“Snowfall” 冰雪谣 breathes fresh air into C-dramas with a vampire protagonist, a role practically tailor-made for Vengo Gao Weiguang, who exudes an aura of mysterious allure. While the show has its issues, it seems fair to say he’s certainly the highlight of the drama. The show recently ended for Tencent VIP subscribers so let’s get to discussing.
It Has Its Appeal
Given that the main character is over a hundred years old, a mature actor was needed, and Vengo Gao Weiguang, who was in his late 30s at the time of filming, fits perfectly. Vengo shared a significant 17-year age gap with his co-star Ouyang Nana, who was 21 when they shot this in late 2021 to early 2022. While she often drew criticism for her acting in the past, this may just be her most memorable role. Despite still having mixed reactions, from viewers who feel she fell short in conveying the pain of a blind girl abused by her family, others found her portrayal of the character’s strength and innocence endearing.
Adapted from the novel Ru Yue 如月 by Ni Luo 尼罗, an author known for works like “Monster Killer” and “Rattan,” “Snowfall” stands out for its unique premise and goth-themed visual style, from costumes to its Republican setting. However, like many C-dramas, the ending is the weakest part. Spoilers ahead.
Not the Ending People Wanted
The climactic final battle sees Mu Li Hua (Tang Jingmei) becoming overpowered, with even the combined strength of brothers Shen Zhiheng (Vengo Gao) and Situ Weilian (Winwin Dong Sicheng) unable to defeat her. Li Yingliang (Ren Shihao) who was crazy evil over his sister’s death has a change of heart, remembering the good Shen Zhiheng did for him and dies to save Shen. Mr. Mo’s (Li Muge) assistance allows Shen Zhiheng to finally defeat Mu Li Hua, but by this time, Milan has been taken to sea to break the Mu family curse.
Shen arrives just in time to save Milan, but an explosion occurs on the boat. In the final moments of the two drifting at sea, Shen Zhihen admits to Milan that he’s at the end of his life, while urging her to live on. At least Situ Weilian returns to Jin Jingxue (Maggie Huang) for a happy ending.
In contrast, the main couple’s ending in the drama where Shen Zhiheng dies was the typical disappointing ending that echoed the conclusions of many other Chinese dramas. The worst part is that the novel it’s based on had a very clear happy ending, so it was just made tragic for the sake of it. It’s why fans of the show choose to believe that the story ends in 23 episodes when the finale was in the 24th episode. Many fans are also demanding a continuation or perhaps another season to give the main couple their proper conclusion as opposed to that abrupt ending.
Director’s Response and Writer’s Alternate Ending
Snowfall was helmed by the same writer and director behind Rattan. Director Li Muge (he also plays Mr. Mo) who faced a lot of backlash actually ended up closing his Weibo. He had this to say about the ending, “The camellia blossomed in the courtyard, and the first spring rain came. On the sea, the ship’s whistle sounded. . . . These two people have had a hard time. Thank you for your criticism and likes. If there are any shortcomings, I hope you will forgive me.” He also said he’ll go all out for a blatant ‘HE’ (happy ending) next time which seemed to imply the ending this time with the flowers blooming is a “not-so-blatant” happy ending.
Even screenwriter Wang Hong mentioned that the drama had an “open ending.” Nonetheless, the Snowfall screenwriter just went on social media to write up her version where the characters find happiness in modern day. She wrote, “In another world, they are very, very happy”
Source: 1
avarachika
Cdramas and their ridiculously love for SE. Too much is too much just for the sake of a SE/OE. Most of the time an ending is rushed for the sake of that darn SE which is nonsensical. Even if I’m not a writer, I’m emotionally invested in these characters and putting time to see these characters evolved so of course I’d be mad that they became unalive like why? Idk why these director or screenwriter never learn from Cnetizens’ bashes or just understand that a HE is what most people want to see. If a SE makes sense then no one will be mad because it fits the dramas’ sad theme, but when you start putting it in every drama and almost every drama is getting questioned if it will also be a SE then something is definitely wrong.
Tammie
Glad to know the ending. I will not be investing my time in watching Snowfall. Who likes a sad ending?
Janice
I am so sick of the sad endings. I love Chinese dramas but now I cringe every time I watch one because I am afraid of the ending.
Janet
The Snowfall drama is story wise unique and beautiful until the very end. It has a beautiful delivery and matching cast. Especially Vengo Gao, who plays the role of Shen Zhiheng is just brilliant. Ideal match for the Role. But the sad ending just kills everything. Where is the justice for the guy who do good? Hope they do a season 2 for this Drama, with the same cast, to recover their mistakes.