Reviews

What happened?

What started out to be really good and clever with the plot and twisted. And then from episode 15 on the writer got twisted by his own twist and couldn't unravel out of it! The relationship/romantic side of the leading couple got so messy it's painful to watch. Not to mention the ongoing between the two side couples, pathetic is the word, why even bother to give them so much air time or a story when can't even handle the lead couple storyline.. It's getting so boring by now, and the FL behave like she never left high SCHOOL left alone University with a degree in Psychiatry from overseas for heaven sake! How did she manage that? So not cool, and so irritating at this point, and bet it's fizzled out in the subsequent episode.

I also just read the Writer bio, he is also responsible for Legend of Anle with Gong Jun and Dilraba, I wonder how is it going to work with those two, and with this writer? Can only spell one thing!!! Gosh, I hope I am wrong! Soooooo wrong! Please, prove me wrong!!!!

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Really lovely and fluffy, don't miss this out!

This was such a lovely romantic drama it's been awhile since I've found something I very thoroughly enjoyed. The chemistry is so on point. I love the songs, the color play in this. There were a lot of elements that made this up to standard. Let me start.

First, the chemistry. This is not the first drama I watched with Wei Zheming. There's #UnforgettableLove, but as much as it was hyped, it didnt sit well with me because I think it was just a bit flawed. Chemistry-wise. This one though... Yun Shu and Zhang Si Nian are so perfectly portrayed and you'll really feel like they're in love. From the first episodes, you'll feel the warmth of a simple "Good night" and then later on you'll see it in their actions that was so natural. Like how Si Nian tends to put a hand on Yun Shu's back, or how his hand slides up and down her arms when they embrace, or how Yun Shu tends to lean towards Si Nian when they talk. The body language is seriously amazing. I dont know if I should credit it to the director or the actors, but overall, the cinematic effect was good. And also, did anyone notice how the way Si Nian talked to Yun Shu progressed over the episodes? His voice becomes softer, almost a whisper when they speak.

Second point. The aesthetic mood of the whole drama. There's a recurring color theme in this drama that made this very pleasing to watch. I took some film classes, that's why I can notice this, but to the untrained eye, the colors creates an illusion of visual continuation in the series. The scenes may change, but because of the connecting color, your eyes wouldn't take as much time to adjust as it would on a different color scheme. That's why I think this drama is very binge-worthy. Your eyes would not tire at all. The color I'm talking about are the shades of green. It creates a harmony all throughout the scenes. Yun Shu's mint green blouse, the color of their house's walls, Si Nian's car, Si Nian's complimenting outfits, even the scheme adapted for the beach scenes leaned more on calming tones... It's really good strategy. And made this drama cinematographically superior.

Third, the music. There's pop music that was the main theme for the drama, but I think what would stay in one's mind after watching the drama is the three-note humming melody. It's very pleasing, perfectly timed on moments of intimacy between the leads. It's simple, memorable, repeating and very pleasing to the ears.

Fourth. The plot itself. If this was a novel, you'd say it's cliched. But this is a drama, which is very nicely done despite the typical trope. Our male lead is not the shallow "oh-so-glorious-male-god" dramas go for. Zhang Si Nian has his vulnerabilities. He would do anything for his grandpa, and his mood is affected by him. Our female lead is not the typical cutesy type romcoms go for. She's a bit naive, but not really an airhead. You'll love her. She's very warm, smiling and just... Kind. She's a really lovely girl that believes the best of all people, admits her mistakes and is very altruistic. She's also not the type to deny her feelings, or make a martyr out of herself. You'll really admire her as the story progresses. Both characters had a lot of development and it shows. It's just lovely how they both worked on themselves for being better individually while being together. #RelationshipGoals

And lastly... I hope anyone who reads this a happy viewing. This is truly an enjoyable drama. Will watch it again in the future, definitely.

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Short, light and not unhealthy BL

Basically, it is a light plot, almost straightforward. Story develops a little too easily, but given it is a 6 episode long series, that is almost inevitable. Neither flawless, nor ridiculous. Plus points for lowkey light thrown on toxic relationships.

Acting did not seem too good initially, but as I kept watching it grew on me - most characters have an individual personality and the actors/writers maintained it throughout. Initially, few actors did seem either over top or too bleak, but they were easier to like once it was almost established as the basic nature of those characters. (if that made sense)

The whole show is not premium rewatch material imo, there might be scenes that stay with you.

