One and Only

'Military Slice of Life?' to 'Fated to Not Be Together'

First Week + Final Review

One and Only is a difficult piece to write a review for. It has all the elements of military, romance, political, hidden strife...but also doesn't really. If I were to summarize the plot, it is more a slow paced slice of life drama with dabbles of romance/cp set in historical military/wuxia. All the wars, palace political strife, marriage, backstabbing plots are all happening in the background and doesn't really concern the MCs much. Furthermore, the drama being a 'quiet' slow paced drama is an understatement. For most scenes, it would be 5 - 8 mins of beautiful scenery where the characters are simply strolling, not talking much and the soothing background music playing to fill the void. It is more a drama set showcase as there isn't really anything else happening from point A to B. Even writing this right now, you can place all these tags to the drama since it has been used, but there isn't enough depth to actually explore those genres to the full potential. Right now, I am ignoring all the additional etc genres and just primarily watching it for the interaction of the FL, ML and the 5 main followers.

[SPOILER] Final: Going to say this now, all the previews, MVs, trailers and all the foreshadowing in the drama all hint at the sad and bad ending. So it is really not a spoiler when everyone saw it coming and all the preview images advertising the drama showcased it. So One and Only will end in a bad ending where as the sequel Forever and Ever will hopefully be all sweet and happy. (Pray sequel be good)

Quick Story/Plot
One and Only is set in historical times where the emperor recently passed away and the 6 year old son is succeeding the throne. The story talks about the emperor's brother (ML) who swore an oath in the past to forever guard the Western border and to never succeed the throne. To further his conviction, he swore to never marry or have any children. One of the ministers also proposed to send his niece to become a student of the ML. The ("background main") story revolves around the political tension of the royal + influential families and the other actual story is the ML/FL and his followers livelihood on the Western Front. Since the story also includes frequent wars, alot of the plot are fast forwarded/skipped which brings the characters older in time.

Final: The ending was rushed and many plot holes appeared. I think the production team wanted to close out the drama so they didn't really care if the story/plot made sense and essentially fast forwarded the timeline. Story was only OK at best until the last few episodes where it was essentially disappointing and the audience is just waiting for the big sad finale. From rating of 8 > 7.5 for me.

Quick Acting/Cast/Characters
- The FL is from an influential family where at the age of 10 she lost her voice due to a political strife relating to her father. Her uncle (minister of the court) proposed that she becomes a student of the ML and follows his teachings. At a young age, she is sent to the Western province and becomes the 11th student/disciple of the ML.
- The ML is from the royal family who has given up his right to the throne at a young age. He swore an oath to guard the Western border and to never enter the central palace, marry nor have children. He is a natural leader having never been defeated in battle and amassed 10 followers who are more family than disciples. ML is easy going and doesn't really care too much about customs and rules.
- Shoutout to the followers where 5 of them appear more than the others and the FL's brother who is in for the ride.

Final: Literally the ML made the FL speak again. The ending with the characters was disappointing. Not much thought was put closing out the characters and didn't do the characters any justice. A lot of time and effort was put in for the entire drama to build up the characters and to have it ended like it did was beyond shocking and unsatisfying. Characters acting near the end was slightly off too as some scenes couldn't fit.

Music/OSTs
Music and OST are of great importance for this drama. The entire playlist is sooo good. Being a slow-paced/chill drama, the background songs fills up the scenes where the characters aren't talking much to warm/soothe the audience's heart. There are many aspects still lacking for the drama, but the music is definitely on point.

Final: Music all the way to the end was superb. An unforgetable OST Playlist when the songs start playing again, instantly reminded of the scenes.

Rewatch Value
Would go back to watch some memorable selective scenes.

Why my final rating (9.5)
Right now I reserve my initial rating of (9.5). It is still very early in the drama and still alot of stones unturned such as the marriage, the royal family and the MC's relationship. The current score is for the nice set, beautiful music, great costumes, excellet choreographed fight sequences and just the slower paced story telling. I heard rumors + saw trailers that the ending is going to be sad and filled with alot of heartbreak/pain and I can already see that incoming due to all the foreshadowing + plot devices told early on, but pray the drama will do the characters justice.

Final: One and Only is definitely a good drama with high production value, great OSTs and star-studded cast however this drama also falls into the trap of closing out too fast without much meaning and effort. Honestly the story should have ended around ep.21 with the actual ending brought forward. For most of the show it was a 10 in my heart until the very end which made me drop back down to a 9.5. A lot of people are comparing this to 'Good Bye, My Princess' and I don't think the ending is as sad and comparable because it is preparing the characters and story for the sequel Forever and Ever. So hopefully all the feelings and emotions from this drama can be taken across to the next season!

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sad but worth it!

BEST DRMA ever for me
REN JIA LUN is one of my favorite chinese actor
Not sure if there are perfect words to describe this drama
Both lead allen ren and bai lu did a great job they portray the chatacter very well ..i'm not one who cries easily but this drama made me cry lot....Still can't move on after it

This series is so underrated because of its zero skinship but the actors ML really did a great job at conveying their feelings through the look in their eyes.

it is just BEAUTIFULLY HEARTBREAKING STORY
All actors for this drama was great
Definitely ''MUST WATCH'' drama highly recommended drama

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the best Cdrama i've ever watched

Usually I never write reviews for dramas that I've watched, but this drama has touched and knocked on the door of my heart to give a little review.

I'm not good at writing reviews, I want to say this is the best drama I've ever watched even though the prequel has a tragic ending and I just don't feel satisfied with the ending that has been given.


the acting of all the actors in this drama is very good and perfect, they have given a lively performance for each of the characters they have brought, of course special for our main leads Allen Ren and BaiLu, my big thumbs up for their performance on this drama is very lively and wonderful.

a very good and beautiful soundtrack has been right to accompany this drama, you could say all the soundtracks in this drama are very pleasant to hear, the insertion of the soundtrack for all the scenes feels very harmonious and brings the atmosphere in this drama to life...

overall 10/10 for this drama...

sorry I can only give a few reviews because I'm not good at giving reviews, just because I really like this drama...

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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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