This review may contain spoilers
A Wise & Strong General For A Country.
One&only.....At first glance at the title ‘One & Only’ you might want to know what this drama about.
▫️Main Points
~ Main lead was a General that brave and stronger enough to lead the troops in battlefield and doesn’t care about power, money and women.
~ Female lead have difficulty to speak at first but later can spokes and behave freely at Western Castle after meeting his Master, Zhou Sheng.
▫️Short Synopsis
The drama was about a prince son, Zhou Sheng Chen, was a General that lead his troops to battle the enemies. He take care of thousands troops and becoming more powerful since he had battled so much in his past. He also was a talent master that have several followers to help him in battle with enemies. Later, Cui Shiyi was send by his uncle to become a pupil of Zhou Sheng. Cui Shiyi was unable to talk since her father left her and she was closed with his master, Zhou Sheng after they meet each other. Shiyi was engaged with Crown Prince, Liu Zi Xing but later his uncle cancelled his engagement before he pass away. Shiyi and his master have a good relationship as they become closed to each other. But Zhou Sheng had swear in front of Majesty to not married and never had a children. So when he fell in love with Shiyi he cannot dare to express it to her since he already swear. Thus they only need to keep the feeling toward each others.
▫️Characters Intro
~ Male lead was Ren Jia Lun. He was handsome and talent guy. He so suitable in becoming Zhou Sheng since he gentlemen, brave and intelligence in this drama. He also good at acting emotional and more professional in hadling the character, Zhou Sheng. He used his own voice in dubbing the drama.
~For female lead, Bai Lu. She was talent and have good chemistry with Ren Jia Lun. She always good in having chemistry with the actors. Thus they have develop a very beautiful and interesting story.
▫️Overall
It was so deep and emotional to watch this drama. I had cried so much. General Zhou Sheng died because he has been accused as rebels. Shiyi died before she got to honor as Prince Guangling’s highest Concubine by jumping off the City Gate. Prince Guangling died because of worries and broken in his own bed at Palace. Jin Rong was killed by his own subordinate army, Yan Shan. Before Shiyi died she said that ‘if they’re meet in next live, she want him to marry with her’. Thus, let’s watch the another story sequel to this drama which is ‘Forever & Ever’.
Thank you (;
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Slice of life historical romance story BTW I RECOMMEND TO PREPARE TISSUES
One and Only[2021] -9/10 cdramaonly reason why I dont give it 9,5 is cause I am too fainthearted to ever re-watch it. Moreover it got sequel story to it I didnt see yet.
for historical cdrama its quite short about average kdrama watchtime.
Whole drama is sad love story of couple protagonists being forced to separate for multiple reasons.
It got few action scenes but it mostly focuses on court intrigues and main leads romance storyline which gets here alot attention thanks which you will grew fond of main leads and even though you know from start that their love is something impossible you just kinda hope for happy end.
Well if I had to compare it to something cdrama The King's Woman got quite alike vibe, but One and Only is at least grade better.
plot - ML is new emperors uncle protecting borders and leading strongest army of empire, but thanks it he is ostracized by ministers etc. When new emperor taked up throne ML made vow to never marry and stay without child to prove he isnt rebellious. In meanwhile he was forced to take on female disciple[FL] which is noble lady from esteemed family and is engaged to crown prince. FL stays with ML as master and disciple in his realm at borders of empire, but their age aint very apart and both grow fond of each other.
genre - romance, tragedy, historical
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This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful Tragedy
Likes1. Gah!! I couldnt stop crying in the last 3 episodes! 😭 I just feel bad Zhousheng Chen and Shiyi never saw each other for the last time.
2. This story started slow, I almost dropped at episode 6 but glad I listened and kept on watching. The romance starts around ep 10 and the politics intensifies around ep 16.
3. Zhousheng Chen and Shiyi's forbidden love was heartbreaking! They never even held hands or kissed or confessed their love, but every gaze and every tear showed how much they long for each other and wished that things were different. The Huan Yu asked ZS if he regrets his vow. But he said every decision he made was worth it. Bailu cried so prettily.. when she hugged him because she was getting married to the Prince, when she found out his death, and when she jumped to her own death 😭
4. I also loved the story between Cui Feng and General Hong, when Gen Hong cried as Cui Feng marries the Princess Xinghua, when she almost had to kill Cui Feng, and Cui Feng crying when General Hong was killed. Yup. Lots of deaths in this drama!!
