This review may contain spoilers
I'm glad I watched
I didn't know what to expect from Cherry Blossoms After Winter but I liked it more than I expected. The story is quite unique in that it portrays different phases of their lives. From childhood to high school to college to marriage. This is fresh because most BLs focus on one scenario with maybe a little part at the end that shows their life a year later. With this you have the idea that they really are meant to spend their whole lives together. The actors are expressive and have good chemistry, and it was easy to watch. I did skip the bullying part in the beginning but that didn't last for long at all.While the drama is enjoyable, I would have liked for it to have been a little longer to better portray their closeness. Nevertheless, there was just enough time to understand their closeness. The pair is very affectionate and they are both honest with their feelings all throughout so it is not as frustrating to watch as other BLs.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watch this immediately omg
I am absolutely in love with this drama!!! The actors???? The music???? The story???? Literally out of this world. I am so glad I have it a chance.I may be a bit biased about the music because blitzers made the ost and I love them…. But it’s a great song so idc. Whatever music played throughout the episodes were honestly amazing and definitely fit the scenes.
I may or may not have fallen in love with the entire cast… they were all so charming!! Especially the girlie pops ?
The story is honestly what hooked me the most. After reading the synopsis I was a little put off but I decided to give it a chance anyways and I am so glad I did. Nothing really felt rushed, and nothing felt slow either. It was just the right timing for everything. The last two episodes, however, did get me a little scared because of how mama bear was reacting. I honestly thought that she had been supporting them since the beginning?? So that was a shocker for me. I’m glad things got cleared up in the end and everything went well for the couple.
It was a cute show that I will definitely be watching again!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Nothing special but still enjoyable
I don't know why everyone is so pressed about the acting, the "basic and boring" story line and the music. Yeah, this bl drama is really basic from its story line but I personally enjoyed this simplicity since I don't always need an unique and special storyline to enjoy a drama. I also enjoyed just falling into this fluffy and kitschy story between them too. For a drama with only 8ep it made well done and I can only recommend this drama as a quick watch for ppl who enjoy simple and fluff stuff.Was this review helpful to you?
THE MOST LOVEABLE PAIR??
I was up-to-date with this BL and i felt obliged to come every week to watch this BL! I even watched it when I was in a totally different country or in the airport and the reason why? I found these two main characters too loveable and I really wanted to see how their relationship progressed.This BL may seem unusual at first because, as you may have figured out, it's a bit like a relationship between a brother and his step-brother? But , I want you to not think like that anymore! Because once you watch it, you will realise that its not really like that.
Hae Bom and Taesung seem like an unlikely pair? The first few episodes seem to show that. I felt like i would drop CBAW after the first 2? episodes because it felt like the story wasn't progressing. However, I suddenly became more invested when the feelings between the two main characters became obvious!
I, now, have a few favourite scenes from this BL! Sometimes it could feel frustrating like why doesn't he notice his love?? But, the skinship and incredible acting make up for it! Some of my favourite scenes are even sad/heart breaking ones. Heart-breaking and tugging at your heart strings: these words sum it up! The OST enhances those scenes? (However, i don't really focus on music.)
Anyway, loads of my fellow BL fans have watched this too and have said how beautiful it is too! It's considered one of the best Korean BLs that have been released this year (2022). So, definitely worth a watch or even a rewatch!!
Was this review helpful to you?
LOVELY AND FLUFFY ROMANCE!
I love it! It has the right mix of romance, drama, angst, cuteness, and fluff. I hope they could make more of this.The casts, particularly the male leads, portrayed their role very well, also they're very good-looking. They really had me smiling whenever they have those sweet or intimate moments. Definitely gonna add this to my BL favorite list.
The scenes are just fine, the music and effects are okay as well. There are moments where the camera is kind of noticeably unsteady but I don't care, I love it! All in all it's amazing!
Was this review helpful to you?
Solid 8/10 if I pretend that there’s nothing weird about their relationship at all
It’s easy to see why CBAW is so popular. No time is wasted on dumb bullsh*t like messy sideplots. This is all about Haebom and Taesung, and man, I have to say, they have a really cute relationship (and height difference).The characters have really good chemistry (which makes the show worth watching), but while their insanely cute romance develops, a tiny voice in my head can’t help but yell: But wait! They’re still adopted brothers!!
