Sword Snow Stride (2021)

Absorbing tale of political intrigue with interesting characters and elements of wuxia

Political intrigue is not everyone's cup of tea, but this series does it in a way that will be appealing to a lot of people. There are plenty of conniving characters in the story, but it's not the kind of story that will leave one with a dreadful sense of cynicism or the idea that people are all merely making use of one another to achieve their own aims. Instead, there are characters we can appreciate, even those who are not on the side of the protagonist.

For a story that involves so much scheming, it surprisingly has a subtle central message about kindness. Xu Feng Nian is a reluctant potential heir to his father's important position, one which the ruler is both dependent on and heavily guarded against. His father is a master of covert plots and can be merciless with his enemies, but is essentially not a bad person. Xu Feng Nian is actually very similar, but he is reluctant to sacrifice the people he cares about for "greater" ends like peace in the country: basically he wants to have his cake and eat it. Nevertheless, it seems that his attempts to do something different from his father end up being whatever his father has planned for him to do in the first place.

If the story is not handled properly, we might just end up with a bland story with a lot of scheming characters we don't care about. But in Sword Snow Stride, the protagonist is bent on tempering his actions with kindness. So while the political intrigue is an unfortunate aspect of his life (and the lives of all the other characters), the solution, it seems, is not to run away from it but to be great at it without losing one's kindness and sense of justice. Quite importantly, though it is not overly emphasized, Xu Feng Nian is saved by his/his late mother's kindness at a critical juncture towards the end.

One thing that strikes me as being particularly well done is the sentimental aspects of the story, particularly the protagonist's relationships with the other characters. Surprisingly romance is not given a whole lot of attention although it is there. Instead, Xu Feng Nian's relationships with his father, his siblings and even his deep friendship with a servant who dies early on in the story are finely blended into the story of what he has to/wants to do before he succeeds his father. Almost every character who plays a relatively significant role has a distinctive personality (and mind you, there are many, many characters). This is a sign of a really well written script.

There are more treats for the audience. The wuxia elements of the story practically ventures into xianxia territory, and the fight/swordplay sequences are beautifully choreographed (even if perhaps not altogether innovative). Some might find the sequences of the greatest martial arts masters a little over-the-top, especially when they can affect nature or open some celestial gate, but I don't think it mars the story in any way. Perhaps it is related to the theme: the most powerful masters of martial arts are mostly not the ones who wield power or connive whereas the masters of political schemes do not always have physical prowess; eventually a balance of both may be necessary even for noble political aims.

There is likely a second season given the viewership ratings that the series has garnered. On its own, however, this season ends satisfactorily. It is certainly possible for further developments: who is the woman who helps Xu Feng Nian several times while purportedly wanting to kill him, what is happening with the Wudang Sect guy at the end of the story, will the two baby tiger "monsters" that Xu Feng Nian has adopted have an important role to play, etc? Despite all the loose threads that can lead to a Season 2, Season 1 ends in a surprisingly satisfactory way. It does not give the sense that it ends in the middle of nowhere or resort to some sort of bizarre cliffhanger that makes us doubt our understanding of the entire season. It is not an easy feat to strike the perfect balance between having proper closure for Season 1 while keeping things just open enough for a Season 2 (so that Season 2 will seem like a natural extension), but this series has managed it.

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Most excitedly waiting for season 2

I love this series so much that it redefined the wuxia genre for me.

The cast does an impeccable job of portraying the characters and direction is also amazing in capturing the emotions of scenes.

I heard the FL had to face lot of flakes by 'true fans' of the work but I absolutely loved her acting. She did exactly what that character would do and she did an excellent job. To be frank I even liked her character more than ML. I really really hope she returns for next sequels.
The ML also did an amazing job but was missing that masculinity. I am not saying beefing up but in some scenes you could see his clothing sloppy over his small shoulders. It could be a clothing/designer issue but they did an amazing job with other people so maybe ML need wider shoulder?

Anyhow this is a series worth your time. I promise you this is worth it.

