Reviews

I was told that I would love this drama. But I didn't realize just how much I would love it. It truly feels like a manga come alive and it's so mesmerizing. The fights, the cinematography, the bonds among the characters - and especially Cobra, Yamato and Noboru.

And to the surprise of exactly no one, Iwata Takanori's Cobra is my favorite. There are so many characters, so many gangs and gang members, but he's certainly the lead even though he doesn't have more on-screen time than the others and even though Yamato is undoubtedly H&L's heart, Cobra is the centerpiece. The founder of Mugen first, then the leader of the Hoodlums, when he enters the scene you sit up and notice. When Cobra enters a fight, everyone starts paying attention because he doesn't do it often so when he does, it means something. And when it's then revealed at the end that he has done all this for Noboru... wah!

Also, I love the parent figures of the Hoodlum gang. Both women, Yamato's mother and the bar owner, love the boys - and especially Cobra and Yamato - so much and I love that they are not all "don't fight" or whatever but simply "do the right thing". I think that the Hoodlum gang is the one closest to living a normal life in SWORD.

Yeah, I have much, much, much love for this drama. It hit the right spot at the right time for me!

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You can't ask for more

I will keep my review short. This is an excellent drama from story to acting to OST. I loved everything about it. It is short, and I never thought it would be this good. I can rewatch it, again and again, to live through the funny moments I lived while watching it the first time.
What I love about the story is how they kept it clean with no useless fat in it. Most dramas have a knack for stretching the dramatic or tragic aspect in them to make it to the 16th episode. The fat in those dramas makes me heartache and usually I drop them if they continue to delay things and complicated them. Often, I fast-forward while watching the last episodes to avoid ruining my mood. Well, this drama doesn't fell under this category, it's the opposite.

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Word of Honor: What is Your Pledge?

I’ve never anticipated this drama would lead me to a new fandom (I’m pointing to Gong Jun, he just appeared and entered my life because of this). Otherwise, how could I bear to finish it not in three days but one month. I literally can’t endure the feeling of ending it for I will be nostalgic and will be thinking forever of the characters especially those who have moved my heart. However, there is always a thing that needs conclusion, which would remind an ending for the sake of completion, or whatever goal one wishes to achieve. Thanks I was able to overcome the emotion ruling over this thoughts for if not, I guess I will be taking months or forever to finish this drama.

While writing this, I am listening to “Ask Heaven” which was sung by Liu Yuning and one of the drama’s official sound track. The emotions exist and I feel it guides me with these words of melodrama. Firstly, I would like to talk about the part of the drama that “somewhat” has confused me. After that I will be elaborating the particular aspects which are very surprising to someone with limited knowledge like me. The characters are fairly well-written but my dilemma on the initial parts suddenly appears but luckily it fades knowing I will abandon that kind of state through the next episodes. I’m referring to the presentation of characters. There are a lot of characters and they were mostly introduced on those first episodes giving me a hard time remembering them or it just my memory. I have watched dramas which also involved sects and the martial arts universe but I never get the “puzzled feeling” towards the characters, their names, roles, and the sect they belong. However, this did not affect the overall impact of the drama rather it makes it more notable since each single character in the story plays a significant role on the process of the plot.

The things I value within the drama vary and it does not focus on small elements which most of the professional people engage in an entertainment commentaries would mention. I am a person who sees the big picture instead of the small one, so I will be only mentioning the qualities of Word of Honor that have startled my little experience such as the plot itself, the production, and the entangled actors/actresses.

The plot is quite distinctive. It gives us with the pre-halloween vibes with the ghosts theme mix with the martial arts world affairs. In Chinese ancient times and literature, the stories about phantoms or any magical creature or persona are widely recognized and I’m so glad this concept was applied in the novel and one of the interesting factors of the play. Since it is intertwined with the spooks, I can tell you it is not scary. As a replacement, you will fall in love with their chief who is Wen Kexing (insert the way he speak his name). The whole play is a source of moral lessons as to decide based on your principles. As every episode develops, you will find yourself attached to the story therefore at the very beginning you must stick yourself and never drop it.

