I went into this show blind, not knowing anything about the premise and while it was excellent, I really wasn't prepared for this journey.
A crime/suspense thriller with the faintest sprinkles of science fiction, romance and comedy. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say it is a fascinating examination of serial killers and it may be the first time I've seen a K-Drama use the storytelling device of the unreliable narrator/protagonist.
If you like K-Dramas like Signal, Beyond Evil or even Strangers from Hell, I think you'll like this show.
It is brilliantly written, directed, acted and has a surprisingly fantastic soundtrack.
Highest recommendations!
Was this review helpful to you?
| ABOUT THE CHARACTERS |
JUNG BA REUM, THE INCREDIBLY GOOD
Jung Ba Reum is the kind of character that you start hating or loving. There isn't a middle way. The figure of the good and naive officer is captivating and you just will get involving in his charms and sensibility. I'm not the kind of person that loves the good guy character so, in the first episodes, Ba Reum was pretty annoying for me. But with the process, I started to fall in love (Lee Seung Gi power, right?) and he totally got me. The development of the character is amazing and this is the man who will blow your mind and make you question what is justice and right like his name already invokes since the beginning. I'm suspicious to say, but Lee Seung Gi gives everything in this character. I went from the laugh to the passion, to the hate, to the sadness... Everything at the same time. This guy deserves his fame, without question.
GO MU CHI, THE BROKE DETECTIVE
Go Mu Chi was the edgy character that makes me tense in most part of the episodes. He is a traumatized detective who passes through many things in his life since his childhood, which was marked by the murdering of his parents by the Headhunter. Mu Chi is crazy, but also very smart, but in many moments I was frustrated by his stupid and recklessness. I joked with a friend that the problem of Mu Chi was his love with alcohol (maldita cachaça). This character made me cry a lot and, for me, he carried the heavy part of this show. His story is impressive and the consequences of the things that happened to him were also breathtaking. I met Lee Hee Joon when I watched "The legend of the blue sea" and at the time I already loved his performance. He is a great actor and this time wasn't different.
BONG YI, THE ANNOYING WARRIOR
Bong Yi is a traumatized character that you have to accept and understand. This isn't my favorite type of character, but I tolerate her because of the process (yeah, everything is about the process). She passed through a very difficult situation when she was a child and also lost her parents, being raised by her grandma. In the beginning, you can think that she is just an annoying teenager, but in the following episodes, you can realize that she is actually a strong girl. I was cheering for her, expecting that she could have a normal life someday. The first work of Park Joo Hyun that I watched was "A Piece Of Your Mind" (there is a review here), and she looks so mature at the time, so when I saw her on "Extracurricular" and now here, I was very surprised. She is young and I think she can do many interesting things in the future, considering her effort in doing "Mouse".
CHOI HONG JOO, THE MYSTERIOUS ONE
This is a character that I can't talk about almost anything without giving some spoiler. Choi Hong Joo is a mysterious reporter that has a big interest in the case of Headhunter and is close to Detective Mu Chi. It seems that she wasn't so important, but believe me, she is. She has an unknowing past (and present) that makes us suspicious of everything related to her since the beginning. It was my first time seeing a work of Kyung Soo Jin, and I really thought she was great on this. I couldn't predict almost anything about her, and she surprises everyone until the last episode.
HAN SEO JUN, THE HEADHUNTER
Han Seo Jun is more seeing in the first episode and in some flashes, but his character is the key to everything. Here is another character that I can say much about, but it was incredible to hate this guy. This character is pure evil and cynicism, and the performance of Ahn Jae Wook was just amazing. It was his first complete villain character and we have to praise him because he kills it (literally).
| HIGHLIGHTS |
The production and the script are really exciting. If you like thrillers you probably will enjoy this show. The performance of the main actors is also amazing and makes you immerse in every moment and feeling. I love plot twists, and this is something that you will have a lot here. The fight scenes are very exciting and real, and we can see the effort made by everyone on the team.
| LOW POINTS |
If you like thrillers like me, you can consider "Mouse" as an exaggerated drama. The plot twist is cool, but this happens in many moments of the plot and sometimes we feel a little confused and lost. I started to fix my attention after episode seven, when the bigger twist happen, but before that is a little difficult to catch up with the story. I started to deduce the truth in the beginning and see each episode trying so hard to make us think another way, even sometimes creating unnecessary tension, it was a bit annoying. But I'm saying this because I have to say something bad, because in the process I loved even when I was pissed of, lol. The science part is something that you can't take seriously. They explore the poetic license very hard and create almost a fantasy, and if you want real science and logic, this isn't for you.
| FINAL CONSIDERATION |
As I said, I have some points that made me a little distrustful in the beginning, but I loved every moment that I passed watching and theorizing about this drama. I will give the CHOSEN ONE (★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★) title for this because even with the low points I could enjoy everything and feel the tension and passion that was promised. I'm watching the special episodes these days and I have to say that this opens your mind to many things. "Mouse" is for sure a drama that you can rewatch over and over to understand and see things that you don't in the first time.
And you? What did you think about this one?
See you soon!
