Must-watch thriller for anyone that enjoys cat-and-mouse storylines
Because I have a lot to say, I'll write a short and long review to make things easy.In short, this is one show that will remain in my memory for a long time. It kept surprising me at every turn, and although the story was at times maybe a bit too plot-twisty/unbelievable, it didn't bother me enough to make me stop watching as if I was nailed to my seat. The main thing about this drama is the amazing acting by the two main actors and its interesting concept. If I were to say one thing: nothing is as it seems - especially first few episodes. When I watched the first two episodes I thought this would be quite straightforward and wasn't yet pulled in as much, but a bit later I was absolutely hooked. To me, this is now one of my favourite k-dramas so far, and the best thriller/crime drama I've watched yet.
The synopsis of this drama doesn't say all that much. It didn't speak to me so much either, as it says so little about the actual story. However, any synopsis that doesn't spoil anything would do this drama a great injustice by making it seem too boring; but a synopsis that tells you what it is really about would spoil too much and ruin the story. So if you are in doubt because of the lack of a clear synopsis, I'll tell you now: it's worth it.
One thing I should mention is that some say this drama is about whether psychopaths are born or raised - that is not so much the case here. The series takes on a viewpoint that lies more firmly on the side of 'they are born'. The entire show starts off with the premise of 'what if we could detect people with psychopathy before they were born?', based on the existence of a psychopathy 'gene'. (Whether or not this is credible scientifically, I won't go into; although there is evidence on the gene MAOA having some influence on it.) But even more central than that question, is the following: "What if psychopathic murderers could feel guilt, remorse, pain?" - I refer to wikipedia for the backstory on how the scriptwriter came up with this idea. Although you won't understand what this question has to do when you start watching, it will become clear near the ending how this question has effectively created this entire plot. As for me, I think they definitely succeeded in what they set out to do.
Okay, now more in depth.
Plot: all in all, I absolutely loved the entire plot line. It pulled me in, and I was hooked all the way through. Although at times far-fetched, it is not so much so to put you off if you can suspend a bit of disbelief (for example, some medical improbabilities - for example the existence of one 'psychopathy gene'). In hindsight I absolutely see why these were necessary in fulfilling the central question/goal of this series. Most plot developments I did not see coming; or I saw them coming but the story convinced me otherwise so that I was surprised even at both the smallest and biggest plottwist of all. That is why I would rate this plot wise 9: thrilling, mysterious, dark and satisfying, with the exception of the few plot-twists that were a bit unbelievable.
Acting: this is what really elevated the drama to a 9.5 overall for me. Lee Seung-gi did a great job in portraying all aspects of his character and made me really believe in everything he said or did. He made me feel both sympathy and disgust, and is absolutely what kept me watching every time. Truly, his acting was phenomenal here, and for that alone I would recommend this drama to anyone who is debating whether or not to watch. Lee Hee-joon also did a stellar job in establishing his character's motivation and emotions. The supporting actors also did a great job.
Music: great - although I am one that is more geared towards the background soundtrack and not so much the songs with actual lyrics. The bgm was suspenseful and kept tension all throughout.
All in all, I think this is a must-watch for anyone who likes thrilling storylines and phenomenal acting. It is in my top 10 series, and perhaps even my number one crime/thriller/suspense kdrama so far. I will definitely be rewatching sometime in the future.
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This review may contain spoilers
Put your kdrama gear on, because it's one hell of a ride!
So where do I even begin? This show had been on my list since it was airing. I came to know about it when it had like 4 episodes out. My main reason to watch this show was none other than, Lee Seung Gi himself. Don't get me wrong, when i read the synopsis and saw snippets I was really sure that this was going to be like those mainstream shows - but boy was I wrong!I loved everyone in the show. The cast was PERFECT. I can't think of anyone who would've performed better than these people. But what was commendable was the emotions portrayed by these actors. It really felt like they were living THAT life.
The show did start a bit messy, it took a while for me to get my head around certain areas, but still it's one of those shows that made me zone-out at work. And when that happens, I know it's a blockbuster for me. Whenever the new episodes were supposed to out, I'd be like a lunatic stalking the # on twitter. Yeah I'm one of those who spoil the show for myself. xD
As for the characters, Jang Ba Reum was the villain and he wasn't. He was the hero and he wasn't. He was unfortunate to be born with the psycho gene, but then it gets me to this question - Is it really his fault to be born like that? Imo, if he was nurtured and brought-up with love, he would've over come his will to kill.
Moo Chi and Jang Ba Reum's interactions were my favourite through out. They would have been brothers in the next life JBR talked about in the last scene. Oh Bong Yi was commendable for moving on even after everything she had been through. Lastly Yo Han - HE DESERVED BETTER. HE DESERVED TO WATCH HIS SON GROW.
All in all it's a masterpiece for me. I know I should be hating JBR for all his murders but I couldn't seem to. I LOVED THAT PSYCHOPATH through and through.
IT'S A MUST WATCH!