The production team is creative and knowledgeable enough to pursue this genre even though it receives many prevailing restrictions. When one looks on its quality, it does not only excel on the visual part, but also on the script (I love how the scriptwriter exerted a lot of effort in order to make the play less straightforward, because if it is, it would lead to some peak of the limitations which is unacceptable to others). Hence, it hides the real meaning and gives us the message which is more meaningful and sometimes can be hilariously clever. I remember a specific scene wherein A’xu told Wen Ke Xing that those with thin lips are not loyal and ungrateful (like where did that sort of perspective came from, it is so sharp but cute). I cried a lot of laughs for that, but I know this is not the only scene out of many that illustrates the surface personality of the two leads. And if you are a kind of a whimsical person, this play may suit your taste with many ancient poems present in their dialogues. I feel like sinking on its beautiful and deep connotations. Moreover, the costumes are made brilliantly. Everything in the drama has its own concealed symbolism and even on clothes, it can be perceived. Although, it is a low-budget adaptation not just like those high scales dramas, it proves that quality stands over quantity. It is well-planned and each individual under the crew has carefully obliged to their job resulting to this masterpiece.

Most actors in this drama are not very popular for it is also a not so high-budgeted creation, then who would recruit a famous and expensive actor, right? Still, thanks because it offered them the chance to prove their self (but it is really a sad reality that some people just can’t accept one’s success and instead ruin their hard earned reputation). I have watched a couple of Zhang Zhehan’s work and it is no doubt that he is such a hardworking man. Therefore, I have a good impression on him. This play is the top among of his works showing a side of him which is reserved but there is a good-tempered and humorous soul covered on the other half of his portrayal. The person that no one anticipated to be so well and to be so super fit for the role is Gong Jun. The director or the production team never made a mistake in picking him as one of the main lead. The seducing personality he gives into a bad-ass valley chief means his flexibility as an actor. Honestly, I don’t really support him before the Word of Honor thinking he is one of those ordinary actors and I was wrong, I am exceedingly incorrect for that idea. Zhou Ye on the other hand transforms into a jovial and loyal character which is truly contradictory from the Better Days. Ma Wenyuan’s shy temperament in the drama makes it more adorable to ship him together with Ye’s role. The other supporting characters also have their stories to tell causing the play to flow in different ways and also conveying us multifarious wisdoms.

For me, it is more than just a BL drama as what its label categorizes. You can feel the love that is worth of life and death sacrifices, the loyalty that is beyond comparison and the friendship that lasts eternally. Even the villains would touch your empathy and at the same time can create a conclusion into your mind that all the bad things you do will not end up in good. The filial piety is also being highlighted. Overall, it is a worthy drama for your time and expenses. At the end, you will realize what does its title, which is “Word of Honor” implies.

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A supernatural ride thats is worth watching

I watched because of the cast. The story line wasn't bad, it gave a sight into the highschool life of teenagers and what studies mean to a teenager.. You may find some teamwork here as the drama shows that teamwork is way more better than doing it alone. Romance can be seen between both the leads but that starts from hate.
This drama depicts that education is not the only thing that is important. I personally like it. It taught me not to stress a lot because of the studies you need to do.
Its a good drama, It has 12 episodes which is just 20 mins so you can watch it in a day or two. Do watch it if you have time!

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its short drama,its not boring to watch...i so love it

wahhh it's so cute... it's my first time watching jdrama...and I can say I'm hooked on it...the character the story...even the bed scenes hahahaha..its hotttt ..any recommendation, please?
I've watched over a hundred k drama and more than 50 c drama and as time passed I got suddenly bored and I'm looking for a fresh and not-so-long drama, and guess what?i landed in this drama,and to my surprised I enjoy it,I even got a butterfly in my stomach hahaha..now i have plans in j drama so ill start searching hahaha...
I even remembered the reason why i started watching c drama.its all because of SUNNY HAPPINESS although its a t drama but that was the start...
so I'm looking forward for any j drama recommendation from people in this site...
thank you and be safe

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GREAT CHEMISTRY AND STORY. MAKE SURE TO FINISH IT FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING!