The vibe of Haebom and Taesung is closer to childhood-friends-turned-lovers rather than siblings, even though they grew up in the same household. Haebom even addresses Taesung’s mother as “ma’am” rather than “mum”.
But something about their relationship still unsettles me. Haebom and Taesung’s love story, in all its warm, sappy, goodness, would make for an even more delightful watch if not for this uncomfortable detail.
If anything, this show makes me interrogate my beliefs on relationships that I can or cannot accept. Blood relations are out of the question. Adopted siblings or stepsiblings? Hmm, probably weird if they grew up together (exactly what happened in CBAW). How about discovering a long-lost half-sibling during adulthood? It gets iffier man, I don’t know.
My full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/27/cherry-blossoms-after-winter-2022-review-adopted-brother-bl-plot-makes-it-weird/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great Acting, Fluffy Story
"Cherry Blossoms After Winter" (2022) is a South Korean drama that follows the story of two young men, Hae Bom and Tae Seong, who navigate their relationship as they transition from childhood friends to something more. After Hae Bom's parents pass away, he moves in with Tae Seong's family, and the two grow up together under the same roof. As they reach high school, they find themselves in the same class, which brings their feelings for each other to the surface.The series focuses on their developing relationship, exploring the emotions and challenges they face as they realize their feelings for each other go beyond friendship. Despite the typical school setting and familiar romance tropes, the show is a heartfelt exploration of first love, the fear of rejection, and the comfort found in each other's company. The drama is light on angst, with the main tension coming from their internal struggles and the eventual acceptance of their relationship by those around them.
"Cherry Blossoms After Winter" is characterized by its gentle, sweet tone, making it a comforting watch for fans of soft, romantic stories. The chemistry between the leads and the simplicity of the plot contribute to its appeal, offering a tender and uplifting portrayal of young love.
Story: The narrative structure of this show follows a well-trodden path, presenting a plotline that is as clichéd and predictable as it gets. The storyline centers around two students who gradually fall in love while living under the same roof, which is a familiar trope in many romantic dramas. The climax arrives when the mother discovers their relationship, but instead of leading to significant conflict or drama, the couple easily convinces her of their love. The series concludes with a proposal, wrapping up the story in a neat, if unsurprising, bow.
The characters are equally conventional. Both main leads are portrayed as ordinary students who just happen to be slightly better looking than average. Their family backgrounds are normal, and their school environment is equally unremarkable. The story’s primary focus is on the progression of their relationship and their everyday interactions, which can be mundane if you prefer more action or drama in your shows. However, this very simplicity is what makes the show comforting for some viewers. The lack of significant drama or tension creates a light, fluffy atmosphere that can be soothing to watch, especially if you’re looking for something easy and heartwarming. The only moment of emotional conflict is when one character confesses their love, mistakenly believing the other has rejected them. This misunderstanding is quickly resolved in the span of a single episode, leading to a happy and stable relationship from that point on. Even the mother's initial disapproval barely disrupts the couple’s happiness, making this show ideal for those who prefer their romance without angst or turmoil.
Acting/Casting: Given the simplicity of the plot, the show relies heavily on the performances of its cast and the overall visual appeal to keep viewers engaged. The cinematography is polished and visually pleasing, giving the series an expensive, high-quality look despite its lack of a complex narrative. The two leads, in particular, shine in their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, and they convincingly portray a deep, affectionate love that makes their relationship believable and endearing. The absence of explicit NC scenes doesn’t detract from the intensity of their connection; instead, the actors use subtle expressions and interactions to convey the depth of their feelings.
Unfortunately, the supporting cast doesn’t quite measure up to the leads. While they are visually appealing and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the show, their performances can feel somewhat stiff or awkward at times. This inconsistency in acting might be noticeable, but it doesn’t detract significantly from the enjoyment of the show, as the focus remains squarely on the main couple. For viewers drawn in by the leads' adorable chemistry and the lighthearted tone of the series, the less impressive ensemble cast can be easily overlooked.
