One and Only (2021)

One and Only, certainly!

Every time I see this drama, I feel heavy in my heart. That being said, I haven’t watched it many times. But every time I watch, I feel the same pain, the same emotions. I am tens of dramas old and yet nothing would make me feel the way that I feel right now.

Tragic love stories are never my genre. I pity them. I can't take stories that don’t make me smile at the end. I know many agree and yet we all love Romeo and Juliet. This drama isn’t a Romeo and Juliet. Probably, a lot more than what love could be defined. Shiyi and Zhou Shengchan didn't meet today, fell in love, met at a balcony the next and died on the third. Zhou Shengchan is Shiyi’s only childhood that she wants to remember. She saw him from the palace, and knew her heart saying something unfamiliar. He saw her make her way to him in the way he has never seen anyone else before, he knew that she was gifted with all the things that everyone longed for but only he knew that she is the one who carried millions of stories in her untold heart.

Simply said, Zhou Shengchan is the only person who made Shiyi smile and Shiyi is the only reason Zhou Shengchan would want to return home. Every year he gave her presents but Shiyi never gave one, because with all her heart she gave away the most precious things she could, her first words after being mute and her heart which she was supposed to preserve for someone else.

However, though later Shiyi had the ability to speak, both of them never needed words to communicate between them. She knew all his unsaid stories; he knew all her unsaid words. It was, from the beginning, a match made in heaven, that which even the heaven was jealous of.

There was never a confession from the either side. They never showed any physical intimacy. Their hearts were bound just like that. She never longed for anything from him other than just to stay silently by his side, waiting alone in the library or on the roof top for years only to see a glimpse of him for a moment and keep praying for his safety. Neither did he wish for anything than having her by his side, wanting to return as soon as possible just to see her, to give her all the happiness in the world with all the simple things that he could do for her.

One thing that I would definitely think needed betterment in this drama was definitely Zhou Shengchan’s death. I wish there was a better emphasis on their parting and Shiyi could at least see his dead body. Not being cruel, but I feel sad for her that she couldn’t even get the news and couldn’t see him one last time. Everything, in my opinion, was absurd for me about Zhou Shengchan’s death. Him being caught out of nowhere, being captured and then slayed to death. Like everything happens in a blink of an eye that you can't imagine how someone who could win over the world, surrendered so easily without using any of his extraordinary tricks to save both his people and himself. He just lets himself die.

However, Shiyi’s death is one scene that is written down in the most beautiful way possible. Because it was only Shiyi who could dare to do such a thing. Not only did she sacrifice herself for the sake of her mother, and to avoid getting all those who intended to help her into problems but also protected her pride from being with the man who killed her love and family, not escaping from him but also uniting with her love in death. Though people argue about suicide being a crime in here, I wish people don’t see it that way because it is not suicide, nor it’s a sacrifice. I do not know a proper word to term it well, but I just wish people understand the deep meaning it holds.

Because ‘One and Only’ has a sequel, it makes the tragic end less burdening to the viewer as there is hope that they will end up together in their next life. But it rubbed me off in the wrong way that the sequel has nothing to do with the prequel. It’s good for ‘Forever and Ever’ to be seen on its own but I really wished that the other characters stayed in the sequel with their stories getting completed too. The characters in ‘One ad Only’ are just pure gold. So naturally, I wished that they would be in Forever and Ever too. Also, I really wanted the leads to remember their pasts. And I wished the director didn’t change because the director for One and Only had a very peculiar way of telling the story through thousand emotions without being said. This way, Forever and Ever would be more special to me. However, I still appreciate the same main cast to be the leads and them being married happily.

Coming to the cast. Bailu. I just love her. I have seen all her dramas from the beginning. She deserves so much recognition for the versatility she shows with each and every character. New drama, new her. The amount of conviction with which she plays every character proves the dedication she has for her craft. She feels every emotion that her character has to go through. She lives her character and her character comes to life because of her. Every time a new drama of her comes, I expect a different role and I know that she will live up to all my expectations and that I won’t end up the drama disappointed with her acting. I always wish that I could see more and more of her. A soft Shiyi, a brave Shiyi, she was Shiyi and no one can convince me otherwise.

Ren Jia Lun. What can I even say about this cutie? I just can’t see any other actor potential to play Zhou Shengchan. Zhou Shengchan is a glove made for Allen. Zhou Shengchan is a man of very few words and yet has so much love, affection and emotions inside him. Allen was him. He talked so beautifully through his own language with his face. His eyes ad smile uttered things that no word can be told precisely. Though how soft Allen looks he made us believe that Zhou Shengchan is a no match on the battle field. How better can an actor to justice to the role he plays?

