soo-ho and all of her friends and family abandoned her. It would be nice if we got some character development and see her around new people rather than the past.

Overall, the ending had some plotholes, but apart from that, the story was spot on. The deaths tore me apart but the fact Young-ro spent her life all alone broke me more. Out of all the sad endings dramas like Youth of May, Uncontrollably Fond, Chicago Typewriter, The Red Sleeve, Scarle Heart, etc, Snowdrop was the saddest because it started and ended with pain. There was no happiness and no hope. Everyone played and betrayed each other till the end.

I would definitely recommend this drama for people who wish to cry and be broken for eternity.

Leia Mais

It's my Mid-Season Review. I'm giving my honest opinions & here are some of my thoughts..

11 out so 20 episodes watched so far

So far I like the plot a lot. so far from what I've watched, I wish the show would dive into more romance side because it was advertised as a dark rom-com so wished a bit more romance than the political scenes but I do also watch a lot of political drama so I'm definitely enjoying it a lot.

Jung Hae is phenomenal as always (handsome and really versatile in acting and one of my favorite actors) and Jisoo is freaking amazing for a rookie actress (I see a bit of overacting especially in her eyes like some scenes especially in front of talented and experienced actors acting seemed less natural but she nails those harshly sad and emotional scenes I can see her improvements as the show progresses). Other actors, I mean phenomenal job so freaking natural acting.

One complaint I would have is so many gunfires and a bomb blast and literally zero casualties and minimal injuries (students involved in the crossfire). Like there was literally a shootout with so many students at the stairs and no students get shot like the situation doesn't feel as dangerous and realistic as it should. I know some shoulders and a spy gets shot but I feel like the sense of danger would have been heightened if we had seen some students get hurt and the audience's sense of sympathy for the students and their well being would be more dramatic and hostage scenes actually would seem more dramatic and dangerous if we had seen some students actually get hurt. PS, I also understand that being in the middle of a crossfire and being held at gunpoint is already dangerous and traumatic enough. I'm just wishing it was more dramatic cuz it's a drama.

The cinematography and costumes are awesome. The set design is amazing as well. I just wish it would have been available worldwide/ available on Netflix instead of Disney plus because I have to literally use a VPN service on Disney plus cuz I wanna watch it legally. No shade to those watching it on drama sites, it's just my personal preference also I watch most other shows on drama sites so.

In conclusion, though I have pointed out my opinions, I'm actually enjoying the show quite a lot and looking forward to watching more episodes and finishing the show. I hope JTBC delivers in its promises of this being a Dark Rom-com rather than a political show. I love this show so much because I was really looking forward to it as a blink and also being a fan of Jung Hae in from his previous shows, so I might be a bit biased but I will still give my honest opinion. Best of wishes to everyone making the show.

I think the show is worth the watch.

I will make my final review of the show when it ends.

Leia Mais

My thoughts about it....And want the ending to be a HAPPY one pls

It is a very good drama...Till now the speed is very good I like it....And Jisoo and Hae In acting is freaking next level....The drama's production chose perfect actors for the storyline and the OST is very very satisfying,soothing,calm and good.....Love the overall drama very much....Just want a damn HAPPY ENDING!!!!.......Plssssss

I don't watch that much korean dramas more of chinese till now but the speed of this drama is very very good.....I think you all also agree....And this is my first time writing any review for any drama.....
So pardon me if u guys don't find it useful...But I'll really recommend you to watch this as it is full of twists and interesting you can never predict what's next until you are a very very regular watcher of kdramas.....

So guys pls pls watch it!!!!

WANT A HAPPY ENDING!!!
I know mostly all of us want this to happen.....
So fingers crossed and praying.....Hehe :)

Leia Mais

Idk why I didn't cry?

Holy shit what a drama was in absolute shock and disbelief for 2 days
I was expecting the ending but jesus I didn't think it was going to hit me hard I'm surprised I didn't cry

All the characters were unique but god they were so SUS
There were so many plot twists O MY GOD
I did have to skip half of the political parts as it was difficult to watch and dragged too long but my god for Jisoo first acting role well done
At first I though Jisoo character was going to be a damsel in distress but I'm so glad she started to fight back

I love the character Jang Hanna she is such a badass I'm sad they didn't show more of the past relationship of herself and Kang Moo but I'm happy they are together at the end

Leia Mais

It's based on a true story although not everything but the main story is.

