This review may contain spoilers
Excellence award for Bai Lu and Ren Jia Lun !!!
I have to say something about the drama Forever and Ever. Although the story is supposed to make amends for the tragedy in the drama One and Only, this story is also eminently tragic. Apparently, both the writer and the director have a fixation with tragedy and in my opinion they have some perverse ideas that they reflect in this work. When it comes to direction and script, the drama deserves a one. the drama is saved by the excellent performances of the main and secondary characters that deserve a rating of ten. Bravo for Bai Li and Ren Jia Lun.Was this review helpful to you?
This review will be all over the place, but you get the gist I hope.
I am only able to finish watching this as I have read the novel. As the scriptwriter is the book author, the story followed closely the novel sequences except having to change (a very important) plot point to work around censorship. This however became a pitfall as it was a very important plot point that drove FL motivation in pursuing the ML and persisting despite all issues they had to endure.We were repeatedly told throughout the drama that Zhou family were supposedly so powerful and so complicated, but not much was shown except some accidents involving FL. Except mom-in-law being a bit of a b**** earlier on, everyone of them were so nice to the leads. The only villain was so so so weak (bad acting + bad characterization).
Some events in the story were so inconsequential that they might as well not be included.
I read the novel many many years ago, but from the writing (or translation), felt that ZSC was a very charismatic person despite being a nerd scientist, which sadly was lost in the drama portrayal. I'm not a big fan of MBFB , as I felt her writing is over indulgent, with style over substance, and her drama adaptation even more so. Beautiful Bones was perhaps her book that I liked more compared to her others, unfortunately this drama
Good thing about this drama, (1) everywhere they filmed looked pretty, (2) acting overall ok.
Note that I didn't watch One and Only as I felt the backstory didn't warrant a whole series with 24-ep.
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A seemingly satisfying sequel
I'm going to be honest - it's not as good as One and Only. I don't know if it's the modern setting (I do admittedly prefer historical dramas when it comes to Chinese cinema) or if it's seeing the characters I had expected to see mirrored instead take on such different personas in their reincarnated lives, but it just doesn't hit that high note for me that the prequel had.Music - There were a few songs which I really did enjoy, particularly "Continued." Many of the lyrics of the songs helped carry the theme of reincarnation and finding love again, which was particularly thoughtful, especially given the censorship which prevented too much focus on the past lives element. However, after rewatching scenes from One and Only and then Forever and Ever again, I feel like this drama lacks in having a minimal background score, which is one factor which gives a more polished quality to the ancient times version.
Acting/characters - Bai Lu and Allen Ren are adorable in this drama too, but whereas I was engulfed immediately in their chemistry in One and Only, this was an excruciatingly slow buildup, perhaps because of Allen Ren's character in this life. While Zhousheng Chen of the past was warm and protective, the modern Zhousheng Chen seems more introverted and awkward. It isn't until much later that we see he does retain the same warm personality as his past self, but it's closely guarded due to the circumstances of the plot. Shiyi's character also changes quite a bit. Gone is the eager-to-please little girl pulled by the strings of responsibility and in her place is a rather assertive young woman who is comfortable in her own skin and in standing her ground to get what she wants. Honestly though, the true star of this film was the character of Zhousheng Ren (the male lead's cousin). To say he's precocious would be an understatement. Portrayed as wise beyond his years, his subtle Old Man way of thinking which breaks every now and then - usually when interacting with Shiyi's female cousin - is just adorable to watch.
Story - I honestly found all the awkwardness a bit tiring. Even the potential for more comedic elements was tamed into just a few glances and stunted attempts at teasing. The film does suffer just a bit from diluting the fact that, in the novel, Shiyi remembers her past life and her desire to be with Zhousheng Chen is what drives her forward to pursuing him. It was only after I read the translation of the novel the show is based on - which the show follows very, very faithfully except for the reincarnation remembrance - that I accepted the direction the show was going.
Would I watch again? Eh, probably not. It's nice to know there's a happier ending, but my joy at their pairing isn't for the Shiyi and Zhousheng Chen of the modern era. It's for the reunion of souls and the continuance of love from One and Only as it's the relationship in the past that made me want them to be together. Had this been a standalone drama, I'd have dropped it after the first four episodes.
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This review may contain spoilers
Disappointing modern love story inspired by a beautiful historical love story.
This drama is not the sequel of One and Only. It is another story with a new couple who is not the one from One and Only reincarnated. But it is good to have watched One and Only before. Because this drama makes a lot of references to the original story and it helps understanding the essence of drama and the state of mind of the two leads.STORY:
A woman named Shi Yi created for herself a fantasized ideal man named Zhou Sheng Chen based on the main character of a movie she is working on and on historical informations she collected. She meets a Zhou Sheng Chen in real life who is not really like her fantasized one. She still falls for him trusting he is her destiny. The guy is a scientist very down to earth and logical and despite being from a rich family, he is not a typical heir of a conglomerate. He just wants to be a scientist.
