The On1y One (2024)

More Than a Romance

At first, you may think this is just one more old cliche about two brothers who fall in love. But it's much more than that. It's a beautiful coming of age that digs into feelings of being alone, finding out who you are, love and handling hurt. It goes deep into the youth and not just the easy parts. If you are waiting for a usual boys' love story, think again because this one stays with you. It might even make you bawl your eyes out and leave you wanting more when it ends.

Let's start with Jiang Tian, he is such a deep character, he has many sides and holds a lot of sad feelings. He keeps his emotions hid as if they are dark secrets he does not want to disclose to the world because he is afraid. His past and the marks he has, both in and out, have made him into someone who wants to be near others but is also scared of it. That's when Sheng Wang steps in. What I like is that he doesn’t hit Tian’s life hard like a wrecking ball but rather gently nudges him to drop his guard down.

The two main leads are thrown together because of their parents and suddenly they’re supposed to act like brothers. But they definitely don’t feel like siblings at all. Right from the beginning, there’s this tension - it's not bad, but its definitely not the typical sibling vibe. They are trying to understand each other and coexist but you can feel something brewing underneath even if neither of them is ready to admit it yet.

And yes, it’s a slow burn (a thing that many people did not like) but that’s the beauty of it for me. It pulls you in with all the little moments - quick touches, secret glances and the way they look at each other when they think no one is watching. These tiny details make your heart race. The way their hands accidentally brush together (or maybe not so accidentally) and the gentle, lingering looks they share are all done so subtly - it’s just beautiful.

And it's not only about love, it's also about healing. Wang is gently aiding Tian in facing the pain he has held for ages, just by staying by his side and showing him it's fine to open up and let someone in. And Tian is showing Wang that love can be tough. At times, the ones you hold dear are the toughest to reach, but they are worth the hard work.

And the actors are just amazing. It's not often you see roles played with so much truth. You can sense their sadness, their silent wants and the love they share. Each look and each touch is full of meaning. They act with a rawness that makes it all seem real and nothing feels hurried. This makes their bond really stand out. You are not just seeing love, you are watching it grow, bit by bit.

NOTE ABOUT THE ENDING

I thought the ending was okay but it left some things unresolved. There were moments that felt a bit unsatisfying but since they seem to be hinting at a second season (even without official confirmation) it makes sense. They didn’t rush the plot and allowed the story to develop slowly and thoughtfully. If we’re lucky enough to get a season 2 then we’ll likely see their relationship fully blossom which feels like the natural next step after all this gradual buildup.

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I'M INVESTED

Review for the first two episodes:

This series has totally hooked me with just the first two episodes! The chemistry between the lead characters is fantastic, and the mix of heartfelt moments with genuine romance is really well done. The characters feel real and their relationship is evolving in an engaging way. Each episode leaves me eager for more. If the rest of the series is as captivating as these first two episodes, it’s definitely going to be a standout show. I’m excited to see what happens next!

Review for the 3rd and 4th episodes:

Chefs kiss! This show is a must-watch! The two main leads deliver outstanding performances, and their chemistry is undeniable. The story really picks up in episodes 3 and 4, and it's no surprise the ratings jumped from 7.9 to 8.2. If you're looking for a series that will keep you hooked, this is it!

Review for the 5th to 12th episodes:

I have nothing more to say about this series; all I can say is that it is indeed a masterpiece.

Every episode had me hooked, and the emotional depth and beautiful cinematography only added to the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted drama. It leaves you wanting more, and I’m definitely hoping for a Season 2 to explore the story further!

Fingers crossed for a Season 2!

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