Love Song in Winter (2024)

Keep your enemies close 〣( ºΔº )〣

Addictive Romantic Myster thriller series, with Johnny Huang

PLOT: 2 ex-university lovers meet again 8 years later at a friends' wedding. He became a criminal police officer, she is an anesthetist. They both haven't been able to forget the other, but they will have to face the enemies and traumas of the past, discover the mastermind behind their successive misfortunes and look forward to the future.

+++ Talented CL, with very natural chemistry. I was already a fan of Johnny Huang, but I also appreciated Sun Qian's performance (in a more mature & more serious role than her previous series). There are lots of sweet moments, an endearing CL2 bringing a little touch of humor, which balances the emotions transmitted.
+++ Perfect direction, with well-maintained suspense (even we can identify the Great Villain quickly - Wang Tian Chen is a very convincing psychopath). The ressources, the missions, the methods of the police/hospital are quite realistic.
+++ All the actors are excellent (including in the fight scenes)
+++ Credible story and very suitable OST

### The Great Villain is too intelligent, too knowledgeable, too resourceful... to be realistic.
### Some obvious filming/editing defects

=> Excellent 50 -50 romantic / detective series, to watch again (at least in part) in a while.
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Série Rom-Myst-thriller addictve, avec Johnny Huang

PLOT: 2 ex-lovers d'université se retrouvent 8 ans + tard au mariage d'amis. Il est devenu policier, elle est anesthésiste. Aucun des deux n'a pu oublier l'autre, mais ils devront affronter les ennemis et traumas du passé, découvrir le mastermind derrière leurs malheurs successifs pr envisager l'avenir.

+++ CL talentueux, avec une alchimie très naturelle. J'étais déjà fan de Johnny Huang, mais j'ai aussi apprécié la performance de Sun Qian (dans un rôle + mature & + sérieux que ses précédentes séries). Il y a bcp de sweet moments, un CL2 attachant apportant 1 peu d'humour, ce qui équilibre les émotions transmises.
+++ Réalis° parfaite, avec un suspense bien entretenu (mm si on identifie le Great Villain assez rapidement - Wang Tian Chen est un psychopathe très convaincant). Les moyens, les missions, les méthodes de la police / de l'hôpital sont assez réalistes.
+++ Tous les acteurs sont excellents (y compris les scènes de fight)
+++ Story crédible et OST très adaptés

### Le Great Villain est trop intelligent, trop bien informé, disposant de trop de ressources ... pour être réaliste.
### Qq défauts de tournage / montage évidents

=> Excellente série 50 -50 romantique / policière, à revoir (au moins en partie) dans qq temps.

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Your generic cliched watch, dragged in the middle.

I am a sucker for police dramas and wanted to see Johnny Huang which is why I picked this up. However, the plot didn't plot, the romance was lukewarm, the continued angst got annoying and finally, the FL's acting was the final nail in the coffin. A big struggle to complete it.

The Police Work-
ML started off good at his job, I liked he was mostly rational and not just throwing hands like the typical macho police characters. But more rationality over emotions, mr detective, please! The process of unravelling the web was well done, and I was glad the other supporting police cast had their moments and were actually intelligent and contributed actively other than just sucking up to the main character. The lady professor was an interesting addition, she was smart, had good insights but little sort-of-romance tangent was completely unnecessary and just bogged her character down.

The Evil-
The final villain was predicatable, so the big reveal lost its steam. I was just about to appreciate his way of doing things as a master manipulator and his meticulous planning, but somehow he had a complete meltdown and towards the end, became stupid af. I get good > evil, but honestly if he had really tried, he may not have been caught at all. The scars of childhood abuse can manifest in horrific ways, and this was a good example of that. Though there's no excuse for the crimes, it added some depth. No sympathies for the mother either, you "searched" and "texted" after running away and laughing away with your new family was immensely selfish.

The Romance-
The little flashbacks were cute, but overall both looked awkaward with each other. Both the ML's and FL's line delivery fell flat at crucial moments. And in additional, the FL's one dimensional expressions did nothing for her character. They probably wanted to depict a growth arc with her overcoming her trauma, but it was abandoned midway and when picked up later, felt half assed.
All the damsel in distress situations at every turn got annoying quick, and the little I pine for you looks were blah.

P.S.- As far as supporting characters go, the BFF couple were the best, as both friends and a couple. Definitely added a little light to the story.

