Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• FluffyTron

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  OMG, you guys, you have to check out this drama that I just watched! It's seriously underrated. Murder Diary is like a mix of "Bad and Crazy" and "Two Cops" (if you're into Kdramas) with a sprinkle of "Bones" and a dash of "Danger Zone" (if you've seen those too, you'll get what I mean). The OSTs are amazing, the songs have such beautiful melodies and lyrics. Although, I wish there were more themes in the music.
  
  Let's talk about the intro and outro. The intro...

  is pretty standard, just a compilation of scenes from the whole drama, nothing groundbreaking. But there's a cool little detail that I loved. After the first few episodes, they change up the intro to reflect a major plot twist and give away a clue. It's so smart and I'm all about those little production details. As for the outro, I usually skip it to get to the next episode, but for the sake of this review, I watched it fully at the last episode. The closing music and visuals are just as good as the intro, and I have to say, the virtual library in the outro is one of the best ones I've seen so far.
  
  The production and direction are on point. The cinematography is top-notch, and there are some scenes that are just absolutely amazing. I mean, that dancing scene in the library? Fantastic! Now, I don't know any of the actors because this was my first Hong Kong drama, but I have to give them props. The acting was really good, especially considering some of the demanding roles in the show. They nailed it!
  
  Let's talk characters, guys. This drama seriously has so many different types of characters. We've got the master manipulator, the annoying one, the strong and weak ones, the smart and not-so-smart ones, and even psychopaths and serial killers. Take your pick! My favorite character was the ML, but there's also this quirky quartet that's just so sweet and cute.
  
  Now, I can't really dive deep into the plot without giving anything away, and I don't want to spoil the fun for you. Trust me, it's best to go into this drama blind and discover each character and let the story unfold. Yes, it might seem complicated and messy at times, but it's really not. Like any other drama, there are side stories that revolve around the main one, so just be patient. It'll all make sense eventually, I promise!
  
  What I really appreciated about this drama is how it handled mental illnesses with care. It never exploited or overused the topic, which is so important. And even though the story revolves around mental disorders, it doesn't leave you feeling completely broken and sad. You learn about these issues, but it's not too heavy to handle.
  
  Overall, Murder Diary is not a masterpiece, but it's pretty darn close to it. It's a really good drama with an intriguing story and a bunch of interesting characters. It's such a shame when these hidden gems go unnoticed. Trust me, it's worth your time. And selfishly speaking, I really hope there's a second season!

• DullCheetah

  Overall 7.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 3

  Once upon a time, there was a TV drama that stood out from the rest. Its production quality was like no other, with its dark lighting and eerie music that created a distinct atmosphere. While the drama explored the theme of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) before, this particular series felt remarkably different and unique.
  
  The cast delivered exceptional performances, with each actor fully embracing their respective roles. Kara, Victor, and the little sister, who was a newcomer to the acting scene, were particularly outstanding. They brought...

  depth and authenticity to their characters, captivating the audience from start to finish.
  
  Initially, the drama had me hooked, and I found myself unable to resist the temptation to binge-watch it. However, as the story reached its climax, I started to lose interest. The plot seemed to drag on unnecessarily, making me feel bored and impatient. The romantic aspect of the story also felt forced and awkward, as the characters were forced into an uncomfortable love triangle that didn't feel essential to the overall narrative.
  
  Nevertheless, the final episode managed to redeem itself by unraveling a major mystery. It was a satisfying conclusion that provided closure to some extent. However, just when we thought all loose ends were tied up, the series teased more mysteries, hinting towards a potential second season.
  
  While the drama had its flaws and moments of boredom, it is still worth a watch. Some parts may require you to skim through, but overall, it offers an engaging and unique viewing experience. So, if you're ready for an intense journey filled with twists and turns, this is a drama that shouldn't be missed.

• LazyJamie

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  This unique TV series from Hong Kong's TVB takes an unconventional approach to storytelling. It revolves around a serial killer and includes elements of a detective series and mental illness. What sets it apart is that the identity of the killer is revealed early on, but the story leaves us guessing if he might be the main villain. The series explores multiple mysteries and features various characters with mental illnesses, including some of the seemingly good guys. While the narrative trajectory splits into several mysteries...

  halfway through, it's not confusing, just risky. The series demands patience from the audience as not all mysteries are solved by the last episode.
  
  The standout performance comes from Kara Hui, who plays a character with schizophrenia. Hui's portrayal is remarkable as she convincingly displays vulnerability, fierce love for her children, and a somewhat sinister presence at times. She handles a difficult role with finesse, maintaining the character's secrets until the end. The police characters in the series strike a balance between flawed and competent, without overt political messages. Although many plot elements introduced early on are left unresolved, the intriguing nature of the series keeps viewers engaged.