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I HAVE REWATCH IT COUNTLESSLY

I don't love any drama this much, but Word of Honor is a LEGIT adaptation.
Despite some differences between the original novel and the adaptation, both have been beautifully made.
This drama contains a deep, deep emotion conveyed through witty, sassy yet lovely, and warm convos between the main characters.
I watched the other drama if you know what I mean, but WOH stunned me as I could not move on.
There's something in the chemistry between the two male leads, and also the chemistry of the WHOLE cast is also not a joke.
How the plot is unraveling, interlinked, and affecting every part of it.
In summary, this drama is a word of love poem embodied into two people named Wen Kexing and Zhou Zi Shu.

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quite disappointed in the storyline

●FIRST IMPRESSION
I was looking forward to this drama since it was announced but after completing am disappointed.
Military Medical, WOW. just by hearing this feels like would see amazing action and flawless medical cases. Initial episodes were fine building a good base for the drama. But then it went downhill.

●PLOT VIEW
It had a great scope but the poor writing and 40episode felt like I wasn’t enjoying but wishing it to end sooner. The story jumps between military and medical, as someone gets hurt gets treated in a hospital whereas medics go to military camps for health checkups of soldiers. The soldiers trained in special forces help outside the border but then being helps in a case of drug dealing for local police. Why make ML a special force soldier, it could have served the purpose with a good police officer role too. Am not degrading that they shouldn't work with local police but they should have got more chances to show their ability in the role of a military officer. Military drills were amazing, but since they were in special forces how could they have missed out on morse code. They should have written it better.
all the characters were going round and round and in the last two episodes, they rushed to catch the evil guys wow.
The writers made a character with an identity crisis and who should get all the hate, but they turn him miserable and psychotic. He was a master manipulator, stalker, drug dealer but caught up in his wickedness. He was a complex character badly written and badly acted. the dark-web plot could have been better, seems to be taken from "The Blue Whale Challenge" which had incited many suicides and stirred concern in many countries.
Leads went from cohabitation to fake relationships to real relationships having mature conversations and understanding each other priorities and passion. Parents and their never-ending worries were meh because we all know at the end they all will agree.
FL outshines every time in the medical zone. But then all the other doctors were written pathetically. they gave up on patients and before doing the treatment for no appropriate treatment available, let the guardians make the decisions. They were only there as a supporting cast making the FL look good.
The relationship between teacher and single mother was one of the heartwarming side stories. Although less screen time it stays in mind.

●ACTING/CAST
Johnny Huang as Liang Mu Ze was eye-pleasing in his military uniform. His muscle build body and sweaty forehead holding the guns tightly and moving like cats were breathtaking. He was the only reason for me to finish the drama. He had more actions than expressions on his part so the sad scenes were just in bits giving few tears.
Li Qin was Xia Chu, tbh she was good with the energy, running around to help the patients. Choosing to fight and do my best every time but her expressions were not impressive to me.
Yang Su as Migu, one of the dumbest person in the drama. How the hell she was a media person when she can't read between the line. Or say the blazing zhou ren aura blinded her in the first love case. Her storyline was maintaining the drama but the acting was meh.
Jiang Yuan as Liang Shao Xue was loud and crazy but she was impressive. Her sadness and craziness were balanced.

●MUSIC
Ost was good, thanks to translators for the translation of the lyrics it feels more meaningful and hearty.

●REWATCH
NO, the stories were in parts with no connection to each other. If I didn’t binge this I would have forgotten what happened earlier.

●APPRECIATION
In the latter half, many times leads were having the conversation of the importance and passion of uniform. Giving the message of patriotism and dedication towards works and duty whether you wearing a white coat or a green uniform.

●CRITICISM
There was less romance of leads.
bad storyline

●FAV SCENE
Parrot OK meets Shao Xue with wicked laughter.
First kiss of the leads

●QUOTES
Sometimes we couldn’t help reminiscing about those guys in white shirts who played basketball on the courts. however, it's just nostalgia. Life goes on no matter what- Xia Chu
Rather than being a smart ostrich, it is better to be a brave fool- Liang Mu Ze
Just because this man wears a police uniform, I had believed that he was invincible, who knew he would get exhausted too - Liang Shao Xue

●AFTERTHOUGHT
This drama showed military uniforms, medical uniforms, and police uniforms. All working passionately for the country and society making it a better and safe place to live. We should appreciate and thank them for their hard work who leave behind their family and loved ones to be in their UNIFORM

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Great Acting, Boring Story, Not Really a Sequel

Though anticipated, the ending of “One and Only” gives the viewers tears and broken hearts. Most have been waiting anxiously for its sequel “Forever and Ever” which is believed to have a happily-ever-after ending that is needed for closure. This drama (“Forever and Ever”) is originally a story about karma and reincarnation but as the Chinese government bans the reincarnation subject in all drama productions, this essential element becomes subdued, if not totally eliminated, rendering a great shift of the story away from its original work.

