Mouse (2021)

This review is more to vent and appreciate all the aspects of the drama for my own purpose

From the beginning till the end I was hooked. like a fish out of water, each episode was like oxygen I needed. I could not stop and I would have binged the whole 20 episodes in one go if the normal human body allowed it but useless instincts took over at times. Pathetic human bodies am I right?

In the beginning, I was doubtful. The first 2 to 3 episodes were a clash of scenes and characters. Random killers and families and pregnant women. For me honestly, it was like an information overload. I still loved it though, no doubt there. As that random person on Rick and Morty said, "this information will be important later." Now, the story sticks to its plot of 'what if psychopaths' genes could be detected before they were born. A creative idea worth exploring. The plot is interesting and the avenues they explored to showcase the pros and cons of such an unrealistic idea were entertaining. I say unrealistic because let's face it, as someone in the science department the number of flaws, ethical regulations, and whatnot even pertaining to this idea is insurmountable. But lets not get into the semantics of science.

This drama revolves around the consequences one single step can induce. Every single episode was a whirlwind of emotions and questions that really made me think more about the moral obligations we face every day. In terms of pacing, the drama deserves a 9/10. Simply because I believe they could have wrapped it up nicely in 16 episodes. At some points I found the dialogue to be tedious and some scenes to be unnecessary. Like that scene where Seung Gi stands in front of the cross and declares that he's diety. I realize that that scene might be the ultimate act of sinning; the act that showed how monstrous he is but DAMN the number of times I had to see that scene nearly made me want to punch a wall.

The storyline cleverly shows us two halves of the same story and at the first half, you see scenes that make you think you've figured out everything but then comes the revelations, and when you finally understand you've been duped, by then you can only appreciate how they've managed to hook you line and sinker, even though half of it is a lie. As the story unweaves itself you realize that the information, in the beginning, was indeed important for later. Scenes that make you go "ahhh" and "ohhh" and *gasp* are my favorite scenes and there was a surplus of this in the drama.

In the end, this drama left me feeling emotionally drained in a satisfying kind of way. Not every character got the ending they wanted but in my eyes, it was the ending they needed. The only ending I feel conflicted about was *cue gasp* Lee Seung Gi. Yep, I said it. Why? okay so hear me out, he was a psychopathic killer I agree but this was before his brain transplant. Prior to his transformation, he put on an act. To the normal eye, he was an adorable, kind of air-headed, and a naive young officer who was a goody-two-shoes who was actually a psycho serial killer. Okay. Now after the transplant, he developed emotions right? and the kind act he put on actually became his persona. He came to believe his act and that in turn became his memories. This brings me to the question, is he the same person as he was one year ago? No.

Just like that question where if we replaced all the old planks of an antique ship with new planks, would it still be the same old ship or would it be a new ship? The planks in this case are his memories. I might be going way off course here but imagine if something like this did actually happen and the killer never regained his memories of being psychotic. If he was judged, you would have to judge the person he was before the incident. This new person has no recollection and hence would hold no accountability in my opinion. Of course in reality, the said person would be convicted of his crimes nonetheless but it still got me thinking and in turn, I had conflicted emotions. I do not disagree with the end Seung Gi met. Looking at it from a logical point he has to be held accountable for his actions and rightly so. I disagree with the ending the non-psychopathic Seung Gi met.

Every character in the drama was complex and important. Except for the two useless detectives. Sheesh, sometimes the police were so useless istg. The acting was top-notch and the soundtrack was grade A.

Lire davantage

Astonishing thriller story with incredible plot twists

First of all I gave the rewatch value only 7 because I personally think It would be a boring thing watching it again because you know all the incredible plot twists. In many reviews about mouse some people thinks there is some unwanted scenes. I completely disagree because you need to see and understand every little details to enjoy the full story. Mouse has than more twists than it's episode number. Just kidding. But it's true that there is some amazing plot twists. Some of them were completely unthinkable and some of them were I think it could be guessed? Mouse is a drama that will keep you at the edge of your seat until it ends. Every episode ends at a certain point that you can call cliffhanger. Each episode ending is so unexpected. Undoubtedly it is one of the best dramas I have seen. This is an absolute masterpiece for me. If you are thinking about watching it then do yourself a favor and watch it. You will not regret it.
I think mouse deserves more fame & popularity. Every thriller lover should watch this at least once in their life. Those who look for romance in every drama. Mouse is not for them.

