This is a Masterpiece
The story, the cast ,the acting...it's an overall 10 series of the year.Talking about the actors, I can't imagine anyone else doing either of the characters. Benjamin has become my favourite. He is really emoting the character well. I really wish for season 2 with the same cast (if not I drop the idea of watching it!), because nobody can replace this.
The story is actually been focusing many different aspects (the friendship,the family and the side couple)
which is making it more entertaining and anticipating to watch.
Hope for the success of this series and actors.
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putting the slow in "slow burn"
It is a really cute and genuine story of teenage love.They really took the time to develop the characters and their relationships, which I definitely think was needed. There was a point in the story where I couldn't see how they were gonna make romance work and I was scared they would just force it, like so many other shows do, but they took their time to slowly develop the story to a point where it no longer felt forced but instead completely natural.
The acters are amazing! You always know what the character is feeling through the subtle micro expressions. The acting felt so natural: like ofcourse that is how the character would react in that situation. The way they hide their smile in a natural and subtle way and how you can really feel the love and longing in their gaze just made everything feel so genuine.
I can definitely recommend people watch this show. But if you hate slow burns and want the characters to get together as soon as possible, then this show might not be for you, but for everyone else: you need to watch this masterpiece! (Thank me later)
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a master piece of a series (not counting the ending)
I had taken bit of a break from this series until as of yesterday when I finally finished the finale episode and I have to say bravo for the most part; This is not your typical BL series as it has such a more coming of age story spliced with such a slow burn romance that I have admit sometimes was a lil too slow to really break through but still had so much charm and that actors did a phenomenal jobThings I liked
1. The way that Shen Wang’s and Jiang Tian’s relationship progresses from complete strangers in the same class to accepting each other as family/brothers, to being each others home they can rely on. Shen Wang shows Jiang Tian that he can open up to others more and be vulnerable while Jiang Tian shows Shen Wang that he can be strong and confide within him
2. Generally the side characters are so well touched on I love they’re friend group so much
3. The cinematography is amazing and very scenic giving the impression of what a high pressure environment is like and how the students seeming can decompress for a bit before returning to what feels like academic hell
4. The acting is suburb and the appearances chosen for the portrayal of each actor is amazing
Things that could use some improvement
1. That ending ain’t it I mean it felt so set up for a second season where we don’t even have an definitive confirmation that there’s gonna be a second season (on top of that it’s rare for any BL series to get a second season) the final episodes buildup also felt odd I understand that Jiang Tian might’ve felt upset/betrayed that Shen Wang purposely screwed up on the mock exam so his anger/disappointment is warranted however, to make a scene outta a punching a wall in the school when he’s just moving to the class upstairs (also they share the same dorm room and bed a lot of the time) just seems so melodramatic and over exaggerated.
2. The teacher side couple I get they’re supposed to be sorta a parallel to the main leads but the whole thing of one of them thinking that the other has a thing for the Jenny but really likes him instead feels contrived and the whole kidnapping scene felt unnecessary. Also we got some of they’re background story but not enough to really set them up as a side parallel to the main couples booming relationship
3. Episode 11 features a scene where we should’ve had some proximation for why Jiang Tian is initially so closed off also for why he has psychical burn marks/scars on that side of his body; I haven’t read the original book but apparently in the book this is the scene that is responsible for part of Jiang Tian’s closed off behavior which stems from him becoming homophobic. The show never actually depicts any behavior of homophobia on Tian’s part nor outwardly examines it so how we’re we initially supposed to interpret it as that?
4. While the OST slaps so hard the quality and levels of the music is so over the place; the background music either spans on for far too long or far too loud that sometimes the dialogue becomes almost muffled (which seems to be a trend in Taiwanese BL’s from what I seen)
Overall an amazing series so far but we definitely need another season to tie up all the loose ends and expand on the characters feelings and backstories more that the current open ended conclusion of the first season gives us
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Fine but flawed Taiwanese bl
mixed feeling about this one。 this is a fine bl drama with a nice balance between seriousness and feel good I have found with most Taiwanese dramas compared with j drama and good character development。 for me it seemed to lose momentum toward the end though it is true Taiwanese dramas allow more space, time for story to develop。for me the ending was unsatisfactory [see under spoiler comment]。 I found OST rather intrusive especially in last episode and some producers should remember OST is no substitute for script and acting or indeed sometimes silence is better than noise 。Was this review helpful to you?
