Life on Mars has a solid story, however it doesn't really deliver in the end, though the serial killer story was intense at the begining. The small cases that took place and created the puzzle of the main story, the relationship between the members of the police team and the performances, were the highlights of the series. Especially the cases were really interesting and entertaining. The bromance and the dynamics of the team were so good that I'm wishing that there would be a second season, taking that epilogue in mind and the fact that they didn't really explained why he went back in time and how. But overall, it was enjoyable.
16 Reviews
More than ordinary
dumsumdumfai6 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is a splendid drama. Strong story, tight execution, subtle acting and chemistry. Yes there's kind of virtual time travel, but the not so clear explanation (but the hint is very strong as to what's going on) is actually well done. Some may not like that though. The final message for sure takes center stage here instead of the plot.
The captain and the female officer gave fantastic performances. The cases are interesting and essential to the main character finding his past and formulating his thoughts and choices for the future. And the cliffhanger really shines he main character fights to make sure the tough choice actually makes sense.
The chemistry between the 2 male lead is good. The comedy aspect is not overdone. The strange gathering place where they drink and talk gives a weird vibe.
My only gripe is the constant same camera trick of pulling zoom whenever the main character have a headache. That's just too distracting.
Supposedly taken from the UK tv show, but this show carries it's own weight and transplant itself with old time radio Kpop, karaoke, chicken dinners, and male chauvinistic attitudes. Bravo
The captain and the female officer gave fantastic performances. The cases are interesting and essential to the main character finding his past and formulating his thoughts and choices for the future. And the cliffhanger really shines he main character fights to make sure the tough choice actually makes sense.
The chemistry between the 2 male lead is good. The comedy aspect is not overdone. The strange gathering place where they drink and talk gives a weird vibe.
My only gripe is the constant same camera trick of pulling zoom whenever the main character have a headache. That's just too distracting.
Supposedly taken from the UK tv show, but this show carries it's own weight and transplant itself with old time radio Kpop, karaoke, chicken dinners, and male chauvinistic attitudes. Bravo
Better than original?
alicealice-671332 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I watched BBC original one a while ago and really liked overall story and idea.
Although i don´t remember everything from original anymore, i´m pretty sure this Korean one is even better in most ways. By quality, characters and relationships between them, probably more interesting cases too.
There´s only one thing that i´d complain about. The ending episode not having Life on Mars song playing when he jumped. That song gave the scene more powerful feeling. Korean version didn´t give off same kind of feel, so it felt a bit bland.
Although i don´t remember everything from original anymore, i´m pretty sure this Korean one is even better in most ways. By quality, characters and relationships between them, probably more interesting cases too.
There´s only one thing that i´d complain about. The ending episode not having Life on Mars song playing when he jumped. That song gave the scene more powerful feeling. Korean version didn´t give off same kind of feel, so it felt a bit bland.
exciting, out of the box! Worth watching.
ftnura29 June 2020
Generally, crime & investigation genre drama seems boring. Sometimes they cannot keep pace with the little cases or incidents inside the drama which create loopholes!
But this drama is different! While watching the drama you will become a part of it, you will feel thrilled about each cases! Though it has crime, investigation : this drama is not boring or slow paced at all! trust me!
If you love investigation drama with solid plot, UNPREDICTABLE cases, vivid thoughts, lots and lots of funny moments (will make you laugh harder, refresh your mind) unlike other dramas: go watch this drama!
Truly enjoyed the drama
Blueeeeeed8 May 2020
Awesome drama
azminahusna-2052228 December 2021
I really love this crime thriller drama. It has Signal (2017) vibe. You will fall in love with characters. The story between year 2018 and 1988 even though I don't fully understand the reason how Han Tae Joo can transport from time to time. But this drama will open your eyes as some of the cases are based on the true events ! Definitely recommended !
flawless unique storyline
yousefinz3 March 2021
Great acting, great cinematography and really great and unique storyline. Usually with these kinds of storylines you get so many plot holes but in this drama everything matches and has a logic behind it.
Honestly I am baffled why the number of reviews (and I'm guessing overall viewers) are so low compared to other dramas. It could be due to the fact that there is no bold romantic relationship involved, although it exists.
Overall, first 3 episodes couldn't get me hooked but starting ep 4 it was addictive and I think this is going to be one of the most memorable drama endings I have ever watched. No forced sad/happy ending or trying to just wrap things up. It was really satisfying to me.
Quite good series.
NajmiSelamat19 February 2022
Awesome Drama
azminahusna-2052228 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Recommended to those who love crime thriller drama. The story evolve around year 2018 and 1988, even though I don't really understand how Han Tae Joo can transport from time to time. But what make this drama more interesting is because some of cases are BASED ON TRUE EVENTS. Definitely recommended!
