Unrealistic relationship for a modern setting
Felt obligated to write a review since I reviewed the first season (One and Only) and loved it. This one? not so much.The tone of the drama is similar/same to that of One and Only, and that's where I have a major problem. There's this detached feeling, a gap and a constant lack of communication, yet an unyielding trust between the two of the leads, which worked in the ancient period, but IMO I don't think it works for the modern period. The two characters constantly make leaps of faith without basis I can't picture anyone I know take, and it makes both the modern Shi Yi and Zhou Sheng Chen so unrelatable and ungrounded even if I tried to keep in mind that the drama has established them to be quite the eccentrics.
It might just be that I live in the modern world, and I, just like the rest of us, can only assume and romanticize the olden times. Or it might just be true that in the olden times -and by olden time I mean it can even be as near as the republican era- people have less choice and little ways of communication, so I think of One and Only as far better even if the two are similar. I give props to them for having that continuity though.
Music is still bomb, I love the acting too since I love both actors, not so much the characters and the relationship progression. I tried to enjoy the story but ultimately failed and said adieu.
All this is just my opinion though and I can imagine someone else enjoying the drama. But this is definitely not a proper dating book.
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This review is for both “One and Only” and “Forever and Ever” dramas but the rating is different:One and Only
This drama is really a masterpiece, almost flawless, if it would not be for the poor acting skill and expressions of one of the most significant antagonists, actor Wang Xing Yue as Liu Zi Xing. The production gives the viewer gorgeous costumes, dazzling sets, great cinematography, a leading couple that doesn’t need intimacy to immerses the viewer and evokes beautiful, heartfelt, and sorrowful emotions that leaves anyone breathless even when a romantic relationship between them was forbidden. The action scenes are well choreographed and the chemistry among the soldiers and Zhousheng Chen is strongly fused by their sincere feelings and camaraderie. SPOILER ALERT: Even with the tragic ending, the drama is still worth watching! Enjoy it!
Forever and Ever (SPOILER ALERT!)
If the viewer is looking for a drama that has a nice romance feel but lacks intimacy, then this is the right drama. I would not consider this drama a sequel since there is little connection to the “prequel” apart for the leading couple, flashbacks that give the viewer a glimpse of their past relationship, a leading male that belongs to an old and establish rich family with a matriarch that simulates a sovereign ruler of great power and rank, a leading female that comes from a “noble” family, and some supporting actors that can be somehow compared to others in the past life. Although the leading couple is connected to the past, find each other and fall in love, this drama doesn’t capture the intensity of their feelings like it was portrayed on the drama “One and Only”. For “Forever and Ever” been a modern romance, Zhousheng Chen’s character is almost emotionally handicap with an unrealistic innocence for a man in his late twenties, even if he has spent most of his life been a bookworm. Although the Zhousheng Chen from the past does not kiss Cui Shi Yi, he was not passive at all! So, overall, this is not a bad drama, it is just a failed attempt to bring an everlasting and passionate love to the present times.
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24 episodes of fan service and 6 episodes of fillers
There are basically two ways to watch this show. Either as a fan of One and Only or a casual viewer. If you are in the first category then this is the best show ever and it will bring you joy and make you swoon again and again. If you are in the later group then you will not understand what all the fuss is about. You might enjoyed it as a romantic melodrama but you will more likely to find it slow, stilted and some scenes do not make much sense. A bit meh, to be honest.But credit where credit is due, the show is good. It is beautifully shot and definitely a high quality production. The sets, costumes, lighting designs are all top notch. Acting was great from the ensemble cast. However, to truly appreciate the plots, sentiments and nuisances of this show, you will need to have watched One and Only or at a minimum a decent knowledge of the backstory.
The reason is that the story is full of direct but more often, obscure references to the prequel. There are literally dozens of them. From names, locations, scenes, music, paintings, poems, food, everything. Yes, you can still enjoy the show without any of that knowledge but it will be like visiting a house full of people who are constantly telling in-jokes and laughing among themselves. You can still enjoy the drama as is but your enjoyment will increase ten folds if you are in on the jokes.
This reference spotting also extends to character spotting. Almost every named characters in the prequel have their counterpart in the present. Some have similar roles while others have their alignment flipped. The show even go as far as stating that the ML seemed to be surrounded by people who owed him a debt from their past lives (an old Chinese saying and quite true in this case).
This brings up an interesting point, the reason why the original book was split into two separate dramas is because it is a no-no to use reincarnation as a plot device in c-drama and this is how the Show got around this "problem". Dreams and references to One and Only is now fine because the FL worked on its dubbing (clever and done well) and the modern ML's is a descendant of the historical ML's clan. So everything is squared away and fated.
Honestly, fate is almost too weak a term to describe their romantic journey. We are talking divine intervention level stuff. From their meet-cute to their growing love for each other, it is all preordained. There is no doubt that our leads are in love. They only have eyes for each other and cannot live without each other once their paths are crossed. This made the rest of the plot seemed superficial. Ditto the 2OTP, they are a nice CP but barely made a splash compared to our leads.
