One and Only (2021)

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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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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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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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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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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Meolodrama

I want to start this review by saying the genre MEOLODRAMA is not for me.
So this is "me not the show" situation. I didn't know the genre going in and part two definitely was MEOLODRAMA heavy.

One & Only is a historical, war, Meolodrama. This is Part one of the story/plot.

Forever and Ever is a modern day Meolodrama. This is part two of the story/plot.

Technology you don't have to watch Part One to fully understand Part Two but it's advised.

PROS:
◇Bai Lu is an amazing actress and I will ALWAYS give all her projects a try just for her. She was in the 1st Cdrama I ever watched so I'm a huge fan. ♡
◇Some of the side characters especially the kind ones. Loved them and wanted to protect them.
◇The OST
◇The Reborn trope always a fan.

CONS:
◇I didn't like the Meolodrama elements of it. (Again that's on me for not double checking the genre before going in)
◇Amazing actors but sadly didn't feel the chemistry between them.

The only reason I finished it was because I was promised a happy ending. Also that part two was lighter. Will it wasn't yes the LEADS got a happy ending but part two felt even more sad then part one at times.

Overall if you are a fan of Bai Lu and are trying to watch all her projects then maybe watch. If not maybe pass on it ?

Also many Trigger/ Content Warnings please look into before starting.

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