Just Watched: When A Snail Falls in Love

Oh my god oh my god oh my god! Chinese drama gods must have heard my 2017 resolution!!!! I finished my first Chinese drama in the longest time. Sure, I started it in the late 2016 but the fact that I finished it, it is worth a celebration!!!! *throws confetti* Before I continue, I would like to thank Lena eonnie because she was the one recommended it to me. And y’all know my love-hate relationship…

So what makes me so engrossed with this drama? For a start, they speak common and accent-less Mandarin which hey, I could understand 40% of it. Secondly, it’s not dubbed! You know how I got turn off by dubbing. Thirdly, gorgeous cinematography. Unbelievably gorgeous and high-quality show. And lastly, there is no romance!!!! Wow wow! I like it. I mean, the romance is so puny it’s not worth mentioning at all. But it is there and it is sweet!

When A Snail Falls in Love is based on a novel of the same title. But truly, according to Mari, the show did not follow the novel thoroughly. For a start, the drama is told from Captain Ji’s view whereas the novel is from Xu Xu’s view. It’s a shame though because I really am interested in Xu Xu and her journey of becoming a part of the Myanmar team members. She’s a very interesting character to watch. She’s not unique in any other way but the actress made the character super unique. I am impressed with her. As Xu Xu, she does not use her petite physique as an excuse! Now that’s what I am talking about!

So the story introduce us to Xu Xu who joined Captain Ji’s team as a criminal psychologist. She has the ability Ji needs to assist with his work. The only downside to Xu Xu is her weak physique and her quietness. Ji had to personally train her and to get her up to speed in order for him to officially recruit her on his dangerous mission in Myanmar. The turnaround for her was when her roommate, Yao Meng, injured in one of the assignment. She saw Yao Meng suffers through gun trauma and that pushes her to strive better. And this is when Ji Bai acknowledges her as his team member.

The criminal case is interrelated and not so much of overlapping. You really need to pay attention from start to finish. What I love about this drama is the execution. Everything seems so real! And thank goodness the bombing looks real!!! This is no Hollywood style! Amen! Also, this drama gives me a Jason Bourne vibe which you know I am a huge fan! Surprisingly, even my husband and son enjoyed this drama from start to finish!

This is by far the best Chinese drama I have seen since Nirvana in Fire and The Disguiser. It is a 10/10 from me! I highly recommend When A Snail Falls in Love. It is a good addicting drama from start to finish. It was so intense and unbelievably extravagant. Sometimes the show focuses too much on the scenery but it really sets a movie tone. Great acting, great plotting and great story telling. If you have read the novel, I recommend you not to compare. The ending was sweet but it left a room for a sequel. Will they give to us? I really hope so!