This is the first time I wrote a review for MDL, specifically a lakorn. I gave this story high ratings because it satisfies me. The story has some lapses (the lapses are why Dit gets swayed easily by Dao? Did Dit's parent knows that Dao is pregnant? Did they get the justice for Dao's father?) but the way it is narrated for me is very well and understandable. The narration itself for me is good, to the point that you will not get upset in a whole episode, an episode can deliver a lot of emotions. The chemistry of FL and ML was there. They portrayed their characters very well (hoping for another lakorn). Yes, the visual of the FL is spectacular—to the point that whatever wardrobe you gave to her, she'll be able to carry it flawlessly. And yes, the ML's visual is nothing compared to the second ML, however, the ML has this oozing sex appeal. He has this appeal that will make you and get you swayed again and again.

To explain further why I like the story, it is because it's realistic. Simple as that. Okay, let's start with FL's side (Dao). If you are in Dao's position, you will do everything to get money for your father to pay his hospital bills and earn more, right? And if you are in this position, you won't be able to think properly to the point that you are willing to do everything to get money and to save your father's life. Yes, she's been lying the whole time but remember that she's doing that for the sake of his father. However, she felt guilty for her wrongdoings, which is very realistic as well, right? If you did something bad, won't you feel guilty? After all, before the drama ends, Dao corrected the mistakes and problems she did and brought in Dit's life.

For Dit's side. I know everyone gets annoyed with him from episode 13 up until the last episode of it but he has the right to get annoyed and be annoying. HE HAS ALL THE RIGHTS. Listen, if you are in his position, you will definitely get mad because imagine, the person you are about to live with the rest of your life has been lying to you all the time. You don't even know the basic information about her/him. Apart from you are not sure if she's really in love with you, right? However, even if he's annoying the whole time, you can't change the fact that he really loves Dao, even he has pushed away and fooled many times. That's very commendable. It's just that Dao needs to be true to herself for once.

For the second male lead, you know, it's very obvious that they want us to have this "second ML syndrome", which is not surprising anymore because it makes that drama exciting and fun. They always made the Second ML 100x better than the female lead. It's kinda sad that he doesn't have any partner here but it's fine that he didn't end up with the FL because if ever that happens, then it would be an epic one. Second ML deserves better than the FL. I hope that they would create a sequel to it.

Yeah, I won't spoil anymore but this drama has a nice team, super duper OST, and great chemistry. Finished it so you'll know why I recommend it. Another thing, it's a drama. If you get annoyed, upset and etc. while watching it then it satisfies you. Because that's the purpose of it, they want you to feel what the characters feel. So if you get annoyed or upset, continue it. You won't know what happens next if you stop.

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Death Proof.

This is a good but very dark comedy, one that I am pleasantly surprised to see in a Chinese production. Although with some modification, this is an obvious knock off of a fantastic but much darker Western production that many are likely to be familiar with. I don't have a huge problem with that and must applaud the effort to localise the story and tone it down for Chinese audiences. That said, it is an incredibly dark theme and at times the macabre gallows humor accentuates rather than distracts from the underlying despondency.

Mi Chong is an introverted, anti-social young man who can just no longer be bothered to live. He meticulously winds up his affairs and plans his exit but is rudely interrupted by a drowning girl, Zhi Liao. Zhi Liao is his polar opposite, a bad-ass, extroverted and rebellious girl who is nothing but trouble. As he gets reluctantly drawn into her affairs, the hapless Mi Chong cannot seem to be able depart in peace; all of his efforts to do away with himself are comically disrupted. As he gets swept up in a whirlwind of danger and whacky mis-adventures that seem to plague Zhi Liao, he begins to wonder if he suddenly became death proof. While they go on the run together, this unlikely couple starts to recognise they are each other's mutual salvation. As their enemies encircle them, is the final irony that Mi Chong ends up fighting to save his life rather than end it?

Most of the time the whacky plot hits the right notes in terms of dark humor, irony and quirkiness. That said, there were also many times I found nothing funny about the depth of Mi Chong's despair and I am surprised something this dark got pass censorship. And I was not satisfied that Zhi Liao does not have the slightest inkling what Mi Chong was going through. It is a big flaw in the relationship design, the fact that she never comes to appreciate how disturbed he was. While the actress Vivienne Tien did a good job overall, she overacted notably in the ending arc and her rage and anger failed to move me. Although it became clear that they grew to trust and rely on each other, the chemistry between the couple didn't change enough to convince me that the dynamics turned romantic. The surrounding cast was unexceptional with some cringe performances, notably Zhi Liao's brother. This is clearly a modest production but overall a uniquely enjoyable, quirky short watch.

