arpar

Great chemistry and fast paced

Everyone has different opinions, and that's why cdramas are so great because there's something for everyone.
This drama really suits what I like. The best point for me of this drama is the chemistry between the ML, FL and the FL's brother.
They make a great trio. You can immediately sense the chemistry between the ML and the FL. They look very natural and comfortable with each other. You can sense that the ML liked the FL at first sight, and that the FL only has eyes for the ML regardless of how many men chase her.
For me the flashbacks of the FL and ML's previous romance make me look forward to them getting back together even more. They both are very good at acting with their eyes, when they look at each other you can see their love and care for each other.
The FL's brother adds a nice comedic element to the main duo, and his character development is something you don't see much in similar dramas.

I've seen people say the ML's character is the same as in the rise of Ning (another drama which I liked a lot). Yes they do have similarities.
They are both scheming, have some sort of hidden agenda and control an influential group. However, in rise of Ning, his character is serious like 90% of the time, where as, while he is serious here, there are also a lot more moments where he plays a more comedic or relaxed role. I think his role in this drama is more similar to his role in 'are you the one.' There a more moments where he acts romantic, comedic or even foolish, that brings a lighter feel in my opinion.

One thing I think that sets this drama apart a little is the fast paced nature of the plot. Especially at the beginning, there are almost mini arcs regarding the FL's sisters that in another drama might take 5 or more episodes to see the problem or drama resolved. However in this drama, problems with the FL's sisters and problems the FL faces early on are resolved within 2 episodes normally. I like this fast paced nature as it keeps the plot engaging, but it can feel a little rushed and confusing at time due to the different characters being introduced in a short amount of time.

I also really like how for the most part any misunderstandings or secrets are cleared up explained quite fast, their communication and honesty is so refreshing (besides the FL's big secret, but that's understandable).

As for the main antagonist, I do think their overall 'reason' for hating the FL and her family is not really convincing, but they do sell it well and make it believable. I think this is due to the acting of the main antagonist. She does a great job of portraying her craziness but also calmness. As the main plot and main villains are revealed, I think the story continues to become more engaging.

I think overall, this drama blends romance, comedy and a bit of seriousness well. I really enjoyed the ML and FL's relationship and their trio with the FL's brother. To me, they really made this show. The villains are engaging and it's interesting to find out the reason they hate the FL, even though in the end some may consider her reason silly. The main villa does a good job of selling it. If you are a fan of the FL or the ML, you will definitely enjoy their romance and their chemistry, and will thus enjoy this drama, just like I did.

Read More

Nice mix of romance and mystery

I really enjoyed this drama, even though this drama has some angst, I think the romance was really well done, and the mix of mystery added an extra layer that kept me engaged. Watch out for some spoilers.

Romance: It's not a really angsty romance, even though there was a breakup or technically a break as they weren't official yet midway though, thus there was some angst, you always knew they would eventually make up. You know from the beginning no one else has a chance. And once they are together from 20 onwards, they are as solid as a rock. Some might say their romance is boring, but I enjoy romances that are peaceful and supportive, and that's exactly what they had. I really enjoyed their romance and think it was maturely done, with lots of support and cute/hot moments when they became official. Some say the FL has communication problems at the beginning, and yes I do agree, but I also understand why it was hard for her. Her experiences were definitely traumatic and hard for her to communicate with the ML. But once they were together, there communicated well and never kept secrets. If you enjoy supportive and mature romance I think this is the one for you, just wait till they are together, its a great relationship.

Mystery: The mystery added an extra element that keeps you guessing almost the whole way through. I think this balanced the peaceful romance from ep 20 onwards, as the focuses shifted more to the mystery. Some reviews said they did not see a lot of police work done at the beginning. That is true, but it takes maybe around 8-10 episodes for the mystery to really begin and that's when the police work starts coming into focus. In the end the "bad guy" was a predictable but the many layers of the mystery did keep it engaging. Finding out who's involved, what really happened and the motives, is what keeps this mystery engaging. But it does take time to really kick in so give it some time.

Overall, I really liked this drama and think it was a good blend of romance and mystery. It may not be for everyone and the start can be a bit slow, but if you stick with it I think it's quite engaging and the romance is endearing. It's not action packed or hot and sexy (although there are some hot scenes, one in particular) but if you're looking for a nice mix of romance and mystery, this is an enjoyable watch.

