The On1y One (2024)

The Only OnE : A novel constructed in a delicate and profound way

The BL "The Only One" presents an engaging and touching narrative, centered on the story of two students, Wang and Tian, ​​whose friendship blossoms into a mutual love, full of affection and care. From the beginning, the relationship between the two protagonists develops with subtlety and sensitivity, captivating viewers with the authentic way in which emotions are portrayed. The connection between them goes beyond romantic love; there is a complicity that demonstrates the emotional support they offer each other, building a solid foundation for their relationship.

The great merit of "The Only One" is the way in which the romance between Wang and Tian is presented with a rare smoothness. Their friendship is the foundation, and the transition to love is done with care and respect, without rushing. This makes the journey of both even more special, as the viewer is able to follow each step of this relationship. The feeling between them is characterized by deep respect and attention, with scenes of affection and delicacy that reveal how much they care about each other's well-being.

However, the final episode brings a dramatic twist that has had a significant impact on fans: Wang has to move to a new room and be separated from Tian, ​​leaving a feeling of sadness and uncertainty in the air. This temporary separation serves as an emotional trigger for both the characters and the audience, who mourn the separation. Although the ending leaves a bittersweet taste, it also warms the hearts of fans by suggesting the possibility of a second season, generating expectations for what is to come.

One of the elements that most contributes to the emotional success of "The Only One" is the soundtrack. The songs are carefully chosen to highlight the crucial moments of the plot, accompanying Wang and Tian's feelings with melodies that intensify the emotional weight of the scenes. The soundtrack manages to immerse viewers in a melancholic and, at the same time, hopeful atmosphere, amplifying the connection with the story and the characters.

In addition, the visual aspect of the series is another strong point. The colors in the scenes are meticulously worked, bringing out the mood of each moment. In the most intimate and tender scenes between Wang and Tian, ​​soft tones predominate, creating a sense of welcome. On the other hand, in the most dramatic scenes or scenes of separation, there is a change in colors, which reflects the anguish and emotional dilemma of the characters. This visual care is essential to intensify the viewer's immersion and convey, nonverbally, the feelings of the protagonists.

Although the ending was striking and sad for many, the series as a whole maintains a harmonious balance between moments of joy, tenderness and tension. "The Only One" not only explores the love between two young students, but also reflects on the challenges and uncertainties that arise when deep feelings are put to the test.

In short, "The Only One" is a work that wins over with its sensitivity, with a romance constructed in a delicate and profound way, a soundtrack that enriches each scene and a visual that captivates the eyes and the heart. The last episode may have left many hearts broken, but it also opened the door to new possibilities, making fans long for a sequel that resolves this separation and brings a happier ending for Wang and Tian.

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Slow burn done right

While the premise of the story might seem very simple, and even overused or cliche, what makes it stand out is the execution of the story, the amazing chemistry between the actors the lovely characters and their electric dynamic that give you butterflies.

Both leads are interesting to watch and they also have their own distinctive personality that makes their relationship perfectly balanced. Jiang Tian, at first glance, might appear cold or distant, but in reality he has a heart of gold, he is very caring and considerate, but his guarded nature prevents him from openly expressing his emotions since he is afraid of letting others get too close, yet he seems to crave a profound bond. On the other hand, there is Shen Wang who seems to be more approachable and cheerful compared to Jiang Tian, but he also deals with his own emotions of sadness. At first they do not get along, but that is to be expected considering how their world is turned upside down due to their new family circumstances, yet they adjust quickly and they turn out to get along. Seeing their relationship, slowly but steadily, progress helps the viewer get immersed into the story and get attached to the characters. The gentle, quiet moments of connection makes their bond special and all the build up creates the expectation of leading to a very satisfying conclusion that we can get if season 2 is confirmed, nevertheless, the drama is still worth to watch, because even watching the build up itself unfold in front of your eyes creates all kind of emotions. The yearning in their eyes, the sparking tension, the unspoken feelings as their bond grows and gets deeper make for an excellent, sweet love story of two young kids who are discovering the world around them, while also learning more about themselves and growing as individuals.