I liked the first part where they are discovering each other and putting the cart before the horse. Because he has family pressure and because she is just head over heels for him. They looked very cute chasing each other from city to city and from China to Germany and back. There is also some kind of love triangles to spice it up. I liked that the FL is one to take initiative, be straightforward and send signals to the guy.
The second part when they are "official" is awkward. They have to discover the things they did not take the time to know beforehand. They really look good together but it is not sparkling chemistry. She is cute taking the time to make their relationship be the most normal one but he is so awkward that it is sometime cringe. These two in their everyday routine trying to get used to each other and to their life together, explaining things to each other, I thought is was lacklustre to the point I started losing interest.
They are also facing their respective families. Shi Yi's family is not complicated and it is rather fun. But ML's family is totally dysfunctional and even fckd up. It is clear that such a family does not exist in the modern world. They purposely took some crazy royal families you can see in historical cdrama and transposed to the modern world with no nuance at all. So the main couple meets the most opposition here from people who talk family but don't act like family.
In the last part, things take a fast pace as bad schemers are unveiled. It ends with an unexpected final showdown and our couple being "separated" for some time before the happy ending. I thought it was intense and emotional and a good final stretch with some action and a proper closure for most people good or not good. Our cute leads lives married happily ever after and the crown goes to the young crown prince.
CHARACTERS:
- Great ones: Shi Yi so lovely and patient with her bf/husband, the young crown prince
- Good ones: Zhou Sheng Chen the scientist who was a 30 something y.o. virgin, Driver (uncle Lin) MVP of the first part, Shi Yi typical loving Chinese parents, Grandmother typical nice grandmother who makes nice confusions and gives away secrets, the two distant cousins who look like lovers, Mei Dong Lin Mei Xing's dad.
- Silly ones: Mei Xing who did not know better, Zhou Wen Xing who did wrong thinking she was doing right, Tong Jia Ren who barked at the wrong trees and ended empty handed, Wang Man who loved a crow thinking he is a swan.
- Bad ones: Zhou Wen Chuan, Qin Wan the mother, the bad uncle.
- Underused: Xiao Yu Shi Yi best friend and Du Feng the cop. Their story should have been better developed.
OST:
Not so good. Repetitive with one style for one place of action and sound effects for the funny situation. I am really not fan of playing these songs at key moments. It is more disturbing the pace than helping the mood.
REWATCH VALUE:
Bai Lu and Allen Ren are not enough to save this drama. The cuteness of the main leads is not enough to make me rewatch (Also knowing that there is no real kiss) .
OVERALL: 7.5/10. I watched this as a part II and it is so so. I found it was cute but the family opposition and schemes from family members were quite badly told and silly. I don't get the demise of some characters when it was really not worth it and you have to put this on recklessness or crazyness. It also lacked entertaining situations. I will stick with the first Installment. In fact, this drama just managed to make me love One and Only more. Because it made its ending even more tragic and beautiful: There is no reincarnation. Love as much as you can when you still can.
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Same Old Drama with good casts
Overview: I’ve watched many of the leading actors’ previous works and they’re very good at it. The chemistry is so-so and the feeling is like they’re friends. The guy did his acting well with introverted scientist feelings and the girl was said to be introverted as well but that’ll be too boring so they let her light up and be naughty. The overall theme is nothing new really. Same cliche just different people. The amazing reviews here must be rigged because I truly didn’t enjoy it. Too passive, too predictable. We’re rich, you’re poor. We’re Rich and grew up together so we have inside love turmoil. Inheritance same old battle. Why did I even bother?The producers are probably trying to find a hit drama like Eternal Love 1 and 2. The setting is also redone over and over BUT great chemistry and story made up for it. You know it’s a cheesy drama but can’t help but be drawn.. sweet liar drama is also same old setting recycled all over but the chemistry is good.
This drama didn’t meet the chemistry standard of those two. It’s really a very friendly mood.
Pro:
- good acting by super Pro actors. Main guy did act like an awkward scientist but unbelievably castrated look. Really he doesn’t look too energized but more confused and awkward.
- predictable plot if you like predictable things
Cons
- the guy was castrated in his previous life so he doesn’t have the passion. Or maybe he is castrated naturally. By episode 15, I can’t find any intensity.
- same recycled setting. It must have been done in the same neighborhood. The guy’s mansion is something I’ve seen before in other dramas. The ‘owners’ looked uncomfortable sitting on the mansion chairs.
- sickness part takes like many many episodes. Same old scene, same old setting.
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Unrealistic relationship for a modern setting
Felt obligated to write a review since I reviewed the first season (One and Only) and loved it. This one? not so much.The tone of the drama is similar/same to that of One and Only, and that's where I have a major problem. There's this detached feeling, a gap and a constant lack of communication, yet an unyielding trust between the two of the leads, which worked in the ancient period, but IMO I don't think it works for the modern period. The two characters constantly make leaps of faith without basis I can't picture anyone I know take, and it makes both the modern Shi Yi and Zhou Sheng Chen so unrelatable and ungrounded even if I tried to keep in mind that the drama has established them to be quite the eccentrics.
