Mouse

Synopsis:

In the ’90’s a psychopath was roaming and beheading the victims. The police was stump in catching a serial killer until the murder of the Go Mu-Chi’s family occurred and a witness survived, Go Moo Chi, a young child who saw the face of the killer. At that time, there’s also an issue about the experimental theory of Dr. Daniel Lee on how through genetics we can already assess whether the unborn child can have a psychopathic tendencies. It became controversial especially since the wife of the killer is pregnant. Several years later, the killer is behind bars but his execution was never implemented, the witness became an ace detective of violent crimes and the killings are starting all over again and at the center of this is a rookie cop, Jung Ba Reum, who became an integral part to prove whether nature or genetics can cause psychopathic tendencies.

Characters:

Lee Seung Gi as Jung Ba Reum
Kim Kang Hoon as Younger Ba Reum
Lee Hee Joon as Go Moo Chi
Seo Dong Hyun as Younger Moo Chi
Park Joo Hyun as Oh Bong Yi
Kyung Soo Jin as Choi Hong Joo
Lee Seo Joon as Na Chi Kook
Woo Ji Hyun as Koo Dong Koo
Kim Young Jae as Ko Moo Won
Kim Young Ok as Bong Yi’s Grandmother
Ahn Nae Sang as team leader Park Doo Suk
Hyun Bong Shik as Team Leader Bok Ho Nam
Yoon Seo Hyun as Detective Kang Ki Hyuk
P.O as Detective Shin Sang
??? as detective Lee Min Soo
Ahn Jae Wook as Dr. Han Seo Joon
Kim Jung Nan as Sung Ji Eun
Kwon Hwa Woon as Sung Yo Han
Jo Jae Yoon as Daniel Lee
Jung Eun Pyo as Kang Duk Soo
Kim Ha Eon as Kim Han Kook
Jung Suk Yong as Woo Jae Pil
Song Jae Hee as Woo Hyung Chul
Kang Mal Keum as Jung Ba Reum’s Aunt
Park Jung Eon as a Judge
Ha Young as Song Soo Jung on Episode 1
Seo Jung Yeon as Moo Chi and Moo Won’s Mother
Jo Wan Ki as reporter on Episode 4 & 5
Son Woo Hyun as Kim Joon Sung
Kim Soo In (김수인) as a Girl in Ba Reum’s Memory on Episode 9
Go Woo Ri as Jennifer on Episode 9
Yoo Yun as Hyung Chul’s mother on Episode 10
Lee Yong Nyuh as neighborhood Grandma on Episode 14
Ji Tae Yang (지태양) as Kim Byung Tae on Episode 14

My Review:

If you are like me who have been a K-drama addict for more than 15 years, you can understand that after a certain point you become already very discriminatory of what to watch and don’t get swayed anymore from the hype that the newbies K-drama addicts spout in social media about how great the K-drama was even if it isn’t because their opinions are more concentrated on the actors playing in it and as a fan of rather than really how the story was written and delivered. Don’t get me wrong, I still swoon and watch K-dramas because of the star power and talents of my favorite actors and actresses, but, it doesn’t anymore put a wool over my head if the story of the K-drama really sucks even if it is a Kwon Sang Woo project (FYI, I will always be his die hard fan). So, if there’s one actor of K-dramas whom I believe have a knack of consistently choosing really good projects and worth watching, that is Lee Seung Gi. He has not failed me yet every time I watched him in a project and “Mouse” is not an exception and, in fact, even superseded my expectations of how good it was.

So, What do I Like About this K-Drama?

(1) Lee Seung Gi is one of those Korean actors that may not be typically handsome at the popular standards, yet, he is definitely not lacking of talent and smarts. Unlike some of his contemporaries who chooses sometimes projects that are really dismal to watch, in my humble opinion, but, becomes popular because of marketing hype and their star power, Lee Seung Gi smartly chooses projects that have meat in the story, unconventional but with sense and roles that he can definitely deliver. He also plays roles that are not 2 dimensional and flaws of the characters he plays are highlighted, but, in the end redeemable and sympathetic. That’s why I consider Lee Seung Gi a very smart actor because this allow him to showcase his talent and for the audience and fans to appreciate him not only based on looks but on his talent as an actor. “Mouse” is probably my favorite Lee Seung Gi’s project and one of my favorite K-dramas so far since the pandemic and “Flower of Evil” korean drama. Lee Seung Gi was spectacular on this Korean drama and will keep you guessing of what’s really happening. He was really at his best on this Korean drama.

(2) Park Joo Hyun as Oh Bong Yi grew on me as the story progresses. Her character’s journey is quite difficult and have been through a lot. And, she has portrayed her role exceptionally well. She’s very effective especially at the later episodes as the truth dawns on her about Jung Ba Reum.

(3) I have seen Lee Hee Joon in supporting roles before on certain Korean dramas and he was always just part of the supporting casts for me that I’ve forgotten him after watching those K-dramas he’s in, but, as Go Moo Chi on “Mouse”, I don’t think I will forget all about him soon. He was a revelation on this Korean drama and I truly can’t help but appreciate his talent as an actor. He really embodies the definition of the saying that “There’s no small or big roles, but, just small actors”. Why? Well, because even if he is playing a supporting role here, his portrayal of the character made him in equal lead with Lee Seung Gi. He’s definitely not small actor, but, a powerhouse on this Korean drama. He may not have the charisma to be a hallyu star, but, he is the type who can be a respected and talented veteran actor with a sustainable career if he plays his cards right.

(4) The best part of “Mouse” is how it was written and how the director delivered the story. It is unpredictable and will truly keep you guessing in every episode. It has given a true blue meaning on suspense thriller genre where there’s no need of time machine and other effects, but, just played on a hypothesis about genetics for those criminal minds and traits. This is one of the K-dramas that visually, mentally and emotionally triggers you and it is such a pleasure to watch because it was perfectly done by the writer and director plus played by the best leads and supporting casts.

(5) “Mouse” made use of every episode to be interesting and with human elements you can empathized whether it’s the perpetrator or the victim. It also cleverly questions the science, religion and our beliefs about good and evil. It provided a balance on its every aspect and was able to end the Korean drama totally acceptable, satisfying, and hopeful, yet, logical and deserving of its characters.

What I do Not Like About this K-Drama?
I honestly feel that this one of the perfect Korean dramas I’ve seen for the last more than a decade I’ve been a K-drama addict. It can be enjoyed by both men and women (well, if the women are not just into romcoms). It is realistic yet entertaining and it truly does make sense from beginning till the end. Having said that, if there’s one thing I will complain about this is that because the names of all the characters are in Korean, there was a time I got a bit confuse on connecting the dots. Its flaw is not because of the K-drama but mine, as it is more of language barrier than anything else. So, all in all, this Korean drama is truly worth the 16-hours of viewing pleasure.

Would I recommend this K-Drama? Absolutely 100%. Don’t Miss it! Highly Recommended.

My Rating to this Drama
( See My Rating System: ) 5/5 Stars

OST:
01. It’s Alright – So Jung of Ladies’ Code
02. Too Late – Horim
03. A Rat In The Trap – Giriboy
04.Twice – Marvin
05. Steal Heart – Chang Ha

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