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I will go to war for these boys!

This show was the only thing single handily keeping me while alive for the month. The way I didn't even wait for it to be uploaded to an illegal website and started fighting vpn. Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian are my babies, anyone hurts them its on sight. Like, they're the most adorable pieces of fluff to ever fluff. Watching them go from this enemies, to friends, to being absolutely unreplaceable in each others lives was most amazing, heart-felt and masterful thing I've ever seen.

"From now on, I’ll eat lunch with you, I’ll live with you, and you better not regret it."

"To hell with regret." -- It started with this, and the build up to it was so well done I can't even express it. These two actors fucking carried and put their whole backs into it. And them as individual people were portrayed so well I could actually cry.

"I didn't pack my bag. It's been there all this time." -- At first, I didn't know what that meant. But then you hit me with this shit; "He started wondering about. He lived in whichever home had room. I often saw him carrying his luggage, staying here or there for a little while, never able to get close to anyone. No one could have him for long." -- I fucking cried man. Jiang Tian didn't deserve any of it. He was just looking for a place to stay, and something or someone to call his home. Then he meets Sheng Wang and his whole life orbits out of trajectory. He found what he was looking for, and he was going to keep it all cost even by hiding away his feelings.

"Because then it'll really become a place that belongs to you. Don't you think so? It's what you want, right? So I'll go with you!" -- I just know that is the exact moment when Jiang thought Sheng was his home. There were no need for words from him, you could just from his facial expressions and eyes alone that Sheng Wang is whole world and beyond. And when he finally found his home? I fucking screamed okay? SCREAMED!! "You're home. Welcome home." The way I actually bawled during this scene is not even funny. Frankly, it was embarrassing, but did I care???? NO! CUZ JIANG TIAN CRIED AND SO DID I. HE FOUND HIS HOME AND I WAS GOING TO SHED ALL THE TEARS NEEDED.

And Sheng Wang, his boy is a bundle of clouds. I wanna hug and aggressively shake him at the same time. The abandonment issues really stuck with this kid and shaped his whole being. And he used studying as his whole thing, keeping it as a shield because it's the only thing that will not disappoint him. Then Jiang Tian came into his life and boom! Everything fell apart and come back together perfectly. This boy is so deep in love with Tian and he doesn't even know it yet. I just know he'd physically be uncapable of surviving without him. "When I thought I was abandoned by the whole world, when I thought it was useless to work heard, I actually forgot that someone who had nowhere to go home to, was still making an effort for me, giving his best and his all to protect me..." -- Yall hear that? Yeah, that's the sound of me screaming, crying, throwing up. Sheng Wang you fucking precious child. I'm just so happy him and Tian found each other man.

And then comes the cavate of the show. Them being brothers. Like damn, this show was so wholesome I completely forget how they were brothers man. I went fucking feral when Wang called Tian "Ge." FERAL, I TELL YOU. I replayed that scene so many times it's unhealthy. Everyone and their blind grandma can see Tian is head over heels with Wang. Boy, when Wang said; "But... if my dad's proposal is accepted, we'll become real brothers. Will you be unhappy?" -- you can just see what's going in Jiang's mind. Boy does not want to be brothers bruv.

But then. BUT THEN. If that wasn't enough. THEY ENDED THIS SHOW IN THE MOST HEART-BREAKING ENDING EVER. People out here being like "they just changed classes, blah, blah, blah." BUT NO. THEY DIDN'T JUST CHANGE CLASSES. WERE YOU NOT WATCHING THE SHOW?????? Tian knew Wang intentionally fucked up the test, and thought he was leaving him on purpose. The home he so desperately searched for was leaving him intentionally. And then, on top of that, Wang lied to him about. The abandonment issues, the lying... bro, it was all resurfacing. This last episode broke me in ways I didn't think possible. And I'm still not over it. And to end it with this monologue?

