Snowdrop (2021)

One way ticket...

I began watching this drama because of jisoo and hae in (my favourite actor). It was every thing I was expecting but not at the same time (those who watch will understand). I will began my review with the acting. We all know well how talented at acting Hae in is, going from a cute, express charcter to an emotionless, seen all the wrong things guy, in this drama he expressed so many emotion. He expressed the emotional power struggle within him, trying to choose his country or whats right. Its often hard to show this internal pain and struggle but he presented so well that caused the viewers to sympathize and try tell him what side to pick even though they are on the other side if the screen. Jisoo shocked me with her powerful acting, we often see with idols them playing roles that have more of a cutsy feel, but jisoo went full out with an emotional performance. Her pain of seeing everyone she loved be ripped apart from her, is shown so well it cant help but cause pain to those watching. Her scenes presents her inner struggle for the man she loves but hates, or wishes to hate but cant due not so simple emotions, love. The side characters also did and amazing job, some parts they added to the emotional pain of the viewer and other times the added comic relief. The duality some of these actors show are truly amazing. One thing in this drama I really appreciated was the forshadowing of events, especally with simple things as talking about Romeo and Juliet and Youngro singing the beloved song 'one way ticket'. For some reason this show reminded me of a quote from the outsider; "two of my friends died that night: one a hudlum the other a hero" it reminds my of how sooho sacrificed himself to save so many but will be potryd as an evil murdering communist which we all know he isnt. Even though this drama isnt perfect, at some points the plot began yo drag and the ending traumatised me, i dont regret watcing it is well done and would recommend it those interested in watching. Instead of continually rambling on ill end it my review with one more thing, a poem called "snowdrop" written by Louise Gluck which i think suites this drama;



Snowdrop

Do you know what I was, how I lived? You know
what despair is; then
winter should have meaning for you.

I did not expect to survive,
earth suppressing me. I didn't expect
to waken again, to feel
in damp earth my body
able to respond again, remembering
after so long how to open again
in the cold light
of earliest spring--

afraid, yes, but among you again
crying yes risk joy

in the raw wind of the new world.

Leia Mais

What can i say?

At first i was looking forward to watch it cause of Jisoo, but after reading the synopsis i just knew this will not gonna be a typical romance drama. The story is so unique and complicated that i don't even how it will progress. The 80's setting and the students living in a dorm makes me feel nostalgic even tho i didn't experience it. watching it makes me feel like have lived in that era. All the actors are excellent and did an amazing job with their respective roles. Also kudos to the director for choosing Jisoo and Jung Haein as the lead actors, their chemistry is one of the best. Before it was released, i was already expecting it will be tragic but as the story goes on i was hoping all of them will have their happy ending, but then i know it wil not be possible given the situation. I really enjoyed my experience with this drama, waiting for each episodes weekly and watching the livestream. i will miss it.. idk if i can rewatch it knowing how it ended but i will never forget this drama for the rest of my life. Will still support all the actors who participated on this especially Jung haein and Jisoo ❤️❄️

Leia Mais

They just ruined it... It had lot of potential. With the cast they have and overall story it could have been made much better. The leads were so so. At first when they introduce the ML as a very smart spy whose face is also not known by anyone. Then suddenly in a simple mission he is caught. Through the drama, I didn't see his smart side or any spy characteristic at all. The FL character had nothing interesting. She is much below average. Through out the series, her contribution is nothing.

Other characters were more interesting than the main leads. And man how many spies are there in a dorm. That grandfather who helped ML in the beginning is spy then why didn't he send out the message when ML was in the dorm that he is alive. I had more fun when Nam Tae il and those 3 wives were having a conversation than main leads.

When it comes to Romance, where was it? Only one kiss and three hugs when they are going through soo much. And the worst twist in this would be ML's Parents. That was pathetic.

Overall, I don't think I am ever gonna watch it again.

Leia Mais

if's & PLOTHOLES

HOW MANY TIMES LIM SOOHO COULD'VE USED EUN YOUNGRO :
- sooho could've taken youngro along with the northern agents in the last ep.
- sooho could've used youngro as a shield in the last few minutes so that those swat team wouldn't have shot at him.
- i mean youngro has no family left anymore, so atleast she could've depended on sooho if he took her along with them, GODDAMNIT.
- also when youngro returns, they could've gone out the same way youngro came and joined ms.pi and lee gang-mu. you may that the swat team entered thru there. but they had enough time and lee gang-mu and sooho could've easily taken those swat team down.
- isn't sooho an veteran agent?!! how could he leave huge trail of blood along the way?!

PLOTHOLES:
- what happened to comrade kang after she left the port?
- did comrade kang go north korea and save the other agent's families as she promised sooho?
- and after that did she live happily in another countries?
- what happened in NK after the whole election scheme was leaked?
- what happened to choi suyreon?
- they showed us ms.pi and kye boon-ok but what happened to the other roomates of youngro in room 207? and also their boyfriends?
- who was seol-hui's father?
- what happened to man-dong's son?
- they showed us what happened the bad 3 and their wifes but what happened to their posts? who's gonna takeover?
- also they should have shown us if youngro makes up with friends, or if she vists her brother's grave?
- also what happened with sooho's body? is cremated or buried alive? or shown to public (publically shamed) or what else?
- what happened to suhui?
-many more....