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Casalzão e um vilão surpreendente

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
Comecei e terminei pelo johnny, e pelo roteiro policial e médica, que atualmente ambos são minha nova obsessão.
Achei esse drama fofo, clichê e vergonhoso, teve cenas em que meu deus preferia me desviver a ver de novo. Pra mim, o vilão foi feito pra carregar esse drama nas costas, criava situações desde o início e ninguém nunca suspeitava do divo, quem diria que seria ele o vilão no primeiro episódio? Não foi um vilão construído por sitações atuais ou vigança repentina, esse era frio, calculista e tinha visão a longo prazo. Gostei do rumo do personagem dele.
Agora o Johnny acabou sendo um policial sem sal, todo episódio dele de policial eu pensava em como ele ficava melhor de bombeiro mesmo. Achei que ele não passou a vibe policial, na verdade acho que todos os detetives não passaram essa vibe. As situações pareciam ser tranquilas, bem resolvidas e finalizadas, com correria e análise cotidiana, foram 30 episódios de um drama "policial" onde ele só resolveu um único caso.
Tirando isso, Johnny e a diva da atriz principal fizeram um casalsão, companheiros, amigos, sinceros, parceiros, confidentes, apaixonados, brincalhões, foi um casal fofo de acompanhar e também bem fácil na real, triângulo amoroso aqui não teve vez (e não foi por falta de tentativa).
Nota final: gostei do drama, apesar de ter algumas situações massivas, os plots sequencias e a interação entre os casais acabaram salvando esse drama. Gostei muito de como o casal principal parecia tão rotineiro, tão amigos e com tanta saudade sempre.

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Not so Much Love but Winter

This was a decent Thriller, Mystery , Drama not so much Romance but decent couples and a buch of obsessed psychopaths here and there.

Our villains are okay portrayed one being a combination of Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone meets Saw with a dash of Him... The other just our everyday obsessed bully.

Our leads are of course purer than pure, sweeter than sweet okay they may have some imoure thoughts here and there but they do cater to the one and only deal and ignore all others no matter how much time passes etc. All done in a pretty playfull manor with some really good kisses and decent all round chemistry.

The female lead is actually pretty smart, not when it comes to emotions but other stuff and so are the resto fo the women in this which is kind of refreshing for a C.

The other couples are okay, some better than others and while some of the side characters have moments that make me wonder what happened to their brain. Most of the time tey do thir jobs well and that is good enough.

The level of Protect our heros, Chinese propaganda is also kept under control, and the pacing is also better than a lot of other cs. Mmaking it an okay watch that could have gotten an 8,5-9 but there is just a little bit to much cringe and immature men in this to make it all the way up there.

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Emotional one

The story revolves around a girl and a boy who fall in love during their college years. Their relationship blossoms beautifully, but it doesn’t last long as the girl decides to end it for reasons unknown to the boy. Years later, fate brings them together again—she is now a doctor, and he has become a cop. Their professions cross paths during a case, reigniting their connection. They attempt to reconcile, but the unresolved issues that led to their breakup resurface, creating tension in their lives. Eventually, they part ways again, yet their work keeps bringing them into contact.

The narrative combines elements of suspense, murder mystery, vengeance, and a heartwarming love story. While the plot has its moments of brilliance, the slow pacing and the female lead’s somewhat underwhelming performance might not appeal to everyone. However, the intertwining of professional conflicts with personal emotions keeps the audience intrigued.

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Don't watch this expecting a warm, healing second-chance romance with a mystery/thriller subplot. Although the first ten episodes showed some promise with developing the relationship between the main characters Lu Yan and Jiang Chengyi, after that everything revolves around the thriller aspect, which escalates until the end. I appreciate that the final episode is fully dedicated to giving the series closure, rather than a 5-minute epilogue.

Johnny Huang and Sun Qian just didn't quite have the chemistry to carry the romance storyline. I liked their storyline, past and present, but perhaps it's because I had last watched Sun Qian in Islands, where she had fantastic chemistry with her co-star. I liked the supporting cast: Wang Tian Chen played his role so well that I forgot I'd ever seen him in anything before (coincidentally he was in Islands, too, though not paired with Sun Qian. Guan Zi Jing and Jackie Li are a ray of light here, infusing humor into the story as well as heartwarming friendship with the leads, and they also navigate ups and downs in their marriage well. He Hong Shan always impresses me with the range of her roles.

The psychology and motivations behind the thriller plot were solid but it dragged on for too long. Sometimes the only thing reminding me that this was also a romance was the Eric Chou OST.

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Not a strong plot but watchable and mediocre acting from main CP

Love Song in Winter is a romantic melodrama that starts with Johnny Huang, Sun Qian, Kira Shi, and Wang Tian Chen. It involves murder, the crime of passion, and the rekindling of love between the main CP.

The pace of the drama is not bad. Johnny Huang has played a typical role in his modern dramas. He is not a good actor, but somehow, he makes it work in this type of role (policeman, firefighter, and soldier)

The on-screen chemistry between him and Sun Qian's character was okay. No spark between them. Wang Tian Chen played a good and convincing bad guy in this drama. The last episode ruined this drama for me. It should ended when they caught the bad guy. Episode 36 was meaningless, and it should not be included.