Bailu and Allen, as a couple felt fresh. I loved how they bring out the chemistry so well though there is no single intimate scene and where they were especially portrayed as a mentor and a disciple. Nothing felt awkward. They looked as if they were meant to be right from the beginning. I really appreciate the one who casted both of them together. Infact, in Forever and ever, I could just see Bailu and Allen. P.s not in a wrong way.

Summing up, One and Only is close to my heart. I return to it every time I want to experience love that is more felt than talked. If given a chance, I would literally force everyone to watch it, especially my future husband (✿◠‿◠).

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Even better than Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is the epitome of star crossed lovers- but with an insane amount of misunderstandings that forces a romantic pair to no other ending but death. Here, we have a different kind of tragic lovers. Misunderstandings are next to none- the relationship is based on years of trust and not an ounce of doubt. Where it is tragic is the fact that their own positions in their society means they can't be together. Still, a master and disciple relationship can maintain itself for many years unless one is forced to be married off.

This is arguably my favorite role of Allen Ren- I love his backstory and his character. He's not perfect. His tragic ending comes because of his convictions and principles. He certainly had everything to be a capable ruler but instead, he settles for 2nd best. Rumors and suspicion can destroy a person- literally. He's fighting all these wars to protect his kingdom but is meaningless when the king is exceptionally weak- the only reason the kingdom didn't fall right away was because of Allen Ren. Someone like him if he thought about his survival is to not support one ruler after another- clearly inapt. He should of ruled it himself.

24 episodes- I thought there wasn't a lot of room for fillers. There were episodes between 12-15 that I felt a bit draggy and didn't get the contribution to the storyline. Bai Lu is amazing. I'm used to seeing her as the strong willed and ill tempered FL in The Legends, or the brave and daring solider in Military Arsenal Academy. I've not seen her in such an elegant role. Her chemistry with Allen Ren is spot on.

Knowing their tragic ending, it made watching from the first episode pretty painful. Each moment they were together felt like a recap into a life that was "once was". Their love is one of the purest forms in C-drama. You don't see the wide sweeping godly sacrifices (Ancient Love Poetry). It's not founded on a relationship of misunderstandings (overused trope). We don't even have a straight forward confession - it's all in the eyes, smiles and tears. I'm glad I just finished this in time to start the sequel the very next day!

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Allen n Bai lu hve good chemistry...need the season 2 ,hppy ending pleaseeeee

Damn Im really crying badly on the second n last episode...drector,how can u make sad story for them Allen&Bailu ...arghhh Im really upset n hope the happy endingggg??...drama Princess agent n moon lovers n now ''One n only'' have the same sad endinggg...I hope there must be a season 2 pleaseeee...give them a hppy endinggg...I need to watch them happy been togetherrr..when I first saw the actor n actress, I was interested in watching the drama..but I didn't think it was a very sad story ???... how can u director hurt the hearts of viewers like me ... I hope Allen's happy with Bai lu, I really like to see them happy together ... director, you are responsible for continuing season 2..please end with a happy story ...pleaseee
To director,U really broke the viewer's heart when you made Prince Zhou Shen Chen die, and I really hope there is a plot twist of the story like a miracle happens and in fact the prince doesn't die..and it hurts me more when the Princess Cui also commits suicide ... it's a story that really tore my heart??? ...pleaseee season 2 with happy endinggg

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Score 10/10 still not enough!

A MASTERPIECE
what a journey!! imho 10 score is still not enough, it deserve a million

Damn this drama is beautiful yet painful at the same time. it made me cry a bunch of tears.
They have all element that i want from a drama. Best drama of this year so far👏👏👏👏.
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STORY : It have super super balance romance-politic plot, both are amazing.
Romance? U will never see something steamy kiss or somekind like that. Well we know Zhousheng Chen have his own vow and in other side Shiyi very respect towards his shifu. but.....even without that scene we can KNOW, how deeps their love was, we know even we just see from their eyes, sometimes love not always show from word.isnt?

CHARACTER : One makes this drama perfect is, we have so much memorable character, like no one character that useless, so i never skip even for half seconds. can't counting character that i love here, from main lead, supporting character, side character i love all of them. Seems no even a little useless second for this drama.

PRODUCTION : music, costume, setting, cinematography, script, plot it's perfect. THAT'S!

If i can i'm willing erase memory about this drama and rewatch again.
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♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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For Romantic Person A Must Watch

As sad as this drama ends to be. It is a wonderful drama. I cried my eyes out but I loved the story. After it finish all I wanted to do is read about these characters and find out more about them. The lead characters are wonderful together and so much chemistry. At the beginning you feel for their affection but you are sad they could not be lovers. The acting is very good for the rest of the characters and they do so great in their performance. You love hate so many characters because they won't let them be. The scenery is wonderful and the whole thing keeps you mesmerize on the screen. If you are a romantic you must watch this drama.

