This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful love story
A must watch. It's a good blend between romance and the palace politics genre.Non-Spoiler Section:
Slow paced at the start but with many little sweets. Things start to pick up from around episode 10 onwards. Best part? It’s only 24 episodes long. Right at a sweet spot without being draggy with fillers again like all other shows.
Story-wise, It’s not just all romance but also royal schemes and politics. In fact, the royal schemes form the backbone of this show. Super exciting and ruthless! I really liked how intense the schemes were (even if it tore our couple apart). It's nowhere near Nirvana in Fire, but it did remind me of NOF.
We can’t possibly do this review without talking about the leads. This is my first Allen Ren show. Bai Lu didn’t impress me much previously (from The Legends) but their chemistry and relationship in this show is 200%. They are so respectful and subtly sweet towards each other. I particularly love the flashbacks where they remember small little sweet moments like waiting to have a meal or drink tea together. It’s not sizzling romance but respectful love. The gazes that Allen Ren gives are so indescribable... they're just very comforting eyes.
All the supporting characters are also very good. I’ve never seen any of them before in other shows yet they all act so well and have really nice chemistries with each other.
Special mention to Shiyi’s mother. She is such an upright family-name-first yet loving mother.
The production/edits are also very good. Everything flows beautifully in order, there are no unnecessary and repetitive flashbacks. No long stares. Quite perfectly done. Except some battles which were a little odd if you look closely but if you don't pay attention, they're perfectly fine. The ending felt a bit rushed to me considering how slow-paced the first few episodes were but I suppose this is normal in c-dramas.
Just gonna end this with some self-absorbed awards I’m giving to the characters lol.
Uncle of the Year - Zhou Shengchen!
Wingman of the Year - The Monk
.
.
.
.
.
SPOILER SECTION:
.
.
.
.
.
I’m just glad his death wasn’t so graphic and it was a lot more acceptable for me. Shiyi's death on the other hand was tragic and hard for me.
And yes, I see the Game of Thrones references. Zhou Shengchen dressing up like a Night’s Watch and the Red Wedding massacre.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best
Just a note, I'm not one to watch historical dramas. But this was definitely one of the best (and even have the urge to rewatch) despite the ending.Storyline, acting, cinematography, OST, idioms used - everything was done SO WELL.
Both the main leads have solid acting and they have brought out the characters even with the small things, such as their hand gestures, eye contact etc. Even so, all other characters acting were so good, to the extent I actually hoped there were more episodes just to include the other side characters stories! The music - it fits so much with the scenes and its just astounding!
I'm sure everyone already knows the ending for this drama to be real sad. Let's say I don't favour dramas with extreme sad drama-line for the leads cause it just feels depressed. But the story for OAO was so well executed to the extent I am so into rewatching, crying my eyes out, and subsequently watching FAE to heal my sadden soul for their past life.
This is definitely a nice drama to watch. For those who were like me that are not into historical ones, just try it! There would be FAE for you to watch after this anyway haha. Ps. just remember to prepare some tissues mostly on second half of the drama :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the purest and most powerful love stories ever watched
“One and Only” is Part 1, and “forever and ever” is part 2. You have to watch them one after the other. Because not only is that how the book is written, Part 1 in the past, and Part 2 in the present; but also because if you don’t have part 2 following the watching of One and Only, you are going to cry for a long time.One and only is a Masterpiece. (Forever and ever as well). This is a most beautiful love story, even if it remains platonic ( at the difference of Forever and ever), because of an officially given promise…. Yet, even without kissing scene between. Bai Lu and Ren Jia Lun, their chemistry, skinship and the way they look at each other more than make up for the absence of consumed romance.
The story is a slow burn, with the underlying political schemes of this Wuxia far from boring, and I am not a big fan of political plots… and you will hate the empress dowager, and everyone greedy for power and not letting people live the peaceful they are longing for.
The production is just beautiful, although it took place in winter times, and is served by a beautiful ost. This drama will haunt me, as The Red Sleeve did…
but this one (and Forever and Ever) have something unique when you think about it: they are the only ones I watched so far - and I’ve seen hundreds of them, where there is an absolute and unwavering love between the two main protagonists, something that is more powerful than anything, a vow for eternity without fight or breaking up, but mutual respect and understanding. Love in its purest form.
Was this review helpful to you?