My rating for this is a 7.5 for a delightful attempt at dark comedy. It still has rough edges and the wit and humor in places veers too far off to the slapstick and does not match the wit, audacity and sheer magic of the drama it obviously drew its inspiration from. Where it does exceed it is that it closes with a very positive message about life, how it should be lived and how not to let the past define the future.

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please realese season 2!

Mindset it's a romance fantasy drama!

⭐Story
These dramas show how deep connection
'Between the devil and the deep sea'
(between two equally bad alternative; in a dilemma)
'A friend in need is a friend indeed'
(a friend who helps when one is in trouble is a real friend)
'Love has no boundaries'
(it exists beyond border or culture or distance or death etc)
'True love is sacrifice'
(that you have to give things up if you want to be with the one you love)
'Blood is thicker than water'
(the ties of relationship are real)
'Let by gones be bygones'
(forgive and forget the past)
'Meeting the right person at the wrong time'
(we feel like missing out the good. when all the factors don't come together to create the outcome we desire, for one reason or another, we don't get what we want and this creates feelings of loss, grief, regret and even hostility).

⭐Acting/Cast
Even if Korean-Thai leading couples (choijaehyun&jimmy) seem to get along together and come with a perfect combination of sensitivity and charms but both of them find it difficult to achieving intimancy and get closer in their relation.

Commonly the result of problems such as communication issues(language barrier) and conflict biggest shipper couple stars (jimmy&tommy) on same drama series.

The thoughts and feelings for (choijaehyun&jimmy) leading couples like 'Meeting the right person at the wrong time' both them has limited interaction with each other.

Anyway, the casting was just way too perfectly cast. The emotions the cast member was able to convey were outstanding. As we know, majority played are rising star, professional and experience cast.

Choi Jae Hyun(Yoon Oh) is an actor, played Dan Ah's step-brother in drama Run On. He participated in the Mnet and tvN reality series Boys24.

Jung Ae Yun(Yoon Oh's mother) debuted as a theater actress, starred in drama The Devil Judge.

Kim Hye Na(Kim Soo Jin) is an actress has starred in Psychopath Diary.

Ahn Da Bi(Bang Shin Ji) is an actress has starred in Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency.

Yoon Hee Seok(Yoo Jung Sub) is an actor has starred in Flower of Evil. In 2008, he won One Act Series Actor Award at the KBS Drama Awards for his leading role in You Stole My Heart.

Event to this day, all their drama remains highest Korean series. For more info please check cast members experience.

All I can say, generally i'm feeling fucking sad emotional and had terrible butterflies but the acting and performances by the cast is what makes this drama worth watching.

⭐Music
Anyway an advantage for who can understand the meaning of all the original soundtrack first. It's also make you able to understand situation or feelings and appreciate the story more.

Best original soundtrack based on storyline. All the songs gives me uncontrolled emotion, goosebumps every time I listen to it and relate with storyline.

⭐ Rewatch Value
While the storyline can be messy and confusing some part maybe there is a wanted to rewatch or replays it again. However because the meaningfully dialogue, a romantic conversation and great soundtrack makes that are worth watching for a second or even a third time.

⭐Overall
At first glance, the leading couples Korean-Thai (choijaehyun&jimmy) is bottom line disturbing.

Perhaps because the drama stars Thai lineup (jimmy&tommy) two of the biggest shipper couple stars and already have their own fandom.

But then again, (jimmy&tommy) the couples with great chemistry was such a hit because both of them share past and future project couples together.

Despite their both (jimmy&tommy) make claims to gain experience and not argue why they not to be a leading couples together on Peach of Time drama series but audience know what viewers want and stick to it.

Meanwhile these first SouthKorea-Thailand bromance boy love genre drama series that broke through to international audiences not become global hits and are well-appreciated by both viewers and critics compared to normally happens on bromance korean drama series.

Some may be surprised that the drama series was lack of drama promotions, just so so star rating reviews and not much sharing from viewers after a month it aired.