So first of all, I have watched this AMAZING k-drama twice because it's SO GOOD. And Ik that watching it twice is not enough since it's such a good drama but I couldn't bring myself to watch it again any sooner. And that is because it's too much of an emotional rollercoaster for me ... it feels like your heart is being shattered into pieces. The only k-drama that gave me this much heartache was 'moon lovers scarlet heart'. If you haven't watched it already then you're missing something.
The ending of this drama is where you can't help yourself but to bawl your eyes out (I did ever single time). I mean who wouldn't? You won't be able to move on from this drama after you've finished it for some time. "What if....?" Is the question I had to ask myself every time. I don't want to spoil anything big but just know that you need your tissues.

Leia Mais

Intense Feelings of Hopelessness

I don't like the categories for rating on here. My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I'll preface this by saying I am not a K-pop fan. I didn't even know a K-pop star was starring in this drama until I got near the end of the drama. And now that I know the lead female is a rookie actress and considering this drama is her first time playing a main role, I am impressed. Also, I will say that my all-time favorite K-drama is White Christmas, which is also a hostage plot, so this type of story is right up my alley.

Acting/Cast: I'd say one of the best things about this drama is the casting of the spies. Perfect casting, especially the male lead spy. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing that character. He has this innocent look about him, but he can also have an intimidating presence, which is essential for the role. His ability to convey emotions through his eyes and facial expressions was vital to the role, as well. I think everyone inside the dorm (for the most part) had good acting. I didn't even have a problem with the rookie female lead's acting. Those outside of the dorm are another story. I think the worst thing about this drama is Park Sung Woong (박성웅). I hated every time he was on screen. His acting was over-the-top obnoxious. My brain's reaction to his presence would be to automatically start tuning him out. I actively had to fight against it. Him, as well as others on the outside of the dorm, really brought an unwanted cheesiness to the drama, which actually has a very serious plot that I think should have been taken more seriously. 7/10

Writing: For the most part, the story is pretty well written. The foundation that was built in the beginning was very solid except for the two important ANSP agent characters. I didn't care about them at all in the beginning. I didn't know exactly what to expect with this story, so once the hostage situation began, I was shocked and hooked. I think the writing begins to get shaky toward the end. I kept thinking "I wish the female lead had more of a role." She was great in the first half. She felt like a realistic, but strong female lead. She was trying to fight back, figure things out, even manipulate others to save her friends. The only thing potentially unrealistic about her behavior would be that if I were in her situation, I would be deathly terrified of the male lead. I wouldn't even have been able to look him in the eyes. I'd be way too traumatized and ashamed about the whole thing. However, toward the end, it's as though the female lead becomes more of a background character who looks sad all the time and is silently hating herself. I wouldn't have been surprised if she had tried to take herself out at some point...I think that would have been realistic. I mean, it's a deeply depressing and traumatizing situation for her specifically. Another reason I thought the writing got shaky toward the end was because of the excessive twists. I don't think it was necessary to put in twists toward the end; the main plot itself is engaging and complex enough and should have been fully embraced as it was. Also, toward the end, the intense feelings of hopelessness that I felt from the whole situation had increased too much to where I was almost unable to see any light at all at the end of the story. I think that's a bit more of a personal taste - I need a certain amount of hope to keep me on the edge of my seat and not lose interest. On a positive note, the political aspect of the drama became more interesting to me as the story went on (usually stuff like that bores me) and the two ANSP agents became much more likeable. I found the politics in this drama to be very thought-provoking. What kinds of events in real life have governments and media worked together on to cover up or spin to win elections? 9/10

Direction/SFX/Music: This drama definitely had a higher quality of production, which I really look for. I will drop a drama 20 minutes in if the production quality isn't doing it for me. There are a lot of guns, bombs, blood, I love the set and the time period. The OST is okay. It didn't stick out too much for me. The only complaint I have here is that sometimes the music didn't fit the situation, especially in the beginning. There's a gun fight and blood and chaos but romantic sounding music is playing. How is this romantic? 9.5/10

Entertainment Value: I was hooked for a majority of the drama. I stopped watching other dramas to binge watch this one. It was only toward the end (maybe episode 14) that I wasn't exactly excited about watching it...more scared to watch it I guess. 9.5/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 9/10. It's rare that I ever rate a drama this high. I think this one won't soon be forgotten. I wish there had been more of a sole focus on the dynamics inside of the dorm, such as relationships between the girls, and how their personal bonds helped them to survive. This person being an ANSP agent or that person being a northern spy or this person doing something bad in the past or that person having some past connection that I don't care about -- to me it was just a bunch of unnecessary Korean drama clichés that didn't really add much to the plot.

Leia Mais

SOMEONE JUST RIPPED MY HEART OUT

I was in so much pain watching this series, from the beginning of the series and especially at the end.

Great characters with amazing evolution in terms of personalities. The main couple made me believe in love at first sight and it broke my heart in the end. All the other characters were very well written, with very interesting stories and even the side couples had so much chemistry. The whole series was very interesting and both the romantic scenes and the comedy scenes were very well played by all the actors. The series had plot twists that shocked me. Incredible series. The acting was phenomenal by everyone, especially by Hae In and Ji Soo (her first gig).