5. Other characters I liked were Xiao Yan (the monk), Prince Pingqin, Huan Yu (played cupid) and Gen Chou. I love everyone in the Western State. The whole Nanchen army were so loyal and dedicated to ZSC. It's so unfair ZSC had to die of dismemberment 😵
6. The ost was also fantastic and really fit the story and scenes.
Dislikes
1. Several plotpoints in the earlier parts that were boring. They kept introducing new characters i sometimes dont remember who is who, which side they were on and why they were fighting.
2. I hated the empress dowager and pushing her off the lake to drown wasnt enough to punish her for all her crimes, including killing the emperor. She should have been beheaded or displayed in from of the capital.
3. I also hate Luo Zi Xing but knowing he died young, sad and alone was enough punishment.
And now i'm off to watch the sequel Forever and Ever 🥰
Rating: 8.5/10
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This review may contain spoilers
A memorable drama
In simple word .I love the way the expressed their feeling in meaningful and different way as compared to other drama.....I recommend you all to watch this drama ...after that don't forget to watch forever and ever drama which is just like season 2 of this drama ..where there will be great modern day with their new life meeting..and got affectionate towards each other at their first meet........yeah you will love it....❤️❤️....please support this drama as much as you could....yeah both main cast are so talented, really good at expressed different emotions at different situations..that meaning of being acter...keep looking for to this drama..and also (forever and ever) this one....wish you all enjoy this drama and thank you for making such a meaningful and youthful drama....Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
argh, heartwrenching
Before I start, if you don't wanna read this whole review, please read this ONE LINE, I beg. Get your tissues ready, specifically for Episodes 16,22,23,24 :) don't need to thank me. I used like 27 pieces of tissue, SOOOOOOOO.............. good luck hahaha"In my whole life, I've not let anyone down. But I've let ShiYi down."
"辰此一生 不负天下 唯负十一"
Damn, I have so much to say about this show, I don't even know where to start...
Let's start with a detailed story summary/synopsis...
A royal of Bei Chen, Zhou Sheng Chen, vowed to never have a wife or offspring as to show loyalty to the emperor. He then took on the role of a general and promised to keep his homeland safe. A lady from a family of Scholars, known as the Cui family，with her name Shi Yi. From birth, she was arranged to get married to the crown prince when she reaches a suitable age. But who knew that one day, she would be taken in as a disciple under Zhou Sheng Chen and she slowly develops feelings for him. But due to his vow, and despite his natural human feelings, he started to like her as well but couldn't do a single thing about it other than to let her go................
Many sh*t happened, the ending was so DAMN DAMN sad, so many things that could have gone right but went wrong. so many things that could have been avoided but sigh... I can't say much of this drama because I will end up spoiling it so badly :<
Everything gets made up for in season two though, but sadly in season two, their personalities will not be the same Junior NanChen Prince and Cui Shi Yi :< still!! PLEASE watch season two hehe it's good I promise!
PS. Take a look at my review in the second season!
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If you find some dramas to watch to then this is for you
The drama is absolutely good! I can't really put to words, how much i love this drama eventho it hurts me to the core 💔💔 i love the main actors portray their roles well. You will know how much they put their effort and all to this! SaluteTo my BaiLu-- I'm so proud of you, I'm always rooting on you since the legends era, you never fail to impress me. I love you so much
To RenJialun- how can i say? Idk what to say. You're always an excellent actor and I'm coz you always nail whatever drama or role your into. I know that you will always do your best. I love youuu
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Beautiful (Unspoken) Love Story!
Bai Lu and Allen Ren cast are perfect for this drama. Both perform very well in their character. This drama will bring you to an emotional rollercoaster.The plot is not that complex. It tells a story a young daughter -Shi Yi- of prominent imperial advisor who suffer of aphasia (inability to speak) due to psychological trauma because her father was sent away due to allegation of conspiracy to the royal family. She was sent to a faraway country to become a Prince disciple at her young age. The prince is a famous general who defend the border for many years and suppress rebel anywhere in the kingdom without any single defeat. The prince, despite of being a royal family make an oath not to marry and have children to gain trust from the emperor and to proof that he will not usurp for the throne. He will do whatever it takes to support the emperor though.
So the life of an aphasia girl sent to faraway land living in the Prince mansion as disciple started. Begin with awkwardness between the two, then admiration, devotion, affection then a very-very deep affection. The relationship is able to lift Shi Yi's trauma and she can speak again.
Complication arises when Shi Yi is arranged to be married with the crown prince.
Although the “three words” are never spoken but you their relationship is very strong. Both are restrained by the oath of the price and by the etiquette of master – disciple relationship. They manifested their love in building a temple called Azure Dragon Temple.
