This review contains a brief description of the main characters abilities and a minor vague spoiler related to Xiaoshis ability that is hidden under a spoiler tag. If you just want a brief bulletpoint summary of whether Link Click is the show for you scroll to the bottom. If not keep reading. Link Click is the first Chinese animation donghua I watched and with its top ratings on MyAnimeList and Anilist that probably is and will be the case for many others as well. I see this as a good thing because Link Click is welldeserving of this distinction and a worthy show in general that reaches emotional heights matching some of the best anime out there. Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang friends who run hot and cold respectively go back in time through photos for various clients who want something from the past to resolve an issue in the present. While Lu Guang has the ability to see up to 12 hours ahead of the time a photo was taken from the takers perspective Xiaoshi can effectively possess that persons past self and walk in their shoes so to speak. There is no explanation offered as to why they have these abilities in this first season which is light on exposition in general. Rather the show focuses on developing the stories of different individuals as Xiaoshi experiences their pasts. This leads to a plot that can be difficult to follow at times due to questions about time travel not always getting immediate answers but creates compelling drama that provides several characters to root for besides the main protagonists. Not that Xiaoshi isnt an engaging character on his own. He is endearing and empathetic inclined to think with his heart over his mind in situations where it would usually be wiser to follow Lu Guangs guidance. This tendency may test some peoples patience and it did test mine but never past the point of understandingespecially as his own past comes to light. Lu Guang complements Xiaoshi well with his stoic and levelheaded demeanor but feels a bit flat in comparison. Though his lack of development this season may mean he has his own arc in the upcoming second season. He does have a distinct personality and motivations I just havent seen enough to care much for him personally. But Link Clicks greatest strength is how each twist and turn makes a powerful impact on the characters as well as the viewer. Plot twists are not just played for shock value but rather contribute to the emotional narrative of the show. Characters navigate regrets trauma and tragedy which the show handles with sensitivity while allowing for hope of renewal. And almost every episode including the last ends on a cliffhanger but its hard to be mad when they feel earned... and slide so smoothly into the banger EDhttps://www..com/watch?v=ly2GjsxKtg0. The shows sound direction in general is on point enhancing both calm and suspenseful moments with few missteps. There are no overly dramatic background tracks just parents singing lullabies on a quiet night. I do not know Chinese but the voice acting feels expressive to me and vividly portrays different characters personalities. The overall visuals are like watching a film which is saying something. Though Im not one to scrutinize every detail of art and animation the art seems clean sharp and consistentmore appealing than most anime Ive watched. The animation doesnt stand out for the most part but it gets the job done. If you want some fine animation of two guys and a girl dancing to some sick beats though go ahead and watch the OPhttps://www..com/watch?v=cuCfmOsuCA. The main criticism I have though does not have to do with the show itself but its subtitles. Theyre uh not great. The quality varies between episodes but they are usually sprinkled with grammar errors occasionally stilted and in the worst cases flatout incomprehensible. I would prefer to recommend that people watch the show on bilibilihttps://www.bilibili.com/bangumi/play/ep400972s website to support the creators but I must instead direct you to Funimationhttps://www.funimation.com/shows/linkclicks website since the subtitles there are more readable. Still subpar though. That the show shines despite this is a testament to its writing and other qualities. Link Clicks subtitles make it a bit difficult to rate the first season but I can safely say my first experience with a donghua was a positive one. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good time travel story or a thrilling drama. Certainly there are important questions such as the origin of the main duos abilities that still need answers but that will be a job for the second season. Link Clicks first season is a ride that transcends cultural barriers and a notsogreat translation to deliver moving stories about weathering life thatll keep you clicking Next to the last episode. IN SUMMARY: Watch if you: Like time travel dramas Like seeing characters solve other peoples problems Like emotionally driven narratives Like bromance Dont watch if you: Want detailed explanations with your time travel Hate cliffhangers Cant deal with subpar subtitles