Some Day or One Day (2019)

Explaining ‘Someday or One Day’, the Time Travel Chinese Drama.

At times, you get these dramas which throw you down a rabbit hole. It was 2 AM and I woke up still thinking about the Chinese Drama ‘Someday or One Day’, a week after finishing it. There was lots of internal head talk for this drama for me. You know the talk you have with yourself about the significance of what you saw. Writing about dramas can be a healing catharsis. While my explanation of the Chinese drama may make it less complicated to watch, I give away very little in the top section. The spoilers are separated below. The drama has only 13 episodes and is on DramaCool at present. The movie version of Someday or One Day is on VIKI at present, but this movie storyline is different from the drama. It is an alternative universe all together. I watched the Chinese version of this drama in anticipation of the Korean version ‘A Time Called You’, which will be dropping shortly in the latter half of 2023.

‘Someday or One Day’ is a heavily romantic drama. It is a complicated Time-Travel and Time-Loop Fantasy School Romance drama. This drama is a Time-Travel drama instead of a Time Slip, because there is a definite mode used for the Time-Travel. The viewer gets commentary on the action through important background information spoken by the characters throughout the drama. In addition, as with the Korean Time-Travel Fantasy Drama ‘My Perfect Stranger’, the big surprises are truly the big surprises. Someday or One Day received multiple post-production awards for writing.

One trick to understanding the 13 episode drama is to keep up with the two different names for the male and female leads. Taiwanese actor and singer Greg Hsu Han plays the modern day lover Wang Quan Sheng and the 1999 teenager Li Zi Wei. Taiwanese actress Alice Chia-yen Ko plays the modern day Huang Yu Xuan and the 1999 teenager Chen Yun Ru in whose body she inhabits during time travel. These are characters from different time universes. Taiwanese actor Patric Shih (1% World) plays Mo Jun Jie, who is the best friend of High Schooler Li Zi Wei. He is in love with the real Chen Yun Ru and can tell the difference between the two. While Huang Yu Xuan does take control over the body of Chen Yun Ru, Chen Yun Ru is forced to become a mere passive observer.

The main story pivots around Huang Yu Xuan, who is so in love with this wonderful guy who was her boyfriend (Wang Quan Sheng). He is missing and presumed deceased from a plane accident in the first time universe. She is distraught beyond existing. Mapped around this world is a second time universe which creates the opportunity for Time-Travel. Huang Yu Xuan has found out how to escape to this world while she sleeps listening to a particular song. In this alternative existence, Huang Yu Xuan lives her life through the body of her look-a-like, a High Schooler named Chen Yun Ru. In this universe, Chen Yun Ru loves Li Zi Wei, but she is loved by his best friend Mo Jun Jie. In the alternative existence, the deceased Wang Quan Sheng is a like-a-like for Li Zi Wei. Both worlds are mapped on top of each other and creates an inter-crossing of events as the Time Travel occurs, also creating time loops. Both worlds becomes connected because of the desperate need for Huang Yu Xuan to see again her deceased lover Wang Quan Sheng. There is a constant switching back and forth between each time period which is nearly 10-12 years apart.

This wonderful Time-Travel Romance Fantasy School Drama is about how love can transverse Time and Space and how love can be patient and sacrificial. The vehicle for Time-Travel is listening to this tape recording of the song ‘Last Dance’ by Wu Bai and Chinese Blue. Most confusion created by the two time universes should be cleared up by episode 3.

SPOILERS ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️?

This is a story about loneliness and depression, an emptied heart torn by the death of a love one and hope in seeing that dead loved one again.

At age 27 in 2019 in her Time Universe, Huang Yu Xuan was born in 1992. The real Chen Yun Ru dies on New Years Eve 1999 or Y2K at age 18 in her own time universe. She was born in 1981. Chen Yun Ru was murdered. As stated in the drama, Chen Yun Ru passed away in 1991 in the first timeline, but this death year changes (or is corrected in translation) as action fluctuates around changing circumstances, created by the Time Travel. I believe that the year 1991 is a mistranslation, because the timing does not work. In 1991, Chen Yun Ru would not have been in High School. She would have been around 10 years old. I believe that the timeline of the first death of Chen Yun Ru was 1999 and not 1991 as translated. The translators are mixing up Huang Yu Xuan (who was 7 in 1999) with Chen Yun Ru (who was 18 in 1999).

