Sweet, fluffy, with a touch of this takes forever and ever to move along...
This drama is much like its prequel very slow at times making you wonder if you will notice if you watch it in double speed. The relationship progresses bothe very quickly and frustratingly slowly at the same time. It is refreshing to see a male lead being cautious (almost too cautious) with a relationship as well as seeing a female lead take charge and not only be passive. This whole extreme caution and slight awkwardness from the male lead makes for great humour the few times he takes initiative.I loved the dynamics between the main coupla, the side characters all had their roles and they did them well. There was some drama but not a lot of it, the drama was however completely different in its manner than the prequel so to be honest other than the leads and occasional back flashes this drama has very little to do with it.
Watching the very sloooooow prequal see copy paste, or click on the link in the comments for my review of one and only https://mydramalist.com/profile/Shirioink/review/172709 . I do however think watching the prequel will give you a sence of longing and make you appreciate this drama more than it´f you have not watched it, so it is not necessary but I do recommend it and the order does matter because forever and ever does include a bunch of spoiler from one and only.
I loved how the male lead kept to his personality without compromising his affection as well as the way both the leads handheld drama cliche situations in an admirable manner. I especially loved the way this drama handled the issue of trust and jealousy even if it at times bordered on co dependency.
I also loved the use of pets in the drama, but tidd miss the beautiful umbrellas from season one... well you can not have it all I guess...
All in all definitely worth watching but beware of its slooooooow pace that will drive you nuts at times and is the reason for the 8 and not 9.
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Warmth of the happy ending
This here is a sequel of masterpiece and it is good as its prequel was... From story to acting everything was perfect... The one thing i loved the most was the recreation of the scenes from the one and only ... The poems or idioms were beautiful as it was in the one and only and because of one and only this was very touching and gave a very warm feeling... Allen ren and bai lu were made for these character it didn't feel like u were watching something it felt like u were with them... Both ' one and only' and 'forever and ever' are masterpieces in my list... The story, the rewatch value, acting and music all are 10 /10 ❤❤❤Was this review helpful to you?
Aside from the FL, ML, and the eye-candy Ci Sha as Mei Xing, the rest of the characters were pretty bland to me, if not ingratiating. The ML's mother was spineless against her ambitious son Wen Chuan, coddling him even when does despicable things. For her part Qin Wan treats Shi Yi like she's a nobody and a fly who hovers around her step-son. But it is actually Tong Jia Ren who buzzes around Sheng Chen despite being married to his brother, who is in turn chasing his ex-girlfriend around. There are too many family entanglements in this drama for me to keep the relations straight. There are some funny moments, a lot of sad moments, but this drama lasted forever and ever that I couldn't wait for it to finish.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of my most favs Chinese drama of all time!!
The storyline is superb especially after the heart-wrenching ending of One and Only!!I have read the translated novel of this adaptation prior to watching the series. While the main story plot stayed true to the original novel, there are tidbits of change in the series here and there which I'm actually appreciating as it gave the story a lot more sense.
Not the typical love that suddenly burns hot since the beginning, but the type that start with a spark of fire and continue to get bigger and stronger. Such a romantic and heartwarming love story, where ZSC&SY's love is gradually built up over time. The small love gestures appearing now and then suits the leads' low-key characters. It's really cute every time when ZSC carries SY's purse, although I personally don't usually like it when a guy carries the girl's bags, but somehow when ZSC does it, it just looks freaking adorable! Allen Ren and Bai Lu perfectly act the roles of ZSC&SY, especially the additions of a bit cheekiness to the acts make the couple more lovable than what I imagined when reading the novel.
Although it can be a good standalone series to watch, but I highly recommend to watch One and Only first so that you can feel much deeper emotions while watching Forever and Ever.
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Romance was subtle but so romantically delivered MORE DRAMA with BAI LU and REN JIA LUN as LEADS!!!!
Before anything else, I will say now that I am a big fan of the romance genre with lots of skinship and GOOD kissing scenes. And that is the first reason I hesitated to watch this drama because I know (from what I read about him) that Ren Jia Lun is not big on those scenes. Still, I love Bai Lu, so I watched this for her alone, and I expect that I have to be frustrated the whole time watching the drama, BUT was I disappointed because this drama became my most loved and treasured drama of all time!!!So my reason why I hesitated became the reason why this became my most loved drama...hahaha...I first watched Ren Jia Lun in Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard, and even though his acting there was good, he did not leave a good impression, which made me hesitate to watch this drama. I always expect that when the genre is romance, there should be at least some "kissing" or skinship scenes, and those scenes must not look too trying hard to come across as romantic. And from what I read when I search about Ren Jian Lun, he is not big on "kissing" or even "skinship" scenes. I am ok with an actor not big on "showy" scenes as long as I can still feel the "romance" while watching the drama. My point is, when I watch Ren Jia Lun in MCwML I cannot feel any romance between him and Xing Fei, but here, OMG! I was blown away by how much I felt his emotion in every scene. When he feels awkward, I, too, feel it. Every time he looks at Shi Yi, I can feel his love for her, and every time during these scenes, I forget that he is already married. I always thought they were a couple in real life; that's how good he was. Also, Bai Lu did not disappoint. She portrayed Shi Yi as Shi Yi must be performed, a confident, successful, and beautiful woman. Bai Lu and Ren Jia Lun's eyes are so expressive in every scene that I, as onlooker, believe they love each other so much.
I also want to commend the writer for making the leads character mature enough not to steep low on a misunderstanding because of miscommunication to create more drama.
