When a Snail Falls in Love (2016)

Race winner

Not sure if this actually comes from the novel, or the talented writer that adapts it, (probably both), but there's something almost fascinating about this scenario. It's the kind that looks like layers : when the first layer is removed, another one, a slighly thinner one is discovered both by the viewers and the characters (not necessarily at the same moment). To me, a part of this chinese drama success lies there :
With a very good sense of pace, just a slight amount of mystery is adding up when another amount is answered, steering up the viewers attention towards the story. And of course, it helps when actors are at their best.
There's no fancy attitude there, no useless gesticulation. Maybe a bit of clichés here and there (the main male lead way too strong, without flaws ...). But then, since there's also something elegant and carefully thought about the characters actions and reactions, finely described by the actors, the drama almost never feels unrealistic or inadequate.
Almost. The only flaw I could find a bit annoying is that since some clichés remains (the smart weak girl, the flawless leader...), when the characters meet an actual problem in the scenario, it almost look like the protagonists are "forced" into making mistakes just in order to tell the story of their struggles and the answers they will find to help themselves. And that's the annoying bit : When you create a character that flawless, viewers won't understand its true nature if he suddenly falls on his face on a flat ground (rest assured, it's a random example here, this specific fall doesn't actually happen in the drama ^^).
Still, in its whole, this is a very good drama, one that can answer a lot of different expectations for very different viewers :
While maybe not the best of his kind, with of bit of romance, action, and mystery, this drama slowly grows and lightly remains in your mind, as the enjoyable moment it provides.

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Respect for different talents leads to successful teams and successful relationships . . .

The strength of the plot and acting here really sets this one apart. Unlike a lot of dramas where things start falling apart at the 2/3s mark, this is consistent and strong all the way through - with the little mysteries building to a bigger and bigger problem.

To be clear this isn't a 'whodunit?' but what do you do about suspected corruption that is buried deep and in positions of power - perhaps even within your own family?

The acting is realistic, naturalistic and touching with very little overacting. Friendships are well sketched out, relationships quietly build over time.

The music is serviceable. Certain moments will stick with me, but I'm not sure if I will actually pick up and rewatch.


Complex Themes -7
(The themes here is about corruption, how seductive it can be, how no one can be 100% immune...and the real barriers to cleaning it up. There's also a smaller theme about respecting others strengths and weakness, and that brilliance in one area doesn't exempt you from pulling your weight in others. In the end, it's just presented as is - there is no complex or new takes or understandings you take away from the show.)
Character Growth -6
(The character growth is 80-90% on Xu Xus part - growing from a individualistic, slightly arrogant talent into a team player who values the different strengths each person brings, Ji Bai is presented perfect as is)
Nuanced Women -9
(Strong points for having multiple interesting many-shaded female characters. From the 'villians' to the heroes, there are many different women with their own motives and reasonings. Also pluses for showing positive and strong female friendship.)
Cinematography/Production Values - 9
(It's mainly shot in the real world, set use is minimal and well-done. Action scenes are well choreographed and they have the budget to shoot the Burma scenes properly.)

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More focused on the criminal aspect than romance (Not bad but wish it had more romance)

The leads were amazing. I liked the ML and FL both as individuals. They also have good chemistry, sadly it was underutilized. We get to see how the FL developed her feelings for the ML, but we have no clue about how it happened for the ML. In his case, it simply seemed too abrupt and without any explanation. They got together in the final episode and he directly proposed marriage. Had the romance been better paced or more present, it would have had some rewatch value for me. But right now, I won't be coming back to this.

I did find the actors a refreshening change and will be checking out more of their dramas, hopefully some with better romance.

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Title is a bit missleading.

When I went to watch this, I thought the girl was suppose to be as slow as a snail, but she looked faster than me.... I was a bit disappointed. ;)

I read some comments about her drawings, they made it seem childish, and like she did it a great deal, but that's not really the case, yes, she did make some drawings, but it didn't really take up much time in the series, but there was a point to them that was cool.

The ML was pretty awesome! Never seen him before, but he really did a good job. I'll have to see if there is anything else he was good in.

The FL was also very good. Very smart, and very calm.

The last part of the series for me was a bit of a drag, and started feeling like I wanted the series to come to a end. This might be more my problem, than the series though. I tend to put myself in the shoes of the characters, and I didn't really want to be there. :) Like I don't like the desert, so don't really like any show that's in the desert.