Lire davantage

ONE OF THE BEST CRIME-THRILLER DRAMAS

This is one of the best crime-thriller dramas I've watched. I was always amazed with how every episode was made. The gradual reveal of the truths kept me excited the whole time. All the actors and actresses were so good!! I really felt their emotions especially Lee Seunggi and Lee Hee Jun. This needs more appreciation!

If you're looking for a psychopath/crime thriller series, this one's for you! Just prepare your mind and your heart. Everything went by quickly with just 20 episodes.

100% will rewatch. I think there are some clues I missed while watching before and I'd like to see them clearly now :)

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Intriguingly Controversial yet Complicatedly Satisfying

A longer-than-usual review to a very complex drama. The simile between the mouse and the killer's sneakiness was definitely not lost on me from the drama's opening scene, which dictated the nature of the drama. Well done, show. I love crime shows, and to have Lee Seung-gi back as what seemed like a kind, honest rookie police officer in Jung Ba Reum after Vagabond (still waiting on season 2) was a wonderful treat. And as unassuming as Jung Ba Reum's character sounded, it's what happens to him when he one day comes face to face with the evil he probably didn't recognize at the time that completely impacts him, his life, the people around him, and career path that makes him interestingly complicated to watch.

On the other hand, having Lee Hee Joon as Ko Moo Chi; was my first encounter with Hee Joon as an actor, seeing how he navigated the persona of a hardened detective whose life was motivated by the tragedies he suffered as a young child and subsequently as an adult was intriguing to watch; a job beyond well done. I am a fan. I completely understood his obsession; guilt is a terrible burden.

As great as it was to have Kyung Soo-Jin in another reporter role after the outstanding splash she had with her short but powerful role in Hush but this time as Choi, Hong Joo a tenacious and a dedicated journalist who gives her all to her work as disappointing for not using the full potential her character could've made in the flow of the drama.

Park Joo Hyun was another new face for me, but the synopsis on her role as Oh Bong Yi, a troubled high school student scared by a decade-old incident who lives with her grandmother and would rather go to the gym than study, piqued my interest. All the characters had the most interesting development as the drama progressed in a very complicated kind of way, but then the same could be said of all the characters.

Everybody has a story, and from its first episode, Mouse gave the vibe of a drama, willing to take the dark path to not only capture a horrific serial killer but raise and explore the complex issues around psychopathic behaviors through the use of fetal genetic testing to predict or detect antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits in the womb and the suitability of bringing such a child into the world. Ahn Jae Wook as the demented Han Seo Jun was splendid, and he does for sure give credence to the issues the drama raises. Talk about the controversy and the drama stayed true to its complicated tone throughout its run and brought to the forefront the preconceived notions a society may have on what it means to be born with psychopathic traits and its effects on those labeled as such.

By the end of the drama, I understood how everybody felt broken for Yo Han (great acting by Kwon Hwa Woon) for the hopeless life he lived and how he died, but I am more broken for Jung Ba Reum. He never had a chance of becoming anything other than what they all perceived him to be from when he was born; everybody who crossed his life failed him desperately. The one good thing Ba Reum's father ever did for him was to give him part of Yo Han's brain, and that in itself was ironic. I am glad his end was at the hand of the very son he so willfully tried to save. Daniel Lee, in my opinion, was the culprit that started the whole mess that miserably directed Yo Han and Ba Reum's life. He planted the most atrocious seed in everybody's mind with the psychopathic gene.