Powerful story or just Upsetting, can't decide...
Yo! this Drama!! I had to watch several other dramas to calm down from watching this drama. It has a sad ending and all but it left me more angry than sad about the injustice of it all and how pointless it all was in the end! Like I was seriously upset for days! Even watching the sequel didn't completely take the anger away 'cos it only confirms that a century later history has this kind man down as a villain!I like my romance to come with confessions, some kisses (well-executed ones please not those lame-assed ones) and some cute fluff n stuff at the very least! If that's you...back away slowly from this one! I also don't usually do tragedies and thought I'd make an exemption with this one...sigh I shouldn't have!
Don't get me wrong, it deserves its high rating and I gave it an 8.5 because according to the rating criteria - Story, Acting, blah, blah, blah, it's all top-notch. Just don't come expecting to finish it with a big smile on your face and a warm feeling in your belly...jeez, I guess I'm still a little upset so I'll stop here!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Real Roller coaster of emotions
Before getting to the point a few words for you Liu zing...Guess it would be pretty much obvious to express my hate for you Liu Zi Xing ( im talking about the character ofc), the fact that you made me really dislike your character even tho we are showed some things from your Pov and background life, making me doubt about your ' true nature' ( is he really the bad guy here?).. i arrive at the conclusion that i pretty much hated you throughtout the story
But this ...actually is something to prase you for, cuz you are supposed to be the villan in the story ( i guess.. also, omg youre so selfish! ),you are there to keep the plot progressing and i would say making things drammatic af.. well you did your job as a villan very well..
For the ending....
I never thought that this drama could have such an end, y'know... we all hope that in some way the ML saves himself ( in some twisted and smart way) maybe faking his death to then come back and save his loved one and Happy ending ( which i really like)
Till the end and with all my heart i hoped it would be the case.... but let me tell you one thing.. watch the last 2/3 episodes alone ( cuz you dont want people to judge you ..) with a bunch of napkings box cuz you will definetely need them..
Let alone the ending...(which broke my ♡) this is a really nice drama, also considering some funny situations, nice and 'cozy' moments betweed the Mcs and amazing fight scenes, i mean Zhou Sheng Chen battle skills are lit!
Was this review helpful to you?
I thought I was ready for this ....
..... i wasn't :(Before i started this drama, I unintentionally came across a lot of spoilers and knew that this drama has a pretty sad ending but i watched it nonetheless since i was a sucker for historical dramas ( + ren jia lun + bai lu )
As i began watching One and Only, i was immediately drawn in by the amazing chemistry between the two main leads, Bai Lu and Ren Jia Lun. They are both such versatile actors/actresses. The emotions they conveyed on screen felt so real. I laughed, smiled, felt worried and CRIED with them.
After a few episodes, i noticed not only the main leads were outstanding; all the supporting casts acted out their roles very well too. Shiyi's seniors were so warm, nice and genuine while Zhou Sheng Chen's friends (Prince Pingqin, Huan Yu, Xiao Yan) were very cupid-like ;) Even the antagonists (Liu ZiXing, Empress Dowager etc) and other supporting characters did so well!
If you are unsure whether to watch this drama or not, i would definitely recommend if you don't mind bawling your eyes out (I started crying like a baby at episode 16 and ESPECIALLY the last three episodes) I'm also in love with the cinematography in One and Only. All scenes were so mesmerising and the OSTs!! Gosh, Ren Jia Lun's vocals got me putting his song on repeat.
All in all, huge kudos to all casts, crews, producers, director & novel-writer! One of my favourite dramas, for sure.
Ren Jia Lun, Bai Lu & all the casts will bring you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Buckle up!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
An Addicting Tragic & Heart wrenching Love Story
I did not think that I would love this drama as much as I do now when I first gave this drama a try a week ago. I had doubts about this drama even though I liked the actors, but it was the OST that convinced me to give this drama a try. AND WOW! The drama did not disappoint. One and Only is the best historical romance tragedy drama that I have watched in 2021 so far. It comes second to Goodbye My Princess as one of the best love stories I have watched in the cdrama world. I am so glad I gave it a try because I definitely would have regretted it if I did not discover this gem of a drama and let it past me. One and Only was just so enjoyable in every aspect. I did not skip one minute of the drama and savored every moment of Shi Yi and Zhou Sheng Chen. I definitely recommend this 100% to anyone looking for a great love story and some amazing music.There are so many things that I love about this drama:
1. The OST and bgm- it was so amazing and really added to the emotions of the scenes, particularly at the end of the drama when tragedy hits our couple. The music was ultimately what pulled me into this drama. It was already so beautiful to listen to before I gave this drama a try and now it holds a deeper meaning after completing the drama.