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Interesting

In general, I don't watch wuxia much cause it's not really my genre. I only watch if I know the leads. This is probably my third wuxia I've watch in decades (Legend of Fei and Word of Honor). First thing I felt when watching SSS is the cinematography made me felt a bit nostalgic. Something about the color scheme of drama made it feel a bit old school which I liked. I did enjoy the overall story even though the pace was too slow compared to what I'm used to. I like the banter between Fengnian and Xu Xiao. Their dialogue was the realistic kind of conversation versus the long, draggy, poetic with an implied meaning conversation. Both father and son are smart and strategic. The whole time watching I'm always wondering what their next plan is or who plotted this or thought of this. Father was always thinking ahead of son. Just like Legend of Fei, I thought Fengnian was so lucky cause almost every master he encountered, he got something out of it. Every conflict he came across, there was always someone helping him because they were returning his parents favor. Everything worked out for him. Even people you thought was against him in the end wouldn't dare to touch him. Everyone had one goal and that was to keep the world at peace. There was very little romance which was okay. I would rather the lead characters don't become entangled in relationships in stories like these. I thought the last episode was really epic. I did not see that coming. Overall, I don't regret watching the drama.

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INTERESTING

Although it was a little difficult to watch at first, the next episodes drew me in. He took him on a tour of the martial world. Our series is, of course, fantastic, so there were a lot of places that did not happen, a little too much. But the interesting thing was that it was beautifully rendered. It was because it was made up of strong and beautiful actors. It was a combination of a wide variety and many players. There were too many characters. You are never bored. Because each chapter has a different character introduction. An interesting Commander and his rather interesting son. An interesting father-son relationship. However, he is a planner and an interesting father who also explains that you shouldn't judge people based on appearances. She has found various characters for her son and through them she protects him. Hey, it's interesting. I used the word very interesting. The events of this series are interesting. I think the subject here is the interesting thing. In particular, they brought together very beautiful female actors. All of them are beautiful and beautifully rendered as a separate character, so are the male characters, but the women were more interesting. As a result, it was a half-hearted ending with the expectation of the second season. There is no second season in sight. So it doesn't appear. I hope will be. I also liked Zhang Ruo Yun. as a game. I used to watch it already. This is the man of the roles. It was a man of interesting roles and a series like Joy of Life. Easily handled. The father-son relationship with Hu Jun is also beautifully and interestingly conveyed. Congratulations to the actors. I found all the female actors both beautiful and I liked them very much. I also really liked the child actors. Rong Zi Shan like the young actress. The future is promising. I liked the veteran actors. There were too many experienced players. They added value. I recommend everyone to watch it. I'm also waiting for the second season.
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An amazing Wu Xia drama!

LIKE

When Li Chun Gang asked Xu Feng Nian and impressed that there were two choices in life

When Zhao Xun asked Zhao Xi Tuan if he felt unjust and Zhao Xi Tuan said something and laughed. Then Zhao Heng heaved and continued saying something - that was very touching

The hilarious Zhao Kai - his presense cracked me up all the time just like when he was in Joy of Life

How the entire Xu family men afraid of Xu Wei Xiong

Impressed with so many twists and turns which filled with grand masters of the Wu Lin

DISLIKE

I waiting for part two..

MUSIC

Nothing to my liking

REWATCH VALUE

A yes and I want a part two please

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A Family That Rules Together...

I loved the family dynamic in this story. I am really invested in seeing how it plays out in Season Two. I liked the characters (even the ones I didn't like weren't completely hateful). Mom Xu certainly helped enough people to pay it forward to her family. I didn't mind the slo-mo fight scenes, even when they were a little over-the-top. Amusing in places, very sad in other places. I can't wait for Season Two, and I really hope the producers won't let us down.

BUT! I'm a romance junkie, and there was NO. ROMANCE. AT. ALL!! I was bitterly disappointed about that and that's why it got an 8 from me. I already have my dream couples all paired up. ML & FL (although I was disappointed in this actress - hope she either warms up or gets re-cast). Ning E Mei (Army guy bodyguard) & Qing Niao (ML bodyguard). Chen Zhi Bao (Army guy) & Xu Wei Xiong (ML sister). Xu Zhi Hu (ML elder sister) & the Taoist guy. If Season Two doesn't heat up with some PDA and romance, I'll be even more disappointed.

Overall, this was a good series and I pretty much enjoyed it much better than Joy of Life (since everybody else is comparing the two).

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Another great wuxia from china ??

Another amazing wuxia for Cdrama. This drama starts off with a full cast of stars that did beyond the call of each character. You felt the emotions they did, you cried, you laughted and even yelled at the TV. I was blown away by the set design, scenery and clothes made and most of all the Script which had so many details big/small. The story began with Xu Xiao who is in the Lord of Beilang and controls its power. He has decided to make his son prince Xu Feng Nian the heir and step down. Many are scared and worried in and around the Palace that he is not the man for the job. There are rumors that he hangs out in brothels and hasn't ever picked up a sword and isnt ment for the job. His father send him away to travel around for 3years and during that time he has meet many people some friends and some foes. He is very smart and quick-witted like his father, except he doesn't want to be heir until bad things start happening around him and the people he cares for. He soon learns that many people want him dead in order to disrupt beiling power and cause a ruckus in the court. While using the help from the people he trust he starts on a following the clues to find his mothers killer from yrs ago. While on this journey so many different stories come to life and the power behind the people/states. The is also friendship, betrayal, romance, jeousley, unrequited love, magical creatures, martial arts using your inner force/qi, superhuman, swords etc. Its a must see and dont stop after the first few episodes as it introduced many key people that intertwined with each other as the story is told.. Enjoy ?

