Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• sharpbae23

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 9

  Underrated Gem of the Year: A Must-Watch Drama!
  
  Let me start by saying that this review might contain spoilers, so proceed with caution. Now, let's dive into this incredibly entertaining and fast-paced drama that has completely swept me off my feet!
  
  I must admit, I was a bit hesitant to jump on the bandwagon when it first aired due to all the negative comments floating around. But oh boy, am I glad I finally decided to give it a chance! This show has everything—emotions, hope, and a...

  unique take on the concept of time travel.
  
  From the very first episode, I was hooked. Each episode begins with a thought-provoking quote about the importance of time in our lives. And let me tell you, the cast is phenomenal. Joo Won, known for his intense roles, delivers yet another outstanding performance as Lieutenant Park. I couldn't help but feel for his character as the story progressed. He has truly become one of my all-time favorite leads in a Korean drama.
  
  But that's not all. Kim Hee-sun, especially in her role as the mom, has left a lasting impression on me. The way she portrays the sacrificial love of a mother is simply beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen such a heartwarming mother-son bond in any other drama. And don't worry, despite the similarity in their faces, the romantic subplot between the Lieutenant and Tae Yi is perfectly fine in my book. She is NOT his mom, period.
  
  Another standout performance comes from Kwak Si Yang as Min Hyeok. His portrayal of a tragic character struck a chord with me, even though I might have hoped for a different ending for him. Nevertheless, he was superb throughout the entire series.
  
  And let's not forget about the amazing supporting cast. Every character added depth and substance to the story, making it even more compelling. Plus, the melodious OSTs, beautiful cinematography, and top-notch production values only added to the overall greatness of this drama.
  
  Sure, there might be a few plotholes in the ending, but honestly, I didn't mind. Seeing Joo Won's character living a good life and potentially finding a hopeful romance was more than enough for me. I know some viewers prefer sad endings, but personally, I'm a sucker for happy ones.
  
  In conclusion, this show is a hidden gem that should not be missed. It's entertainment at its finest, with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and thought-provoking themes. So, if you're in the mood for a binge-worthy series that will keep you glued to your screen, look no further!
  
  (Note: MDL refers to MyDramaList, a popular website for Asian drama enthusiasts)

• sillydenzel29

  Overall 5.5

  Story 5,  Acting 8,  Music 5.5,  Rewatch Value 4

  A Thrilling Journey Into Wonderland Gone Wrong...Step into the mesmerizing world of director Baek Soo Chan and prepare for a mind-bending adventure with Alice! With a fresh and unique storyline by Kim Kyu-Won and a star-studded cast featuring Joo Won, Kim Hee Seon, and Choi Won Young, this series had all the makings of a groundbreaking masterpiece. But alas, something went amiss along the way.
  
  The show starts off with a bang, hooking viewers with its mysterious plot. We meet a detective, played by the brilliant...

  Joo Won, who is haunted by his mother's death. Things take a surreal turn when he encounters his mother's doppelgänger, a physicist interested in time travel, and apparent time travelers from the future. The stage is set for an epic tale of intrigue and adventure.
  
  However, one aspect that fell short was the cinematography. For a show about time travel, there was a lack of creativity in capturing its essence. Aside from a few freeze-frame moments, the visual effects didn't quite live up to expectations.
  
  Despite these missteps, the performances by the cast were commendable. Joo Won delivered a stellar portrayal of the determined detective seeking the truth about his mother's demise. It's a shame that the scriptwriters didn't do justice to his character. There were inconsistencies in his emotional outbursts and moments of lacking intelligence, which left viewers scratching their heads. The extent of his powers, along with the confusing ending, also left much to be desired in terms of explanation.
  
  Equally impressive was Kim Hee Seon, who admirably took on the challenging task of playing dual roles. As a mother/time traveler and a young scientist, she managed to convincingly differentiate between the two characters. However, like Joo Won's character, there were plot holes associated with both versions of her character, leaving viewers wanting more explanation.
  
  On a lighter note, Kwak Si-Yang's performance as Yoo Min-Hyuk, a time-traveling agent, was filled with angst and complexity. His character's journey towards redemption provided some of the most emotionally charged scenes in the series. Unfortunately, the scriptwriters failed to fully develop his character, resulting in a somewhat detached connection with the audience.
  
  The side characters portrayed by Kim Sang Ho and Choi Won Young added depth and sincerity to the drama, posing thought-provoking questions along the way.
  
  Alice had all the ingredients for a captivating show, including intriguing premises, a talented cast, and fascinating ideas. However, the lack of character development, an inconsistent plot, and a rushed ending left viewers yearning for more. Despite its wasted potential, Alice provides an enjoyable ride for those seeking a thrilling escape into the unknown.

• bitterlion9

  Overall 10

  Story 9.5,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 10

  Hey there! I just had to drop by and say a huge thank you to the talented team behind this TV series. Seriously, it's mind-blowing! I can't even begin to explain how cool it is. The story is right up my alley, touching on some deep stuff. One lesson that really hit me was about appreciating the present moment. I know it's not an easy concept for everyone to grasp these days, but this show really drove it home for me. It reminded me that...

  unchecked greed can have disastrous consequences, so we should always respect those around us, including the precious time we have. We can't rewind it, after all. I hope this series resonates with everyone and teaches us all a thing or two. Keep up the amazing work, and here's to your continued success!

• FluffyMa

  Overall 1

  Story 5,  Acting 5,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 1.5

  Warning: This review contains spoilers
  
  The TV series in question takes an unexpected turn in its ending, which left me feeling quite disappointed. The writer's decision to bring the main characters together seemed out of place and even disturbing. Despite the characters' insistence that they are separate individuals from different dimensions, the fact that they are mother and son made the resolution difficult to accept. The inclusion of shared memories between the two further complicated matters. It's unfortunate that the series, which started off strong...

  with its sci-fi storyline, deviated so much in order to achieve a forced ending where the main characters end up together.
  
  Despite this ending, there were elements in the series that showcased its potential. The initial exploration of the sci-fi concept was intriguing and engaging, offering a unique and promising premise. However, the excessive twists and turns introduced later on detracted from the strong foundation that had been established. It felt as though the focus shifted away from the original story in favor of resolving the romantic relationship between the main characters. Ultimately, this decision left the ending feeling unsatisfying and, in my opinion, harmed the overall quality of the series.

• slowrocky6

  Overall 5

  Story 4,  Acting 9,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 1

  This TV series starts off promising, but quickly becomes a disappointment, particularly in regards to its time travel concept. Initially, it seems like the show is following the Multiverse theory, but it actually ends up relying on a Time Loop. This inconsistency is confusing and suggests that the writers didn't have a clear direction. They start with scientific elements and research, but ultimately abandon them in favor of a prophecy found in a book. The show sets rules for time travel and then breaks them,...

  using this as a plot twist. This inconsistency undermines the story's credibility.
  
  One positive aspect of the series is the acting, with the main character standing out. However, the development of their character is hindered by the constant emphasis on romantic music during certain scenes. The ending attempts to provide closure but ultimately falls short, leaving a feeling of dissatisfaction. Overall, this series is not worth recommending or rewatching.