2. The acting- the entire cast did an amazing job at embodying their roles. I really loved Allen and Bai Lu as Zhou Sheng Chen and Shi Yi and I can't imagine anyone else playing them better than they did. The supporting roles were also excellent; the actors who played the other disciples really showed their deep bond with Zhou Sheng Chen.
3. The chemistry- Bai Lu as Shi Yi and Allen Ren as Zhou Sheng Chen left me heartbroken and speechless. They showed their love so beautifully with their actions and through their gazes at each other. They made such a great pair and I wish so badly that they had a happy ending in this life. It would have been so amazing to see them admit their love for one another in this life. It hurt me so bad that they could not just be together and instead died one after another.
4. Angst- I love a good tragic love story even though my heart can't handle it once I finish lol. My heart really hurt for their love that had to be hidden. The bloody note that Zhou Sheng Chen left for Shi Yi was absolutely devasting and seeing Shi Yi's reaction to his death and the note hurt so much. It was also so sad to watch Zhou Sheng Chen and Shi Yi be separated by an arranged marriage and seeing them cry silently for each other. The jumping scene of Shi Yi was also filmed so beautifully and made me cry T_T The snow and her dress made it even more tragic. I really felt wronged for Zhou Sheng Chen who lost his life to the people he risked his life on the battlefield protecting.
5. Story- the story was just amazing. The politics weren't hard to understand and I loved the character setups (except why did Zhou Sheng Chen have to be so selfless???) I would have loved to see Zhou Sheng Chen and Shi Yi be happy in this life though, because their outfits were so beautiful and the scenery in historical times. There are some moments where the antagonists get really annoying, but it's not too bad.
6. Fight Sequences- I just have to say that Zhou Sheng Chen and his disciples looked so amazing fighting.
Was this review helpful to you?
Watch with your friends cuz you need a shoulder to cry on?
Allen and bai lua chemistry is beyond words. They did an excellent job and the support actors/actress are awesome as well. I love everting, I can’t wait for ever and ever to come out! I love you Allen. I didn’t like how the the king is afraid of his evil mother and she ending job poisoning him and kill his concubine. Evil man eater they should’ve chop her head off. And the crown prince is a loser. I do t feel pity for him. He try to kill his uncle for Shiyi. She Don’t love you,loser! A lot of it I didn’t quite understand a young king, I didn’t know where he pop out from?Was this review helpful to you?
please do not drop ahhhhhh
i had this on hold because i heard this was filled w angst and wasnt sure if i could take it, but i do regret not starting this drama earlier. the drama isn't "carried" by anything, the camerawork, soundtrack, and acting just make the story impactful altogether i'd highly recommend anyone to watch this prequel before the sequel (Forever and Ever) even if others say it's more interesting. it's not a grave mistake, since you can always revisit a drama to find the little connections. it's like a buy one get one free, where if you watch one of the dramas it's almost a must to watch the other.STORY
at first i was scared by the age gap, but it is later clarified that there's only a few year difference. the story involves tragedy, but it is blended well with all the sweet and slightly comedic moments. romance wise, the main leads have outstanding chemistry and the side couples as well. there arent any absurd love triangles or moments added purely for fanservice that ruin the plot. the emotions and romantic moments are pure and just a joy to watch. watchers who only look for typical romance (kissing, consumating, marriage) may find this drama a bit different, but i think it's so pure that the gestures have more meaning. comedy wise, there are lighthearted moments but the show obviously isn't comedy based. i still think it's enjoyable to watch how peaceful life is when they're off the battlefield. it's enjoyable how the political/military aspects are relevant to the time period and historically accurate (dramas occasionally throw logic out the window for fanservice). i was always engaged in the plot and watching the characters gradually develop emotions/mindsets is worth it.