Read More

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, but who exactly is who?

In my opinion, Mobius is an almost perfect mixture of a brilliantly intriguing and thought provoking mystery and Hong Kong style action, with a subtle hint of romance and comedy to top it off.

Mobius follows an ML with the unique able to perceive time loops. Essentially, on random days, from midnight to midnight (24 hours), the day will reset and repeat itself 5 times. As soon as midnight hits, the day will be reset 24 hours into the past, resetting everything that happened during that day; deaths, injuries, memories, everything resets to as it was 24 hours ago. These loop days repeat 5 times, with nothing being permanent, until the 5th and final loop day. After which, what ever happened on that 5th day is permanent and time continues forward. ML is a time loop perceiver, meaning he is able to retain his memories of these loop days, and thus change what occurs during the day. For example, we see him using these loop days to comedically try different hair cuts, knowing the day will reset. We also see him winning the lottery. No matter what he does during the first 4 loops though, only what happens on the 5th day becomes permanent.

Soon ML joins the police force and uses this ability to solve crimes. However, he stumbles upon two seemingly accidental deaths, which are in fact perfectly executed murders, all connected to a company called Moma Biotechnology, and its CEO. The ML soon realizes the killer is likely another time loop perceiver, someone using their ability to commit seemingly perfect murders. And there starts the central mystery. Some comments have called this show a drag as it only focuses on one main case. However, in my opinion, this show is anything but a drag. It is an intriguing cat and mouse game between the ML and the time loop perceiving villain known as Squid (and possibly even a third party). Mobius uses this unique concept to build anticipation throughout.

As we go from loop day 1, until loop day 5, things are continually changing due to the interference of ML and Squid (and possibly even more parties). A contest between two time perceivers, one trying to solve a crime, discover the truth and protect the innocent, while the other with a goal of murder and seemingly a larger plan. I do admit, ep 3 and 4 can be seen as a bit slow compared to the rest of the show, but I also understand they needed to set the base loop (loop day 1), for the story to build off. And once they set that loop day 1, build they did! The story unfolded like an onion, each loop day pealing back a new and intriguing layer. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat, thinking, theorizing, piquing my curiosity to the max. As each loop day passed, we witnessed new perspectives, new clues, new backstory, new characters and we witnessed the domino effects and the consequences of ML and Squid (and possible others) altering the timeline of events.

In my opinion, the choice to focus on a single case was a smart choice. While not for everyone (and thats ok), those that enjoy an in-depth mystery, seeking out clues, and trying to build their own case in their minds, will definitely enjoy this drama. As each loop day passed, we were continually thrown new twist and turns, that kept me engaged. We were drip fed information, backstory and clues. As a result, I felt like I was a detective alongside ML, building the case together and piecing clues together, as we found out more and more information. Thus, the unique premise of loop days allows us to see a vast number of differing perspectives, also witnessing the differences between loop day 1 and the following loop days as both the ML and Squid made changes to try and achieve their goals, with some consequences being at the cost of innocent people. This story was almost a depiction of man vs destiny/fate, seeing if it was humanly possible, to change what was destined to happen.

As loop days past, anticiaption built, as well as the number of questions I had. For example, are ML and squid the only time loop perceivers, or are there more? This drama did a very good job of portraying a number of morally ambitious, gray characters right until the very end. Thus, we were kept constantly guessing; who is the villain? Is there more than one villain? Who is on whose side? Is there more than simply two sides? And many more questions. A good sign of a good mystery thriller. Essentially, as we found it more, the story seemed to mirror the old saying: the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind? And if so, who is the mantis, who is the cicada and who is the oriole.

As the loops passed, and the story unfolded we realize that this mystery was much larger than just the murder of two executives, it was not juts a simple cop vs villain story, but something much deeper with more than just two opposing sides. In my opinion, there are two villains, one obsessed with the woman he loves but cannot save, and thus would not let anything get in his way, doing whatever means necessary to try and save her. The other, obsessed with his research, similarly, abandoning everything and everyone, doing whatever necessary to achieve his goals. Two sides of the same coin. However, I will leave the rest for you to find out, as the journey is where the fun comes from, when it comes to mystery dramas.