And even if Daniel Lee wasn't responsible for how everyone behaved after, he was for sure responsible for the power of the suggestion. Not all psychopaths are criminals. It's a fact that some psychopathic traits link to success. So, rather than work so hard to try and pass into law aborting fetuses and whatnot, wouldn't it have been more meaningful if they'd worked just as hard at ensuring they became upstanding members of society as they did, making them into predators. All Ba Reum ever wanted was for someone to love him, hug him, and let him know he wasn't a monster. Kudos to Lee Seung Gi for a job beyond well done in one of the most complicated roles I have ever seen him do. And if Seung Gi was excellent, Lee Hee Joon was phenomenal. Despite how complicated this drama gets, I enjoyed it to the fullest, and I highly recommend it.

Lire davantage

Must watch.......

So I don't know how to start this because I can't get any particular words mainly because i scared if i tell something which may leads to a spoiler, i mean of course reviewing about a complete thriller drama will be more difficult i have to think twice before i spill something. So i definitely be careful about that. Mouse was an outstanding drama. Its a kind of a show which i never watched before from kdrama. First of all a big salute to the writer and director for making such an extraordinary screenplay also Lee Seung gi for took that courage to come up with this outstanding performance.

You can't predict that easily when you watching this at the time of it airs, because everything was so messed up and you don't know what's going to happen next and they left so many loopholes in each and every episodes which even more confusing. But some of them may you can definitely predict in some point later, but i am sure there were something left for you to feel wondered after watching.

The story telling was top notch and the detailing of all the incidents was also excellent. There is a huge back story about all those incident so the 20 long Episodes was understandable. And the performance wise apart from lee seung gi the actor who done that role detective kim muchi was also just fabulous. And the background score played a big part to make this more intense.

Mouse surely not a usual psychopath crime thriller, it has more to say. And the concept they are dealing here was also looks innovative and i haven't seen this anywhere before.. So am stopping here.. Don't think too much or go through the plot or the clippings, just watch and experience it..

A Must Must watch drama

Lire davantage

"Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping" (lmao)

The cliffhanger, the suspense, the twists - 'Mouse' has it all. The first episode really gets you hooked on the drama. Even if you are not a fan of thriller, this will surely get you to like it. And if you ARE a fan of thriller, crime, mystery (like myself) I HIGHLY suggest you to watch the drama. There isn't one episode where you wanna skip or feel like you got bored of it. The end of every episode fills your mind up with questions and theories. The story was well-written. And can't forget about the actors, which made the drama more appealing to watch. It's a first to see a killer's perspective and not a victim's in a drama. You get to see WHEN, HOW and WHY his unfortunate life made him what he is.

So, to keep it short- You won't waste your time and I promise you will surely enjoy every bit of it. So.....GO WATCH IT NOW!

Lire davantage

An interesting premise done terribly

Warning: This show has a LOT of on screen violence against both kids and animals. Yes, it's blurred, but you know what's happened/what something is.

This show was certainly something. It had everything. Eugenics. Serial killers. Vengeance. Police being bad at their jobs. Problems that could have been solved if just one person answered their phone. Amnesia. Brain transplants. Murder. Government conspiracies.

And that is the problem. It had everything, so it wound up being a mess. There were bits and pieces of good ideas in the show, but the way that it came together was...not good. I finished it out of fascination, going 'what the hell' the whole time. And then in the end, the government conspiracy is successful! The bill passes!

I found the editing very confusing, especially in episode one. I was so confused about how each scene related to the others with the 'two years before' 'one year later' 'ten years ago'. It took me until like halfway through the show to actually cobble together what the actual timeline for those events was. I get that part of the point with the editing was that it was supposed to be misleading so that the reveal partway through actually means something, but there's ways to do that without making it hard to figure out what year it is when something's happening.

A lot of my frustration stems from the fact that there is that kernel of an interesting idea at the centre of the story: If we can identify a genetic disposition to violence and we identify a child as having this genetic marker, if the child has violent outbursts, are they naturally occurring or were they caused by society/family/community having treated that child as if their existence was violent in and of itself before the child was even capable of making choices?