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Best drama of the century
Never make you stop watching it once you started till the end! Even until it ended you will want more! A drama that make you think more as if you are having exam! Best till you want to write more reviews as a support! All the actors hopefully hopefully can get the best actors best of the best of 2021!!! So as the production team, all the details are so well manage until they linked all together and clearly demonstrate at the time. Will be a waste if never watch this drama! Very support everyone to watch and highly recommend! Highly recommend everyone give review after watching it as well!Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best dramas I've seen.
I don't want to write a too long review, or spoil much so... If you like crime, mystery and psychological thriller with insanely good and well written plot twists... This is the drama for you.Some say this drama dragged on for too long or was too confusing, but I disagree. Yes, it might have seemed slightly dragged on at some points, and there were various plot twists that might have confused some but I feel like it was all worth it because everything made sense in the end. This drama was absolutely incredible, and something I've been wanting to see for a while now.
But what really amazed me was Lee Seunggi. I always knew he was a good actor but wow... he exceeded my expectations. This drama would not be the same without him. If you can't find any other reason to watch this drama, watch it for him.
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Too many psychos not enough fresh ideas
Everyones been praising this drama to be one of the best kdrama thriller/suspense and as for someone like me who have watched almost every kdrama out there, it only takes one episode to determine whether or not a drama is worth watching and boy this one is surely drop-worthy.Idk why I dragged myself upto ep 14 for something predictable and a been-there-done-that plot.
At this point, screenwriters almost needs to add or mix up another genre to the police/psycho/suspense/thriller to make it interesting (ex: tunnel, duel, life on mars).
And dont get me started on the editing.
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Mouse what can i say!!!
Masterpiece. From a long time i haven't watched,, not from a long time i actually haven't watched this much of intense thriller and suspense kdrama with hard but reality-based ending . What a character transformation of lee seung gi after watching that we cay say that he shows the peck level of acting skills, you will goosebumps by seeing him acting it's really best performance by lee seung gi in MOUSE. Many folders are also not been opened .......Mouse also has a little bit of loose point but to compare to acting Lee seung gi blow all our mind towards him, what a brilliant acting, its really really intense to see him in a such character. I'm actually a big fan of lee seung since vagabond,after giving brilliant performance in vagabond the expectation is very high which is fully fulfilled by seung giThis drama has everything , it has romance action thriller, suspense, character growing healing everything
If you are a thrilled suspense lover this drama is perfect for you and the seung gi fans out there who whants to see seung gi in a intense villainic character mouse is for you.
At last i want to say that I'm very satisfied with the drama and special mention to the screenwriter and director did a great job by focusing what they want to saw us.
I'm giving highly recommended mouse for those who loves intense suspense drama with high intelligence.
Thank U
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This review may contain spoilers
The writer of this drama has the 1% genius gene.
One of the best drama of this genre i highly recommend this drama. Every thing is perfect literally the story, the amazing plot twists no matter of how you think the story will go trust me its beyond what you’ve imagined. Their acting are spectacular the way how lee seung gi (jung barum) aced his role and how he and ko mochi delivered their emotions I literally stood and clapped for their acting and their performance. I recommend to read the comments after each episode and read the watchers theories that what made this drama so special and unforgettable.XXX||my opinion with spoilers||XXX
I loved how this drama ended although it was sad and i cried alot but i knew there was no other ending that will end this perfect drama other than this they always make us sympathize with psychopaths its a k drama thing ⋆ᶿ̵᷄ ˒̼ ᶿ̵᷅⋆ and what i liked about this drama; they put the viewers in dilemma just to know who is the psycho i knew jung ba reum is the psycho from day one, also i had love and hate relationship with eobongi i love her acting but her role annoyed me sometimes also the other female actor the pd she had the worst role although I sympathize with her and i knew why she was like that but i despite the fact she left her family for 26 years while she knew they are searching for her. Other than those two roles i loved everything. I loved their bromance although it didn’t last long but when they work together to solve the case was the best teamwork. i loved the theories people made and how the writer made plot twists that wasn’t close to most of the theories. One thing that made me sad but at the end I understand why the writer did that; in the middle of the drama literally they where solving cases unrelated to the main point of the drama which is finding the psychopath and i was sad because i need progress to the story but there was hidden reason of why they took a long route just to understand and find the psychopath and i loved the plot twist behind it. They delivered a massage “the society makes us toxic not ourselves” This drama literally a must watch.
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Stupidly Overcomplicated! Disappointing!
This Drama started off with a BANG!I really liked the first episode, but then what did we get halfway into the Drama?
Just overcomplicated and uneccesary plot points. Filled with too many characters and
many cat and mouse chasing moments!
They just made twists to create confusion.
The story does have plot holes also.
And I did not like the sci-fi elements of the Brain Transplant!
They could have scratched that, and just made JBR lose his memory.
Because in the end, he still was a monster!
{{SPOILERS}}
What were the writers thinking? They made JBR kill his own Father?
((On episode 20, JBR was almost going to kill Choi young Shin..
And then he tells her, that he is no longer capable of killing someone!
But what happend in the end? He murdered his own Father!
That completely ruined everything for me! As he was redeeming his actions before.
Only to turn a complete 180 anyway? What did I just watch?
Even though the father is a monster, that is not justifiable.