For at least 3/4 of the series I really enjoyed. It was the last 5 or 6 episodes that started to drag for me, and I started to fast forward through the boring parts.

There is some good fighting in this series. Also the ML is very smart, and he carried this whole show on his back. Without him, and it probably wouldn't be much good.

I think the ML is better than most of the American leads we have. I was very impressed by him.

Over all the show is worth watching. Especially the first 3/4's, and I think it's always good to know when going into a show, that it has a happy ending. I think shows that have unhappy endings, are insulting to the audience, and are just a waste of everyone's time.

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First time I have watched such series as I usually go for Rom-Com types. However really enjoyed it mainly because of the script and acting. I am pleased to see such production from China as of comparable to the western style of Criminal Minds series.
The crimes although may seemed to be presented one at a time but you will finally realized that they were all linked together. That made it fascinating to watch, when they finally figured out the connections.
Both the main and second female and male leads were impressive in their acting . They played the role very well and not too over the top. It is worth investing your time watching. Enjoy!

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This drama has completely blown my mind away. I couln‘t sleep for a day or so, because I was so speechless and restless.

I‘m usually a very picky drama-watcher but this kind of attracted me the moment I read its title!

Even though, there‘s a bit more action, you could definitely still feel the romance between them.

It‘s one of those dramas where you don‘t need lovey dovey scenes to feel the love and the relationship development was perfect, at least for me.

And the main leads are very good looking and beautiful, and of course Wang Kai, was as always, phenomenal.

So you should certainly give this amazing drama a chance, or many more. - for rewatchers like me

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Such an Underrated Treasure!

I have no idea how I stumbled upon this gem but I am so glad I did because I absolutely love it!! I’ve rewatched it multiple times & still find myself wanting to watch it all over again. If you’re a fan of this genre & haven’t watched this, then don’t even bother reading my review - just press play!

This caught & held my attention from moment one. The pacing can seem a bit draggy since we’re used to fast-paced & high-action shows these days, but I found the rate at which it moved to be very soothing & enticing. I was able to easily follow along with what was happening in the cases rather than getting lost in lots of chaotic scenes. And this pacing also allowed us to really see the growth of the recruits as they navigated their new roles & acclimated to the team. The girls each had their strengths & weaknesses, so watching them mature & know themselves better was satisfying to watch.

I love the tropes used by the writer. We have the no-nonsense leader who doesn’t think the soft-spoken new recruit from the psychology department can hack it on his team. He has high standards &, unfortunately, she doesn’t meet his physical ability requirements (as proven when he had to save her from a frenzied criminal - talk about a memorable first meeting!) So he sets a challenge that she must meet within his given timeframe or he’s kicking her off the team. Our FL is no quitter, though, so she puts in the effort & goes all out to prove she deserves her spot.

During all this she’s an active member in helping with cases, though in a limited capacity. And while her inexperience & naivety sometimes lead her to the wrong conclusion, the ML comes to recognize & value her insights/expertise. I really loved watching the FL grow in her confidence in her abilities as she works to correct her flaws/mistakes when she’s made aware of them so as to not be a hinderance to the team. She only ever wants to be an asset to them. It takes a strong person to admit when they’re wrong so her doing this makes her girl-crush worthy. 💜

While romance isn’t the main focus of the show, I couldn’t help but soak in each sweet interaction between the Leads. I got all the feels watching the ML’s slow fall for the FL as he began to value & admire her, first as a colleague, then as a woman. The ways he cares for her & protects her without diminishing her strengths are so swoon worthy. Having said that, do not go into this expecting lots of romance because that truly is not the priority of the storyline. It’s more like the background bonus that the viewers can’t help but eagerly soak up.

This is by far one of my favorite dramas in its genre. The cases, the plot/pacing, the team dynamics & friendships - they were all wonderfully executed & portrayed. And the FL’s way of expressing herself through her drawings is so cute (& also explains the drama’s title 🙃).

There’s a Thai remake &, being completely honest, it did not at all measure up to the Chinese version, imho. So if you’ve only watched the remake & not the original, definitely give this one a try (& vice versa if you want!)

And to anyone who has anyone influence over this who may be reading - PLEASE put this on more platforms & make it more easily viewable!!!

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