XOXO, Mari.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
MASTERPIECE? MY ASS
Mouse is absolute Flop for me! I finished this drama without dropping so where's my award? I deserve it, there's no reason other than Yohan's justice for me to continue watching this never ending drama, finally it ended ✋? those stupid special Episodes were so annoying. I loved the drama till ep 6-8? Well before they did brain transplant and killed my love. Istg I even re watched ep 1-4 while it was airing because I was so into the theories but they had to ruin the whole thing. My main problem is that I couldn't love main leads at all, I loved Yohan only because his character was the best thing they did ? he was the only one who used his brain while others are just plain dumb and I couldn't like at all. I wouldn't even mind killing them all here lmaoo I just don't care. And the "love story" between the main leads was not a good move, from beginning I was like bitch foucs on your studies you are still high schooler and stop being so annoying.The whole oz makes no sense to me, like wtf they passed the law? Are they high or what and still no one complaining and giving this 10/10? This drama has way too many plot holes and they just dragged it too much. Also the plot twist are just so boring and no surprise. We predicted so much of it already. I was just so bored. All I can say is I expected so much from this drama but it went downhill so fast. Also if I told anyone to watch this drama when I was at ep 1-4, please forgive me and if you wanna watch then just don't. It's waste of your time
Was this review helpful to you?
You are most likely going to get a stroke watching this.
If your planning to binge-watch this drama then good luck!! cuz calling this drama intense is an understatement. You are most likely going to get a stroke watching it. The story is very detailed with multiple things happening in one-time frame so at times it's even overwhelming to keep up with how fast this drama spans out. This drama basically is about uncovering the mentality of a psychopath, the topic is deep, and if your too empathetic you're most likely to end up feeling like a psychopath yourself at the end of the drama.The drama focuses mainly on the mystery and chasing after a psychopath, so there is no romance to talk about. although at one point they give us a taste of romance it's taken away unceremoniously before we can even enjoy it.
And a friendly piece of advice, while watching this don't try to guess who the psychopath is from the beginning, because whoever you think it is is probably not the one, and even if you do, the story is not gonna unfold the way you think it will. This is one of those dramas where you can't predict what's going to happen next because each and every plot twist is more creative than the one before.
The acting, production, and quality of the drama are top-notch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Lee seung gi 's Dark intense thrilling series
The best psychological thriller with detail explanation without any chance of typical clichés.Cinematography, writing ,direction and music are on point.
Writing was just perfect without any deviation they are giving every single detail and every character is connected not only the main leads even a supporting character is connected with lee seung gi.
This is a next level drama which raised the bar for psychological crime thrillers.
Lee seung gi and other leads actors did a fabulous job without any predictability.
This drama is not a typical kdrama with routine twists and plot.
This is entirely a thrilling ride
thanks to lee seung gi for doing this kind of next level QUALITY DRAMA.
Was this review helpful to you?
INCREDIBLE TWIST!
I really enjoyed watching all episodes and can't wait for episode 20. The story is unique. Not your typical crime series. It will activate the detective in you, lol. You will find yourself thinking about it after watching each episode. Trying to guess the story behind each situation, reasoning in your mind why did it happened and what could happened. In short, it will blow your mind away! Luckily, I'm that type who wants series like this. If you're planning to watch this, pay attention to every details cause if you don't, you will just get confused like the ones who wrote bad reviews here, lol. If you're the type who's watching while scrolling on your cellphone, forget watching this. This needs your full attention. I even rewind it on some scenes I want to fully understand. This is the only way that you will get to appreciate this kind of series. One last thing, the actors are very great. Lee Seung Gi played with my emotions. You really are a versatile actor. Whatever happens in the ending, I won't regret that I watched this.Was this review helpful to you?
A MASTERPIECE ✨
Stop reading reviews and go watch this MASTERPIECE ! It is worth it believe me !Was this review helpful to you?
a once in a lifetime drama!
i never expected myself to be as invested in a drama as it happened with mouse. Maybe it helped that i started watching it with zero spoiler and zero expectations when only few episodes aired. Thus i could enjoy the drama at the fullest, Now its being really hard for me to move on!From the very first scene from the very first episode, i was hooked and very much ready to sign up for the whole journey that was coming.And yes it did not dissapoint and went far far beyond my expectations.I was in complete awe of the brillance of this show,its writing,its acting and everything in between!A special shutout to the the writer, Choi Ran for coming up with such an unique,unprecedented concept which was able to be executed to the utter level of briliance thanks to the showrunners.
No word are enough to praise Lee seung gi,undoubtedly the captain of the ship! When his peers are busy being typecast in repetitive roles,he took a risk at the peak of his career and turned it into the performance of a lifetime! I hope he achieves unparalleled success in the coming days and without any doubt,he will.The other cast- Lee hee joon, Park ju hyun,Kyung sujin were brilliant as well.A+performance from each of the cast members and they deserve every praise in the world!
In conclusion, MOUSE is a drama that comes once in a while and should be celebrated with pomp and grandeur every once in a while!
Was this review helpful to you?
The best way to describe this is ‘engaging’
This is not a show that is extremely realistic or logical, however it makes you think a lot right until the end. Each episode is thought provoking, interesting and delivers right in terms of emotions.Our main characters are not ‘good’ humans at all times, but one can empathise with each at different points. However the two leading men, Lee Seung Gi and Lee Hee Joon steal the show in their own ways.
Even the support cast add a lot to the show and no character feels unnecessary. They even try their best to tie up all plot lines toward the end and in its 20 episode run no episode feels like a filler.
The drama has a different feel after it’s halfway run and that turn might not sit well with all, however one can’t deny it doesn’t make it less interesting. Once you tune in to watch the first episode, you’ll surely be hooked and enjoy the ride!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
The gift that keeps on giving
This is literally not only the best k drama that I have ever seen, but also the best series.It made you think and took to to all sorts of places. I don't want to give out any spoilers, but if you haven't watched it, you haven't lived!! Brilliant acting from Lee Hee Jun and Lee Seung Gi, brilliant script and writing and of course the direction.
I would recommend that you take notes though because I had to!!!
It's dark, dangerous and atmospheric- I was really impressed by Lee Seung Gi's acting- and I am really looking forward to his next acting project after this because I did not know that he could do that!! Good move to pick such an unconventional role- it really sets him apart from his peers.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