And was not necessary at all, that actually ruined JBR turning more humane after the surgery.
So only to stay a monster even till the end?
The acting was good by Lee Seung Gi. And so was Lee Hee Joon.
And there were stupid characters in this drama.
The music was alright for a crime drama.
I would never rewatch this drama! After going through that bothersome second half of the drama.
Yet this Drama is not a complete waste of time. I liked the first 8 episodes. After that I started fast forwarding!
As the Drama went downhill. Becoming a disappointment.
If this is what happens, they could have made this straightforward .
I guess the saying "Keeping it simple and focusing on what matters."
Describes this entire Drama!
I will be dubious of Crime K-Dramas going foward now!
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A drama ,for who are seeking for puzzles with story...
I have watched so many dramas but I never felt this much curiosity for every episode until end.. from the beginning you can say that how much the screenwriter lived through this plot.. story is unpredictable after 16 th episode one by one story will expose itself.. even though it will gives you goosebumps.. if you seek for good suspenseful thriller here is the best one.. this drama rated very well but it deserves more.. enjoy your breath touching suspenseful hours with a great drama.. thank you for reading my review..Was this review helpful to you?
Nothing's what it looks like.
It was fantastic and thrilling. At least the first half.The story was good. It looks too obvious at first, you think you already know everything and may think it's boring, 'cause why watch it, when they tell us everything, but no, the things here are not that simple. You have to watch it, because nothing is what it looks like. Because of the twists and turns, it kept me in the screen all day, not to mention the OST (my favourite was that one with the organ), and the acting (especially Lee Seung Gi's, he was just fantastic).
But as we went on the story, and as we went nearer and nearer to the end, it became a little draggy. Things became more clean, the story became more predictable, the plot wasn't that dark and thrilling like before, the twists weren't surprising anymore. I suspected a way darker ending and deeper things behind all the happenings, and the last episode was just like they were in a hurry, and felt like they 'had' to answer all the questions in only ONE episode. In the last episode, things just happened one after another, like it wasn't whole, like they torn it apart to little peaces to answer all our questions and solve all the leftover problems, which they could've done better if they did it little by little maybe in the last 2-3 episodes.
And the ending - after I watched it, I just felt I really, really want to cry. It was unfair. I wanted something else. The person (I don't want to spoil) who recived the punishment, wasn't the same person anymore who DESERVED that punishment (if you watched the drama, you know what I mean), and it just felt so, so unfair, even if I know it was the proper thing to do.
After all, I gave this a 9, because I'm in deep love with the first half. It compensated me for everything they've done in the end. I've put this in my "TOP" favourites list, and it's possible that I will watch it again some time later.
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Fairy tales are just a fantasy..
After so long, I found this underrated masterpiece. The casts did a great job portraying their characters. The writer gave us a thrilling experience throughout the whole drama. And left us a message. A message to create a better world. A message to let the world be a better place for us, humans.Religion helps you to develop your characteristics, your morality. But why God made some of us like that? Enjoying to see humans being in pain, being in fear, being threatened to get killed? It's their fault. Their genes are like this. But circumstance also matters. If he could get love from his family he could've been a better human. But in society they're no better than monsters, an object for experiments, an object they can easily get rid of by just a simple voting. Humans can even kill them before they can see the light of the world. Actually humans are the real monsters.
Anyone with psycho genes can commit murder. But from Ba reum's character development, the writer gave us a hint that if he was loved by his mother for the way he was, he could have been different. But that's not the case. His family got killed. He didn't want to be a monster. He wanted to believe that Sung Yohan's brain was fabricating his memories. But they're actually his memories. He envied people for not committing sins. His ideology was that People who do not commit sins are sinners. It was actually because of his overall resentment toward GOD, As God made him a monster and slowly he was becoming that.
In food chain, animals who are at top slaughters those in bottom.
From childhood, we are used to hearing stories with moral teachings. What if we turn those stories in real life? But in a darker theme? with a murder concept? Those who've chose to follow God's teaching, who do not have those seven sins are sinners and are bound to get punished?
Being evil is not what you chose, the society made you chose that. You're a criminal's son, a evil person's son so you're also evil. That's the perspective of us.
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A masterpiece, or a waste of time?
The beginning of the drama was quite well developed, but as the episodes passed, a mess began to happen. The story at first glance may seem magnificent, but it has many poorly developed plots that in the end are simply ignored or simply poorly explained.Not to mention several characters that add nothing to the story and the amount of themes that are surreal. I think Mouse should be put in the "Fantasy" category.
I have the perception that the screenwriter hit his head very hard and wrote an inexplicable madness from episode 10 onwards. The biggest problem was that the plot was too obvious and they dragged it out for 20 long, boring episodes (which I thought would get better with time, but it didn't).
I gave this drama a chance because it was and still is highly recommended and it was definitely very popular when it first came out, but I don't understand all the hype. Maybe it's because of the excellent performance of the cast, I praise them very much for that. If it wasn't for the acting, I would have given up within the first 5 episodes.
I believe they could have focused on one thing without inserting a thousand things that in the end would not be resolved, which would make the drama exceptional.
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