Good Overall
I was pretty into the show but throughout the first eleven episodes but the last one kinda took me out of it. It honestly felt so out of left field and like a completely different show with such an abrupt shift that it made me not really interested i guess?i was just so bored the last episode and i also hoped for at least one kiss or something, but it was giving more passionate bromance energy for this drama (or season one, depending if there will be a season two).
everyone obviously doesn’t have to agree or feel this way, as it’s my subjective opinion! Good show overall and the music and quality were the biggest highlights in my opinion. hopefully there will be a season two to continue this story and shift my opinion.
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Quiet Queerness, Loud Emotions, and a Love That Stays With You
The On1y One is the kind of drama that doesn’t shout to be seen it simply arrives, sits with you, and slowly takes root in your chest. It’s tender, patient, and deeply emotional. From the first episode, I felt like I was being let into something honest. Something real.What sets this drama apart is its refusal to rush. It lets silences speak, lets glances linger, and allows the characters’ love especially queer love to breathe. The chemistry is undeniable, not in a flashy, fanservice-y way, but in a slow, lived-in way that makes it feel authentic. You believe in them. You root for them.
The acting is subtle and incredibly effective. Each performance is grounded, with pain and joy simmering just below the surface. The characters aren’t written to perform queerness; they live it in the way they hesitate, in the way they care, in how hard they try to protect each other without always knowing how.
There’s a softness to the drama that made it feel like a balm after dramas that either erase queer stories or avoid emotional depth. And even when it hurts and it does it never feels like suffering for drama’s sake. It’s earned.
That said, it's not perfect. There are moments where the pacing slips, and some side plots feel undercooked. But it never loses its emotional core. It’s a drama that dares to be soft, and in that softness, it becomes unforgettable.
The On1y One earns its 9/10 not because it’s flawless, but because it’s honest. It knows how to hurt you, and more importantly it knows how to hold you afterward. I'm hoping for a second season.
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You just have to be IN to get the gem
This series is the kind of BL that deserves a review. I've seen dozens of BL's, but there are only a few that are worth talking about in depth. It's not perfect, there are things I didn't like, but it's definitely a positive point I want to continue talking about it after having seen it. So this is more rambling than a well-done review.This series, although it doesn't touch on anything in great depth, brings to the table very interesting and noteworthy plots, making this series unique. Important aspects, among them would be the past of the protagonists, youth, adulthood and the bonding between people. It wasn't until chapter 6 I said to myself "ah, THIS is why this series is so popular." At first it's a bit empty or introductory, but as you progress you get deeper into this world and you get to some very nice places.
Let's see, should we start with the bad or the good?
THE GOOD BC I'M CRAVING.
—The past explored of Jian Tian and Cheng Wang. They both have a tragic past they have to share in order to break free from it. Something that connects them both is their shortcomings in their childhood, both share having suffered abandonment and extreme neglect by adults, causing them both to have exactly the same fear: abandonment. Each one expresses it in a different way. Their characters are incredibly coherent with the past each one has, that's special. I like they SHOWED this, they didn't told it. As a viewer one can infer many things, but they don't say anything explicitly.
—The range of characters: Something I LOVE in series is when they make me as a viewer remember the names of characters other than the main characters, I mean, they make me care about them. This series more than fulfilled that purpose. I was not only interested in Tian and Wang, but also in their parents, their friends, their teachers and their acquaintances, such as the shop owner or Tian's adoptive grandfather. They created a genuine world of their own I was genuinely immersed in. I loved Gao and his one-sided crush, I loved the teachers' dynamic, I loved Tian's mom. I LOVE when they do that, I love entering a new world. The only show I can remember now which did this is Sotus, oh, and My school president!
—The emotional scenes really moved me (except for the ending). When the parents had the conversation with their kids I literally broke down in tears. I really empathized with Tian's mom a lot, and her conversation with Tian broke me. Or the hug with the "welcome to home"? Beautiful. Almost all the actors in the cast are AMAZING ACTORS (especially the leads), and watching an interview with Tian's actor, I understand they were committed to their roles. It shows in the acting of many.