Overall, this greatest bromance boy love romance fantasy drama series with sweet and soft love romance that are way better than hottest sex scene excerpts in normally happens on bromance boy love drama. So enjoy this collection that combine two country SouthKorean-Thailand.

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Different Motive Of Marriage Contract Between Sichen And Xixi

Once We Get Married
Adapted from the novel “Flash Marriage President's Contract Wife” (闪婚总裁契约妻) by Nian Hua Fu Liu.

Another marriage contract drama but no worries. This will be different from another marriage contract drama. This drama was a bit weird since ML leads himself to involve with the marriage contract. It because he want to achieve for what he’s aiming even he needs to make some sacrifices for his life. Even he doesn’t want to be in love but for his goals he dare to get into marriage contract.

▪️Reasoning
~ ML wants to get a popular designer, Alex to sign a contract with him to sell his brand product at his Sky Mall.
~ FL accepted an online order to get the bride dress from a popular brand. She went to the party in order to get close with the owner’s brand to make him sell the dress for her.
~ ML got to know with FL at the party when he goes there. FL followed him to go inside the party because she’s lost her invitation card since she’s got into accident before arriving there. She also met with SML during her accidents. FL asked her to act as his lover since she can makes Alex to get interest with her.
~ Alex misunderstood them for a lover then interested to sign a contract with ML. He also stated the condition for the contract sign was ML needs to marry with FL within three months.

▪️Opinions
~ I love the drama that related to the marriage contract. I had seen a few of the drama that have this kind of genre such as Perfect and Casual, Love in Time, Hello Mr Gu, You Are My Destiny, Cute Programmer and others. Usually the marriage contract drama happened because of parent forced the main leads to get into marriage but for this drama a bit different since ML asked for it himself in order to gain his goals.
~ ML afraid to like or love something because when he’s small, his mother control him and did not allow him to plays or keeps with something that he liked.
~ FL has a boyfriend before but he was a jerk. They’re broke up because he’s already have a new girl. But FL did not hurt because of it since she had enough of him.
~ FL agreed to make a contract marriage with ML because she’s needs money to pay for the dress that she manages to get from Alex. Since the buyer canceled the order so she needs to pay for it. So she doesn’t have any other ways so she accepted that deals.
~ ML makes the marriage contract last only for three months. It because Alex wants to give the brands to him within three months. This was the only drama that make the short time for the marriage contract last. I think they’ll continue the contract after this.
~ I dislikes the second couple because the guy was a bit unmatured and not serious in working while the woman was a bit old than him. They got a lot of screen time even they were not the main leads. I felt like skipping their parts.
~ The storyline between FL and SML was a bit like the story in 'Summer Again'. Here, SML was a Cartoonist and they already met during they're young. FL was a fan of his comic but she did not know he was that cartoonist. SML fall in love with FL first.
~ I do not understand why writers make Si Chen became so clingy and do not trust his own wife. Even she want to go for study, he followed her there and became a stalker to check what her doing.
~ Why should the writers makes SML character became so pity until he needs to come near FL even she go for her studies and helps her even she already rejected him. Even they still a friends but I think his character should stop when she rejected him so that he did not need to stand in between the couple.
~ SML became a bad girl till the end. Even she was so pretty and sophisticated girl but her character was so sad since she did many bad things to the ML and FL. I think writers should change her character to make her positively accepted her fates was not with Sichen.
~ It was good that Sichen does not give any chances to SML and makes her understand that he does not loves her. He also keeps his distance with her even she was his childhood sweetheart when they were young.

▪️Characters Intro
~ Wang Zi Qi acts as Yin Sichen. He was an arrogant, young and handsome CEO. He works by himself to make Why Mall successful until now. He likes himself to be a perfect and successful president. He always wants to achieve his goal even he needs to make some sacrifices. He makes a marriage contract with Xixi in order to get Alex makes a contract with him.
~ Wang Yu Wen acts as Xixi. She has a dream to be a successful designer. She likes to produce her own brands but she’s still not a good designer. She opened an online shop with her friend to sell the clothes. She get to know with Sichen when she accepted the order from online to buy a bride dress. She also makes a marriage contract with him in order to get some money to solve her problems regarding the dress. She was a bit clever and silly girl. She also likes to read a comic books and became a fan.