The acting of both leads is very good describing the character very well. Chemistry between Bai Lu and Allen Ren are built up very strongly, you can see it from their eyes.
It is an unspoken love, so the expression of affection, happiness, sorrow, and painful feelings are clearly shown by the actors. Superb!
Those who have soft heart, prepare box of Kleenex because you will be carried away by the story and the acting where you will feel their love and their pain.
Raised my hat for the writer of this story to create a such beautiful love story. High appreciation to the actors and actresses, director, cinematographer, music arranger, producer, for producing this good drama.
Can’t wait to watch the sequel!
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At your own risk
I have a serious love/hate relationship with the main character. Small character development and her lack of impact on the overall plot. But, its fresh and a different approach to the typical hero of all dramas. SACRIFICE being the main theme but approached differently from all characters is lovely just as its heartbreaking. Acting is top notch. I watched this because I saw the cast was impressive and they definitely delivered. Amazing acting. Impressive osts. One of the few dramas that deserve 10/10Was this review helpful to you?
A touching drama!
This is one of the best chinese drama in 2021. The storyline, directing, music and acting are perfect. The acting of Allen ren and Bailu are amazing, They carry the character so well. Heartbroken story but I like it, as it is not like typical drama with perfect main lead's ending as always. One thing, I think I should not watch too much of trailer or spoiler before watching this. So that it can be more real and entertaining. I can't wait for the next modern drama from both of them 'Forever and ever'! Yay!Was this review helpful to you?
Best drama of the year
Overalls: This series was first Chinese period drama I ever seen before , i’m so impressed with; story, casts , acting, musical mood and tones ohh,, everything of this series, there was best drama in the top of mind already everything was so good . this drama can get my tons of tears ,Casting: the cast crews with outstanding acting abilities. Everyone in this drama performed so well in their roles. There is so natural really good performances, especially main roles eyes language so incredible!!!
Storyline: not too tight and not too prolonged the languages was very beautiful easy too understand
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Slow, depressing, sad and beautiful
This drama is so very, very ,very slow paced, some parts could be watched in double speed without one noticing it was in double speed. I will admit some parts where plain boring (especially in the beginning) but there was something beautiful about this drama that kept me on it despite the slight boredom at times.The cinematography, the styling the umbrellas are just so very beautiful, the veeery slow-mo snowfall that covers the ground, the slow pacing while balancing an old umbrella with beautiful patterns is just so breathtaking gorgeous I could not help but watch. Beautiful fight sceneries and chiffon twirling in the wind.
The drama conveyed longing, holding back and sorrow in the most beautiful ways with all they had. I was extremely impressed over the leads ability to hold back yet still convey their emotions without saying a word, frustrating at times but so touching and true in a way. Yet still so very, very depressing, this drama was just sad and hopeless from start to finish...
I loved the way this drama showed the evil characters, true evil from so many angels it was truly impressive. I also loved how a person who was terminally ill had that as just one of many traits sticking to his evil, selfish, self, no self sacrificing here, what is mine is mine and I do not care who I hurt or how long I will have it, it is mine and I shall have it, period! Adorable, obsessive and fun to yell att.
All in all I do not regret for a moment that I watched it but I do warn you it was veeeeeeery slow paced at times and is probably one of the most depressing I dramas I have seen lately, not to be confused with tear jerker (though this does have that affect too) this one had a depressing feel to it as a whole not just a tear provoking scene here and there.
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Beautiful expansion of the original novel
This drama might not be for everyone (as a slow burn, "read between the lines" romance with a BE), but I absolutely loved it.I loved the novel but the drama didn't disappoint my expectations either.
First of all, the cinematography is beautiful. It's very movie-esque, rather than a typical cdrama which seems too real? I think the colour grading and lenses/shots they used played a big part here. The quality of the set, props, and costumes are also evident through watching.
The acting is great and I fell in love with Allen + Bai Lu despite not having seen any of their previous dramas. I also liked seeing some familiar faces in the side characters.
The soundtrack is perfectly fitting and speaking of a movie feel, I loved that they were able to use instrumental / orchestral music too to set the mood.
Finally, as someone who doesn't particularly enjoy drawn out court politics / war (even if they're done well), I liked that this drama focused more on the romance. Although we only got hugs at most, the refined/poised nature of the romance was in line with the character's motivations and overall nature of the drama. However, I did think one aspect that could've been improved for the storytelling was the setup of some side characters. For example, I don't think this drama introduced the emperor's concubines well. They were only introduced as needed and it felt jarring to see them suddenly introduced.
Super minor note: I also would've liked to see more guqin playing from Shiyi although we did get a few scenes of it.
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