*i still can't digest the ending even though i excepted but with these many plotholes how can finish this kdrama?!!
p.s also is my side couple over?!!

Leia Mais

*contains spoilers*

Loved the show very much!❤ the chemistry of main leads, music , cinematography, acting was just top notch✨. However, will never rewatch as i can't go through that trauma again :((i've never cried so much for a show). I waited a year for the show and it left me in a complete mess ,gah:(((. I was rating the show 10/10 literally everywhere but after going through that brutal ending, i don't think i could give 10/10 for rewatch value. I'm still broken? i honestly prefer both the leads dying than one grieving for the others loss:(. Ugh, i don't think alot people can move on from that ending. It was just unfair:( they barely had romance in the show, it was just their chemistry what kept me going:(((.sigh,after all they went through they truly deserved a happy ending ?. Yeong-Ro and Sooho were honestly the most unfortunate female and male lead ever!?? I really hope haesoo will be there in a rom-com with a happy ending ?❤

Leia Mais

HIGHLY Recommended!!!

(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!)

I just loved it!??No other words!!! Speaking ABT snowdrop - This drama bought me to kdrama world! that's how huge of a impact it had on me! This drama is such a rollercoaster of emotions ! A moment I was impacted with their love n chemistry while the other I was crying oceans of tears! yeah a Lil spoiler- "IT DOESN'T HAVE A HAPPY ENDING"although its still worth the watch! For Young-ro (Kim Jisoo) a rookie actor with her first main lead drama - She just bought out the Young-ro character in herself! I just can't believe She did such a great acting starting from showing LOVE,CARE,HATRED, JEALOUSY, BETRAYAL all at the same time! godd!!!! She just outside herself! def gonna look up for her future works! and who brought me to snowdrop - yeah, it was JISOO from BLACKPINK! I EVERYTHING ABT HER ! she's the Best ACTOR, IDOL, AMBASSADOR, FRIEND,UNNIE, DAUGHTER,AND EVERYTHING! SHE SCREAMS PERFECTION ❤️‍??

Leia Mais

One Tragic after One! Many Plot Twists with Roller Coaster Feeling!

I would say I like this drama so much. It might not be the best/number 1 in my all time favorite dramas list, but at least, it's one of the best to my all time favorite dramas and the best drama of 2021 to me. First reason is, I like dramas with plot twists and 'Snowdrop' has so many plot twists that my jaw dropped many times. Secondly, I get to learn a lot on political strategies. Even though this drama is fiction, the knowledge on political strategy grows after you watch this drama, and I really like such a meaningful drama. Therefore, whether it's a happy/sad ending, you should try watching it.

You may find it draggy and the time in the drama runs really slow because most of the setting for this drama will be inside the dormitory and so many things happen each day inside the dormitory. However, with the plot twists back and forth, you will not feel bored watching inside the dormitory, yet it's rather a roller coaster feeling.

You may not see 'action' tag, but this drama has a lot of actions. At first, you feel it's action, but at the end, you will feel it's melodrama even if you are watching action scenes, and I think that's why 'Action" is not tagged here.

After all, Love Beats Ideology and Conscience. 'Love' here mainly focuses on the love between a man and a woman but also includes the love between family members (Spies and their family members); love between a righteous ANSP team member and the students (People).

Talking about acting, I would appreciate Jung Hae In the most. To be honest, I wasn't his fan before watching this drama. I used to watch in 'While you were sleeping', but he didn't give me any impression back then. I didn't even remember he was in there as it pasts so many years, but now that I like him in 'Snowdrop', I just remember he was in 'While you were sleeping', and I feel like what? His acting was really perfect here. Why didn't I notice such a great actor back then? In 'Snowdrop', even if he does nothing, his eyes portray everything; we can feel all of his emotions through his eyes. If I need to sum up in one word, it's 'Perfect'. As for Jisoo, I admit that her acting is still limited in some plots which made me realize 'Ah, she is acting'. However, she did a good job as a first time acting in overall. On top of that, she acts on such a difficult project as a rookie actress. Compared to other idol actresses when they acted for the first time, Jisoo is one of the best.

Besides these 2 main leads that most people see through posters, we actually have many other main leads that are important characters in the drama as well. When you start watching it, you will realize that their presence is really really important and inevitable. Without those other main leads, this drama can't be a success, so I appreciate all the actors and actresses.

Music makes us more immersed into the story, so it's perfect for me.

Rewatch value: I already did the rewatch many times while waiting for next episodes to come as I watched it while it's on-going and couldn't stand the wait. That's why I rated the rewatch value high. One thing I can say is, it's addicted.

I will not say much more. Just go and watch it! Sad or happy, it deserves your time!