Synopsis: It tells the romantic love story of the reunion of the detective Jiang Cheng Yi and the anesthesiologist Lu Yan. They encounter each other by chance eight years after breaking up and unravel their misunderstandings as they work together to solve a serial murder case. Since the anesthesiologist Lu Yan "runs into" her dead college friend Deng Man during a night shift, strange things around her occur successively. As the investigation proceeds, Detective Jiang Cheng Yi, Lu Yan's ex-boyfriend from many years ago, is embroiled, and the long-hidden truth of eight years is gradually revealed.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 5.5
2. Script: 7
3. Music/OST: 6
4. Production Quality: 6
5. Cinematography: 6
6. CP Chemistry: 5
7. Rewatchable: 6

Overall Rating: 6.0

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Just not for me

If you just want to watch this show for the romance go on and enjoy, but I can't really say that the romance was worth it for me when the production was lacking as much as it was.

If you are or have enjoyed the show don't read this just continue enjoying it for what it is to you. But I just needed to rant a bit and just speak my peace on this and move on.

Okay, so as a production girlie...this one just doesn't quite meet my expectations. The editing is all over the place and almost like they didn't get the shots they needed and didn't realize until they were editing the episodes together. A lot of scenes just end out of nowhere, not in a suspenseful way but in a...did they forget about the other people in the scene, kind of way.

It feels very unfinished/unpolished. The crimes are really only there to bring the main couple together or tear them apart....it wasn't even a serial killer...I'm also a true crime girlie, so words matter. He's a killer, but doesn't fall under the definition of a serial killer, and with a whole plot dedicated to a professor of criminal psychology....it becomes a bit eyebrow raising with how lazy the writing is with regards to the actual crimes. There were whole episodes that could have been boiled down to about 5 - 10 minutes and then combined instead of showing the same shot over and over again. Also the bg music when they are showing a cop take down or whatever seriously gave me heavy blinks

I watch too many shows to not catch on who the bad guy was once her nurse friend is murdered. I thought it would get better, but it never felt like anything or anyone was actually developed as a character outside of like the bad guy and even he was so lazily written it felt like a checklist of personality traits rather than a real person. Also, can we stop with the crazed laughter when the character is shown repeatedly to mask his emotions? Like why are we going full comic book villain in the 11th hour?
Pretty much everything would have been solved within 2 hours had people actually communicated with one another. If the whole plot hinges on one character just not speaking to the people around them...what was the point? Seriously, lets not tell our mother's that we are the targets of a stalker who has used people to kill our friends. Maybe don't try and met up with him or accept rides from him. I seriously hate when smart characters do stupid things just to make the plot move in a direction the writer wants it to.
Also, in what world would he be allowed to stay on the investigation of his step-brother without having a briefing with his chief? because once you are the target/victim you don't really get to pursue that suspect anymore.

I wanted to like this show, but no amount of liking an actor(s) will let me see past lazy writing and production to this degree. If it was just a straight forward romance I think I would have been more forgiving. But there were multiple character choices that just didn't make sense for their shown personality nor their actual profession. It's just like a Dick Wolf show in the USA with kind of pumping up the cops and the profession of a cop. As some would say, copaganda. China really is just the USA of Asia.

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Good plot but lack of realistic emotions

I like the overall plot on this. The suspense of it was very good, but I felt both leads did not show enough emotion toward one another and especially at a few pivotal moments within the drama. I would have rated it higher if it would have contained more romance between the leads. I felt like the farther into the drama the less they showed regarding their emotions. For example, when the male lead was hurt in action and was in the hospital, she was too calm for it to be realistic. When she was kidnapped toward the end, he remained too calm as well. Granted they both were very laid-back characters but they still should’ve showed more emotions during these crisis, if they loved each other as much as they claimed. I would not rewatch this drama, as it was hard to be invested in their relationship due to their acting.

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Why You Should Watch

Johnny Huang shines in his role as Jiang Cheng Yi. His ability to portray a wide range of emotions—from anger and frustration over their breakup to his unyielding love and protectiveness toward Lu Yan—is remarkable. His chemistry with Sun Qian is palpable, making every interaction between them heartfelt and genuine.

What makes Johnny's performance even more impressive is his dedication to action scenes. As a police officer, Jiang Cheng Yi is often in the middle of dangerous situations, and Johnny brings an authentic intensity to these moments. Whether he's chasing criminals, defusing bombs, or rescuing Lu Yan from danger, Johnny makes it all look believable and thrilling.

Highlights of the Drama

1. The Love Story: The romance between Jiang Cheng Yi and Lu Yan is the heart of the drama. Their unresolved past adds depth to their relationship, and watching them navigate their feelings while dealing with external challenges is truly captivating. The moments where Jiang Cheng Yi silently shows his care—like arranging lights in a dark alley or reminiscing about their college days—are especially touching.