In 1999 the female protagonist Huang Yu Xuan (Huang Yu-hsuan) was 7 years old in this original timeline in the past. However from the future, she comes back to this same timeline, not as herself but the older teenager Chen Yun-ru (Her doppelgänger). As a little girl, Huang Yu Xuan does meets the male protagonist Li Zi Wei (Wang Quan Sheng) in 1999. She is the little girl who is lost and he gives her a ride home. This is covered in the last episode of the series. In the time travel backwards, Huang Yu Xuan exists as the older Chen Yun Ru and as herself. Since both of her existences are in the same time slot during time travel, they should never meet and they did not.

Li Zi Wei is 18/19 in 1999 and Chen Yun Ru is 18 when she dies in 1999. Huang Yu Xuan is about 7 in 1999, as we see Li Zi Wei meet her as a lost child. He buys her ice cream to stop her from crying. Little Huang Yu Xuan tells Li Zi Wei that she will marry him someday or one day. Being 7 in 1999, this would make the birth year of Huang Yu Xuan roughly 1992. That would mean in 2019 or 20 years later (You must count the year 2000), Huang Yu Xuan would be roughly 27. In 2019, Li Zi Wei should be 37-39. There is a 10-12 year age difference between Li Zi Wei and Huang Yu Xuan in the real time universe. Li Zi Wei is the doppelgängers for Wang Quan Sheng and he does take the place of Wang Quan Sheng when Wang Quan Sheng dies.

The modern day lover Wang Quan Sheng and the 1999 teenager Li Zi Wei are really the same exact person. Li Zi Wei lives through time and catches up with now grown Huang Yu Xuan in time in the late 2000s. Also, some may have missed that Li Zi Wei initiates all time travel, as he desperately tries to regain his first love Huang Yu Xuan/Chen Yun Ru. Li Zi Wei take over the life of the real Wang Quan Sheng who is gay and died tragically. In addition, Li Zi Wei tries to stop Chen Yun Ru’s murder through his own time travel. Best friend Mo Jun Jie was falsely blamed for the murder of Chen Yun Ru.

There is an unexplainable 10 year time difference in the original timeline which may have been caused by a translation error.

At age 27, Huang Yu Xuan lives in 2019 in her Universe and Chen Yun Ru dies 1999 at age 18 in the other time universe. Huang Yu Xuan is happy to inhabit the body of this teen girl (Chen Yun Ru) who should have died in an accident a couple of years back, but continues on as Chen Yun Ru. She will die shortly in the future in this second timeline (or there is a translation error). Chen Yun Ru’s World has in it Wang Quan Sheng’s look-a-like Li Zi Wei. It eases Huang Yu Xuan’s extreme pain to see and be with Wang Quan Sheng | Li Zi Wei. These two worlds converge at the “death” of Chen Yun Ru. With this background infonpmation of this time travel drama, the action in the drama may become clearer. In one Universe Wang Quan Sheng dies and in the other Universe Chen Yun Ru dies. Everything, but the death of Chen Yun Ru is put back in place.
All Is Corrected

To correct the havoc played on the timelines, because of the time travel interference (The Butterfly Effect—small changes here creates havoc with the whole time line there), drastic decisions are made. Time keeps looping as different life scenarios are realized and lost. In the end, time is corrected. Freed from the burden to love Wang Quan Sheng | Li Zi Wei, Chen Yun Ru allows herself to consider Mo Jun Jie. He waited patiently as the troubled and tortured triangle of Huang Yu Xuan, Chen Yun Ru, and Li Zi Wei played out. Through it all, Mo Jun Jie was willing to sacrifice his comfort and hopes to make sure that his love (Chen Yun Ru) was happy. It was the most endearing in the end for me to see his love realized.