The only thing that put flaw in this drama is when Zhou Wen Xing (Zhou Sheng Chen's sister) is on her deathbed, I do not really understand her reasoning about the boat incident with Shi Yi that she confessed through a recording but that did not even deter me or discourage me from loving this drama.
This drama epitomizes innocent yet mature love that made me so jealous...
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Great drama!
I loved this drama! It was a bit on the slow side but I liked that. It had a bit of everything to keep my interest.Storyline - was a bit slow, like I said, but I think it fit this drama perfectly. It was a well written and executed story. I laughed at how the ML proposed to the FL. His nervousness was so funny but he did a great job! Their marriage was bumpy at first. Mother-in-law troubles but not to over the top. I am glad that neither of them gave into their wanting to separate them. I really thought the stepmother was kind of a witch. Constantly telling the FL she was not good enough for the family. Even though her son was a crooked jerk. I kept thinking of how she needed to focus on her own children and their problems rather than the stepsons and not wanting to accept his choice of wife. But they stuck to their love and weathered through it all. Loved the ending! It was perfect and satisfying.
Acting/Cast - Ren Jia Lun is a really good actor. I had to really go back and watch “Destiny of White Snake” because I could not believe that was him…lol. I have watched a few of his other dramas and feel that he has really done excellent in this drama. Bai Lu is really good also. I have seen her in quite a few dramas and think this is one of her best. Their chemistry was spot on and made the drama perfectly.
Music - another soundtrack to look for. I really liked it.
Rewatch - Yes, it is one of my favorites.
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This review may contain spoilers
Excellence award for Bai Lu and Ren Jia Lun !!!
I have to say something about the drama Forever and Ever. Although the story is supposed to make amends for the tragedy in the drama One and Only, this story is also eminently tragic. Apparently, both the writer and the director have a fixation with tragedy and in my opinion they have some perverse ideas that they reflect in this work. When it comes to direction and script, the drama deserves a one. the drama is saved by the excellent performances of the main and secondary characters that deserve a rating of ten. Bravo for Bai Li and Ren Jia Lun.Was this review helpful to you?
reasons to watch this at least once
I watched this after I have completed the series of One and Only. 'One and only' storyline was referring to the ancient times whereas 'Forever and ever' is their afterlife which is in the modern times : of Both main lead - Allen ren and Bailu as Zhoushengchen and Shiyi. Both of them are great in acting and able to translate the story so well through all little details:- the eye contact, tones and unspoken meaning. But one thing to be prepared is that, this romance story is not like any typical romance, there are not much of skinship or kissing scenes. And the stories and directing are definitely not those fast paced. Actions, scenes and storyline progress are in a mid to slow pace. So, if you are patience and able to feel the emotion throughout the episodes then you will definitely love both of the story. After watching 'One and only' it is sad, bitter yet it warms my heart. Which turn out to give hope to watch forever and ever. 'Forever and ever' is a more relaxing, fun and cute movie. Both of the movies give me warmth, touching, cute and fun! So, it is like a whole package of goodness! Both are my top pick drama of 2021.Was this review helpful to you?
Unfortunately, I was afraid of this
Unfortunately, I was afraid of this. After a good, though not outstanding One and Only, we have a kind of continuation in modern times under the title Forever and Ever. And I don't understand why? I'm on Episode 14 and nothing notable is happening. There are talks about wedding, engagement, walks, cooking, some standard kiss like in C-drama with bulging eyes. There is family, walks and a mumbling professor who is doing some experiments. Generally people don't do anything but talk to each other. There is an uncle, there is a grandmother, a mother who is generally against and bored. The so-called chemistry between the professor and the voice actress is probably only in the plans, because they behave like a couple of teenagers during imperial China. It turns out that a women's nightgown left on a chair is a shock. While Bai Lu and her friend from the room bring life to this series (Bai Lu I consider her a versatile actress), the professor performed by Ren Jia Lun is the same as his other creations. Will I keep watching it? Perhaps only fast scrolling remains.Was this review helpful to you?
So slow to get moving!
This is my first review and I just had to leave my thoughts about this drama so far. I am only on ep. 15th but could this please pick up a little. They are married and have a hard time hugging. It just doesn't seem that real when you have to wait that long. I know the lead actor is married in real life and I seen him in another drama where he didn't kiss the main lead really at all... but come on... if you are not wanting to kiss the FL then don't do a love story. I love the actor but come on people. So if you want a drama that has passion then I would pass on this as of right now. I don't know how much more I'll watch.Was this review helpful to you?
A little cringe ;)
Please don’t hate me.. I know a lot of ppl love this drama. To me it just seems a little far fetched for two people who are in their late twenties to be SO awkward and shy with each other.It’s rather unconventional the way they met, communicated via email, got to know each other, got engaged after only one date... ? And the stealing glances, shyness with skinship etc.. seems more like for those who are 5-10yrs younger. A little too fake and “put on” in my opinion.
It seems Allen Ren plays this kind of role quite often- the rich/ noble/ high ranking man who is either cold/ aloof/ distant... I would just like to see him in a different role/ character please. Bai Lu as always- classy and elegant. She looked so beautiful when she walked in in her QiPao:)
I would advise to watch One and Only first, as there are many references to that drama (and spoilers). For those who didn’t know, Forever and Ever is a sequel to Only and Only in modern times.
Will update my review once I complete this;)
Update: I have decided to drop this! :P Just too slow paced and I just can’t stand the shyness and awkwardness.
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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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