2. The Mystery: The show’s crime element is well-executed, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. From bomb scares to stalking incidents, the drama keeps raising the stakes, making it much more than a typical love story.

3. Supporting Characters: The supporting cast, including Lu Yan's friends and Wen Peng, adds layers to the story. Wen Peng's unspoken love for Lu Yan and his own struggles make him a compelling character, creating subtle tension and complexity in the narrative.

4. Beautifully Written Scenes: The show excels in creating moments that stay with you—whether it's Jiang Cheng Yi rescuing Lu Yan in a dark alley, the nostalgic spicy hotpot scenes, or the heartbreaking reveal of Lu Yan’s past trauma that caused their breakup.

"Love Song in Winter" is not just a drama. It's an emotional journey. Johnny Huang's portrayal of Jiang Cheng Yi brings strength and vulnerability to the character, making you root for him at every turn. The story is engaging, with its mix of heartwarming romance and adrenaline-pumping action. The mysteries of the past and the dangers of the present keep the plot exciting, while the chemistry between the leads makes you emotionally invested in their story.

If you're a fan of crime dramas with a romantic twist, this series is a must-watch. Johnny Huang’s performance, the captivating storyline, and the well-developed characters make it an unforgettable drama experience. Prepare to laugh, cry, and hold your breath as you follow Jiang Cheng Yi and Lu Yan’s journey of love and redemption.

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Love song in winter can be considered a great modern cdrama that came out this year. It has a mix of both romance and mystery which tbh is nicely executed. The story in my opinion has good pacing. No character seemed irrevelant in the drama. You know when there are just random side couples. Let's discuss the character's of Love Song in Winter.

Lu Yan is an anesthesiologist and Jiang Chengyi is a detective. They both reunite 8 years after their breakup. I found their relationship mature. They did have communication problems but still in later episodes they talked through it. They really went through too much. Lu Yan felt guilty for so many years for thinking she pushed her best friend to death while JC was hurt from their sudden breakup. Lu Yan is courageous for going through the death of her close friends 2 times, having to stay away from your loved one. You could say even if the circumstances were not peaceful, their relationship was; once they got together again.
Wen Peng was suspicious from the start. Many secrets about him was unexpected though. Him being beaten by his dad and thinking his mom abandoned him turned him to the worst. THE ABUSED BECOMES THE NEXT ABUSER. This quote came to my mind watching him. He could have taken a different path when he turned adult but him killing Deng Man, Ding Jing, trying to hurt close people around Lu Yan is not forgivable. He hated his mother even when she tried to reconcile but could never stand up to his father. Lu Yan showed up when he was about to end his life and he held onto her. He did not love Lu Yan he wanted someone to love him. He was a manipulator who destroyed too many lives.
Deng Man was very naive. Believing Wen Peng and shooting a video which basically solidified her suicide. She mistaked Zou Zhi Cheng's goodwill towards her to be intimate affection. ZC did not intend to do so at first but he did cheat on his paralysed wife with DM. He says he is a human being and he indulged himself just once but that does not justify his cheating. He stood by watching DM being bullied when he could have come forward and stopped it. He was the adult. He should not have such a relationship with a student. Deng Man did not reveal their relationship till the end but that lead to Lu Yan thinking she killed herself because of her. She may not have deserved her death but she was an accomplice in harrassing Lu Yan.
Ding Jing is another character who could not accept rejection. To get Jiang Chengyi she bullied DM into breaking them up. Again, she did not want DM to get killed but her maliciousness towards Lu Yan surfaced later. Her hiring pervert to take pictures of LY and saying that persong could do whatever he want with her. This made me hate her to the core. There was no excuse for this.
What I liked about this drama was that every criminal was punished in the end by law. And they did not push the climax till the last episode. There was proper closure. It may have been boring to many viewers however I liked the drama's setting.

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balance between charm and mediocrity

"Love Song in Winter" is a series that strikes a balance between charm and mediocrity. The premise revolves around a winter romance that promises warmth and connection, but it often feels like it’s treading familiar ground without offering anything particularly new.

The characters are likable enough, but they lack the depth that would make them truly memorable. While I appreciated their chemistry, it sometimes felt forced, and their development throughout the series was inconsistent. I found myself wishing for more backstory and emotional depth to really invest in their journey.

The pacing was a bit uneven; some episodes flowed nicely while others felt dragged out, making it hard to stay fully engaged. The winter setting was beautifully captured, adding a cozy vibe to the overall aesthetic, but it wasn’t enough to completely elevate the story.

Overall, "Love Song in Winter" is an average watch that has its moments of sweetness but doesn’t quite reach the heights of a truly great romance. I’d give it a 5/10—enjoyable for a casual viewing but not something I’d rave about.

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