In that sense, the FL is the star of the show. She actually provided the glue between all the subplots in both shows. Even in her modern incarnation, she still subconsciously kept a lot of her qualities from her past life. Her likes and dislikes are all reflecting her past life. Her poise is always graceful, a little ethereal and nothing faze her. She is decisive and forthright when it comes to their relationship. She is sweet and playful with the ML and the ML only. She basically lived two lives without realising it. Ditto for the ML but more subtly.
I suppose it is unavoidable that there would be at least one antagonist and I'm afraid he was not up to the task. He was really a sad and tortured soul who made mistakes and did stupid things which ended up hurting his loved ones more than the OTP. You can't really hate him but a weak, pitiful villain is only marginally better than not having one at all.
If a lot of dramas use the last episode as a reward for their loyal viewers and load it up with fan service, this Show went the whole nine yards and it is filled to the brim with fan service (and Easter eggs) from start to finish. It gave the fans everything the prequel could not. PDA, skinship, loved-up banters and everything swoon worthy. The last episode is particularly egregious but a fan wouldn't care less and is thankful.
OST was good but I think it was a bit overused as there were so many sweet moments that the love ballads were on constant rotation.
I would rewatch some of the sweet CP moments but skip the family dramas.
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Wonderful Drama
I loved this so much I watched it several times.The Acting was brilliant.
I Love the Male lead and the female lead is also excellent. Both are very handsome, highly educated and articulate. The Female leads work was so enjoyable and easy to watch.
The story line was fabulous.
The drama gave lots of insight into chinese History and the present time made it highly relevant and interesting.
The settings were beautiful and the wardrobes were well done, apart from the youngest member of the household of reputable Taiiors, who looked so out of place.
The characters were strong and well defined. Some absolute Horrors you wished to smack. The acting was excellent.
Some lovely scenes. The fractured household of the Male lead was painful at times.
The Male lead worked so hard . He is absolutely gorgeous. Well done all. This was a sequel to a previously sad Drama based on the Historica characters. Top Class. Loved the Lawyer. He deserved better.
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The suffering of shiyi in past life is what made me complete the drama
Despite being fan of bailu tbh I won't be interested to rewatch the whole drama but would definitely watch zsc and shiyi cute moments cuts and of course their bts. I loved Allen in one and only and I definitely love his pairing with lulu but sorry to say I don't prefer zsc in modern life. His character was so awkward that got on my nerves few times like what the awkwardness for like -dude we are almost towards the end. I don't wanna destroy hard work of drama team but has to say the drama lacks good plot. If only they had been huge than what it is now.Things that made me complete the drama bailu obviously, zsc and shiyi longingness to be together in "one and only", zsc shiyi cute moments ( less but gives me butterflies when just watch the cut scenes).
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Refreshing, heartfelt, beautiful
what a lovely drama this was..! With every episode I could feel more and more drive of emotions inside me. This was the most beautiful drama I have watched in a long time. The actors and their acting was just perfect. Everything was upto the mark. Regret not watching this drama sooner. Nevermind, I would strongly recommend this drama to people who like watch Slow burn, and such kind of Romance dramas. Initially was just watching this drama for Allen Ren but I really like the Duo of Bai Lu and Ren. They look just amazing together.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Wasn't a fan :(
I want to start this review by saying the genre MEOLODRAMA is not for me.So this is "me not the show" situation. I didn't know the genre going in and part two definitely was MEOLODRAMA heavy.
One & Only is a historical, war, Meolodrama. This is Part one of the story/plot.
Forever and Ever is a modern day Meolodrama. This is part two of the story/plot.
Technology you don't have to watch Part One to fully understand Part Two but it's advised.
PROS:
◇Bai Lu is an amazing actress and I will ALWAYS give all her projects a try just for her. She was in the 1st Cdrama I ever watched so I'm a huge fan. ♡
◇Some of the side characters especially the kind ones. Loved them and wanted to protect them.
◇The OST
◇The Reborn trope always a fan.
CONS:
◇I didn't like the Meolodrama elements of it. (Again that's on me for not double checking the genre before going in)
◇Amazing actors but sadly didn't feel the chemistry between them.
The only reason I finished it was because I was promised a happy ending. Also that part two was lighter. Will it wasn't yes the LEADS got a happy ending but part two felt even more sad then part one at times.
Overall if you are a fan of Bai Lu and are trying to watch all her projects then maybe watch. If not maybe pass on it ?
Also many Trigger/ Content Warnings please look into before starting.
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A must watch After One and Only
I wouldn’t change my rating and review on One and Only, but I will say, Forever and Ever is the missing link to my drama low after watching One and Only.You can watching One and Only and Forever and Ever independently, but it will do you better to watch both dramas together. Because of China’s censorship, they can’t say that the characters from Forever and Ever are the reincarnation of the characters from One and Only, since one is a period piece (based on true facts) and one is a modern piece, BUT you have to make major inferences that is what it is.
Suffice it to say, I do watch Forever and Ever, believing the characters are the reincarnation of the characters from One and Only. I can’t really say much about Forever and Ever, other than that, if you were left feeling a little unease or unhappy after watching One and Only, you will feel much better after watching Forever and Ever.