It might just be that I live in the modern world, and I, just like the rest of us, can only assume and romanticize the olden times. Or it might just be true that in the olden times -and by olden time I mean it can even be as near as the republican era- people have less choice and little ways of communication, so I think of One and Only as far better even if the two are similar. I give props to them for having that continuity though.
Music is still bomb, I love the acting too since I love both actors, not so much the characters and the relationship progression. I tried to enjoy the story but ultimately failed and said adieu.
All this is just my opinion though and I can imagine someone else enjoying the drama. But this is definitely not a proper dating book.
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The 30 episodes really worth my time
Bai Lu is def a great actress, she always act to her best and she fit her role very well.For Allen, just because Miss Crow & Mr Lizard I really can't accept his acting at all. but but but just blame me for my bad first impression. in this drama he well perfectly fit the role, his acting is leveling up!!!! OMG, bowdown to Allen and can't wait his next drama.
oh don't forget preparing a lot of tissue on 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29. And the ending a little bit rush but it's okay, it's good anyway, I plan to read the novel.
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Forever and ever boring
Great acting. Great OST.It had potential, but I can't keep making excuses for the ML's apparent lack of "interest." I started this drama because I was under the impression there would be a lot of intimate scenes, and this would be the redemption from the prequel.
Also, Bai Lu...
You can be a serious, nerdy man, but come on, 0 affection unless she hints at it? And even then, "I'm ready?" (See end of episode 17 )
At this point, with 12 episodes left, I don't see this improving, so I'm bowing out.
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The suffering of shiyi in past life is what made me complete the drama
Despite being fan of bailu tbh I won't be interested to rewatch the whole drama but would definitely watch zsc and shiyi cute moments cuts and of course their bts. I loved Allen in one and only and I definitely love his pairing with lulu but sorry to say I don't prefer zsc in modern life. His character was so awkward that got on my nerves few times like what the awkwardness for like -dude we are almost towards the end. I don't wanna destroy hard work of drama team but has to say the drama lacks good plot. If only they had been huge than what it is now.Things that made me complete the drama bailu obviously, zsc and shiyi longingness to be together in "one and only", zsc shiyi cute moments ( less but gives me butterflies when just watch the cut scenes).
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This review may contain spoilers
a decent drama, ending is wholesome
i personally don't really like modern dramas. i watched 周生如故 (one and only) first, and i really liked the drama but i cried so much. after watching 一生一世(forever and ever), i guess you could say it brought more closure after what happened in 周生如故. i don't really like 任嘉伦's acting in this drama, his voice sounded kinda weird. at first i thought it was just the voiceover or like they edited it, but when i watched a variety show with him on it, i realized that's literally just what he sounds like. 白鹿 is an amazing actor like always, her chemistry with 任嘉伦 was amazing in 周生如故, but in my opinion, nothing will ever beat her chemistry with 罗云熙.i cried a lot in this drama aswell, but it was only when clips of 周生如故 started playing or the song 如故 started playing. i'm glad i watched this drama to bring closure to me but at the same time i kinda wish i didn't watch it.
i apologize for my use of chinglish in this review lol i was debating either doing this or just full chinese
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This review may contain spoilers
Balm for my soul after the tragedy in One & Only
completed series. MUST WATCH sequel to One and Only (周生如故). It is less intense and more romantic, but has emotional weight and once again, outstanding acting from Bai Lu and Ren Jialun.----
ah, Forever and Ever is a balm after my heart got shredded to pieces in One and Only! I am slowly recovering from the tragedy in O & O, because now there is hope for this couple. Am only in Episode 2 of F & E, and already I am smiling. THANK YOU producers for this sequel.
Zhou Sheng Chen as a chemistry professor is such a dork, and I love it. After suffering so much as the stoic, heroic, sacrificial general in O & O, I am glad that in this life his biggest worry is how to write an email to the girl :) I also love that Shi Yi remembers parts of their past and now has a chance to pursue her love interest in their modern lives without the constraint and rigidity of rules of the past.
One of the frustrations I felt for Cui Shi Yi in One & Only was that she was basically helpless against all imperial might and all those rules, and that the only thing she could control 100% was her own will - and we know what she did ultimately. Bai Lu and Ren Jialun *applause* for great, convincing performances.
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It's an amazing drama!
Want to write the review with english language but lazy for thinking. But I really want to apreciate for this drama, and everyone can understand how I love it! Aku suka bagaimana karakter ataupun akting Bailu menjadi shiyi. Walau jujur dia memang tak pernah mengecewakan. Begitu juga dengan Zhou SC dengan perannya yang begitu menyayat hati. my sadboy :) .. Hanya dengan cinta sederhana tanpa romansa berlebihan buat jalan cerita drama ini jadi seimbang sama hebatnya dengan akting pemain. So I give big applouse for the writer, director and the cast... Great Job !!!!Was this review helpful to you?
