It caught my attention since the first episode. The story is tight with no filler episode, it is only 15 episodes total. The delivery of the plot is easy to understand. The female lead's acting is much more convincing than the male lead. This is the type of drama that could made me forgot about the time and made me curious about what would happen next.
23 Reviews
Groundhog Day + Sherlock Holmes
magnoliacream11 February 2022
University student Li Shi Qing (Zhao Jin Mai) and video game designer Xiao He Yun (Bai Jing Ting) both fall asleep on Bus 45. When they wake up, the bus explodes after a few minutes. When they wake up again in the same setting, they figure out they are in a loop and can only exit out of it after they are able to stop the disaster from happening. So at each iteration of the loop, they try to do that and also find out what caused it to happen.
This is one of a few cdramas I've watched that are not draggy. Kudos to the writing and direction for keeping the pace and suspense in tiptop order. The ending is worth all the effort the leads went through to save the bus.
This is one of a few cdramas I've watched that are not draggy. Kudos to the writing and direction for keeping the pace and suspense in tiptop order. The ending is worth all the effort the leads went through to save the bus.
The opportunity to save the world is kept for those who prepare for it.
hanalisss22 October 2023
I really enjoyed it, very fast paced and i love the concept of our protagonists being trapped in a time loop. It is very well executed and it doesn't get draggy or boring.
You will be looking forward to each time they wake up to see what ideas they come up wit to come out of the time loop. It is very thrilling to watch.
The acting is awesome and i love how well written the characters are. Very diverse and unique. Their backstories are very emotional and will pull your heartstrings, you will feel attached with all the passengers riding the bus.
The female lead is strong willed calm and composed whilst the make lead is more hot headed, emotional and impulsive. I love how they didn't care about typical gender roles stereotypes while writing them.
Romance is just organic and even though is not a focus in the story is sutil but nice to watch and the chemistry is great as well. They work amazing as a team too.
My only problem with the drama is that we never get to know why the female lead is caught into the time loops in the first place. She has a brief relationship in the past with the driver of the bus but it is nothing too deep so I would have expected some WOW factor about this, I guess something more personal connected to her, that's the only thing that prevented me from giving this drama a 10.
Other than that and overall a great amazing series, with great casting, awesome character development, strong story, no holes and great ending too. Watch it, you won't regret it.
You will be looking forward to each time they wake up to see what ideas they come up wit to come out of the time loop. It is very thrilling to watch.
The acting is awesome and i love how well written the characters are. Very diverse and unique. Their backstories are very emotional and will pull your heartstrings, you will feel attached with all the passengers riding the bus.
The female lead is strong willed calm and composed whilst the make lead is more hot headed, emotional and impulsive. I love how they didn't care about typical gender roles stereotypes while writing them.
Romance is just organic and even though is not a focus in the story is sutil but nice to watch and the chemistry is great as well. They work amazing as a team too.
My only problem with the drama is that we never get to know why the female lead is caught into the time loops in the first place. She has a brief relationship in the past with the driver of the bus but it is nothing too deep so I would have expected some WOW factor about this, I guess something more personal connected to her, that's the only thing that prevented me from giving this drama a 10.
Other than that and overall a great amazing series, with great casting, awesome character development, strong story, no holes and great ending too. Watch it, you won't regret it.
Great twist to time loop trope
yooniverse25 January 2023
This show really needs more international recognition. Not only does it have great acting from a great cast, the story and screenplay provides a novel take on the time loop trope. This is not just about reliving the same day/event over and over again, but also trying to solve the mystery even as the variables and outcomes are changing with each iteration that reveals new pieces to the puzzle. The chemistry of the two leads, as well as the police officers involved, are excellent. In the midst of trying to solve the deadly mystery, they find a way to convey humor, affection, and humanity without being distractingly inappropriate. Zhao Jinmai is a standout starlet here, and hope that she'll find a long, successful career after this.
I generally find most C-dramas to be just poor imitations of their superior Kdrama counterparts, but I am very impressed with the undeniable quality of this show. Highly recommended.
I generally find most C-dramas to be just poor imitations of their superior Kdrama counterparts, but I am very impressed with the undeniable quality of this show. Highly recommended.
Just AMAZING!!
su_wuit_yee7 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I watched the entire series ( 15 episodes) in one day. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I kinda played along with all the theories and ideas throughout the whole series. What an emotional ride. If you are a fan of SCI Fi genre and have a thing about time travelling, dimensions, multi universe, this one is a gem!! Even if you are not a fan of Sci Fi, you should still watch it for the actors' incredible acting and valuable lessons about life, society.
Just one thing - I wish this series could include more facts and scenes about how chief officer eventually finds out the truth about time loop. It'd be even more thrilling!!
Just one thing - I wish this series could include more facts and scenes about how chief officer eventually finds out the truth about time loop. It'd be even more thrilling!!
