The First Frost: A Captivating Romantic Drama Comes to a Close
The highly anticipated adaptation of Zhu Yi’s novel, The First Frost, concluded its airing on March 10. Featuring the talented Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, this romantic drama centers on the unexpected reunion of two former high school classmates who find themselves living together as roommates under unforeseen circumstances.
The series skillfully explores themes of love, heartbreak, trauma, and the journey toward healing—delving into the complex emotions that bind the characters. Acting as a prequel to the popular 2023 series Hidden Love, The First Frost is available for streaming on platforms such as Youku and Netflix globally.
Disclaimer: This review reflects the author’s personal insights and interpretative lens regarding The First Frost. Individual opinions on the show’s narrative, performances, and emotional resonance may differ.
Reviewing The First Frost: A Profound Romantic Prequel that Outshines Hidden Love
The First Frost, adapted from Zhu Yi’s web novel, presents a beautifully developed narrative that intricately intertwines these themes of love, trauma, and renewal. Central to the plot are Wen Yifan and Sang Yan, who transition from childhood friends to lovers, shaped by years of separation and lingering emotions.
While The First Frost is technically a prequel to Hidden Love, its narrative approach diverges significantly. The latter embraces a more whimsical depiction of first love, whereas the former adopts a raw, authentic lens that reflects the emotional complexity of its protagonists.
With a grunge aesthetic, the series mirrors the maturity and depth of its characters. Sang Yan’s sister weaves a charming, light-hearted subplot that contrasts sharply with his own narrative of heartbreak, resilience, and personal growth. As the storyline unfolds, viewers are likely to find themselves emotionally invested by the series’ conclusion.
Wen Yifan and Sang Yan share a profound bond rooted in their high school days, but harsh realities ultimately lead to their separation. Wen Yifan faces devastating personal challenges, including the loss of her father and struggles with a toxic family environment, making her wary of accepting love. Throughout her journey, Sang Yan serves as a stable figure, longing to provide the support she needs.
Yet, unable to bear the weight of her trauma, Wen Yifan chooses to cut ties with everything, including Sang Yan, which leaves him heartbroken. Their unexpected meeting in Nanwu six years later stirs up old feelings, forging a slow-burn romance filled with longing and unresolved tension.
This drama masterfully interlaces tender moments with the weight of Wen Yifan’s past traumas, creating a narrative that is both intense and relatable. Her journey toward recovery, complemented by Sang Yan’s steadfast support, emerges as one of the most impactful elements of the series.
The supporting characters, played by Edward Chen and Zhang Miaoyi as Su Haoan and Zhong Siqiao, add a refreshing balance of lightheartedness, even as they navigate their story arcs amid a backdrop of emotional intensity. Their romantic subplot, though subtly developed, enriches the overall narrative tapestry.
Li Hong Chen’s portrayal of Che Xingde introduces formidable challenges from Wen Yifan’s past, making his presence deeply unsettling, while his ultimate defeat offers a cathartic release for both Wen Yifan and the audience, marking a pivotal moment in her journey of reclamation.
Despite its strengths, the show encounters some hurdles—particularly with its subplot involving Su Haoan’s grandparents, which feels unnecessarily prolonged and disrupts the narrative flow. A sharper focus on Zhong Siqiao’s family dynamics could have provided a more balanced storytelling experience.
Moreover, the performances of Liu Chutian and Wu Yuheng as Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu fall somewhat short in delivering the emotional depth expected, especially when compared with their counterparts from Hidden Love. The casting of 15-year-old Liu Chutian throughout the character’s growth to age 20 feels jarring, leading to an unnatural dynamic within her romantic storyline with the significantly older Duan Jiaxu.
Nevertheless, The First Frost predominantly shines as a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and personal transformation through emotional healing.
Utilizing a non-linear narrative structure, the series elegantly shifts between past and present, enhancing the viewers’ understanding of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s intricate history. The integration of flashbacks solidifies emotional stakes, intensifying audience connection to the characters. The climactic proposal scene in their former classroom serves as a poignant conclusion, transitioning past grief into love and hope.
Visually, The First Frost captivates with its stunning cinematography, while its original soundtrack, featuring Mayday’s “Willful,”further enriches the storytelling.
Bai Jingting delivers a beautifully nuanced portrayal of Sang Yan, showcasing his quiet strength and unwavering love. His performance allows the audience to truly connect with his character, making him the heart of the drama. Similarly, Zhang Ruonan brings deep emotional resonance to Wen Yifan, skillfully encapsulating her journey of resilience and vulnerability throughout the series.
The chemistry between the two leads is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the drama, compelling audiences to root for them as they navigate their relationship and personal challenges.
More than just a romantic tale, The First Frost resonates long after its final credits roll, offering a rich narrative surrounding the themes of overcoming fears, confronting past demons, and re-embracing love. With its compelling storytelling, rich character development, and emotional depth, the series leaves a lasting impression on its audience. While certain character arcs may benefit from further refinement, The First Frost distinguishes itself as a mature and profoundly moving drama.
Not only does it hold its own as a worthy prequel to Hidden Love, but it also eclipses its sequel by presenting a more profound exploration of romance. For enthusiasts of the genre, The First Frost is an essential watch.
Viewers can enjoy the entire series, comprising 32 episodes, on Youku, while Netflix currently features 28 episodes for streaming.