"To be secretly in love is one's personal turmoil. Because I like you so much, I feel like I've been overly cautious, like walking on thin ice, to the point where I nearly forgot that I'm 17 years old. At this age, the whole world is mine. I don't have to hesitate, and I don't need to consider things. There's no obstacle I can't overcome, and nothing I can't do." This is a cruel and unusual punishment. Wang tried so hard to stay away, but bro, he cannot live out without his mans.

And season two being confirmed was the best thing my ears have been subjected to in the year of 2024!! IF THEY DON'T GET THEIR HAPPY ENDING I WILL FUCKING RIOT. I WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER "STAY WITH ME", YOU HEAR ME?????

Now as to why this didn't get a 10 like it should have. First the ending. That automatically reduced the rating for me. And the main reason? The fucking teachers. The way I was using my skip button for them was insane. I did not give two hoots about them and I still don't. I honestly thought the two male teachers were dating, but apparently not??? I was just confused man. Their story line takes up more space then it actually needs to. Unnecessary, irrelevant, couldn't care less.

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So close to perfection

This story is truly amazing as everyone did a wonderful job in portraying the characters. However, it felt short to perfection as we are left with some unanswered questions. And while there are talks for a season 2, I'm not sure that we are going to get a season 2. So, as such,I'm judging this on these 12 episodes that were presented to me and not what the future may hold for this series.

Due to this, I gave the story an 8 due to it not really giving a complete first season (to me), as it sets it self up for a season 2. I gave tha acting a 9, as the 2 ML's gave stellar performance in thier roles. I gave the music a 10 because the opening OST was just beautiful and I gave rewatch value an 8, due to the fact that while Ilove this series, I can't put myself rewatching this too often to feel like the ML's ending is not complete.

Overall, this series is a 9 for me. I just wished that it could have given me everything that I wanted for it to be a perfect 10.

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I will wait for you

When I thought nothing could touch Unknown, along comes The On1y One, which effortlessly outshines any other for 2024. It's that great. Lead by the director Lui Kuang Hi who gave us Your Name Engraved Herein, nothing but an intense slow burn insightful unique piece of perfection should be expected. He definitely knows his art. With each episode he teases and plays with our emotions, giving the viewer the belief that with every other episode, we will be satisfied. We are not, we want more. He knows how to tell a story and tells it well. The script was mastefully brought to life by a truly gifted cast.

Wang and Tian's story unfolds in a way that shows with clarity the angsty teenage years. The urgency of emotions are hidden behind stoic facades that fool everyone but themselves. Their bond is unbreakable. One would think that the pouty Wang needs to be constantly taken care of, but we see that he is the one who creates a 'home' for Tian to feel safe. To rest the burdens he carries. Little by little their worlds fuse and being without each other becomes painful for them and us. The beauty of their relationship is the innocence and sincerity in which they hold onto each other. At 17, with past hurts, their emotional insightfullness is more mature than their peers.

Xi and Benny's relationship shows that at any age, love is hesitant, confusing and frustratingly emotional. They're both the other's anchor. With 15yrs of friendship behind them, they too struggle to shape what is truly between them. Xi sneaks moments to embrace Benny's acts of love without anyone knowing. Benny, hinting at his true feelings, is the one to actually bring to the fore what cannot be ignored any longer. His round hesitant eyes look directly at Xi, "I like you." I'm left to wonder, why Xi previously pretended not to know. Is he unwilling to lose an irreplaceable friend if something goes wrong? Has a past hurt made him cautious? Benny, I'm rooting for you.

Rather than putting every nugget that made this series gold, I will not. This is a series that everyone should experience with fresh unknowing eyes. I will say, the whole gamut of emotions will be felt. With the hint of a proposed season 2, I will be waiting.

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It's a cliche plot step-bro romance but it's so worth it.