BEST. CDRAMA. EVER!!!
andreijudei20 February 2022
The story, the acting, the casts, the music, ALL OF THEM IS PERFECT!!!! I really recommend this show to people who is obsessed with sci-fi/mystery movies/shows, this is a must watch tv show!!! Also, the main 2 characters is so hot 😩😩😩, everytime I see them, my pp is pulsing like crazy 😩 /hj.
some kind of butterfly effect film
MrSetyadji8 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Tells about the feeling of losing parents, bombings that sometimes we don't justify seem to make sense when the law is not on the side of the victim and exacerbated by negative speech from social media users who do not know the real problem.
This series teaches us not to quickly draw conclusions from all the events that occur around us.
This series teaches us not to quickly draw conclusions from all the events that occur around us.
Well-made, well-done
moonriver012521 February 2022
The plot is intriguing and something that makes you keep looking forward to what's next. Even though the pacing somewhat got slower in the later episodes, it was still engaging and overall a good show to watch. I personally love the cinematography too, it was well made. Kudos to the cast.
Unique Sci-Fi C-drama with amazing actors!!!
Bin1001 April 2022
Not bad for an indigenous TV series
convemn29 January 2022
Although the plot is not rigorous and some hints are too deliberate, it can be counted as one of the best Chinese TV series in recent years. I was totally impressed by the performances of Liu Yijun who acts the police officer. And I must say that the glasses really suit Bai Jingting.
Not 4 but 12 episodes in total
sisubalan5 August 2022
It was alright. Story about 2 main characters stuck in a time loop, which their kept resetting the moment after their death or fall asleep until the solve the mystery behind suicide/bomb attempt. Slow paced movie require a lot of patience on how the characters behave and act to avoid any misfortune or accident. Took too many episodes to find out the culprit which was on 15-17th reset attempt. Get interesting starting episode 3 then became boring again after episode 7. Few head scratching moments. Just barely made it to the last episode.
Groundhog Day Whodunnit
danteshamest8 April 2022
Had my doubts but the plot is actual well written.
2 youngsters are caught in a time loop, stuck in a bus that is inevitably going to explode for some reason. As they keep dying and being reset, they unravel the mystery of the explosion and their deaths. The culprit appears to be among the bus passengers, but can figure out who it is and stop him/her before they are no longer able to reset?
Binged watched the whole thing in a day. Would have given the show a perfect 10 except for 1 later episode that is pretty slow paced.
2 youngsters are caught in a time loop, stuck in a bus that is inevitably going to explode for some reason. As they keep dying and being reset, they unravel the mystery of the explosion and their deaths. The culprit appears to be among the bus passengers, but can figure out who it is and stop him/her before they are no longer able to reset?
Binged watched the whole thing in a day. Would have given the show a perfect 10 except for 1 later episode that is pretty slow paced.
Surprisingly good.
SofiCastle23 April 2022
If you don't mind the nationalistic vibe, Reset is a pretty good show that manages to keep the viewer intrigued for all its 15 episodes, even on that plot (time loop, basically). Acting was great by all cast, particularly the bus passengers. Some of their stories were really moving and maybe give the western viewer a glimpse on life + mentality in modern China.
A Medley of Feels
new-last-chance22 December 2022
Despite a relatively simple plot, it definitely manages to draw you in and make you root for the heroes. All of the characters are relatable, and I love how they slowly gain a deeper understanding of the other passengers throughout the show and often utilize that to their advantage. It has plenty of emotional ups and downs and you'll definitely be eager to find out what happens to the protagonists. The ending is definitely worth watching!
It also raises a few social issues like sexual harassment in a way that is subtle enough that it doesn't feel like it's being forced down your throat (like some shows do). This is especially important in China, where apparently it can still be a taboo subject.
P. S. Liu Yijun is a fantastic actor. Even though he's not the main character I still enjoyed seeing him in this!
It also raises a few social issues like sexual harassment in a way that is subtle enough that it doesn't feel like it's being forced down your throat (like some shows do). This is especially important in China, where apparently it can still be a taboo subject.
P. S. Liu Yijun is a fantastic actor. Even though he's not the main character I still enjoyed seeing him in this!
Good and Innovative
siewlimhan7 March 2022
Under China's current censorship system, it is as difficult as dancing on the tip of a needle to maximize the personal capabilities of non-government related roles. This play offered the two main characters plenty of room to show their capabilities, without being overly great, nor politically correct. It also allowed the Chinese police to show their powerful abilities to solve problems and to save people from crimes, which was good. The plot setting was quite innovative, and the design of the opening was also very thoughtful. The costume, make-up and props' attention to detail was commendable. There were some logical loopholes, but the overall flaws did not hide the good side.
