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Forever Ever or Forever Never: My Delulu vs. Ren Jialun
Let's be real, there's just something about watching actors and actresses who are happily married in real life play swoon-worthy romantic leads that throws a wrench in my "delulu" machine. My brain screams, "He's someone's husband!" and just like that, the romantic spell is broken. This was my exact struggle with "Forever and Ever." No matter how much I adore Bai Lu and her incredible talent, the thought of Ren Jialun being a married man(who according to unverified rumours signed a "no-kissing" close) kept me from pressing play. For months, I resisted, a true martyr in the vast dramaland desert.
But then, as it always does, the well ran dry. There was nothing, absolutely nothing, captivating to watch. So, with a sigh and a dramatic flair, I broke my own sacred vow and hit play. And thus, my journey began.
A Second Chance at Forever (Even Without the Backstory)
Now, I confess, I never watched the prequel, "One and Only." So, I was going into this blind, a fresh-faced newbie with no historical baggage. Thankfully, the show's creators were kind enough to sprinkle in some flashback memories from the FL's perspective. These little nuggets were enough to clue me in on the whole "reincarnation" thing. From what I've gathered, the prequel was a real tear-jerker, the kind that rips your soul out and stomps on it. So, it was a sweet relief to see these characters get a second shot at happiness, a chance to rewrite their tragically beautiful story.
Despite my lack of prequel knowledge, "Forever and Ever" managed to stand on its own two feet. The creators did a stellar job of weaving the past into the present, creating a modern drama with a historical twist. The sets and architecture were subtly reminiscent of another era, and I imagine for those who watched "One and Only," it must have been a blast playing "spot the reincarnated character."
Ren Jialun: The Physical Contact Conundrum (aka My Hilarious Pain)
Alright, let's get to the elephant in the room, the source of my deep, abiding, and now, rather humorous pain: Ren Jialun. Look, the man is a solid actor, no doubt about it. I'd absolutely watch him again... just maybe not in anything with a "romantic" tag.
I'd heard the whispers, the rumors about a "no physical contact" clause, and honestly, I thought it was just that – a rumor. But watching him and the directors play a grand game of hide-and-seek with anything that would bring him an inch closer to the FL? My initial anger quickly morphed into a bewildered "What in the name of all saints is this?" and then, inevitably, pure comedy.
It would have been fine, truly, if he'd been paired with a cold, unfeeling FL, someone with the personality of a damp rag. But no, we're talking about Bai Lu here! Her very smile, her subtle grimaces, they practically scream "I'm down for whatever!" The contrast between her natural warmth and his determined physical distance became an unintentional laugh riot. It's like watching a dance where one person is trying to salsa and the other is performing an interpretive dance about personal space.
Honestly, I've had my time to recover from this particular grievance. While it's perfectly fine to have boundaries, perhaps a little memo to the manager saying "Please, for the love of all that is holy, no more romantic dramas!" would be in order.
The Verdict: A Slow Burn for the Patient Soul
All in all, "Forever and Ever" is a good drama. My little quibbles are purely personal, born from my own comedic observations. If you don't mind settling in for a SLOOOOOWWWW BURN – think frustrated wife trying to ignite a spark with a clueless but smart nerd husband who's basically a walking green flag – then you'll probably enjoy it. Just be prepared for a few laughs at the sheer lengths some directors (and actors) will go to avoid a good old-fashioned hug.
But then, as it always does, the well ran dry. There was nothing, absolutely nothing, captivating to watch. So, with a sigh and a dramatic flair, I broke my own sacred vow and hit play. And thus, my journey began.
A Second Chance at Forever (Even Without the Backstory)
Now, I confess, I never watched the prequel, "One and Only." So, I was going into this blind, a fresh-faced newbie with no historical baggage. Thankfully, the show's creators were kind enough to sprinkle in some flashback memories from the FL's perspective. These little nuggets were enough to clue me in on the whole "reincarnation" thing. From what I've gathered, the prequel was a real tear-jerker, the kind that rips your soul out and stomps on it. So, it was a sweet relief to see these characters get a second shot at happiness, a chance to rewrite their tragically beautiful story.
Despite my lack of prequel knowledge, "Forever and Ever" managed to stand on its own two feet. The creators did a stellar job of weaving the past into the present, creating a modern drama with a historical twist. The sets and architecture were subtly reminiscent of another era, and I imagine for those who watched "One and Only," it must have been a blast playing "spot the reincarnated character."
Ren Jialun: The Physical Contact Conundrum (aka My Hilarious Pain)
Alright, let's get to the elephant in the room, the source of my deep, abiding, and now, rather humorous pain: Ren Jialun. Look, the man is a solid actor, no doubt about it. I'd absolutely watch him again... just maybe not in anything with a "romantic" tag.
I'd heard the whispers, the rumors about a "no physical contact" clause, and honestly, I thought it was just that – a rumor. But watching him and the directors play a grand game of hide-and-seek with anything that would bring him an inch closer to the FL? My initial anger quickly morphed into a bewildered "What in the name of all saints is this?" and then, inevitably, pure comedy.
It would have been fine, truly, if he'd been paired with a cold, unfeeling FL, someone with the personality of a damp rag. But no, we're talking about Bai Lu here! Her very smile, her subtle grimaces, they practically scream "I'm down for whatever!" The contrast between her natural warmth and his determined physical distance became an unintentional laugh riot. It's like watching a dance where one person is trying to salsa and the other is performing an interpretive dance about personal space.
Honestly, I've had my time to recover from this particular grievance. While it's perfectly fine to have boundaries, perhaps a little memo to the manager saying "Please, for the love of all that is holy, no more romantic dramas!" would be in order.
The Verdict: A Slow Burn for the Patient Soul
All in all, "Forever and Ever" is a good drama. My little quibbles are purely personal, born from my own comedic observations. If you don't mind settling in for a SLOOOOOWWWW BURN – think frustrated wife trying to ignite a spark with a clueless but smart nerd husband who's basically a walking green flag – then you'll probably enjoy it. Just be prepared for a few laughs at the sheer lengths some directors (and actors) will go to avoid a good old-fashioned hug.
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