▪️Overall
For the overall, I think this drama was the best for the contact marriage drama since ML and FL did not cancelled their contract and positively accepted their feeling toward each others. Even there were some misunderstandings and problems between the couple, but they solved it in quick way make their relationship look so steady and strong.

They also have the marriage reception again at last so it make the drama more convincing and interesting. Audiences would felt happy when watching this drama. There were many sweet scenes between the couple like kissing, hugging and also dating.

This drama should be watched for those who liked to see contract marriage drama. It was recommended!

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Romantic Love Story that spand through two life times

I don't know how to express it, but after watched it, every single scene about Zhoucheng Chen & Shi Yi was across my mind, and make me want to watch again.

Indeed the story and/or the plot is not too strong especially when it comes the conflict between Zhoucheng Chen & Wenchuan.
Infact it were more portrayed in One & Only between the Xiau Nancheng Wang & the Crown Prince.
But again the story is not about the strife for power, it were more about the love strory of Zhoucheng Chen & Shi Yi, and I love about it.
I love the initiative Shi Yi towards Zhoucheng Chen, I love how Zhoucheng Chen bit by bit fall in love with Shi Yi, I love how protected, caring Zhoucheng Chen to Shi Yi. I just love everything about it when it comes the story between these two main lead.

Since I watched the Legends of Bai Lu, I love her acting. I also love the chemistry between her & every single actors in all of her drama.
Same like here in this drama. As for the other cast, I must say that their acting also superb.

As for the music & the ost, I also love about it

Overall, i love everything about it, and love the outfit wear by Shi Yi.

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This show was tiring!

Like, I don't mind watching a show which is character driven rather than plot-driven. But really, every Run-on character felt lethargic. Nothing wrong with the entire setup, but parts of it were too slow and unnecessary (could have done away with the assemblyman's cribbing). Could have easily wrapped up the everything (including character development) in 10 episodes. I wish there was some more context around dynamics of Seo Dan Ah and her family, especially the younger brother <3.

Favorite characters: Yeong Hwa, Dana's younger brother and Doo Sik! I didn't care for the main lead. Slightly inclined towards the 2nd leads but gave up mid-way since that became cliched as well. Watch it if you have the patience to watch slow-paced shows with lots of everyday, casual conversations.

Lastly, for a show titled run-on, I wish there was more running involved. :-(

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Good enough light-hearted with subtle romance

Good but not great with some cliche plots~ usually romance ruins such drama of this genre or type. but this drama doesn't dive too deep into romantic relationship yet it was enough to sustain me (a hopeless romantic drama addict xD) it was reasonable amount of romance, on the point, no messy relationship nor plotlines that got to be implicated by "romance".

Now, going to the story of this, i like how they did not make the ML to be a perfect ML, he is not the smartest(excluding his talent for hacking) or the most athletic neither the most "golden proportion" ML
(dont get me wrong, JY is still super handsome!! Just that he looks really young still and baby faced xD)

It was getting interesting towards the end....but the story was really 'light'~ I was expecting some great conspiracy or such but it ended on quite a relaxing note. Not a bad thing, but a little bit anti-climax.

However, I actually like how they wrapped up the whole sunho's story (to atone for his wrong-doings but does not deny him the chances to do what he wants after that) making him come back to the school as a better person whether it was for his future police career or as a person in general or his relationship with Kanghee. It was a good 'time-out' .

The drama is relatively light-hearted and no doubt cliche but dont give it too much expectation.

The only thing i was frustrated about is how professor Yu despite being a long-time police still acts emotionally, I would actually expect him to act more calmly as a adult and experienced police officer. but it does gets better towards the end as he realised how his students are risking themselves to solve the crimes.

Side note,
I do love the friendships and relationship they forge in here. =))

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I was so intrigued by the idea of One and Only & Forever and Ever being a two-part drama with one set in historical times and one set in modern day. This review will only refer to One and Only on its own!