Lire davantage

Solid 8.5 - not for the faint-hearted and impatient

I'll try to keep it short: This drama is a good psychological thriller, the perfect example of a roller coaster ride show with all it's twists and turns, ethical conflicts and not to forget all the characters and names to remember xD. It's further dark and intense, might not be everyone's cup of tea.

It was messy in some parts and also tiring in others, because so much was going on with so many characters involved. What also bothered me was the editing in some episodes, they jumped from one scene to another with no transition like really scene 1 *cut* scene 2 *cut*, but other times it was so smooth that I was puzzled if they occasionally let an intern practice editing. Also, the middle part was a bit dragging BUT the first few episodes were mind-blowing and the last ones (the special ones as well) and especially the ending were so well-rounded, that I'm really glad I chose to watch this show.

The cast is great - fitting and really talented, everyone did a great job portraying their given characters, wouldn't be surprised if they get an award for "best ensemble of the year" or something similar. Special mention must be made of Lee Seung Gi and Lee Hee Joon - they understood the task and delivered. It's not easy to make the viewers feel the character's emotions be it fury or pain or joy, but it was a breeze for these two, found myself crying every time they did.

The background score was apt - well-timed and elevating the scenes.

All in all a good, captivating show which makes you ponder on ethics and morals.

Lire davantage

Best psychological thriller of era

I found out there were many mixed review for the series so am actually posting my opinion. This drama focuses more on psychological warfare rather than suspense and thriller. Though the main twist is predictable the detail revealation is what this show makes unique. They were many who dropped this show in midway due to illogical reasoning and confused editing but I personally find it interesring and intriguing because the same incident was shown in 2 different perspective. This drama has its own charm and is definetly not made to satisy everyone.

For those who are thinking whether to start this drama or not I'll suggest to give it a go. You need to watch it from Main leads perscpective as the revealation progesses slowly. Please dnt drop it mid way and give it a full go am sure u wont regret ur decision.

Special mention to cast especially LSG. Even I was planning to drop it but hold it out because of him and I truely was greatefull in discovering this masterpiece. LSG raises our bar among kdrama actors.

Lire davantage

Good! but not "Great"

So after hearing that this drama would be comparable to "Strangers from Hell" I kinda went in with high expectations. I wanted it to be just as thrilling and moving and In a way I did get what I wanted but It just wasn't as striking.

I want to give the highest praise for the acting and production. Lee Seung Gi and P.O. in particular had me almost crying near the end. The editing, direction, and music were all great to experience.

I personally feel that the biggest disappointments of the show come from it's writing. There are multiple instances where I feel like the drama does not even attempt to respect the intelligence of its audience. There are so many fake outs and deliberate misdirections that aim to increase the longevity and the intensity of the show but end up working against it instead. When you do take the time to notice things and take note of certain clues and facts that you've been given, the drama never takes the time to vindicate a viewer's theory at any point in time until the end.

I think of Dr. Daniel in the amusement park and just Yohan in general. It was painfully obvious that he wasn't the Killer but the drama kept insisting on that which just made it more unsurprising when the real killer is revealed.

I feel like the highest priority of the show at any point in time was to cause as much discussion and controversy and surprise as possible. There is a philosophical side to its story and I think that it tries to make a statement but at the same time it kind of fails towards the end.

I still enjoyed it and would recommend it!

Lire davantage

This drama is on a scale of its own!!

I have been watchig kdramas for 10 years and I'm telling you this drama is on a scale of its own!
First of all the acting in this drama is beyond spectacular, the actors did a great job specially Lee Seung Gi. It's the first time he plays a role like this and he absolutely slayyy all his scenes I'm very proud of him.
The story line is completely different from the typical thriller drama, this one is full of and mystery (many people couldn't take it and drop it) too bad because is Masterpiece indeed.
The story line gets you involved since episode 1 and from there is a roller coaster, you start to suspect everyone to the point you just give up making theories and decide to just watch.
One thing I love and praise this drama is for giving us special episodes...that allow us to understand as it shows the different side of the coin.
Perfect ending writing is honest without any safe play they told the story with full of thrills from ep 1 to 20.

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