Link Click
Link Click, known in Chinese as Shíguāng Dàilǐrén (时光代理人), is a captivating animated series, or 'donghua,' that plunges into the profound mysteries of time and human memory. It follows a unique duo who possess the extraordinary ability to enter photographs, traveling back to pivotal moments to help clients confront their pasts and find closure. But meddling with time always carries a steep price, revealing that some regrets are best left untouched—or are they? The series explores the ethical dilemmas and unforeseen consequences of altering past events, even when driven by the noblest intentions. Its narrative centers on two protagonists with complementary powers, who must work in tandem under strict rules to navigate the delicate fabric of time. Link Click has garnered international acclaim for its unique storytelling, stunning animation, and poignant exploration of human emotion and connection.
AI Summary
Link Click, known in Chinese as Shíguāng Dàilǐrén (时光代理人), is a captivating animated series, or 'donghua,' that plunges into the profound mysteries of time and human memory. It follows a unique duo who possess the extraordinary ability to enter photographs, traveling back to pivotal moments to help clients confront their pasts and find closure. But meddling with time always carries a steep price, revealing that some regrets are best left untouched—or are they?
- The series explores the ethical dilemmas and unforeseen consequences of altering past events, even when driven by the noblest intentions.
- Its narrative centers on two protagonists with complementary powers, who must work in tandem under strict rules to navigate the delicate fabric of time.
- Link Click has garnered international acclaim for its unique storytelling, stunning animation, and poignant exploration of human emotion and connection.
Welcome to Moment of Time Photo Studio
In a quiet corner of the city, nestled within what appears to be an ordinary photo studio, lies a secret: the Moment of Time. Here, two extraordinary young men, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, offer a truly unique service—they help clients relive and resolve the regrets of their past. It's not magic, but something far more intricate.
Cheng Xiaoshi's Extraordinary Gift
Cheng Xiaoshi, the studio's impulsive co-owner, possesses an incredible ability. By looking at a client's photograph, he can plunge into the image, physically traveling back to the precise moment it was taken. Once there, he inhabits the body of the photographer, absorbing their memories, feelings, and experiences as his own.
Lu Guang's Guiding Sight
His calmer, more analytical partner, Lu Guang, provides the crucial counterpoint. He can perceive the intricate flow of events within a photo's 12-hour timeframe, guiding Cheng Xiaoshi telepathically through the past. Together, they form a perfect, if precarious, team, navigating the delicate balance of temporal intervention.
But their powers come with strict, immutable rules. They have only twelve hours within the past, a single chance to enter the photo, and—most importantly—they must never alter historical events. Changing even the smallest detail risks catastrophic ripples across the timeline, a truth that constantly haunts their every mission.
Often, their missions begin with seemingly simple requests: finding a lost item, delivering a forgotten message, or understanding a past betrayal. Yet, each dive into a photograph unravels a complex tapestry of human emotions, secrets, and sometimes, tragic truths that challenge their resolve and the very fabric of their rules.
The World of Link Click
Link Click, originally titled Shíguāng Dàilǐrén or 'Time Agents,' first captivated audiences as a Chinese donghua web series. Helmed by writer and director Li Haoling, and brought to life by Studio LAN, it quickly garnered global attention for its sophisticated storytelling and stunning animation.
The journey began with its first season airing in 2021, followed by a highly anticipated second season in 2023. Fans have even been treated to charming chibi specials, exploring lighter moments. Looking ahead, a prequel season, 'Bridon Arc,' premiered in late 2024, and a third main season is set to arrive in 2026, promising more twists and turns.
Beyond the Animated Screen
The series' compelling narrative has transcended its original animated format, leading to several exciting adaptations. An audio drama immersed listeners in the story in 2022, allowing them to experience the tension and emotion through sound alone.
A live-action drama adaptation soon followed in 2023, bringing the beloved characters of Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang to life with new faces. This expansion demonstrates the universal appeal of its themes and characters.
The theatrical world also embraced Link Click, with a stage musical adaptation premiering in late 2023. From screens to stages, the studio's unique concept continues to resonate across various forms of media.
A Symphony of Sound and Emotion
The music of Link Click plays a crucial role in its immersive storytelling. The opening and ending themes, like 'Dive Back in Time' and 'OverThink' for Season 1, quickly became fan favorites. These soundtracks often mirror the series' emotional depth and narrative complexity.