From the beginning, our main couple from “One and Only” meets and gets married, almost instantly in their modern lifetime. For three quarters of the drama, viewers are shown a chronicle of daily life of the newlyweds, with a hint of something nefarious lurking beneath what seemingly a blissful life. As much as I love watching the love development of the couple, I find the over extension of love play rather boring had it not for the exquisite ancestral home and antiques hidden in a tranquil city. The daily life of the inhabitants of such a traditional home with complicated extended family members, is a reminder of how some large Chinese families still live today - with a lot of useless protocols and mindless burdens. The plot thickens slightly from episode 23 on, but still takes a leisurely slow pace till the end.

Many characters in the drama are said to have reincarnated from its prequel “One and Only” which is supposed to have taken place some 2,000 years ago. However due to the censorship, all the character links are downplayed or totally non-existent, except for some weak inklings for the main couple Zhou Sheng Chen (Ren Jialun aka Allen Ren) and Shi Yi (Bai Lu); they retain the same names in both dramas. Had it not been the repeated mention of the Xiao Nancheng Wang (Prince Nancheng Junior) in the FL’s voiceover project, there is really nothing linking the two dramas until the last episode when Shi Yi describes her dream which is also the story of “One and Only”. Not totally brilliant, but at least it manages to tie the 2 stories at the end (well, kind of).

Zhou Sheng Chen is a prodigy and a chemistry researcher working in a university in Germany. He returns to China to try salvage his family’s declining traditional businesses that are being run to the ground by his younger brother. His mission is to promote traditional crafts and to ensure their sustainability in modern times. As the oldest son in the family, he is entrusted the family inheritance and all the baggage that comes with it, with a caveat that he has to first get married, as stipulated in his father’s will. As a hermit, Zhou Sheng Chen doesn’t date nor know any eligible girls for marriage. Comes Shi Yi. He figures he could make do with her. Little did he expect himself to fall in love with her so deeply, and for her, she has known the name Zhou Sheng Chen from her work and falls in love with him when she hears his name mentioned, which to me, is a rather weak explanation.

Zhou Sheng Chen is passive, bashful, unromantic and uneasy with public intimacy. You can say he makes a very boring boyfriend as he doesn’t really know how to reciprocate a kiss, a hug, or any romantic play. But then again, romance, like beauty, is in the minds of the beholders. Many readers are angry over the adapted character as they claim the original Zhou Sheng Chen has a much more forceful and proactive personality in the novel. Many even lash out on the actor for changing the character or for not portraying it right or even for poor acting. I have not read the book but from my understanding of the adaptation, I find Ren Jialun delivers 100% of the Zhou Sheng Chen character in the drama. He captures every nuance in his every hesitation, embarrassment, bewilderment which is so real and so authentic, and very appropriate for the adapted character traits.

Bai Lu is natural and beautiful. Her portrayal of Shi Yi is commendable. As for her chemistry with Ren Jialun here, I find it not as great as in the prequel “One and Only” despite there is hardly any intimacy in the earlier drama as compared to the more kissing and touching scenes in this one. Understandably, as “Forever and Ever” was made before “One and Only”, this may explain the slight missing spark.

My Verdict

Not having read the novel, my expectation is quite different from what is delivered here. Perhaps I had expected a more arduous journey for our characters to find each other, and to overcome multiple challenges and tests - the usual drama stuff which may be less realistic. Here, the story is very realistically portraying life of very traditional big and complicated Chinese families with undesirable feelings and occasionally unfortunate events taken place.

The two dramas, “Forever and Ever” and “One and Only”, don't really connect to each other except for the repeated references to the historical one by Shi Yi in her work and finally in her dream. Initially there seems to have no plot and no story, merely a chronicle of the daily life of a couple. The overall plot is rather subtle and only in the last 8 episodes, it becomes more apparent, making the story realistically ordinary.

I love how artistic and poetic the whole drama is, from the poems to the antiques, to the traditional crafts passed down for generations, encapsulating the overall Chinese culture and treasure we want to preserve.

A drama well made and deserved to be loved.

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If Only I Had More Stars to Give!