—I loved the slow burn. I admit, it drives me crazy, but I love they take things slow and build the relationships the way they SHOULD BE. Only then does it get so dramatic later. I LOVE they became friends and then brothers. They were never really friends-friends, there was always a “beyond” there between them, but it’s beautiful that superficially (because they both think it’s one sided their “weird” feelings) they formed such a strong bond without romance. It’s beautiful, I love it.
—Just a small point, but I loved the inclusion of the character "the mute uncle". I've never seen the inclusion of a character like that in a series like this, (and in Southeast Asia) and for him to just be there, exist, and be part of this world, is very special to me.
—I LOVED THE SOUNDTRACK.
NOW IT’S TIME TO COMPLAIN.
—It must be said, sometimes I felt like it was losing rhythm (in all chapters ,actually). I felt like some things weren’t necessary or they were dragging out others scenes too much (especially the gazes, you know what I mean). After a while you get used to it, but it is a little tiring to see after a while, I felt so uncomfortable. Its like "please, just stop" or "What was the point of showing this?" Tried to convince myself it was to show everyday life, instead of just being lacking in material.
—The fish kisses. Look, I can forgive the semi-kisses between the main characters, OK, they are young, and inexperienced and stepbrothers, BUT BETWEEN THE TEACHERS, WHO WERE IN LOVE FOR YEARS? I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THAT! I will literally never forgive such a horrible kiss. GOD, JUST CLOSE THE FKNG EYES.
I tried deeply to understand and empathize with everyone in the end, but I couldn’t do it completely, that makes me sad. Still, I really appreciate they kept the character quality. When Wang's exam came out, Tian didn't explicitly say anything, he didn't accuse him either, but WE know he thinks Wang is abandoning him and he feels genuine fear and frustration, he feels lonely and afraid of being alone again. Wang also doesn't openly say he did it on purpose, but WE as viewers know he was desperate and scared of his feelings and thoughts (as we see them). Wang never says anything, he just acts impulsively. Tian never says anything, he just walks away.
They left a lot of things open, but I understand everything was being left for a second season, almost taking it for granted. So many, too many things open. Tian's emerging feelings weren't explored too much. And if they put THAT scene in Tian's flashback, I interpret it will have to do with how Tian will have conflicts with his own feelings and sexuality. What happened with the teachers? What will happen with Wang? Will Wang stay in the same dorm or will he go home?
I REALLY need a second season, I beg the universe to let it come out this year. Please don't let this be a second Stay with me. That would be funny anyway, considering both shows are about stepbrothers.
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music too loud
Really? what is the point of having a talking movie/drama if the music is going to drown out the actors lines? ok so I can use the subtitles, but the sound is similes it’s hard to read and hear the music at the same time. instead you have to turn off the volume and read for a bit hoping the music gets softer for background and not foreground sound.I am disappointed that there won’t be a second season. The characters have a lot of potential for growth and development, sad to say it won’t
continue.
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Poems of Youth
EDIT: Need everyone to know that this Season ended on a cliffhanger and there are news of Season 2 being cancelled, so while I still recommend this, I feel the need to save my comrades from possible heartbreak.I'll preface this by saying I read the book, and while it wasn't completely following the same storyline, I'm not mad at it. The choices made in this story made for a wonderful journey. Even if they're not the same words, the meaning remained. Sure, there were some details that bothered me but overall, I loved this series.
The acting was great for both leads. One small nitpick from me is that Sheng Wang is much more of a bragger and has the energy of someone in need of a beating (love him), but was depicted much more milder. I still really liked the actor Liu Dong Qin, he definitely gave the impression of a Young Master, even though it was a different approach. Benjamin Tsang also shined as Jiang Tian, his eyes look exactly how I imagined. No complaints.
I also loved the choices for all the teachers, casting wise. Not really sure how I feel about the story centered around them, as there were a lot of additions I wasn't a fan of. Another thing was some directive choices for the "comedy" scences that I didn't enjoy, and just made me uncomfortable.