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A Deadly Game of Emotions.

It's strange that this drama didn't manage to capture me. While I immensely enjoyed the journey, I felt that there was something just "missing".

--- The plot, though popular as romance, has more than it seems. The political part of the drama was rushed, particularly at the beginning and I had to ask around to clear up some questions regarding that. (I try to skip palace politics and have watched only countable number of such shows.) I also had the drama on hold for two weeks, which might have affected the flow. But, I was able to sweep through the remaining few episodes and connected more to the characters. Majority of the plot, keeping aside the romance, revolves around power struggle between various states and princes. (I still don't know who Yang Shou was, even though I liked his character.) The leads themselves put their nation and family before everyone else.

--- In terms of acting, everyone delivered excellent performances. Ren Jia Lun was always a skilled actor for me, ever since I saw him in Under the Power and he lived upto my expectations as the Junior Prince of Nan Cheng. Shi Yi is one of the most convincing performances by Bai Lu, whose dramas have all unfortunately ended up in my dropped list due to various reasons. Even minor characters such as the four generals from the Western State; Li Zi Xing and Prince of Pingyin; were really memorable. (It was also a delight to see so many cast members from Under the Power together. Whenever Cui Feng payed respects to Zhou Shengcheng, I remembered Lu Yi and Xie Xiaoxiao from UTP bickering.)

--- The romance is one of the most impactful ones I've seen to date. Both Shiyi and Shifu knew what was going on even when neither of them openly acknowledged it. Their relationship was beautiful and painful to watch. No sweet words were exchanged, rather their subtle gestures and actions completely managed to melt the hearts of many viewers. I hope future CDramas can make more dramas with such relationships.

--- The costumes were really detailed. I loved everyone's outfits. One thing I felt odd was how tiny Taiji Palace looked, particularly when there were women dancing. It looked unexpectedly cramped. But, this doesn't look like a high budget project, but I can see that the production team did their best to make it look exquisite and beautiful.

--- The OST, unfortunately, completely went over my head. I noticed that two BGMs in particular were the same ones I had heard in Love and Redemption (2020).

I can say that it really is far better than a lot of short dramas I've seen from China and would recommend this to anyone looking for a short, beautiful drama with some good substance and characters. The trouble was, I just couldn't enjoy it as much as the others did.

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Too sad

After watching this drama, the whole drama story is in my head mingling. The story can be other way round, the ending is too sad. It melted my heart on how two person that love each other but in the end not able to get together just because some promise. Human is alive and promise can be replaced. Then the army at the end all senior die....not one to take over, overall the whole story of it is good just too sad that all end up die. Very sad
Remarks - Director, will there a way for u to do a special version that can change ABIT of the plot....mayb you can get the same actor and actress to do this drama in a special version again

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Can't wait for the modern Zhousheng Chen, from Great General Xiao Nanchen Prince to Mr. Scientist

Upgrade Standard VIP to Premium VIP on iQiyi for unlocked episodes in advance. But now I feel like my Wednesday to Friday is empty. Still can't move on from this drama. At first, I didn't think they could bring up Shi Yi's memory in her previous life which was only a handful of stories from novels to be this good. But it's cool, they prepared an introductory story about how strong their love and debt were in their previous life, thus making Shi Yi's unconditional love in modern life make sense. Somehow, I regretted that the male lead was Allen Ren, because he had a commitment to not do the kiss scenes (I respect his principles though). This principle of valuing his marriage is one of the things he has in common with Zhousheng Chen's character who also respects, and greatly values ​​his relationship with Shi Yi. Allen and Zhousheng Chen are living proofs of the definition of a gentleman. Maybe the intimate scenes that are seductive but also heartwarming in the novel won't be portrayed bluntly, but I can't imagine other actors playing Zhousheng Chen. The 'ordinary' look and the overbearing charisma really fit exactly as described in the novel (I am not saying Allen is an ordinary look, I hope you get what I mean). From One and Only, I'm sure that Allen and Bai Lu can interpret the chemistry as great as the one in the novel. Can't wait for the real deal of Zhousheng Chen in Forever and Ever. With a white laboratory coat, the gun scene, scheduled phone call, and overprotective hubby. Argh....