This BL passed my expectations in all my criteria. I admit I am easy to please, but I watch them all (regardless of reviews) and have the experience to compare.
Once again, I give a 10 star to any show that makes me "marathon" it and has a good ending. Check, Check!
Beautiful actors/actresses who can actually bring a character to life, Check
Sexy stuff and kiss scenes, Check Check Check!!!
The ML's were so lovable, but so many other characters made every episode great. I laughed, cried, and felt nervous almost all of the time. I literally wanted to give people hugs multiple times and even cried a couple of times. Yeah, they got me!
I agree that it was great having a different theme and I understand people get tired of the same school-themed BL, but I will admit that I watch them all. I will also admit that I would watch"Bad Engineer" if it was a thing, especially if Sib play's the Bully! I know I can't be the only person here that saw them acting on set and thought, "I want to watch that". I guess you could say it was a dig at the norms, but to a fan like me, it was like an easter egg and just another way this series gave me everything I wanted.

My only regret is waiting so long to watch this. I passed it up many times because the summary reminded me of some of the earlier BL series and movies that I watched but didn't love. This is easily now one of my favorites worldwide. This will be a hard act to follow. I pray 2022 brings it.

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Doting Parent? Entirely, more of Genuine Loving Parents~! <3

Let me be one of the boldest by giving it a PERFECT 10!

xx WATCH THIS DRAMA ×× PERIOD!

Honestly, I wasn't that fond and slightly worried when I first started this drama cause c'mon this type of story plot are always irrirating but Thank God! I unconditionally trust Japanese Production as a whole and they proved me right!

Japanese dramas tends to tackle and show the weirdest side of a story no one will ever imagine to see. They always brought those stories up and magically makes it unique and interesting. The greatest game changer of the overall drama scene. They may not be the best but they always does things magnificently without restraints. This may be a natural drama flow in Japan in General but their industry was such a big shock to me when I first fully dive into it. But as you may notice it gradually grew into me and was able to reach this point where I can just trust and watch.

Going back to the story... I must say that it is a 360° turn of the norms; this drama is more of a Father showing his love to his beloved daughter while making everyone around them learn and discover LIFE as a whole. He utmost guided and lead them by being an inspiration and a figure that's most of the times leading in a dorky way but also has his mature and well-experienced side.

Story - 10, It is a warm, interesting and humorous type of drama that is best fit for growing young adults. It presents different situations and scenarios dealt by a group of college students who're experiencing their FIRST TIMES after entering college/adulthood.

Acting/Cast - 10, High Praises! Japanese actors/actresses always had this unique way of doing acting and presenting them to viewers and they splendidly showed it in this drama. Cast is Perfect! I had so much fun watching them OMG! How i wish to have more scenes with Aragaki Yui; Nonetheless she still played such a vital role in this drama and everything felt just right and nice.

Music - 10, The Ennding Music is very idolish which I'm very familiar too so I enjoyed listening to it. It's sounds fun and very fitting to the theme of this drama. The other BGM inserts were also great. Nice editing!

Rewatch Value - 10, No one can argue about this! Just give me a sequel for their 3rd & 4th year im College and I'll be really grateful.

Overall - 10, No words needed!! I mean, when can you watch a drama that's completely different from the usual trend in the worlds drama scene? Drama industry as a whole is oversaturated with recycled plot twist that they got me exasperated often times. Again! WATCH THIS DRAMA!!

If you find my review helpful please let me know.

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This review will be all over the place, but you get the gist I hope.

I am only able to finish watching this as I have read the novel. As the scriptwriter is the book author, the story followed closely the novel sequences except having to change (a very important) plot point to work around censorship. This however became a pitfall as it was a very important plot point that drove FL motivation in pursuing the ML and persisting despite all issues they had to endure.

We were repeatedly told throughout the drama that Zhou family were supposedly so powerful and so complicated, but not much was shown except some accidents involving FL. Except mom-in-law being a bit of a b**** earlier on, everyone of them were so nice to the leads. The only villain was so so so weak (bad acting + bad characterization).

Some events in the story were so inconsequential that they might as well not be included.

I read the novel many many years ago, but from the writing (or translation), felt that ZSC was a very charismatic person despite being a nerd scientist, which sadly was lost in the drama portrayal. I'm not a big fan of MBFB , as I felt her writing is over indulgent, with style over substance, and her drama adaptation even more so. Beautiful Bones was perhaps her book that I liked more compared to her others, unfortunately this drama

Good thing about this drama, (1) everywhere they filmed looked pretty, (2) acting overall ok.

Note that I didn't watch One and Only as I felt the backstory didn't warrant a whole series with 24-ep.