But childish and lovely.
christina-498287 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Most of the time we protect order to protect the people we love. No one will stay out of trouble forever. There will always be people who fight for the people and things they value.
Li Shiqing has what I think is most worth learning from, which is courage.
The way to fight the cycle is to never lose the courage to face impermanence.
Li Shiqing has what I think is most worth learning from, which is courage.
The way to fight the cycle is to never lose the courage to face impermanence.
Speechless
distingeraztecas16 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Lately I've been watching "Roanoke Gaming"'s channel, in which he describes all sorts of monsters and diseases in movies and shows. And Youtube recommended me other channels' videos, that's how I stumbled upon this series.
At first I thought it was just gonna be another show with a predictable plot and average acting and story. But after watching the first 2 episodes summarized in a video... I literally stopped the video and started watching the show myself.
It left me speechless. I cannot put in words just how good this show is. While the basics of the story may be simple: Girl meets Boy and they're trapped in a time loop, the way the events are told and how the story unfolds is absolutely amazing.
Also, the way the characters talk and their reasoning just feels so natural. And the acting, oh my god the acting is on point. Some of the secondary characters' backstories were also really good, specially Lu Di and the Watermelon guy's stories almost made me cry.
A bit of spoilers: There were many times they thought the loop was gonna end and, well, of course it didn't because there's still episodes left, but I still had a bit of tension in me because every time it happened it just made sense for it to maybe be the last loop.
The last few minutes of the last episode had me with my heart in the palm of my hands. I just didn't know what I was gonna do if Xiao Heyun wouldn't wake up in the last loop or if they'd forget everything that happened the day after the loop ended.
After seeing this show, I'm definitely going to check more cdramas.
At first I thought it was just gonna be another show with a predictable plot and average acting and story. But after watching the first 2 episodes summarized in a video... I literally stopped the video and started watching the show myself.
It left me speechless. I cannot put in words just how good this show is. While the basics of the story may be simple: Girl meets Boy and they're trapped in a time loop, the way the events are told and how the story unfolds is absolutely amazing.
Also, the way the characters talk and their reasoning just feels so natural. And the acting, oh my god the acting is on point. Some of the secondary characters' backstories were also really good, specially Lu Di and the Watermelon guy's stories almost made me cry.
A bit of spoilers: There were many times they thought the loop was gonna end and, well, of course it didn't because there's still episodes left, but I still had a bit of tension in me because every time it happened it just made sense for it to maybe be the last loop.
The last few minutes of the last episode had me with my heart in the palm of my hands. I just didn't know what I was gonna do if Xiao Heyun wouldn't wake up in the last loop or if they'd forget everything that happened the day after the loop ended.
After seeing this show, I'm definitely going to check more cdramas.
Big time loop series!
opticuscro25 May 2022
When I saw that this is a series where the theme is time loop, I said to myself this must be good, oh dear brother, how wrong I was, this is a rare disaster. I was thinkin it was inpossible to spoil or do something bad on the topic of the time loop but again Im wrong. Oh, well this is so boring and monotonous, they stretched every detail to the maximum. Uninteresting, the acting is dramatic and below average. The characters are all somehow equally generic to say the least, uninteresting. So where are the effects where are those frequent return and day resets that is specific to a topic like this? Imagine going to watch a movie called "Guns Blazing Marines" and in that movie you see neither weapons nor fights nor any action but something completely different (two Marines are fishing the whole movie), that's my explanation of this series. 😂😂😫
Brilliant, recommend to watch!!!!
claurentmaylithal27 June 2023
I've never been this satisfied when watching a dramas , this drama is really extraordinary, leaving no question and ending as expected. The actor acted very professional, the director was also creative, because the filming locations is in the same place perhaps it didn't cost too much to make this drama, but the most important isn't that, this film is very very good and I don't feel it was a vain to watch.
.
I've never been this satisfied when watching a dramas , this drama is really extraordinary, leaving no question and ending as expected. The actor acted very professional, the director was also creative, because the filming locations is in the same place perhaps it didn't cost too much to make this drama, but the most important isn't that, this film is very very good and I don't feel it was a vain to watch.
.
.
I've never been this satisfied when watching a dramas , this drama is really extraordinary, leaving no question and ending as expected. The actor acted very professional, the director was also creative, because the filming locations is in the same place perhaps it didn't cost too much to make this drama, but the most important isn't that, this film is very very good and I don't feel it was a vain to watch.
.
Better than expected
phebychow30 April 2023
Kai Duan is the time loop theme TV series just like suspenseful sci-fi thriller "Source Code". A girl experiences Deja vu aboard the bus and faces same passengers and same things. She has to go back in time and tries to find out what is behind the bombing but allowing her around 15 min to go through trial and error. Given this setting, it's easy to produce 2-hours movie about the non-stop thriller ride like "Unstoppable", "The Commuter". But talking producing 15 episodes with the same bus setting while keeping audience stay watching till the end without getting bored, it's a challenging job for directors. Luckily Kai Duan has all these mysterious elements that make it a high tension, focus and enjoyable one.