Li Zi Wei had met 7 year old Huang Yu Xuan in the past. This meeting was fixed already historically. She promised to marry Li Zi Wei Someday or One day. In the natural undisturbed timeline their meeting in history would never change. Li Zi Wei should have and now must only accept how things play out in the future when Li Zi Wei and Huang Yu Xuan meet again.

My Timeline explanation of A Time Called You (The Korean remake of Someday or One Day) will help in understanding Someday or One Day.

Actors Corner

I would be remiss if I did not mention the excellent job that actress Alice Chia-yen Ko did with her two characters that she portrayed (Huang Yu Xuan | Chen Yun Ru). While Greg Hsu Han played both of his characters as the same likable person for a good reason. Alice Chia-yen Ko portrayed 17 year old Chen Yun Ru as a very timid, non confident unassuming teen and portrayed 27 year old Huang Yu Xuan as a very confident take no prisoners and take the lead 27 year old female. The two portrayals could not have been more different. Her performance won her many post production awards. Greg Hsu Han won a post production award as well. Both gave powerful performances.

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Epic journey

Someday or One Day was a surprise watch as I went in with little expectations or idea about the show other than it being really good. It exceeded my expectations.

Time travel is more complicated than one might think because of the unpredictability of the travel and return as well as the outcome of interference. This makes it easy to mess up a good plot. Fortunately this Taiwanese drama manages to neatly take us on this journey and add a new dimension to the story telling through the concept of "body swap" or perhaps body inhabitation would be more accurate. Everything is connected and intricate.

I loved the complexity of the show but also the simplicity and unpredictability.

Though some might consider the show to have a slow start, I was hooked from the start and didn't feel that. Most of the questions that I had were answered or I figured them out as I watched. The sequence of events are fairly easy to follow despite time jumps because you are prepared for them.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and each contributed to their own perception of the world which I loved. Getting a glimpse into each person's lived experience and being allowed to understand the characters is what attaches you to them and feel what they are feeling.

If you love time travel shows with mystery and romance and don't mind tearing up a bit then this show is ideal for you.

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IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THIS, BINGE THEM, SPARE YOUR TIME FOR 13 EPISODE STRAIGHT

I looooveeeeee sooo muuuuuuccchhhhhhh about Alice Ko and Greg Hsu Acting
I tell you one by one
Alice Ko : How she is talking, How she is running, How she is looking its so brilliant i can distinguish the character so well (except the last episode :( but it show how well she is make me confuse at the end)
Greg Hsu : I love how the character that he showing after the time, i will divide 3 zone about his timeline. And i love how he display the burden and emotion from each character, the expression and the way he talking it's soooooo much good to see

Honestly at first i saw this drama, i dont think it's as good as people talking but after 30 minutes i slowly smiling through the episodes. I'm so in love about the character, all of the character have background story, they explain each character especially Mo Jun Jie i love his character so much, ican't explained but i think he is simple but complicated at the same time :)

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A love through space and time

I loved this masterpiece. Although I'd get confused damn this is worth the watch. The love that the main leads had for each other. Damn, I can't get over it. Also, love the ML and the FL's acting. OST is on loop in my player. Kudos to the whole team. I couldn't keep my phone down. I stayed up till 3 am on weekdays!!! the mystery, the drama, and the pureness of their love were just... I thought I knew the story by the 7th ep but my oh my, things got interesting and scarier. I would love the main leads to star in another drama again. And want the ML to get a main lead role super soon because he is so handsome and cute!!

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i loved it sm but let me name a few flaws i wanna point out

it's 2:40 AM and i just finished this drama... i wanna cry this was so amazing.

i feel like i've mostly read positive reviews and i 100% agree but I just wanted to point out a few details that frustrated me, that were mostly due to the pretty abrupt ending i think.