Leia Mais

You bloomed flowers inside me who was so cold. ♡

This drama really grew on me. Waiting every week for the new episodes gave me so much joy and the thought that the weekend is for Snowdrop gave me strength and motivation for the assignments I had to do in uni. I don't know about you, but for me it hits dfferent when you're watching an on-going drama. It's just not the same as when you binge-watch a completed one. When you're watching the drama while it's releasing, you get even closer to the story, to the actors, to the beautiful soundtracks...The emotional bound you create is deeper. That's what happened with Snowdrop. Saying goodbye to the drama the other day was more painful than I imagined. And I really needed time to accept the reality and to emotionally heal from everything I've watched. (I'm just a person who gets emotional very easy and when once I finish something whether it's a book, movie or a drama I feel empty for days...)

If I should describe the drama with one word it would be "suspense". Every episode was so unpredictable and every second of it is important. Once you start the episode, you'll be mesmerized and you'll lose track of time... and then oops - you'll be surprised how fast the episode is over. 1 hour and a half passes so fast.

I really love the actors and their acting game. All of them portray their character and the emotions so good. They'll easily make you love or hate them. Some of them will annoy you to the point where you'll want to just go and punch them, haha. There are no words for the acting of the main male and female lead. I was really impressed by Jisoo and her acting. If I didn't know I couldn't tell Snowdrop was her debut drama. I really loved her character. Both she and Haein nailed their roles. The chemistry between them was really good (both on and off screen - I really recommend you watching the making films in JTBC's YouTube channel for full experience). Sometimes they didn't talk much, but the body language and expecially the eyes said everything and it was more than enough. Those scenes where their eyes speak are probably my favourite ones. All actors were brilliant, that's all I can say.

The story. I love stories that include North Korea. Everything related to it is so interesting to me. I want to know, read and watch more about it. The story here...it just breaks my heart that this is maybe the reality for the people in North Korea. Living for one person, worshipping one person, working for one person... Being given tasks they should do, doesn't matter if they like it or want to do it. I remember the moment Young-ro and Soo-ho were talking and she asked him why he has chosen such a dangerous job as a spy and whether he can't just stop doing it... But then he answered that nobody can choose where one will be born. In the same way he didn't have a choice but to be a spy. This scene, their conversation there with the coffee is one of my favourite scenes - both of them being honest and themselves, Young-ro trying to comfort Soo-ho, Soo-ho showing his feelings - truly one of the most touching moments for me.

The music. The soundtracks. Love all of the OSTs. Truly. Deeply. I listen to them and get emotional. Every time. So beautiful, yet so sad. Snowdrop is the second drama, in which I like all of the soundtracks. Without an exception. Now after the drama is over, they hit even harder. They're bringing such a nostalgic vibe. I usually don't listen to slow songs, but these here have all of my heart. Personally I feel like I'm in another universe, another world when I listen to them, that I'm back in the time... somewhere between the 80s and 90s. Definitely will listen to them on repeat for a long time.

And last but not least. How I feel after the drama finished. I must say I was hoping for a happy ending until the very end, until the last minutes. The last episode was just pain and tears. A lot of tears. It broke my heart into a million pieces. For an emotional person like me it was so much to bear. The way Soo-ho protected Young-ro, the fact that she also kept her promise to be with him until the end, the way he gave her the cassette, his last words to her - it was heartbreaking. It was so sad and so beautiful at the same time. At that time I couldn't take a breath, I was just crying and I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Even though this is sad and heartbreaking enough, what came after that was even more painful. And yes - that's what Soo-ho had recorded for Young-ro. It was so painful, because you can finally see what was in his heart all this time. In the episodes it may seemed that Soo-ho didn't show his true feelings to Young-ro, that he doesn't say a lot, but this is not the case. It's the opposite. He fell hard for her. It was love at first sight for him as well. He also had a really hard time, although he tried to look strong. Knowing he can't do anything, knowing that it's dangerous for Young-ro to be with him, knowing that they can't be together. If only they were ordinary people... Listening to the tape hurt as much as Young-ro and Soo-ho's last moments together. And I'll just write his "letter" to her because it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard:

"Young-ro, I remember when I first met you at Rome Coffee Shop. When I saw you putting out your hands to stop the match tower from collapsing... To be honest I've had feelings for you since then. If I were... just an ordinary young man... I would have asked you out on a date that day. Then we would have become a couple, right? Going to the amusement park and the movies with you... I wanted to spend a long time with you. How did I become someone who shouldn't stay by your side?

But I never regret meeting you. Young-ro, you bloomed flowers inside me who was so cold. Thank you. I'm leaving but I will...I will... I'll remember you forever. Eun Young-ro, I love you."

... More tears are coming while I'm writing this. No words are needed, I'll just say that when he says "Young-ro, you bloomed flowers inside me who was so cold." and the scene with the snowdrop comes out is that broke me in tears. For me that's why the drama is called "Snowdrop". This flower blooms in winter. Although in winter is so cold, this little white flower blooms. Despite the coldness. And just like that - Young-ro bloomed flowers inside Soo-ho's heart. The love between them bloomes despite the dangerous circumstances, the difficulties, despite the political chaos and schemes.

I think I'll stop here. Snowdrop is truly a drama that will stay in my heart for a very long time. And although the ending is sad, I think I'll rewatch it someday. Watching it was quite a journey and I won't be able to forget it. I have no regrets watching it. It will forever be a beautiful memory.
♡

Leia Mais

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