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A poetic screenplay about a grim, downward spiral that I grew to hate . . The premise is 'witness a historical, grim epic power dispute, through the eyes of a wide-eyed girl/woman aged 14 - 24.' Nirvana in Fire and The Rise of Phoenixes are my gold standards for tragic male dominated political battles, and this drama falls far far short. Yes, there is a tragic/forbidden romance element that is introduced strong at the start. But, Shi Yi is a passive character and neither she nor Zhou Sheng Chen are focused on their romance as much as their duty to a crumbling and corrupt empire.
Rating it against my gold standard, the court intrigues and strategies of this drama are simplistic, and the villains overacted, cartoonish and not given sufficient back stories. Zhou Sheng Chen lives with integrity, is a talented general, and is made noble by his constant self-sacrifice, but he's also very one note and does not develop any complexity, nor displays any sort of talent for politics or romance.
There was a great use of poetry in this show, very touching beautiful lines . . . and that was the only highlight.
Once I realized that the political intrigue elements, which are the weakest points of this plot, were going to dominate the last 1/3 of the drama, I decided to drop it.
Acting is so so, chemistry is good as child with crush on teacher, but fizzles as Shi Yi becomes a full adult. Music set the mood fine, and I would not rewatch.
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10/10 Rating Best Chinese Drama Ever
I usually do not like a sad ending story but I gave 10/10 for this! I got attracted to watch the drama just by seeing a clip of one of the episodes by watching the first episode, I immediately download all episodes and watch them over and over again. The act, plot, scenes, music, costumes, make up, everything is perfect! The director did a very good job???? Every single scene, movement, words used are perfectly captured and it makes the unspeakable romance of the two main leads so lovely!! Kudos to the whole team!Was this review helpful to you?
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What a weak FL with many plot holes
Well, I've read the novel and have watched the sequel of the drama 'Forever and Ever'.As commons, the drama needs to add more story and plot to make it long enough to be a drama and I find it okay.
What made me disappointed was the portraying of the FL in the drama. The drama portrays the FL as a super weak, vulnerable and helpless woman. She didn't do much in the drama aside of crying, waiting or pouting.
I didn't get why the script made her to stand on the gate during the attack of Yongcheng. She had no skill of fighting or other useful skill in that battle. Standing on top of the gate overseeing the battle is just added more baggage or people to protect. The story is also unbearably so slow made me have to watch it in speed up version. And there should be a more suitable actress to play the FL role.
I am fine with a slow burning story, yet this drama is just so unbearably slow. Romance is indeed doesn't need skin-ship but there should be something to fill that void.
What I can conclude is that I've wasted my time and data?
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its a watch
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Well, everyone got what they deserved
What's done is done, but I believe this drama was miscast. Change the leading man to the smoking hot Monk guy (Zhou Lu La) and we at least would believe the guy was indeed a general because he had the right form plus an expressive face that conveyed more emotions than Ren Jia Lun has done in all his dramas combined.Moreover, and I can't emphasize enough, this drama suffered from the screenwriter's depiction of the protagonists and antagonists who were done a disservice by being characterized with such clearly delineated qualities. There were no gray areas, everyone was either white or black. Our ML was entirely too selfless while our heroine had less gravitas than cooked noodles. The combination of the two of them kept me entertained because god knows nothing good would ever come out of their combined idiocy. Perhaps I'm being too critical but having just come from watching the masterclass acting and screenplay that is "Royal Nirvana", I'll give myself a pass for being dissatisfied with a drama that needed a couple more re-writes.
While it's normal to romanticize star-crossed lovers, I still need them to not offer themselves up as sacrificial lambs. Zhou Sheng Chen as a character didn't quite ring true for me and for a drama that's this character-driven, I needed to believe he was being tormented by the vow he'd prematurely taken. How could he have been allowed to have his cake and eat it too? Yes, I know he died and all but he never actually suffered unrequited love since whatshername was basically handed to him on a golden platter. What a joke.
In all, the clusterfuck that was the premise could have only worked if they all died, which they did. So, all's well.
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A little slow in the beginning but catches up pace midway.
I have been putting this off for a while because of the description of the drama didn't interest me that much. But a few days ago, I came across a edit on YouTube that made me change my mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1qk0lN1gaYSomeone in the comments said that Cui Shi Yi gave more to the relationship compared to Zhou Sheng Chen. I thought it would be very one-sided like the comment said, but until episode 16 it has been anything but that. They have this special connection since the moment of their first meeting. He has always treated her gently, there's no toxicity in their romance at all. They care for each other and it is plain for a person to see. These two had such good chemistry.
The only issue is that not a single person in this drama fights for their relationship. They all just give up & marry whoever they are being forced to marry. None of them have any choice in it. Even the so called Imperial Decree doesn't seem to be all that powerful. I mean how come he rejected the decree to adopt her as his daughter. So he is willing to fight for that notion but not for the actual relationship. Since they were all gonna die, they might as well have done what they wanted. Gotten married. Rebelled!
I wish Zhou Sheng Chen was a smarter and bigger picture kind of guy. I think I have been spoiled watching characters that can have it all or at least are capable enough of thinking that far ahead so many of his choices don't make sense to me.
Wang Xing Yue's character for a pitiful for a moment and then hateful for most of his story arc and he presented the essence of the character so well. He is one of the underrated gems.
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For once the ratings are accurate! Believe the hype!