ACTING
a 24 episode tragic drama is a rare sight since theyre usually 50+ episodes, but the cast's subtle emotions and expressions perfectly convey the meaning of the plot. the development of the plot doesn't depend on out-of-character moments that defy the plot (like certain dramas..) but even their smallest gestures can evoke strong emotions. the main leads click very well, ren jia lun and bai lu are both notable actors who have had outstanding roles in other dramas before. the acting feels down to earth and realistic, helps watchers immerse themselves into the story. the supporting cast, especially the villains, add a great amount of impact to the plot. you know the cast's acting is well if you sometimes want to go through the screen to comfort and cry for a character or punch their face flat.
MUSIC
cdramas always have music that set the tone/mood for the next scene, and ive rarely ever watched a cdrama with a bad ost. one and only is the type of drama that makes its opening unforgettable. hearing it literally makes me so nostalgic (i only finished the drama recently) hearing the intro again in forever and ever literally made me gasp out of excitement.
REWATCH VALUE
i immediately rewatch dramas without skipping if i like them, one and only is not an exception. it felt taboo to skip any scenes because i knew what impact the story had on me. with complicated political dramas, watching them a second time allows you to understand little details and understand better. also being able to see the main leads happy moments is such a treat.
SUMMARY
please do not drop, or please don't turn away from the drama, i feel so much regret not watching this earlier. each character was portrayed perfectly by the cast, from heroes to villains. story is definitely engaging, and i just feel so much dopamine watching this.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best romantic drama between a teacher and student really respectful and classy loved it
I will tell you what I loved about this dramaIt's peacefulness ,,, even if it had war scenes ,,, it wasn't focused on war or fighting ,,, it's focused on the beautiful yet subtle love story and the bond between the characters was the best
this drama isn't loud ,, it doesn't have annoying characters even the evil ones have their reasons ,, sometimes at first I felt sympathy for the evil guy who destroyed everything later on
I loved the bond between the characters,, their family bond without even being an actual family ,, the classiness between a teacher and his student who he loved later on ,, there were no over the top romance scenes not even one kiss or over the top noisy female lead who keep annoying the male lead to love her ,, the male lead wasn't cold and arogenate , he was soft and gentle yet wise and smart strong man with a very amazing charisma and you just fall in love with him
their relationship seemed so smooth so subtle so beautiful ,, it was really emotional for me
I felt all sorts of emotions ,, I'm not a romance drama fan and I think this one was one of the best I've ever seen
Never one boring moment or draggy dialogues or even draggy scenes ,,, every episode has it's own fast pace
I felt so sad at the final three episodes that I stopped watching to take a breather not to fall into deep depression state
I went to watch a funny variety show of the male lead just to watch him happy laughing and playing and really it broke my anxiety from the last three episodes ,, they were heavily sad
I know of course it's a drama but it was very well made that you feel what they feel exactly like them
I recommend it so much to anyone who likes to watch Mature Romance with subtle love story ,, it's like a beautiful poem
I wished the ending was better but don't let it discourage you ,, they made a second season in modern era for them to complete their story in much more happier louder way
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My One and Only
Here goes my first review.WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
As a long-time avid Asian drama watcher, there's one thing on my list that I will avoid: tragedy. I know and remember WHY I DON'T watch it because it's like a knife stabbing at your heart when you finish the series, and this one is one of them. BUT. This was the only exception because of how well everything was written. The characters, OSTS, storyline, and last but not least, the chemistry between all of the characters.
I love to wipe out my memories whenever I watch something so sad like this, but as I said, this was soooo good, that I couldn't avoid this drama. Before I watched this drama, I actually listened to the OST wayyy before I decided to watch it. Of course, Zhang Bichen's "As It Is" just makes you feel the longing and pain in the characters, which led me to binge this AMAZING DRAMA.
The plot: One of the best! Now, I'm into the historical genre, but I don't like to get too deep into politics and all of the manipulation, but this one was just about right-- not too much but not too little too, which I didn't mind at all. The characters were there for a reason and everything rolls up all the way to the end, which connects. There's no, "Who is that?" or weird addition of plots that were left in a hole. And let's just say, I GRIEVED FOR THE COUPLE. My tears of crying and sadness was all for them.
The Characters: DON'T GET ME STARTED. Oh my god. Let's say, after I watched this drama, I became a HUGE ALLEN REN and BAI LU fan. I began to research them and look at their work because they portrayed their characters sooo well in here, it feels so realistic.
