Snowdrop episode 1 review: An unusual love story in the midst of a political war between two countries

3/5

Story:

It is an enduring love story of two individuals from enemy countries during the late 1980s that began in Seoul.

Review:

Koreans might have suffered in history due to their geographical division which gave birth to the North and South domiciles of one nation. However now, they try and make the best out of the conflict, especially by the South Korean film industry.

Romantic love stories are one of the most likeable and watched genres across the world. And when the tale is about two lovers from different borders, it makes it even more intriguing for the viewers.

If you are a die-hard K-drama lover, you must have seen the 2019 hit series Crash Landing On You. Now, we have another web series called Snowdrop that's based on the cross-border love tale but it's not exactly similar to the Hyun Bin and Son Ye‑jin starrer.

Disney+ Hotstar has recently unveiled the first episode of Snowdrop that stars Jung Hae‑in and Jisoo as the leading pair. The series has been set in the backdrop of the late 1980s.

Jisoo's character Eun Young‑Cho lives in a girl's hostel, which is highly strict with its rules, curfews and more. However, none of these restrictions are able to tame the modern girls.

The story of the first episode chronicles how Eun Young‑Cho and her three friends go on a group date, where the lead actress meets the love of her life and gets mesmerised by him at first look. The lead actor Jung Hae‑in's character Im Soo-ho feels the same too about the leading lady of the series.

The pilot episode is kind of an introductory one, which introduces all the characters to the audience. Snowdrop is not a simple love story but also includes a lot in the midst of what looks like a rom-com. The latest series also showcases the issues that government officials go through during some national crises. It also displays how a gorgeous looking college student turns out to be an illegal spy from a neighbouring country.

It's too soon to talk about the technicalities of the show, however, the makers can be seen doing their best to make the audience feel retro in each of the scenes with the costumes, location and props like music cassettes, walkman and more.

Being a forward young woman of the 80s, Eun Young‑Cho doesn't wait for the lead hero to ask her out and she invites him on a date herself. As predictable as it was, she gets ditched by him and never gets to see him again. After a few months, she moves on from him as well. Little did she know that she will get to meet him again but not in circumstances she ever imagined in her life.

Verdict:

Snowdrop starts like any other love story. While the first episode ends on a shocking note, which intrigued me to tune in to the second episode next week as soon as it arrives on Disney+ Hotstar.