--the boring first episode (and yet i also feel like it was important bc the rest of the drama is so intense)
-- the fact that we never see the "villain" at all after the future changed (ik since he never went back in time, little xie zhi qi never went completely psycho, but i wish we had gotten a glimpse of him again)
--we never see the "real" wang quan sheng ever again. like does he just commit suicide because of the bullying and bc he was in the closet? i'm sad we also didn't get to see his tragic ending change. I'll just try to convince myself the butterfly effect reached him and he never drowned.

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I definitely have to watch this a second time and will update my review after my second watch.

This drama has an interesting storyline. It's a time travel themed drama. However, this is not like the usual time travel drama where the characters meet the version of them in the past or the future. In this drama, the characters travel to a different time but meeting other characters who look exactly like them, but not them. Somehow these four (or six if you count the villain) characters from two different timelines are connected. I don't know if it's my concentration or something else, but this confuses me. I lost track of who is who and why. That's why I said that I have to re-watch this drama with more focus.

Overall, this is a beautiful story and refreshing because it's different.

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A materpiece of a show that will make you feel butterflies/rip your heart out at the same time

A masterpiece of a show that manages to give you butterflies and rip your heart out

Not sure why I missed reviewing this show when I watched it more than a year ago but here’s my review because this show keeps popping in my head randomly even after a year! This is the most brilliant show i have ever watched.

1. **Engaging Plot Development:**
- The show has been on my watchlist for years, and watching it right on time before the movie came out was immensely satisfying.
- The combination of the show and the movie creates a perfect blend that left me feeling better than ever.

2. **Top-tier Time Travel Romance:**
- In the time travel romance genre, this Taiwanese show stands out as the absolute best.
- The storytelling is on point, and the way they explain every intricate detail is nothing short of wonderful.

3. **Meticulous Resolution of Plot Threads:**
- The show adeptly ties up all loose ends, leaving just a minor one, which, given the overall brilliance, is entirely acceptable.

4. **Anime-like Character Development:**
- Character development in this show feels like something out of an anime, with each character undergoing a profound and captivating transformation.
- The actors have delivered a brilliant performance, making each character memorable and lovable.

5. **Dynamic Chemistry of LZW and XY:**
- LZW and ** emerge as the best couple in the drama universe, their chemistry so perfect that it adds a magical touch to the entire narrative.

6. **Unforgettable OSTs:**
- The soundtrack, especially Wu Bai's "Last Dance," is not just background music but a mesmerizing experience that stays with you.
- Certain songs have the power to transport you to a dreamland, and this one, in particular, does it with finesse.

7. **Exemplary Script and Dialogues:**
- The script and dialogues are crafted with precision, evoking a range of emotions from heart-pounding scenes to moments that leave you breathless.
- The depth and quality of the writing make it a standout in the genre.

8. **Emotional Rollercoaster:**
- The show skillfully weaves in emotions, making you feel every bit of it in each part of the narrative.
- It's not just about love; it explores themes of friendship, sacrifices, yearning, and imparts valuable life lessons.

9. **Irresistible Recommendation:**
- For anyone who hasn't watched it yet, missing out on this underrated gem means missing out on the best in love, friendship, sacrifices, and more.
- By far, this is the best show I've watched, and the impact lingered for days, prompting me to delve into the special 5-minute scene and the movie.

10. **Overall Verdict:**
- A masterpiece of a show that manages to give you butterflies and rip your heart out simultaneously.

Highly, highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating and emotionally resonant viewing experience!

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Keep physics aside and focus on chemistry!

Keep in mind, this is pure fiction, not science fiction—just fiction. Don't seek logic; focus on the emotional journey of the characters. If you're into romance and can overlook scrutinizing every action, give it a try.

The love story beautifully showcases the emotions of the leads. Initially, you'll feel the FL's heartache; her pain and suffocation resonate deeply. It's a profound experience. I fell in love with the ML. His charming aura is refreshingly uncommon in dramas. Unlike the usual quiet, arrogant MLs, Li Z Wei's charisma is uplifting.

The OST is a standout! It'll stay with you.