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A lovely drama that melts your heart

I never write a review before but this drama is so good that I have to give a 10/10 ratings. Looking at the length of the drama, 45 episodes may be long but after watching this, I just can't get enough of it.
- Good chemistry between the characters, so sweet and lovely. The couple in the kdrama has shown me what real love should be. They've been trying to be a better version for each other, they fight for their love in good way (not being too dramatic) and their love just naturally grows.
- Wonderful plot: Not only the main characters grows during their journey, but other characters also become better people throughout the story. They learn about love and empathy.
- It's hilarious and funny, yet touching as well. This drama brings me a lot of laughter and happiness, this heals my soul and get me through the bad days. It makes me believe that good things can happen in this world.
- Great OST
So far, this is my favorite kdrama ever, and I highly recommend this for anyone love family drama. You won't regret watching this.

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Intense but expected more

The chemistry between ML and FL is the main reason I decided to finish this drama except that I was little bored with dry conversation, according to story line and script what I felt is they could have done it more interesting rather than circling in the same tree. If you are looking for just a pure love story this is the one but other than the love and chemistry between ML there is nothing interesting. Instead of taking time for dry talk between ML and FL they could have given proper ending to each highlighted characters.
I won’t regret for watching this drama because of their heart touching love story, after watching this drama I am really become a fan of both ML and FL, both acting skills are very good but only disappointing is the director didn’t utilized their effort fully in a proper fashion.

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Pretty on the outside, not much value on the inside

I really hate it when the media treats women as if we have an expiration date.
The body of a 20yo isn't much different of a body of a 30yo. This is evident on the way they treat the women and the men in this drama. There's no talk about going back to your 20's body or on how they can't do certain movements anymore. They're 30, not 60!

All this seems ageist and misogynist. The whole blame for the "cheating" was on the woman as if a man has no responsibility when he dates someone. He was the one with the girlfriend, he had to know how to respect his relationship and not the person who didn't know he had someone in his life.

The drama is called how to be thirty yet everyone except for the 24 yo and the film director seem so childish.
The ML was in a half-arsed relationship. He fell back in love with the FL and ended his relationship to start a new one, which is the right thing to do. Yes, when he slept with the FL he was still in a relationship (that's not very clear because he's seen ending things with the girlfriend several times) and could have held off of doing that until after but I don't think it's the big deal they make it in the drama. The FL didn't know about the girlfriend at the time so it's not her fault.

The girlfriend was a brat and the ML said so and he was right, that was proven with her attempt to ruin the FL's career. When someone breaks up with you, you respect it.

When FL has a conversation with the ex-girlfriend at the end, the blame goes around between them and is not direct at who certainly has the blame which is the ML.l, if there were any blame at all.
To me, it seems like it probably even isn't his blame. It looks like he tried to end things with the GF several times but she didn't respect his wishes.


Anyway, this is not what being thirty is. I'm older than that and I honestly can't tell what being thirty is. Probably is what the Caffe lady was, spending a big amount of time with someone you found out you don't connect with and then staying off jumping from relationship to relationship to really figure out what you want in life.

The best part about this were the visuals, the fact that they don't hide that adults have sex and the friendship between the three women.

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argh, heartwrenching

Before I start, if you don't wanna read this whole review, please read this ONE LINE, I beg. Get your tissues ready, specifically for Episodes 16,22,23,24 :) don't need to thank me. I used like 27 pieces of tissue, SOOOOOOOO.............. good luck hahaha

"In my whole life, I've not let anyone down. But I've let ShiYi down."
"辰此一生 不负天下 唯负十一"
Damn, I have so much to say about this show, I don't even know where to start...

Let's start with a detailed story summary/synopsis...
A royal of Bei Chen, Zhou Sheng Chen, vowed to never have a wife or offspring as to show loyalty to the emperor. He then took on the role of a general and promised to keep his homeland safe. A lady from a family of Scholars, known as the Cui family，with her name Shi Yi. From birth, she was arranged to get married to the crown prince when she reaches a suitable age. But who knew that one day, she would be taken in as a disciple under Zhou Sheng Chen and she slowly develops feelings for him. But due to his vow, and despite his natural human feelings, he started to like her as well but couldn't do a single thing about it other than to let her go................
Many sh*t happened, the ending was so DAMN DAMN sad, so many things that could have gone right but went wrong. so many things that could have been avoided but sigh... I can't say much of this drama because I will end up spoiling it so badly :<
Everything gets made up for in season two though, but sadly in season two, their personalities will not be the same Junior NanChen Prince and Cui Shi Yi :< still!! PLEASE watch season two hehe it's good I promise!

PS. Take a look at my review in the second season!

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