One and Only

周生如故 ‧ Drama ‧ 2021
Completed
chahat119
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 26, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 2.0

its a watch

𝖜𝖍𝖎𝖈𝖍 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖉𝖉𝖉.𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖒𝖉𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖐𝖉𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖋𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖉𝖐𝖉𝖐𝖉𝖐𝖉𝖉𝖐𝖉𝖉𝖐𝖉𝖉𝖐𝖋𝖒𝖋𝖋𝖒𝖒𝖋𝖋𝖒𝖋𝖒𝖒𝖋𝖒𝖋𝖋𝖋𝖒𝖋𝖒𝖋𝖒 𝖆𝖐𝖆𝖐𝖆𝖐𝖆𝖐𝖐𝖉𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖈𝖘𝖔𝖟𝖐𝖟𝖒𝖟𝖒𝖟𝖘.𝖆𝖆𝖒𝖐𝖆𝖘𝖐𝖟𝖐𝖟𝖐𝖝𝖝𝖑𝖝𝖐𝖝𝖐𝖐𝖉𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖉𝖉𝖉𝖒𝖉𝖒𝖝𝖒𝖈𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖒𝖈𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖋𝖐𝖋𝖐

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Completed
Tempest
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 14, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

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=f1qk0lN1gaY

Someone 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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Ongoing 12/24
TalkingWithYou
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 21, 2021
12 of 24 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

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 kisskh, and most Chinese historical/period dramas are underrated on kisskh. 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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Completed
MarlieIzzy
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 2, 2025
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Sadly No happyending

I wish our main characters and all their friends had had a wonderful happy ending. 😭Unfortunately, this drama left us with sadness and pain.😭💕 But what a drama and what a masterstroke. I will definitely watch it again.

But can we please still talk about how there must be so much hatred and intrigue? I really wish the main female character had managed to free herself from the vicious clutches in a nice way and not the one where she finally takes her own life out of despair, grief and anger.
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Completed
hopewell
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 28, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0

Beautiful slow burn romance.

Was hesitant to watch but trust me the 24 episodes

aren'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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Completed
chenshiyi_reviews
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 23, 2022
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

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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Completed
woncheri
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 25, 2025
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

10/10 all aspects, this drama is one of THE best dramas in history

I have one word for this drama absolutely perfect. Yes you will experience all the emotions, (mainly crying) but I promise you this drama is 100% worth watching. I am not going to spoil it too much because going in blind will be the best way you can experience this masterpiece. Have fun! (and p.s. prep the tissues).
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Completed
Little Orange
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 23, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
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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Completed
Nebulix
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 16, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

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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Completed
Kaivargas006
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 5, 2025
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

It wasn’t happy ending but

First prepare to be silently in love but cry like you were the one who lost a loved one. If I tell you how I look after watching it , my husband ask me who died the next morning when he saw how swollen my eyes are, ohhh I was bawling so bad like I ask myself what is wrong with me, I was so hurt. When she said she wants to go back to the western palace she meant to be zhou shengchen side, can you believe there’s no kissing scene and they only hug 4 times but I felt it in my heart and would that they are in love. Sometimes I ask there’s many times that zsc could have done something or he could have kept her but why he didn’t, but anyway that’s the story, even though it’s tragic I loved it and I love rewatching it and I loved the ost.

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Completed
Lala1993
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 17, 2025
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The best romantic TV-series so far and is already one of my ALL-TIME favorite TV-series!!!!!

My first review here at MDL. Didn’t plan to write it here, but I just can’t help deeply falling in love with ALL ASPECTS of this series. I will surely enjoy many more C-drama in the future, but ONE AND ONLY will forever be one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE. What you will read in the following might make you wonder whether I exaggerate…. but they are all the truth.

It was really a coincidence that I got a chance to watch this… and I really can’t thank myself watching it. I have already rewatched and planned to do so again in the future. This would literally tell you how much I love this. Worth crying and wiping tears for…

First and foremost, I can’t miss mentioning the screenwriter, production team, and the director… Everything was so delicate and thoughtful. I enjoyed almost every single scenes all 24 episodes. The storyline is beyond touching, as it has truly engraved in my heart. Costume and props were perfect.

Casting team did an excellent job! I don’t know where to start saluting them. Ren Jia Lun and Bai Lu deserved all compliments here. Many time I have watched C-drama, I tend to feel a bit of imbalancing acting between ML and FL — almost always feeling that someone is better than another. But, this one…. Their actings were superb. You two got us all mesmerized… and truly believed as if ZhouSheng Chen and Shi Yi did really exist, and everything was real. You two will be one of my favorite actors/actresses. I have already reserved the upcoming C-drama of Ren and can’t wait to watch him again. His acting skills are AWESOME AND PHENOMENAL… and got me WOW. The exact same things I felt for Bai Lu. No wonder why she has long been praised by the audience and been loved by all the fans. It is 100/10 for acting and casting, indeed. Action scenes felt real and were shot bery smoothly. Too good to be true! I’m honestly impressed.

OSTs deserved my five-star review. Most of OSTs were on my playlist, and I have repeatedly listened to them. Actually, it was because of the song “定格” - OST forever and ever… that got me here. Back to 2021, I had not yet got exposed to C-drama and Chinese entertainment industry. Thanks to the song, I just can’t stop listening to it… and one day wonder about the lyrics. I googled and knew that it was OST… and automatically tempted me to try watching. Right, I got to forever and ever first and learned later that it was a sequel. Initially, I planned to only watch it … but gradually learned that the ML/FL casting were so great and REAL. I just can’t tolerate my curiosity to fully understand everything and deeply feel what they send to the audience.. SO (haha). After finishing all 54 episodes, I have been literally unable to move on 🥹 If I carefully listen to it the main OST, it get me some tears to shade… Also, realized that Ren sings one OST. He did it very very well. His song was on my playlist too.

Last point, rewatching… I already did on some episodes… and wouldn’t be hesistate to rewatch the whole 24 episode again if I do have the time.

Overall, A MUST WATCH for those who haven’t yet watched (like me… a late comer.. but really better late than never - haha)!

I wish I could leave something in the series, but I just think I would be better for you to go watch without knowing anything… but just know that it is gonna surely worth watching and at the end, you may want to thank us!

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Completed
clika
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 18, 2022
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

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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One and Only poster

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  • Score: 8.6 (scored by 10,854 users)
  • Ranked: #377
  • Popularity: #769
  • Watchers: 28,444

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