The plot is engaging but slightly confusing. It oscillates between two sides, tangling and then unfolding. They may have overcomplicated things, making resolution a bit tricky. However, there were no major plot holes or unanswered questions, though the presentation of answers left something to be desired. The rush to the ending was a drawback. Additionally, both the FL and the villain appeared noticeably older for high schoolers.

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A very well-done time travel story

I don't know what to say because this was a lot. One of the best time travel stories, up there with Reset and Dark (but with less mindfuckery incest than Dark), and such a moving portrayal of grief, first love, highschool summer romance, while also being a bit of a coming-of-age story and a story about depression. Saw someone say this is what Kimi no Na Wa tried to be, and I totally see that, and I also think this is what jdrama First Love tried to be. Last episode, last scene had me ready to start sobbing ??? I'm just. Not ok. I should have known time travel doesn't end well. Absolutely amazing performances by the cast, especially the two main leads. There is a huge hole in my heart now ?? I watched this to get over Under the Queen's Umbrella, now I need to watch something to get over this (also when will Letterboxd add Alchemy of Souls etc??)

*Humor is unfortunately sometimes very not funny (fatphobic, transphobic) and I wish Huang Quan Sheng's storyline was resolved properly. Also Li Ziwei's second chase of her was low-key rather like harassment?? And what is this weird thing with age gaps lmao...

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Thought provoking and produced so well.

A very good Thriller Romance SciFi.

I enjoyed this very much, the actors did an amazing job portraying of portraying their respective characters.

The story was very different from what I've watched and even read in novels before and was thought provoking and produced so well.

I was pulled into the story from the get go and different emotions were evoked and I cried in almost every episode up to say episode 14. Did cry again after that but less than the previous episodes.

Just note that you need to really pay attention / concentrate on everything that is happening otherwise you will get confused or loose track.

Loved the theme song and will look for it online to download.

Might rewatch this in a few months time, especially when I need a good cry session.

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A Mesmerizing Masterpiece

"Someday or One Day" is an absolute gem that flawlessly weaves a tale of love, time travel, and destiny. With an unwavering 10/10 rating, I'm spellbound by its intricate plot that seamlessly intertwines past and present. The characters are so relatable that you feel their emotions deep within, especially Yen RuXi's portrayal, which is nothing short of brilliance. The cinematography is breathtaking, enhancing every emotion and twist. This drama is an emotional whirlwind, leaving you pondering life's connections and the choices we make. In my eyes, "Someday or One Day" is an unparalleled triumph that deserves every ounce of praise.

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Story:
Definitely one of the best Taiwan drama I’ve seen. It’s beautiful, bittersweet and heart wrenching. The plot touches on romance, friendship, family ties, grieving, depression and other social topics (Not your typical cheesy romance drama, if you can’t stand dark and emotional scenes, please stick to your cliche love dramas).
Although the beginning may be repetitive, but watch out for the details! The time travel twist and murder mystery made it more intriguing. Perfectly short and sweet pace, you won’t feel bored in each episode. No useless fillers to drag to show or having too much focus on the side characters. Ultimately, it’s the love between the characters that touched my heart. SO MUCH FEELS!!!

Acting/Cast:
Alice Ke did an impressive job in portraying 2 different characters. It’s amazing that you can tell whether it’s CYR or HYX. Greg Hsu is so charismatic and sweet. Love to see them together. The chemistry between Alice and Greg made their love so much more beautiful. Patrick is also so charming! Pretty natural acting, feels real that you’re immersed in the drama too. They are all incredible in bringing out such raw emotions and feelings.

Music:
Each song is played at the perfect timing to reflect the situation and how the characters felt. There is so much in-depth meaning to the lyrics of each song that you actually empathise for the characters. Totally in love with all the OST, replaying them on Spotify!
“Last dance” - Wu Bai (May not be your genre but it sores into you)
"Miss You 3000" (想見你想見你想見你)” - 831
"See Your Voice" (看見妳的聲音)” - Nine Chen

Rewatch value:
Still feeling the emotional impact but its worth watching again!

MUST WATCH!

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