It took some time for me to warm up to this drama because of the pacing in the very beginning. Shi Yi (Bai Lu) becomes Zhousheng Chen's (Ren Jia Lun) student when she's in her teenage years, and from the beginning she has a moony-eyed crush on him. This is totally understandable because Zhousheng Chen is intelligent, poised, considerate, an excellent general, and of course, he's handsome. (Ren Jia Lun really looks great in this role!) The drama skims over these initial years so quickly and makes me wonder, what did Shi Yi even do during these years? Did she learn anything as his student?! Bai Lu does an excellent job conveying her adoration of Zhousheng Chen from the beginning, which is exactly what annoyed me because it never felt like a student-shifu relationship. It's more like she entered his manor and he took care of her...

Anyways, I didn't drop this after the first 3-4 episodes because of the crown prince Liu Zi Xing (played by Wang Xing Yue, who is only 19! I'll definitely be looking out for his future dramas). Liu Zi Xing is such an interesting character because he's trapped in the palace with little hope of actually becoming the future emperor. An engagement was long arranged for him and Shi Yi, and he falls in love with her just from gazing at her portrait--she's a light at the end of the tunnel for him, something precious to look forward to since he's treated poorly in the palace. But of course, Shi Yi isn't just a portrait, she's a human being with different feelings about their engagement. Although perhaps I wanted him to become a more likable character, his storyline is very fitting, because he's someone who gets in over his head.

It was around episode 9, when the battle takes place, that One and Only finally hooked me. Things escalated quickly, and it's the storylines of all the other characters that I found intriguing. There's Shi Yi's cousin and General Hong, which was honestly my favorite pairing of the series. Their scenes together were so memorable and heartwrenching. I loved the other generals under Zhousheng Chen, too--Feng Qiao, Xie Yun, Zhou Tian Xing. They were all so lovable! And of course, the runaway prince/monk was my favorite. I loved the scenes in which he gave Zhousheng Chen advice, and saw right through his true feelings. I also loved Shi Yi's mother and how brave and intelligent she was. It's because I loved these characters so much that I was motivated to keep watching and I'm sad that they don't return in Forever and Ever.

As for the villains and the political scheming, I don't always enjoy this part of historical dramas but I thought it was well-done here. There wasn't *too* much screentime for this aspect of the drama, but enough that it kept tension and suspense high. The Empress Dowager was a real piece of work, and I shook my head at her son.

I wasn't expecting to see Daisy Dai in this drama but I liked her character and wish she'd had a bigger role. (Why doesn't Daisy Dai get bigger roles?!) Another surprise was Han Cheng Yu, who I liked in Love and Redemption and really does a great job with characters that are a little quirky.

Thankfully this drama is only 24 episodes and the entire cast was excellent, or I would've dropped it!

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I tried to hold in and watch the drama because everyone says this drama is good, plus it has a good rating, but I just can't continue watching it. I tried my best, but watching 1 episode feels like forever. The storyline is so boring, and nothing new.. Cold male lead, who acts cold because of his past, and clingy female lead.

I dislike the FL character, idk maybe I don't like characters who acts all cutesy and innocent on the outside, but she stalks the ML and basically spamming ML messages. I get that she likes him, but if ML is the one who acts like that, I bet this drama would've been considered a "toxic relationship" drama.

I think overall this drama is overhyped.. In my opinion, maybe just maybe, if you like games, and gaming drama, you might find this drama interesting, but I don't understand a thing. It's different when I watch You Are My Glory, it's about gaming too, but I understand most of it.

Moreover, I'm just saying, in my opinion, C-Drama now days has too many gaming drama, idk it's just boring..

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If you want to see this concept done well - watch Alice in Borderland

What is to like: the cast and set design is very good quality.
What I don't like:
The idea of the games according to the 'host' was to make them equal. They were anything but equal, just take the last game (crossing the bridge) as the perfect example - people that picked the first numbers had 0% chance of survival, whilst those at the end had almost guaranteed survival.
The 'organ selling' sub-plot went no-where.
The main charater was sold to us as this guy down on his luck. This is incorrect, he was just a pathetic gambling addict. I was actually happy his daughter was taken away. Not a character to root for.

I'm only writing this to make some people aware that this drama is just overhyped because it was produced in a more 'americanised' style. There weren't any signature korean OSTs to remember and there were a lot of senseless deaths (this is all too common in american shows). Overall, as a show it is pretty average but for a korean show it is pretty disappointing. Like the title says - Alice in Borderland beats this drama by a large margin for me.

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