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Mediocre Story, Acting is Ok

Summary: if you have watched many many and many more historical drama and you’d say the plot is alright because it’s the same old story re-mixed. who on earth reviewed this as 10? The last scene is like a remake of Ten Miles Peach Blossom. Watch it for the first 10 episodes for a light fun ride but don’t expect much. The first part is like Ashes of Lover and the apprenticeship part. General & I part of showing off the military base is here and all the actions, prince turned monk is also in another wuxia drama, controlling empress is also in another drama.

The main actress Bai Lu looked more in love in The Legends , less in love in The Arsenals and also mediocre in her subsequence love team-up. The main guy looks more manly now compared to his previous dramas .
Pro:
- some and barely there original plot. Mute part is somewhat a refreshing change. The disciple- mentor relationship has been on many dramas, not to mention general military dramas.
- still good acting. Barely any chemistry . Bai Lu’s eyes glowed in other older shows.

Cons:
- DUBBING VOICE . So similar to 10 miles peaches and other drama. Bailu ‘s strong voice has been tempered down with the dub. While good, it’s not great enough.
- same old story except for the mute part. Who reviewed this? Did someone pay them because the story is not very original.
- low budget. Repetitive costumes and same old places as other dramas.
Unbelievable part. Of course writers think we’re stupid that a powerful family will allow their daughter to sleepover without a chaperone. Stu-pi-d.

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Frustrating

OVERALL
Now, I might be in the minority, but this drama felt like a waste of time to me. Watch it if 1) you like the impossible love trope, 2) you like the main actors, 3) you like slow and uneventful dramas. If that doesn't sound like you, then skip.

THE STORY
So. Let me just say that when I started this drama, I was really hyped. Female Lead was not my cup of tea (she's basically a waif), but I liked the aesthetics of the drama, I LOVED how Male Lead wasn't the typical mean, arrogant and misogynistic guy, and I saw potential between the two. Unfortunately, the drama failed to deliver. To me, it felt like the series was on hold for about 10-15 episodes. It's not like nothing REALLY happens. People come and go, there are wars and conflicts, conversations, confessions. But it's pretty clear that the drama is about Male Lead and Female Lead's romance, and the thing is, after they both realize their feelings for one another, nothing DOES happen between them for episodes on end. It's just them suffering in silence and reiterating again, and again, and AGAIN, how they can't be together. I'm sure it's some people's type of plot. I prefer mine to move along and not stagnate. After episode 20, I skipped ahead to see if it was worth continuing, saw that it wasn't, and gave up.

THE ACTING
Ok.

THE MUSIC
Pretty good!

REWATCH VALUE
Null.

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Did not satisfy the expectations I had.

Where to begin. As seen in the title, this drama just didn’t act to the expectations I had. This is my personal take on this show, If you disagree then feel free not to continue reading and let’s open an area of friendly discussion instead :)

I m here, for Bai lu. Of course? Don’t get me started. She was extremely talented. I usually see her acting in strong domineering brave characters that knows martial arts but in this case she was more docile innocent pure and gentle. She was adorable! Very pretty, really among the few actresses out there that can make historical outwear work.

But she has this unexplainable stance when she is with you. Like she looks like a badass heroine that is ready to take on the bad guys with her sword based on her look. But in this case there’s not so much of that.

She was brave and smart and devoted in a different way. Okok we know she’s great so let’s move on to the rest. The male lead, was rather decent. I have not seen him in much dramas yet but he really suits these historical dramas but not so much for modern drama.

The second male lead, Is only 19 but his acting and look are promising so I ll leave it as that.

The story is about love, politics, betrayal, deception, loyalty things like that. I mean the young girl growing up to be a beautiful lady and is actually in love with her so called mentor but forbidden to be together like swoon worthy? However, this potential of a love story didn’t really Shine through. There isn’t much steaminess and sauciness that makes us feel like we re on clouds.

So that’s why I wasn’t all the way supporting the main couple. Sure they love each other but it wasn’t truly shown? Like the dude should have fought for her and the fact that commuting suicide for love is apparent in this drama can be seen as appalling but I shall keep an open mind.

There’s no kiss, nothing like that. Which is disappointing because I mean a kiss kiss is something so basic to show the viewers that the love that they have for one another is now bound for forever. The note he gave because he dies didn’t even I love you or something like..... he just let her be married and act all sad about it on the outside.

During the last few episodes, feel like grabbing the collars of the director and writers to slap them. BECAUSE LIKE WHY???? I mean I am looking for something different of a plot twist in shows but my Gosh this is too much.

The casting is a little questioning I mean the male lead has a son and the second male is close to a minor. But no discrimination about age and married people. Just something to bear in mind.

So the acting sure was alright. Story has potential but actual overall disappointing didn’t meet my expectations. I did skimmed through because of this.

Please watch it for yourself if you disagree with whatever I am saying.

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