Someday or One Day is by far one of the best romance time travel show I've ever seen. I don't say this lightly, as I have seen Back to the Future, Tenet, Undone, Doctor Who, Timeless, 11.22.63 (book too), Your Name, Looper., Source Code...to name a few. I am not new to the subject matter, but Someday, Or One Day not only superbly grasp the time travel element, but it also tugged at my heartstrings every step of the way..
The plot is both beautifully complex yet uniquely intricate. I was captivated from episode one and the show never let go. It wove together different people, multiple timelines and stories in a way that makes you think and feel. Give if your full attention, as any less is an injustice to the hard work that went into putting this together.
The acting is beyond words. Alice Ko (if you ever read this review) you did such an outstanding performance that I am left in awe. The rollercoaster ride of emotions is very much in part with her amazing performance. Greg Hsu, Patrick Shih and the entire cast all stunned in their respective supporting roles. All the tiny facial expressions and character manners are so perfectly captured.
The pacing is on perfect. It didn't feel rushed, it didn't feel like it dragged on. It let the story unfold a piece by piece. Each episode is a story on it's own, just enough for that episode, yet each episode gave you a pieces to take you to the ending. I always enjoyed how Breaking Bad deal with it's storyline and pacing, and I felt similar appreciation here.
I didn't grow up in Taiwan, but the music made me feel like I did and also made me feel like I was in that time period. The carefully crafted props, costumes and sets really helped to craft this element as well.
I am also impressed by the sets and shooting schedule. As someone who works in film, I kept floating back to wondering their schedule and how this was shot. I would love a chance to discuss this with crew one day as the complexity is inspiring.
Lastly and frankly, I don't enjoy watching many Chinese dramas, as I hate over dramatic acting, clichés, tropes and cheesiness. So please believe me when I say this, this show did not do that It's thoughtful, well pieced together, perfectly balanced and very witty.
If you made it to the end of my long review, please do yourself a favor and go watch this. You may find yourself travelling through time/space.