This one is my very first Taiwanese BL. I'm quite shocked as well like it's 2024 and this was still my first one from Taiwan? I've known History long before but Idk why I still didn't watch it. It was pretty much hype back then. It's been so long since I've been inactive watching BLs. Tho I've been reading danmeis when I wasn't active with BLs.

Anyways, let get right into it. First of all I really love the overflowing chemistry between the two— Eric and Benjamin. The characters suit them well. Eric did a pretty good job with facial expressions. I know I'm biased but I really love his eyes and when he pouts it melts me. He's way too cute being a 30 yr old. Benjamin. He's good as well. He handles it well. I'm not good at this I'm sorry *sobs*. They're both doing well in terms of acting and delivery. I mean, you can't deny it. You can clearly see what their eyes are telling you. It looks simple but is quite well delivered. The plot is cliche. Addicted has it as well. But this one is a lighter version. Tho they are pretty much similar. I've read the novel of this as well.

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Excellent

The On1y One is a serious, gut-wrenching coming of age drama about the sexual awakening of two teenagers under very difficult circumstances.
Tian is traumatised by his parent's divorce and the shocking exposure to his father's secret which leads to conflicts in his heart and years of internalised self loathing. He considers himself to be essentially homeless, keeping a suitcase packed and ready to be on the move at any moment.
Sheng has lost his mother and lives through a lonely childhood grieving his loss.
They need to come to terms with their parents relationship and somehow start building a new family together.
Their tentative friendship gradually starts to turn into more. They negotiate this new path, forging a friendship which is deep and sincere despite Tian's early reservations. They find a tethering in each other which gives them a sense of belonging, a sense of home in each other.
As they realize their romantic feelings, Jian and Sheng deal with their feelings of shame and guilt differently. While Tian comes to term with his feelings, Sheng withdraws.
Sheng's withdrawal cuts into Tian's core, opening the very same wound he had helped in healing.
Season 1 ends on this heartbreaking note.
The series is beautiful, both visually as well in the powerful emotions it inspires.
Each and every actor has played a nuanced role giving us a sensitive glimpse into the pains of growing up. It is a story of sexual awakening which reminds us how delicate and painful it is to be 17.
Looking forward to season 2 of this excellent drama. Kudos to the entire team. ❣️❣️👏👏

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The Lost and Lonly Ones

This is a story about friendship, family, and an over all feel of being lost... as well as probably shows two of the most lonly boys in all of dramaland.

Yep lost and lonley ones... While I do have some issues with the make up that I otherwise realry notice most of the filming has some pretty decent quality and shots. The monologs and dialog of this drama say alot less than the gazes, mimcs, light and slow mo angles filmed. You could probably watch this with nieter subtitles or sound without loosing the ffel of the story or feeling the leas bit lost. You may even find yourself enjoying it even more (not that I tieied) .

If you are in the mood for something that will make you feel all warm and fizzy inside, this may make you smile once or twice bit the over all feel to it is kind of depressing, and more of a feel things than feel good type of deal.

A decent watch leaving you wanting more and wondering was this all they had to tell or will there be a second season?

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Ending plot

I can't express how I'm feeling right now. This series is filled with unsolved emotions. It's a MASTERPIECE.
The actors did a great job. We can feel that longing, tension, care,love etc. They portrayed it really welly.
Let's head to the ending part. We're expecting something like "Addicted" , "Culpa Mia" . But it has that same type of plot but it's really different at same time. This series shows you how you go through the things at teenage. We can feel that romance between tian and wang but it's not that typical lovers trope romance rather It's much more deep. We can see them letting their guards down slowly. It's a slow burn series. It's good that director didn't tried to haste things here.
Imo they ended it here to make us wait for the season 2. It's good marketing technique as it'll make us hook to it. But I think it'll be worth it.
I RECOMMEND THIS TO EVERY PERSON WHO WANTS TO SEE SOMETHING SLOW BURN

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