Highly recommended !

Leia Mais

Good but Had potential to be a tiny bit better.

This show has been controversial since the beginning till the end. It had it’s great moments and not so good ones.

I honestly liked it as it kept me intrigued and I was hooked till the end. I liked the scenery/set and the cast’s acting in general, but Hae in’s acting was superb as I believe he made this show way better! Jisso’s acting was okay for a first time. I believe if she could’ve chosen a less intense role, it would’ve been better for her.

The downside of this show, was the way it was advertised as people were expecting more romantic scenes and the fact that it was stretched too much. Nonetheless, it’s worth watching.

Leia Mais

A must watch Drama

(Non Spoiler Review)

First of all Rest in peace to Kim mi soo who performed the role yeo jeong min ???. Her sudden loss was shocking in the middle of the drama period..

The long wait and anticipation never wasted. Snowdrop amazingly ended with a good satisfying finale Episode, (this review may little bit long)

I already knew when i first read about the plot that this definitely will be heavily complicated till the end. So i never expected a usual kdrama style. i have to mention about how beautifully they narrated some characters here. The cast looks stunning, all the major actors from the industry were part of this drama, and they all got perfect roles as well. Especially Yoon A was a big surprise cast for me also jung seung joo played by Lee kang moo and another actor was kim hye yoon, except from others they were particularly main actors of the industry. But still they came forward with this collaboration and done their best here.

The style of narration of screenplay was too melodramatic. Slowly building the seriousness of the surrounding even though i didn't felt much of a dragging. The placement of romance in the middle of this tough situation was superb. The first two episode was magical. When Lim so hoo meet Young ro for the first time and the things that happening between them after everything was cute.

Coming to the leads performance side. Jung hae in was brilliant as always. He potryed the main character very simply. Our debutant Black pink icon Star Kim ji soo was so cute and superbly played that lovely character eun young ro.

The worst part if i have to mention something then those annoying ajummas ( middle aged ladies), the 3 wife's were competing themselves to prove that who is more better worse then others?. Many scenes between them were very boring. Another thing was some vfx that used to show the outside of the dorm, its looks very artificial. But overall making was excellent. The wintage period, the people, the atmosphere, dressing style everything tooks super real.

There will be different opinions regarding the ending of the drama. But if you think deeply about that whole situation then you will understand why they ended like that. For me snowdrop was one of the best drama. The length of the Episodes were too large but still it didn't effect the curiosity while watching. Try it

Leia Mais

Marvellous acting and production, historically inacurrate storytelling

To be honest, when just starting to watch this drama, I had absolutely no idea about the historical events behind it (and how distorted they were in the k-drama). I wholeheartedly agree that the show's writer failed to recreate the tragedy of the real events and heavily sugarcoated the hostage situation. That's why my review is solely about the acting, character development, and plot resolution(taking into consideration that the plot is historically inaccurate and acknowledging the real events that happened in 1987).

Moving on to the actual review [SPOILERS]:

I am in a love-hate relationship with this show.

What I loved:
1. The acting.
Everything about the cast was perfect.

Jung Hae In killed it. I can't think of anyone better for his role. Soo-ho was such a three-dimensional character, that you rarely see in k-dramas. He had his cute/mischievous side (first episode, when he met Yeong-Ro), his love for his country, men, and family, his stoicism when he had to do his duties, his soft side (for Yeong-Ro). He had his weaknesses, his doubts, and mistakes. He was not perfect, but that made him a real person.

Great debut performance for Jisoo. While her character wasn't as colourful and multi-dimensional as Hae In's, she still did well portraying a college girl's emotions through such a traumatic event. Sad and crying scenes were realistic. I expected more action and character development from Yeong-Ro, she is one of the main leads after all, but that's not Jisoo's fault.

Yoo In A - Loved her in "The spies who loved me", loved her here too. She deserves to be included in the "main leads" list. Kang Cheong A was dare I say, the second most important character after Soo-ho.

Gang Seung Jo as Lee Kang Mo. This was my first time watching him on-screen, and I instantly fell in love! I'm looking forward to watching a drama where he is the main lead.

Kim Hye Yoon as Boon Ok - Wow! When someone plays a villain, and you grow to hate the character - that means the actor is marvellous.

2. The production and decor - I loved the costumes. Not sure how historically accurate they are, but they look convincing enough. Even though the setting was only the dorm, the way each room was decorated, and the consistency was good (when it came to object placement and character's costumes).
The whole series was a pleasure to the eyes, make-up wasn't over the top and was relatively consistent - all the characters' injuries "stayed" in the same place throughout episodes and didn't magically disappear two days after the hero got them (like in some dramas, a character is punched in the face, his eyes and face swollen and everything, but after two days everything is healed like magic).