I know that casting was spot on with Allen and Bai Lu, it was just a matter of finding a storyline I could follow and love. I do like Forever and Ever a lot more, but just note the pacing is the same. It’s very slow-pace (despite the quick relationship forming).
I can’t say much happens, but you do have some drama. The ML’s family isn’t very snobby, the FL is very unsure, but the awkwardness between the leads kind of make the drama entertaining to watch. It’s kind of like watching a modern day matchmaking, like finding your husband / wife first and then getting to know them better later.
I was even okay with the single kiss with slightly odd camera angle (was it CGI?) regardless, I’ll take it! We are making baby-steps Allen!.
Overall, I liked the drama much more than One and Only. I thought Forever and Ever had it’s cute and good points. I liked the styling and chemistry between the leads, but still a very slow pace drama with lots of family tension.
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Expected another beautiful nostalgic happy story after one and only but disappointed
30 episodes (more than one and only) for a drama with nothing going on is too much so had to skip a lot of scenes as it gets boring in later half. First half is fast paced and you still dont know whats gonna come but that leads to dead end.What i really wished we could get that nostalgic feel where leads remember their old incarnation . I came to know this theme is prohibited !! I dont get it how come china has so many fantasy shows but this topic is prohibited. in any case how i wish FL remembered fully and ML also starts remembering and we get those feels back .
And also i wish there was more passion and yearning. that was shown so beautifully in one and only to be here . although it was sweet love story its no way close to one and only. so having that intertwining of past tragedy could have helped the drama get more depth.
Instead we get so much awkwardness between these couple out of nowhere throughout the drama. But have to say their chemistry is still very good specially that crying scene in the batchroom both actors did such good job.
Overall a good watch if you are watching on the side but have to fast forward lot of scenes that doesnt make sense.
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Weak connection with its prequel
I have just finished watching it today. I expect the plot is more interesting, but it is just about the ordinary life of a couple. I can't find the main plot.I think the connection between this drama and its prequel (One & Only) is quite weak. If I was the author, I would have kept the portrait of Shi Yi (from One & Only) somewhere in the library of Zhou's mansion. The portrait on the paper may be worn out through time, but it can be redrawn or so. In some other costume dramas, it is possible to keep the portrait for generations. Why not in this drama? Otherwise, there should be an elder in the Zhou family who used to see the painting and then recognised Shi Yi immediately after seeing her. This way is more interesting...
Anyway, the acting is good. In this drama, the ML is somehow funny but caring.
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beautiful ending
Our drama with 2 period time finally come to end. Of course with + & - of their own.Ok. Lets talk about what i love:
+ Shi Yi (SY) is one crazy woman. She just jump to accept the proposal from Zhou Sheng Chen (SC) without much consideration or known him better. And with all the complication in SC family she still dare to stand beside him. If that's me maybe I already considering & run away as far as I can :p.
+ Really love the chemistry between Bai Lu & Allen Ren here. They like made for each other.
+ Very funny to see how SY teach SC about how to coax her. A man who confuse with how to coax woman can learn from this drama. Yeah not every woman is exactly like that, but you get the big picture. :p
+ Love to see how SY & SC support & protect each other.
+ No love rival. Yeah SC family complicated enough so they don't add love rival anymore :p
+ Love to see there is family that still have old traditional family like SC family.
+ Allen Ren smile a lot in here... He doesn't smile much in his other drama that I've watch. His smile actually quite sweet.
What minus but actually not really too much bothering me:
- Why they like to rush the ending again....? I mean SY just wake up from i don't know for goddamn long time, but a little too good to be true, she already can talk, can stand even can just walk like a normal person.
- Where is our time stamp.... From the moment SY coma, she wake up until their wedding we don't know how long it already pass...
- Hoping to see SY really dream. In here the dream not really much shown, it's like not that important, while the summary state the opposite. If only they like having more than few flash back of One & only scene.
- They only cast Bai Lu & Allen Ren for both drama, I think will gonna be more interesting if they have some several cast from the past life so we can see several other people reincarnated together....
* actually don't know better or not, if only the crown prince also reincarnated together & become sort of the love rival, yeah maybe the story will gonna be more complicated if like that, that's why I said I don't know better or not.
Overall: This 2 piece of drama really beautiful in the end. The drama that worth your time to watch. Really love all the song too...
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Very slow but finished because of Bai Lu
As usual there are many epic and eloquent reviews out there already. I'd like to just add a very quick take.Executive Summary: You should watch this only if you will be very into a literary, poetic story with a small stage feel.
The Good:
Bai Lu is awesome as usual. She is the reason I could finish this drama. She is beautiful and cute and her natural acting in an unnatural story is what made this worth the watch.
The cute/comedic moments were very well done and were a nice respite from the slow pace and bad vibes.
The Sub-Optimal
This story is the slowest, least intense drama I have managed to finish. Really too slow for me.
The secondary characters were not fleshed out well. A couple of the secondary female characters were very well done and acted (by Wang Yue Yi and Wang Rui Xin).
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