Bai Lu as Eleven: My my my. Her acting was just amazing. So, what caught my eye with this drama was that she had to play "mute" which was unique in my opinion. This allows her to portray her emotions instead of speaking at times, which she does WELL at (speaking of, she catches things very fast based on the BTS videos I've watched). The longing in her eyes, and what broke my heart the most seeing Eleven's desire was that she only wanted to be by Zhou Sheng Chen's side. I mourned for her so much as well as Zhou Sheng Chen. When she said, "All I wanted was to live in the manor and be Eleven" I was grieving for her! The desire to love was too much of a desire for her, so all she wanted was to be by Sheng Chen's side. It was the desire of longing, but not asking for much. The crying scenes to the expression of sincere love and patience were in the eyes of Eleven.
Allen Ren as Zhou Sheng Chen: So, first of all, his voice was just something else. Maybe it's his deep voice or it was the voice of a calm and composed man who bears all of his emotions inside of his hardened shell that he displayed to everyone else, but he did exceptionally well as Zhou Sheng Chen. The amount of respect I have for this actor who played such a hardened character, who could only feel a small comfort of relief with Eleven by his side, but with dignity, respect, and loyalty to his people and land, he was never selfish enough to choose his desires. Already, by the first episode (or second, excuse my memory), when he promised to never "marry nor had kids" that's when I had already rolled the dice and said, "yep, this is going to be depressing." (with me already knowing it's a sad ending XD). Zhou Sheng Chen's character was just an amazing person, it makes you ADMIRE him. He's a definition of a person who keeps his promises, someone, who you can trust in your life, and you can see it with Allen's amazing acting. He stood strong, his head high, never letting anyone see the shield that blocks his own desires in his life.
The side characters had really good addition to this that I loved the most. I LOVED that there were female "soldiers" that stood by Zhou Sheng Chen's side, specifically Xiao Yu and Feng Qiao who are "sisters" to Eleven. And then there's Zhen Er who just stuck out to me at the end. The night when Zhen Er went to talk to Eleven about what was going to happen, the one thing that got to me was her telling her, "Maybe I wanted to tell you because we were friends for a night." Here, you can see the amount of impact that Eleven had with Zhen Er, with just ONE NIGHT. It was the kind and caring friend that wanted to be there for her. I CAN GO ON AND ON BUT I SHALL STOP WITH THE CHARACTERS.
The OST: Zhang Bichen's "As It Is" is the definition of their love story. It's the longing, the want, the amount of selfishness that they wanted for each other, but they didn't in the end, for the people. It's this song that made me get into this drama, and it's the song that I'm still obsessed with. And then there's Allen Ren's "As Always." His voice is sooooo calming and soft. Did you know he almost because a kpop star? His theme song for Zhou Sheng Chen was perfect. Let's say, all of the OST of this drama was perfectly perfect.
In conclusion, what I hated the most was that I was crying. So. Much. Of course, towards the end when the writers wanted to soften us up and adore them as a couple (and the other couples as well) just to hammer it down like a wrecking ball. BUT. IT WAS WORTH IT. I'm telling you, it's soooo worth crying for them. I tell others, I grieve for them when I watch them again. It's all of the mourning that was needed for these characters, and they really deserved it. My love for this drama now has a special place in my heart, FOREVER AND EVER (See what I did there? XD). There is a second season, but I still think that this one is still the best one, because the number of emotions that were put in here, cannot be explained, and you can see it here by their actions and eyes.
Was this review helpful to you?
Took me by surprise
Bai Lu is one of my favourite actresses and seeing that this character is different to most of her past roles, I immediately jumped into it.The storyline was beautifully executed, characters are well developed and none I find irrelevant as most ancient Chinese dramas do.
I have to say the director did an amazing job because it was shot exquisitely, each frame was like an artwork.
If you are wanting a short drama, not too much of heavy politics and the purest form of love... then please give this drama a chance. The acting from everyone on the show impressed me beyond words. Of course, Bai Lu did a superb job as I had no doubt she would. However, it's all the other actors and actresses that completely elevated this drama to a higher level.
The way Zhou Sheng Chen gaze at Cui Shi Yi, the unspoken love in his eyes, it got me feeling all sort of emotions.
Also, a shout out to the costume design crew. Amazing costumes and hair style.
I hope more people will pay attention to this drama. It deserves a lot of love!
Was this review helpful to you?