Some interensting changes brought up
qck113 September 2023
I thought it was good that the show brought up the difference in how women were treated in Korea 30 years ago. I know that Korea is still a very patriarchal society, and so much so that it drives a lot of Korean women to leave the country, and seems to be very big part of the reason for the abysmal birth rate of Korea (2nd lowest in the world). It also seems like a lot of effort was spent on recreating the Korea of 30 years ago. A big part of the charm of such a show is seeing how things have changed. It seems that from similar shows that take place in the current ear, things have changed a lot.
But not sure it this is so representative since 1988 is right after the constitution reform which followed decades of being under a fairly repressive dictatorship, and I would sort of expect a lot of repercussions from the change, and it does not seem like this is so evident in this series.
I am American, so not familiar with what Korea was 30 years ago. However, there is one fact I was able to check up on, and that was smoking. In 2000 it was about 35%, vs about 20% today, and at that point it was already in a steep decline. That would indicate that it had to be somewhere in the 50% range in 1988, and so few men probably did not smoke--And we see no smoking. See modern Korean series with lots of smoking, which I think it probably excessive, and none in this series. Too bad they did not try to do more to make it truly.
But not sure it this is so representative since 1988 is right after the constitution reform which followed decades of being under a fairly repressive dictatorship, and I would sort of expect a lot of repercussions from the change, and it does not seem like this is so evident in this series.
I am American, so not familiar with what Korea was 30 years ago. However, there is one fact I was able to check up on, and that was smoking. In 2000 it was about 35%, vs about 20% today, and at that point it was already in a steep decline. That would indicate that it had to be somewhere in the 50% range in 1988, and so few men probably did not smoke--And we see no smoking. See modern Korean series with lots of smoking, which I think it probably excessive, and none in this series. Too bad they did not try to do more to make it truly.
Travel in time to the South Korean 80s !
GaBerlinn17 November 2020
I watched the original BBC show, which is great. But this one has more stories and I think depth. The actors are great, the South Korean 80s fantastically recreated, music, direction... I could say that I like more this one than the original and the original is very good! (even though I gave to both 9 stars).
Disappointed
boudybob7 January 2019
This show was one of the best shows that I've ever seen. Good acting, strong story, beautiful drama, good comedy, interesting cases and overall enjoyable with a lovely vibe. I don't like how repeatedly the dolly zoom was done but i like the direction and camera scenes and the lighting. I'm giving this show two stars only because of the bad ending which wasn't satisfying to me. I understand what happened but i'm not happy with the ending at all! I don't expect to watch a second season as the only reason that kept me watching was the explanation which wasn't satisfying as i said, so i'm not excited to watch another season.
Excellent watch
opheliahor9 September 2023
Great acting, excellent chemistry amongst the cast, outstandingly hilariously nostalgic, nice twist in storyline I'm totally 100% glad I watched this despite my initial prejudice against the 2 protagonist whom I've only seen play bad guys roles. They've both exceeded my expectations and that's what i call real actors
Thank you for this Can't wait for the follow up series although i think it's already about time as I'm watching this 5 years behind
Please please come up with a new season soon
Thank You Thank You Thank You.
Kudos to the rest of the cast and the great cinematography of making the scenes look and feel in 1988. I think most of us have forgotten all the simplicity life offered those times and how we're blessed with advance technology and hopefully means to really make life a better place for the lesser people. With money comes power and hopefully those in power will contribute instead of creating sustainability only for themselves.
Kudos to the rest of the cast and the great cinematography of making the scenes look and feel in 1988. I think most of us have forgotten all the simplicity life offered those times and how we're blessed with advance technology and hopefully means to really make life a better place for the lesser people. With money comes power and hopefully those in power will contribute instead of creating sustainability only for themselves.
Enjoying it but...
joshuaadmtph23 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Im at episode 12 and still enjoy the show. But the scene when the main guy stop the asthma killer on the bridge, man that really ruin the fun. As a police, he knows must really secure the bad guy first, bu he keeps doing the same thing. Talk first, get stabbed later. Hope i will not see this kind of things again on next episodes.
Excellent
mbrandle29 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Loved the way they went with the basic premise of the original British show and came up with a fresh take. And, I must say that Go A-Sung absolutely stole every scene she was in. She is absolutely breathtaking in the role of Yoon Na-young. A hidden badass! The ending was also quite believable for the main characters, especially for Tae-joo. He had no choice but to return to his rag-tag group of friends. And the typical will the or won't they between Yoon and Tae-joo sizzles. Would love to see another season or a spin-off between the two of them, and how they deal with realizing what is going on.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