Music: The soundtrack of the show is serviceable, doing what it needs to without leaving a lasting impression. The music enhances the scenes appropriately, but none of the tracks are likely to stick with you once the episode ends. It fulfills its role in the background, complementing the visuals and acting without overshadowing them.
Rewatch Value: When it comes to rewatching, the show’s appeal varies depending on your preferences. The episodes leading up to the confession might feel a bit slow or uneventful, as they focus more on building up the relationship rather than delivering any major plot twists or surprises. However, once the confession occurs and the couple officially gets together, the series hits its stride. These post-confession episodes are brimming with sweetness and charm, making them perfect for rewatching whenever you need a dose of feel-good romance.
Despite its predictable plot and occasional lapses in acting, this show possesses a certain hidden charm that makes it worth recommending, especially to those who appreciate a light, fluffy love story. The strong chemistry between the leads and the comforting, drama-free narrative offer a relaxing viewing experience that can easily become a go-to comfort show for fans of the genre.
Was this review helpful to you?
I mean I guess you could watch it....
This show gave me nothing. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I eagerly wait for a new episode to be released each week? Also Yes. Did I day dream about the couple? You know I did....but still....I'm tempted to ask for a refund.The couple is super cute. The story is pretty far fetched although I guess in the realms of BL it's actually kind of believable lol. For me I don't think the chemistry was really there. I feel bad giving it a low score but when it's all said and done...I don't really have anything good to say about it. It's cute, no brain required type of watch which is often at time exactly what you need so go ahead and enjoy it...but tempter your expectations.
The potential for greatness is absolutely there. I would say the potential of the show is its redeeming factor....like you could create a better BL in your head (and I did [devil emoji] ) using the characters and plot from the series.
The final.....that really just added insult to injury in my opinion....
Was this review helpful to you?
Cute moments but choppy
This is a webdrama that really would've benefitted from being longer. There's the skeleton of a plot here but without the blurb I would've been really confused, there's not enough time to really make the emotions go as deep as it should, and sometimes there are logical jumps where it feels like scenes are missing.I still quite enjoyed it and the acting for Haebom is especially adorable, but you could tell that this was a webtoon adaptation and it was like they picked scenes from the comic to reenact.
Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful
a really beautiful show with a rating too low tbh. it's a really good one for Korea, casting was fab, no MAJOR drama but I quite liked that. it was a good one for a sad and lazy afternoon.please don't be turned off by some of these really extreme reviews I don't think some of them are justified at all. we all have our own taste but some are just missing the point
*slight spoiler*
I especially liked the characters of the friend and mother and how they were explored. I think the friend was just so lovely and shows the more accepting modern Korea slowly arising whereas the mother showed rhe fear and conflict the older generations fear for their children
Was this review helpful to you?
It's a slow and gentle story -- both the school bullying and short violence in the beginning and the initial coldness of Tae Seong's make the thawing of feelings and the beginning warmth between the couple clearer.
I really like the progression of the story, the pacing is right, the camera work is solid. I like that the young men change their hair style and their clothing when starting university. I also think both their body language changes with their changing feeling, though that point is more subtle.
There's one thing I wish would have been different. I feel that the sets and the colour palette of this series are very cool, too white, sometimes even a bit sterile. While this makes sense in the beginning (Hae Bom's room looks more like a guest room than a teenager's room -- but then again, he feels like a guest in this house), I would have like a shift to warmer colours in later episodes -- spring colours to go with the plot. Unfortunately, Tae Seong and Hae Bom's flat still looks impersonal and cold -- personal effects, a bit of untidyness could have helped. The strings of lighting, I'm sorry to say, only feel artificial to me. Still, this is something that I only can put in words now, after having watched this series several times, so it's really only a minor thing.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of My Favorite Korean BL’s
I love this series so much from the acting to the story and all the in between. This is one of my feel good BL’s because even though there is a bit of drama it’s handled very quickly. I pray and hope to see the leads in another project soon. The supporting cast was also stellar. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Was this review helpful to you?