A notable example is the opening theme for Season 2, 'Vortex,' which features deliberately reversed lyrics. This creative choice was a direct request from director Li Haoling, ingeniously symbolizing the series' core theme of reversing time and its inherent paradoxes.
Critical Acclaim and Global Impact
Link Click has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Reviewers, such as Rafael Motamayor from /Film, lauded the series for its exceptional animation, evocative music, and its masterful ability to build tension. The series doesn't just entertain; it resonates deeply.
Motamayor described Link Click as 'life-affirming,' highlighting its capacity to explore profound human experiences and emotions with sensitivity and nuance. This international recognition solidifies its place as a groundbreaking and emotionally powerful animated work.
Article
Link Click
Link Click (Chinese: 时光代理人; pinyin: Shíguāng Dàilǐrén, lit. ''Time Agents'') is a Chinese donghua web series written and directed by Li Haoling and produced by Studio LAN with assistance by Li's studio, Haoliners Animation League.
The first season aired from April 30, 2021, to July 9, 2021, on Bilibili and Funimation. There were a total of 12 episodes, including a special episode named 5.5. A second season aired from July 14, 2023, to September 22, 2023, on Bilibili. Several chibi specials were also released.
A prequel season was announced shortly after the end of the second season, and aired from December 27, 2024, to January 31, 2025. It is titled Bridon Arc and has a total of 6 episodes, each roughly lasting 24 minutes besides the one-hour first episode. On January 1, 2025, the official account announced that the series had surpassed 10 million followers on Bilibili. A third season is set to premiere in 2026.
Synopsis
Link Click
Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang run Moment of Time Photo Studio and accept requests from clients to relieve them of regrets. Through a photo provided by the client, Cheng Xiaoshi can travel back in time to the moment it was taken and assumes the identity of its photographer, with him absorbing the photographer's memories and emotions in the process. At the same time, Lu Guang has the ability to keep track of the events in time and helps Cheng Xiaoshi relive the experiences of the photographer. The two work under the conditions that they have only 12 hours with one chance to travel in time and find what their client is searching for, while also leaving the events of the past unchanged.
Characters
Main
Cheng Xiaoshi (程小时; Chéng Xiǎoshí): Voiced by: Su Shangqing (Chinese), Alejandro Saab, Xanthe Huynh (young) (English) The owner of Time Photo Studio. He possesses the ability to time travel through entering photos and possessing the photographer (he appears as himself if the photo is via. surveillance), and any action he takes can affect the timeline.
Lu Guang (陆光; Lù Guāng): Voiced by: Yang Tianxiang (Chinese), Zeno Robinson (English) Cheng Xiaoshi's friend and partner at Time Photo Studio. He has the ability to look at a photo and retrace its area within 12 hours after it has been taken. While Xiaoshi is traveling through time, Lu Guang is able to telepathically communicate with him.
Recurring
Qiao Ling (乔苓; Qiáo Líng): Voiced by: Li Shimeng (Chinese), Suzie Yeung (English) Xiaoshi's childhood friend and landlady of Time Photo Studio. She often arrives at the studio to provide time clients for Xiaoshi and Guang. Xiao Li (肖力; Xiāo Lì): Voiced by: Tútè Hāméng (图特哈蒙) (Chinese), Christopher Sabat (English) A police captain who requests the Time Studio's help in solving the murder case involving Liu Min. Qian Jin (钱进; Qián Jìn): Voiced by: Wei Chao (魏超) (Chinese), Aaron Campbell (English) A mysterious lawyer who represents Liu Jing and is Xiao Li's former police partner. Liu Jing (刘晶; Liú Jīng): Voiced by: Lín Qiáng (林强) (Chinese), Anthony Bowling (English) CEO of Quede Games and Liu Min's father who requests Qian Jin's services. Liu Min (刘旻; Liú Mín): Voiced by: Sūn Lùlù (孙路路) (Chinese), Daman Mills (English) A man who seems to be connected to a string of murders and son of Quede Games CEO Liu Jing. Emma / Wu Lihua (吴丽华; Wú Lìhuá): Voiced by: Zhào Yìtóng (赵熠彤) (Chinese), Xanthe Huynh (English) Overworked secretary to the CFO at Quede Games (formerly) and client of Time Photo Studio. Chen Bin (陈彬; Chén Bīn): Voiced by: Xīng Cháo (星潮) (Chinese), Howard Wang (English) Xiao Li's