Moving on from that though, this was beautiful. It felt like listening to a poem and imagining the scences being played out in your head through the screen. It really captured the emotions of youth. It wasn't just about the characters falling in love. Our characters were different, but they were both so similar in how much they were shaped by their broken childhood. It was very satisfying to see all that expressed cinematically. The way both of our characters gave each other what they needed the most gave me life. Jiang Tian saw through Sheng Wang's loneliness and was there for him, and Sheng Wang showed Jiang Tian what it was like to have a home that belonged to him. It's a wonder I can still write this without sobbing.
Another great point was the relationship between class A students. I adore these goofballs. Usually the classmates in high school settings are just background noise, but I felt an actual connection between them and our main lead. The family dynamics were also really good. There was a layer of awkwardness in their interactions, and it felt real.
There were some songs I didn't really feel and I kinda didn't care about the ending song. But〈寂寞而已〉by 蕭煌奇 Ricky Hsiao. and Interlude - Trash really hit the spot. Both the lyrics and vocalists got me in my feels.
I have to admit, having read the book might have added more inerest, but I'm positive I'm not biased when I say this is a great drama and you should give it a watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Beautiful, Unfinished Journey – A Must-Watch BL Series That Deserves a Proper Ending!!!
It's an 8, such a great series let down by an open "ending", almost ruined for me if it wasn't for the news and expectations about a possible season 2 coming soon to rightfully wrap up the story the way it deserves. I've read online that these 12 episodes adapted about half of the original work it's based on but still, the creators really put all their chips forward this hypothetical season 2 because as it stands, it's an unfinished story that let's you down by the end of the last chapter. I need an ending to this story and its characters, even that stupid teacher love triangle that nobody asked for (wdym the two guys were giving me secret couple all season by their acting/body language and then they're not even an item and made me think my gaydar was broken, wtf?!?).That all being said, i loved it overall. The acting is palpable, the songs are amazing, the cinematography is enchanting and the story is compelling, memorable and beautifully told.
I definitely recommend it to every BL fan that wants to watch a meaningful story about love, feelings (lots of them), growing up, friendship and family. I will keep this one close to my heart and hope/wait for season 2. And if it does not happen, try to focus on the journey and this one will be worth your while ;)!
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The initial conflict between Sheng Wang (the more carefree and rebellious boy) and Jiang Tian (the quiet and diligent boy) is very entertaining. The series handles well the tension, competition, and humor that arises from their forced cohabitation.
Unlike other dramas, The On1y One dedicates a lot of time to the development of the protagonists and their backstories, exploring themes like adolescent growth, academic pressure, and family problems with great sensitivity. You feel like you truly get to know them.
The romantic relationship is a very slow burn and is built with small gestures, intense glances, and intimate moments. For fans of slow burn and yearning, the series is a wonderful torture.
I only have one criticism I could make, but I'll let you discover it for yourself.
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Super Slow Like A Sloth, Lol
My On1y One is definitely a super slow burn, but I really liked how raw and real the emotions felt. The subtle glances, the tension, the way the two leads interact—everything is so understated yet powerful. Jiang Tian is the quiet, reserved type who doesn’t open up easily. You can tell he’s carrying something heavy. Then he meets Sheng Wang, and at first there’s friction, but slowly they start to warm up to each other.Sheng Wang, on the other hand, is the cheerful and easygoing extrovert who easily connects with his new classmates. But underneath that bright personality, he’s still grieving his mom's death. He’s actually pretty soft and sensitive inside, which adds more depth to his character.
Even though the overall concept is kinda cliché, I still found it unique. What stood out to me is that, for once, we actually see students being students. There are real classes, lectures, and schoolwork shown, which is super refreshing—unlike most high school or university BLs that only focus on romance or the characters just hanging around the campus doing nothing or eating.
I do love the actors—they have amazing chemistry—but I feel like it would've made more sense if they were portrayed as university students instead of high schoolers. It would've been more believable, especially considering their real ages. That part was a bit of a letdown. Still, I appreciate that the classmates felt like real high schoolers, which added to the realism.
Since it's such a slow burn and not a lot happens plot-wise, I ended up watching it at 1.5x speed. I don’t mind slow burns if there’s a solid payoff at the end, but the ending here felt kind of unresolved. I heard there was supposed to be a Season 2, but it got cancelled, which is a shame.
Overall, I’d give it a 7.5/10 for the acting and cinematography alone. It’s not exactly my type of show, but it definitely has its emotional moments and a unique vibe.
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