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Awesome

I will rate this a 10. The narrative and the characters are awesome. I will put this right in the bracket with the general and I which is one of my favorites. The Actors are portraying the characters pretty well they’re giving you something to watch and wait for the next scene. It’s not all swords and fights. The young prince gives you something to laugh and smile about using his head his mind as often as he does to solve problems it’s amazing.. I would really love to see more of these storylines that does not include so much blood and fighting. To the writers the producers and everyone I said thank you for giving us such a beautiful drama I can’t wait for the next episode until January 11 I look forward to everything that comes out.

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Beware if you didn't like Joy of Life . .

I gave this a chance because I really appreciated Joy of Life's production and cinematography even though I couldn't get into the plot. Yet, here I am again, bored. There is no tension.

Xu Feng Nian, our main lead, is destined for triumph, and the show makes this clear from the beginning. Clever, strategic and good hearted, beneath a playful exterior is a deeply capable person. Determined to be a 'better man,' than his father he twists and turns to avoid his fate to inherit his legacy as a military leader and martial arts talent.

What is the point of watching? Perhaps for some, there is satisfaction in watching a world where everything has a reason, and talent paired with a good heart always wins in the end.

There is good acting, lots of memorable side characters and very high production values . . . but bland themes and no tension do not hold my interest.

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refreshing historical drama

I liked Zhang Ruo Yun His acting is natural and carefree. There are many likable qualities about this actor. I loved Joy of Life and Wang Juan's writing styles....this should be a good drama.

In the beginning, I was confused about the plot. As the story unfolds, it became more and more interesting.

The costumes are simple, yet elegant. It does not lessen the quality of the drama.....I am looking forward to all the upcoming episodes.

This is just an added.....I saw his wedding photos with Tang Yixin. They looked truly well matched and very happy.

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Some nice characters but overall I didn't care for any of them

STORY/PLOT
This show suffers from having too many characters in general. They are introduced when the ML comes across them but then quickly forgotten and then later on "revived" when you've long moved on to other new characters that appear. There is not much backstory to most of these characters and so you're not really invested in what happens to them generally. The show also relies too much on flashbacks to fill in the gaps (i.e. stuff that wasn't shown before). For example ML when in a pivotal moment in a fight performs some new move - cue flashback to when the grandmaster showed him that specific move. Certain people are shown as being very important to the ML but because that relationship/journey has not been explored very much, I don't buy it.

The ML is introduced as a smart but stubborn character. He wants it all - to have his cake and eat it too. He is scheming and has his own agenda and seems to like going against his father's plans/wishes. That is all fine but the problem I have is he has just come home after 3 years gallivanting in the wilderness - I find it hard to believe how he has managed to have informants and loyal people under him when for all intents and purposes, he wasn't doing much for those 3 years.

There doesn't seem to be a clear FL in this show. Yes the ML has a servant he is interested in, and she has a backstory too. Their romance is as dumb as dumb gets - fake assassination attempts and getting paid to read books to him. Constant teasing like "You can't die because I want to be the one to kill you" is just eye-rolling.

One of the things that makes a show great is a good villain - one that creates chaos and can really hurt the ML. This show doesn't seem to have a good one. Everything was dealt with easily by the ML with the grandmaster at his side. For much of the show, the illegitimate prince is portrayed as the main villain but he was so weak!! His red armour that followed him around wasn't much help either. The master eunuch put up a good fight at the end but being outnumbered he should have eliminated them one by one to increase his chances. Overall this big fight turned out rather disappointing.

ACTION
There is a fair bit of action but I find that some of the grandmasters are just too overpowered and just takes the fun out of it. Having the grandmaster Li by his side also meant it was kinda boring because nothing much was going to happen to ML while the grandmaster was there.

Some of the powers of these grandmasters is just a bit ridiculous and not really of interest to me. I prefer more realistic type wuxia but I find this show is a bit more magical/fantasy type (e.g. magical flying swords, riding waves, tornadoes lol).

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