What I hated:

1. Eun Young Ro's step-mother, Nam Tae Il's wife, and the ANSP political drama as a whole.

2. Lots of things were left hanging at the end. I know the ending was rushed because they had to cut out a big part of the drama due to controversies. However, I would've liked to know what happened to Kang Cheong A, the college girls, and most importantly So-Hoo's SISTER.

What I didn't hate, but I also didn't love:

1. The love story - Sorry. It has nothing to do with the actors. They have amazing chemistry. It's just that the whole falling in love while being held hostage didn't seem too convincing. After episode 3, the main leads barely got on screen together, and the few times they were together, Yeong-Ro was crying about something. She didn't contribute to their relationship (with Soo-ho) in any way. I felt like it was more of a brother-sister like love, not so romantic.



Maybe you are wondering why I'm giving this show an 8.5/10 and not a lower rating (considering the historical inaccuracies). Well, this was one of the few dramas, in which I haven't fast-forwarded. It managed to keep me interested from the start, till the end.

Leia Mais

Not an emotional rollercoaster but just pain

I started watching this drama cause of jisoo and the teasing that we were given for a bit over a year and I wasn’t disappointed. I had doubt starting the drama because of all the controversies around it and therefore didn’t really know if it was even going to continuing airing. However I don’t regret it as it was so much different than what others said it was going to be.

1) I personally enjoyed the plot. I found it interesting especially at the beginning and it kept you guessing. However, I found it really easy to guess the ‘plottwist’/secrets, so when they were revealed I didn’t have that wow factor. Only two things actually made me shocked and it was because I felt it was really random plottwist that may have been unnecessary to the plot line.
The romance between the characters was little to non-existent and that’s probably why I kept getting excited after each interactions (if you haven’t guessed it it’s cause I like pain) .
And as I said in the title I wish I could say it’s an emotional rollercoaster but to qualify it as that you need to feel other emotions that pain, which was not included.

2) The acting was really good, from the main to the side I feel like none lacked and each delivered their performance to give out the feeling of pain and fear (once more).
Because it is Jisoo’s first time I had my doubt as many may have towards idol actors and I wouldn’t say she surprised me greatly (as my expectations of her were not horrible) but she delivered her character so well that I forgot it was her.
As for Haein, I have nothing to say (if you watched his other dramas you already know what a great actor he is).

3) The only music I can remember clearly is the one from the intro and bonus scene. But the intro music made me not want to skip as it put you straight away in the painful snowdrop mood.

4) The reason why the rewatch value is low is solely based on my personal feeling and the fact that I have to protect my heart from hurting more than once with the same drama.

Overall as you may have understood, my main point is that snowdrop equalled PAIN but I definetly not regret giving it a try.

Leia Mais

Don't Watch with a Delicate Heart

This is my first time reviewing on MDL, really because I need closure! I can't find myself able to move on.

Story:
I found the concept really interesting, the corruption of government and even the ties between North and South Korea. There were tons of plotholes by the end, but honestly, I was only really bothered by one thing when I reached the finale. I think Yeong Ro deserved better, and more character. Kinda surprised that Soo Ho was more in-depth than our FL. I think it's still a great watch, and I was hooked. Every episode cliffhanger left me needing more... I've never risked sleep for a drama, but there's a first time for everything- and Snowdrop was the first. I was most bothered by the fact that Nam couldn't have just radioed the SWAT team telling them to hold fire on Soo Ho, instead of wasting his time running there... Like what? There was also plenty of time for him to have just gone with Yeong Ro. But it was a destined heartbreak from the start.

Acting/Cast:
Holy hell, Jung Hae In... How did he completely pass my eyes in While You Were Sleeping?! That man's smile just makes you melt. I thought his acting was fantastic too without a doubt. I read lots of reviews and comments saying that people should not have stopped watching just because of Jisoo's acting, but I'm glad I never really saw any comments saying her acting was bad. Because it wasn't. I'm a BP fan, fairly new, but I never really found the thing that made me love Jisoo as much as my bias. This though, holy. I wanna go to a BP concert now. SHE POPPED OFF. I think she did well beyond the expectations of a rookie actress and I'm really proud of her. I hope to see #haesoo in another project for some better closure (happy endings only).

Music:
I thought the OST was great, nothing else to say.

Rewatch Value:
This wouldn't be so high up just because I don't want to put myself through the pain again, but also the drama unveils many plot twists that take away from it's rewatch value because the suspense that kept you going the first time is no longer there.

Leia Mais