police partner. Xu Shanshan (徐姗姗; Xú Shānshān): Voiced by: Zhào Shuǎng (赵爽) (Chinese), Caitlin Glass (English) A school friend of Qiao Ling, Cheng Xiaoshi, and Lu Guang who comes to them seeking help when she can't remember what Dong Yi told her when she was drunk. Dong Yi (董易; Dǒng Yì): Voiced by: Jīn Xián (金弦) (Chinese), Aaron Dismuke (English) Xu Shanshan's friend who enjoys hanging out with her and uses every excuse he can to stay by her side. Yu Xia (予夏; Yú Xià): Voiced by: Qián Chēn (钱琛) (Chinese), Morgan Lauré (English) Client of Time Photo Studio who asks them to find the secret ingredient to her friend Lin Zhen's noodles after she left her to restart everything. Lin Zhen (林贞; Lín Zhēn): Voiced by: Niè Xīyìng (聂曦映) (Chinese), Jad Saxton (English) Yu Xia's closest friend and chef of their noodles. She ended up leaving Yu Xia's side after coming to terms with the fact she no longer enjoyed making the noodles Yu Xia once enjoyed. Chen Xiao (陈潇; Chén Xiāo): Voiced by: Wāi Wāi (歪歪) (Chinese) A client who seeks out the Time Studio as he asks if they could simply deliver a message to some people from his past on the day of a basketball game. Qiao Ling notes that he looks incredibly tired and unhappy. Liu Lei (刘磊; Liú Lěi): Voiced by: Gǔ Jiāngshān (谷江山) (Chinese) Lu Hongbin (陆鸿斌; Lù Hóngbīn): Voiced by: Guān Shuài (关帅) (Chinese), Brandon McInnis (English) Doudou (豆豆; Dòu Dòu): Voiced by: Zǐ Zǐ (仔仔) (Chinese), Cherami Leigh (English) A young boy who is kidnapped. The Time Photo Studio looks for clues to secure the boy's rescue.
Media
Donghua
The first season of the donghua series was released on Bilibili and Funimation on April 30, 2021. It was directed by Li Haoling, original character design by INPLICK, art directed by Tanji Takumi, Asami Tomoya, and Zhu Lipiao, photography directed by Sanjou Yasuka, and chief animation directed by Studio LAN. A second season was announced at the ending of the episode 11.
Crunchyroll premiered an English dub on August 8, 2022.
Season 1
The opening theme for season 1 is "Dive Back in Time" by 白鲨JAWS, while the ending theme is "OverThink" by Fàn Kǎ (饭卡). Alternative versions of "Dive Back in Time", performed by bicaso (a vocal project by Sony Music Entertainment Japan) featuring Gen Kakon, and "OverThink", performed by bicaso featuring Eaeran, were also released and used in the Japanese dub version.
The soundtrack album, composed by various artists, was released on August 20, 2021 (2021-08-20), by Bilibili.
Season 2
The opening theme is "Vortex" by 白鲨JAWS, while the ending theme is "The Tides" by Fàn Kǎ (饭卡) & 白鲨JAWS. The song "Vortex" contains reversed lyrics; this was because of writer/director Li Haoling's request to incorporate the theme of reversing time into the song.
The music for season 2 was composed by various artists. The soundtrack album was first released on September 30, 2023 (2023-09-30). A later re-release, released on January 15, 2024 (2024-01-15), contained additional opening, ending, insert, and promotional songs.
Audio drama
An audio drama adaptation was released on 猫耳 (pinyin: Māo ěr) FM ("Cat Ears FM") on November 10, 2022, and aired every Thursday. The first season consists of 12 episodes that are each about 30 minutes long.
Live-action drama
A live-action drama adaptation was announced on June 17, 2023. The series can be found on Bilibili or YouTube, starring Jiang Long as Cheng Xiaoshi and Bi Wenjun as Lu Guang.
A Japanese live-action adaptation has been announced and is a co-production between Fuji TV, Bilibili, and Tokai TV.
Musical
A stage musical adaptation was announced on August 8, 2023, and premiered on November 10, 2023.
Reception
Link Click
Reviewing the first season for /Film, Rafael Motamayor praised the animation, music, and the series's ability to create tension. Motamayor described Link Click as "life-affirming" and "feel[ing] fresh and new".
Accolades
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Award</th><th>Category</th><th>Nominee(s)</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2026</td><td>New York International Film Awards</td><td>Best Animation, February 2026</td><td>Link Click: Bridon Arc</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lisbon Animated Film Festival</td><td>Audience Award (Perspectives Features Competition)</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sweden Film Awards</td><td>Winner, February 2026</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>