As for the action, the director mentioned utilizing a 'Hong Kong' action style in this drama, and boy does it pay off. Episode 1 hits you in the face with nostalgic Jackie Chan vibes when he starred in Police Story or Rush hour. The action portrays the ML as an almost super-heroesque cop, just like in the Chinese police actions films of the 80's and 90's when Hong Kong style action thrived. While the action is sparse, mainly contained within 2 or 3 episodes, it is worthwhile, with superbly executed, and cleanly choreographed set pieces. Building on his theme, the drama combines a blend of mandarin and cantonese dialect and actors, as it was filmed throughout Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong. This in my opinion sets the drama apart, giving it a gripping realism.

The romance is subtle and does not bloom until the final few episodes. However, throughout we see the care and affection the ML and FL have towards each other, displayed so beautifully through subtle glances and tension filled conversation. However, we also feel that there is a constant barrier preventing this romance from blossoming, and it is only until this barrier is broken, that the romance fully blooms, and blooms beautifully.

There is also comedy sprinkled throughout, not heave and prevalent, but a nice surprise when it appears. Mainly with the police squad. I want to give them a mention, I really enjoyed their interactions with each other. Not only did they bring a comedy element from time to time, they played vital roles in assisting the ML. When the two squads were combined, and with how ML works, I was worried there would be conflict or even betrayal such as an inside man. Thank god there wasn't. There was constant trust throughout the whole squad. The ML from day 1 realized he would need help, he never tried to everything alone. I really appreciate this aspect, he didn't try to do everything. He delegated, trusted and utilized his teammates as a good leader should. And in return they trusted and helped him without questions at every turn. A really beautiful display of a police squad working together with implicit trust.

A quick word on the OST. I wish they were played more often, especially the song for the final fight. It was hauntingly beautiful. Each song incorporated elements of the story and time loop in their lyrics wonderfully. Thought it was really smart. I just wish they were played more often and there were more of them. Since I mentioned it, a quick word, the ending was beautiful and perfect. A completely satisfactory ending, could not have tied up everything any more perfect, and did not forget the side characters that we wished would also get a happy ending. And again, the final showdown between the ML and squid was beautiful choreographed, written and acted, with a sublime song to go with it.

Ultimately, this is a mystery, investigative thriller. Do not expect action every episode. Do not expect a hot and heavy romance. This drama is built upon patience, and curiosity. Patience to witnessthe story unfold, and curiosity to continue as we are introduced further and further into the loop days. While not for everyone (and again thats ok), this drama was truly brilliant for me. Besides the previously mentioned ep 3 and 4, every episode kept me on the edge of my seat. As new clues, backstory, motives and consequences were unfurled through each passing loop day, and new characters and their connections introduced, I just got dragged deeper and deeper into the mystery of who is Squid and how many time loop perceivers are there really? Whose side is everybody on? Is there more than only two sides? Who is good, who is bad? The anticipation for the final loop day 5 was expertly built, and I truly felt not only the consequences and stakes, but that even though I had been through 4 loop days, there were still many twists and hidden cards yet to be played and discovered.

I cannot truly put into words how engaged I was with the central mystery. I might sound like a broken record, but this drama truly did a great job of building upon each passing loop day. Each loop day gave us more and more information, more and more twists, new characters and more and more shocking moments. As it slowly pushed us towards the inevitable final day, the story telling was like slowly witnessing a puzzle coming together or peeling back an onion, I truly felt myself piecing together more and more clues as the show presented them, finding my theories either correct or incorrect as we found out more information. The show truly made me feel as if I was a character myself, and that is exactly what a good mystery thriller does. It makes you feel like you are involved, like you are solving the case as well. And it makes you question who is the villain right till the very end. A good mystery thriller gives you many suspects, and allows you to slowly eliminate them one by one as the story progressing, never being truly sure who the villain is, until the end.

The concept of the time loop allowed us to truly be immersed in the investigate process. It allowed us to find out information and clues when the show wanted us to, thus keeping alive central mystery of the story right until the very end; as the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, who exactly is who?

Do not worry though, we get a happy ending for our ML and FL (beautiful kiss), police squad, and even the delivery driver and professor You get their happy ending, happy endings all around. Justice prevails, or does it?! With that ending, season 2 anybody?

Read More