Okay, my headline is a bit far fetched, as I am sure there have been accurate ratings before. However, for some reason I find that most Chinese romcoms are overrated on MyDramaList, and most Chinese historical/period dramas are underrated on MyDramaList. This drama is rated accurately (averaging a 8.5-9.5), and it's a great thing! When it comes to Chinese historical/period dramas I like to give my review 10 episodes at a time, because they tend to be 40+ episodes long, and I don't want to forget my thoughts about the drama when I finally reach to the last episode.Review for episodes 1-11
•What I did not enjoy between episodes 1-10 is how the female lead character(not the actress) treated the crowned prince. Not only is it unrealistic, it also didn't make her character seem as sweet as this drama portrays her to be. I get that she had no choice but to be engaged to him, as he had no choice to be engaged with her but she was really cold to him as soon as the engagement was canceled. If the roles were reversed, we would hate the crown prince for doing that to the female lead character. She didn't even take the time to understand who he was as a person, and all that he suffered. She could have at least offered to be his friend.
•I also did not enjoy the female lead character (not the actress) communication in these episodes. Granted for the first 4 episodes she was a mute, but even afterwards (years has passed away), she still look to her "master," to respond for her when someone ask her a question. I just kept thinking, here we go again. Girl, you ain't 10... just answer the question lol.
Besides these two cons, I liked everything else. The pacing is fantastic, the storyline is very intriguing, and the love interest and development of romantic relationships is sweet.
_______________________________________
Review for episodes 12-24
•COMING SOON
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Beautiful slow burn romance.
Was hesitant to watch but trust me the 24 episodesaren't enough instantly fall for this drama try it nooow it was soo good ?.The ending was fantastic didn't drag on and the music fit in so well while the chemistry between lead actors was fantastic .If you really liked pearl eclipse or princess agents this right here is for you,grab some tissues to because you will definitely cry and smile the tension was soo annoying and good because their love was so pure and beautiful.The Ml will make you fall in love too
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The story gets better every time you REWATCH it
I've watched this for the 3rd time now and my ChenShiYi hearts wants to see them again!Rewatching the series allows you to appreciate the tiny details that you didn't really notice when you first watched it, and that makes this such a treasure. Bai Lu and Allen Ren really did amazing job at playing their roles! They made me swoon with their limited lines, physical affection and stares galore. I loathe the Crown Prince - which shows how excellent the actor was in portraying the character.
Details are incredible - fight scenes were realistic, costumes are amazing. They did a good job at portraying Shi Yi's growth.
Music is great - in fact , it's my go to playlist recently. Love Allen Ren's 'As One' -- such a talented fellow!
Of course, much like many of us, I would prefer a happy ending at any day. But seeing how things progressed, I think they chose the best ending to the story. It may not be the perfect ending, but it sure satisfying to see how it all ends for such a tyrant, obsessive ruler who values nothing and no one, but himself.
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A drama showcasing nothing but the meaning of what true love is. even if there is not a single kiss or flirting or confession but their eyes can tell everything you want to know even without professing their love they are together. They can't live without each other.The ml didn't profess his love because he knew that if they get together then it will be the fl who will get hurt due to the oath he took, even when he was dying he didn't say anything but his face and the words he left can tell everything and the way fl also jumps off the building for him was something that no one today will do.
If this was a true story then definitely this love story would have become a legend. I seriously want to rewatch it as it is very very tough to move on from it. If someone want to know what true love is then definitely watch it as it also gives a morale that kiss, flirting or confessing is not everything in love but its trust, understanding, support and caring for each other as even without kiss, flirting or confessing love can be their.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!
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Shows you a deep meaning of love
*One and Only* is a beautifully crafted Chinese historical romance drama that captivates with its emotional depth and delicate storytelling. Set during the war-torn era of ancient China, the series follows the poignant love story between the reserved, honorable military commander Zhou Sheng Chen, played by Ren Jialun, and Cui Shiyi, a noblewoman destined for an arranged marriage, portrayed by Bai Lu.What makes *One and Only* stand out is its subtle yet heart-wrenching portrayal of forbidden love, focusing more on unspoken feelings, loyalty, and duty rather than overt romantic gestures. The slow-burn romance is filled with moments of longing, sacrifice, and a deep bond that grows between the leads, all while staying rooted in the constraints of their time.
The cinematography is elegant and minimalistic, capturing the period’s aesthetics with muted colors and intricate details in the sets and costumes. The performances are top-notch, especially Ren Jialun’s portrayal of the stoic, emotionally complex commander. Bai Lu also shines, bringing grace and vulnerability to her character.
The pacing is measured and deliberate, which may feel slow to some viewers, but it’s perfectly in line with the tone of the story. The drama is a bittersweet journey, more about the emotional depth of its characters than fast-moving plot twists.
Overall, *One and Only* is a beautifully melancholic and tender romance that leaves a lasting impression, particularly for those who appreciate historical dramas with understated yet powerful emotional storytelling.
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Best best best
Best ever. RJL looked most handsome compared to others drama he ever did. So charming, powerful, masculine. BL played her role really2 smooth. The sadness is contagious.The character development of CSZ and SY is very bold. As a someone who knows everything, i couldnt help my self. So frustated to see them be separated from each other.
The ost of this drama are easy to listen. The visualizations are too real. Even the war scenes and the suicide scene.
If only they could be together, how nice it would. My heart still hurt every time i rewatch this drama.
Cant wait them to be part of this ancient drama again
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