Both key actors have amazing chemistry. At first Heyun doesn't agree with Shiqing's "saving the world" value and he has confrontation about "Being kind is not a cheap virtue. It depends your capability". That's the thing I like very much. I also like this funny anti-bomb CP till the 24 episode. For the last one, I think it's too fake about the super happy ending.
Both key actors have amazing chemistry. At first Heyun doesn't agree with Shiqing's "saving the world" value and he has confrontation about "Being kind is not a cheap virtue. It depends your capability". That's the thing I like very much. I also like this funny anti-bomb CP till the 24 episode. For the last one, I think it's too fake about the super happy ending.
Groundhog's Day, Speed, Memento, Sherlock Holmes, and a bit of romance.
stubbornmonkee2 February 2024
Groundhog's Day, Speed, Memento, Sherlock Holmes, mixed with boy meets girl on a bus that's gonna explode. The concept isn't new but it's executed very well. If the writing and cinematography was not at least a B+, this could've turned out very cheesy and a waste of time. In the contrary, it kept me intrigued in the plot and the characters. This could easily be adopted into an American version and have a more diverse cast in the bus to explore. I can see different races, religion, political views, age, and every social divide symbolize the American society in the bus. The leads could be wide open as long as they have chemistry on screen.
I will give Reset a second viewing when I have time.
I will give Reset a second viewing when I have time.
Started off OK then got tedious, irritating and ooooooh sooooooo sloooooooow
markwalsh-617077 March 2024
Reading all the super positive reviews and it's also about a favourite subject I was excited to watch this. I forget the name of the American movie where our protagonist is on a train and has to solve a similar thing. He does it in the space of a movie, not 15 repetitive episodes. OMG I am so done and I've stuck it out to the end of episode 10.
I was going to try to finish it tonight but I just can't bear it any longer.
By E7 I was so close to start skipping, fast forwarding, but I persevered. I honestly believe you could totally skip episodes 6 to halfway through 9 and not lose a thing.
I had foolishly thought it ended at 10, but no there's another 5 left.
At this point I'm not even sure I'll bother to ever finish it. It's just not that interesting I'm sad to say.
Another reviewer said it is fast paced.....WHAT ?!?!?!?!?!
I was thinking of pulling some teeth out to pass the time.
And as another person hinted at, the characters are just dull, all rather similar. Yes the young lead is really good, she does convey emotion at times. Most of the others are somewhat cardboard.
I think I saw this on one of those YT channels that give a round-up of various movies. Well i won't be taking their suggestions lightly next time. I even came here to see what people's thoughts were. I'd have to imagine that all of the great reviews are from Chinese people and/or people involved in this series.
10/10 would not recommend. I'm annoyed and fatigued.
Edit. OK so I just had to find out what happens so I persevered. Sunken cost fallacy. The last 2 or 3 episodes began to give some ideas about what has happened to get to this point. One does have some changes of thought and it did get a little emotional at times.
The whole thing could very easily have been done in less than half the time though, no doubt. A third or quarter could be achieved I reckon.
So yeah giving it 3 stars is more than I'd like, but hey it is well filmed if nothing else.
Decent ending, wrapped it up at least but MEH.
I was going to try to finish it tonight but I just can't bear it any longer.
By E7 I was so close to start skipping, fast forwarding, but I persevered. I honestly believe you could totally skip episodes 6 to halfway through 9 and not lose a thing.
I had foolishly thought it ended at 10, but no there's another 5 left.
At this point I'm not even sure I'll bother to ever finish it. It's just not that interesting I'm sad to say.
Another reviewer said it is fast paced.....WHAT ?!?!?!?!?!
I was thinking of pulling some teeth out to pass the time.
And as another person hinted at, the characters are just dull, all rather similar. Yes the young lead is really good, she does convey emotion at times. Most of the others are somewhat cardboard.
I think I saw this on one of those YT channels that give a round-up of various movies. Well i won't be taking their suggestions lightly next time. I even came here to see what people's thoughts were. I'd have to imagine that all of the great reviews are from Chinese people and/or people involved in this series.
10/10 would not recommend. I'm annoyed and fatigued.
Edit. OK so I just had to find out what happens so I persevered. Sunken cost fallacy. The last 2 or 3 episodes began to give some ideas about what has happened to get to this point. One does have some changes of thought and it did get a little emotional at times.
The whole thing could very easily have been done in less than half the time though, no doubt. A third or quarter could be achieved I reckon.
So yeah giving it 3 stars is more than I'd like, but hey it is well filmed if nothing else.
Decent ending, wrapped it up at least but MEH.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
