The On1y One (2024)

Slow burn done right

While the premise of the story might seem very simple, and even overused or cliche, what makes it stand out is the execution of the story, the amazing chemistry between the actors the lovely characters and their electric dynamic that give you butterflies.

Both leads are interesting to watch and they also have their own distinctive personality that makes their relationship perfectly balanced. Jiang Tian, at first glance, might appear cold or distant, but in reality he has a heart of gold, he is very caring and considerate, but his guarded nature prevents him from openly expressing his emotions since he is afraid of letting others get too close, yet he seems to crave a profound bond. On the other hand, there is Shen Wang who seems to be more approachable and cheerful compared to Jiang Tian, but he also deals with his own emotions of sadness. At first they do not get along, but that is to be expected considering how their world is turned upside down due to their new family circumstances, yet they adjust quickly and they turn out to get along. Seeing their relationship, slowly but steadily, progress helps the viewer get immersed into the story and get attached to the characters. The gentle, quiet moments of connection makes their bond special and all the build up creates the expectation of leading to a very satisfying conclusion that we can get if season 2 is confirmed, nevertheless, the drama is still worth to watch, because even watching the build up itself unfold in front of your eyes creates all kind of emotions. The yearning in their eyes, the sparking tension, the unspoken feelings as their bond grows and gets deeper make for an excellent, sweet love story of two young kids who are discovering the world around them, while also learning more about themselves and growing as individuals.

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So close to perfection

This story is truly amazing as everyone did a wonderful job in portraying the characters. However, it felt short to perfection as we are left with some unanswered questions. And while there are talks for a season 2, I'm not sure that we are going to get a season 2. So, as such,I'm judging this on these 12 episodes that were presented to me and not what the future may hold for this series.

Due to this, I gave the story an 8 due to it not really giving a complete first season (to me), as it sets it self up for a season 2. I gave tha acting a 9, as the 2 ML's gave stellar performance in thier roles. I gave the music a 10 because the opening OST was just beautiful and I gave rewatch value an 8, due to the fact that while Ilove this series, I can't put myself rewatching this too often to feel like the ML's ending is not complete.

Overall, this series is a 9 for me. I just wished that it could have given me everything that I wanted for it to be a perfect 10.

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I will wait for you

When I thought nothing could touch Unknown, along comes The On1y One, which effortlessly outshines any other for 2024. It's that great. Lead by the director Lui Kuang Hi who gave us Your Name Engraved Herein, nothing but an intense slow burn insightful unique piece of perfection should be expected. He definitely knows his art. With each episode he teases and plays with our emotions, giving the viewer the belief that with every other episode, we will be satisfied. We are not, we want more. He knows how to tell a story and tells it well. The script was mastefully brought to life by a truly gifted cast.

Wang and Tian's story unfolds in a way that shows with clarity the angsty teenage years. The urgency of emotions are hidden behind stoic facades that fool everyone but themselves. Their bond is unbreakable. One would think that the pouty Wang needs to be constantly taken care of, but we see that he is the one who creates a 'home' for Tian to feel safe. To rest the burdens he carries. Little by little their worlds fuse and being without each other becomes painful for them and us. The beauty of their relationship is the innocence and sincerity in which they hold onto each other. At 17, with past hurts, their emotional insightfullness is more mature than their peers.

Xi and Benny's relationship shows that at any age, love is hesitant, confusing and frustratingly emotional. They're both the other's anchor. With 15yrs of friendship behind them, they too struggle to shape what is truly between them. Xi sneaks moments to embrace Benny's acts of love without anyone knowing. Benny, hinting at his true feelings, is the one to actually bring to the fore what cannot be ignored any longer. His round hesitant eyes look directly at Xi, "I like you." I'm left to wonder, why Xi previously pretended not to know. Is he unwilling to lose an irreplaceable friend if something goes wrong? Has a past hurt made him cautious? Benny, I'm rooting for you.

Rather than putting every nugget that made this series gold, I will not. This is a series that everyone should experience with fresh unknowing eyes. I will say, the whole gamut of emotions will be felt. With the hint of a proposed season 2, I will be waiting.

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It's a cliche plot step-bro romance but it's so worth it.

This one is my very first Taiwanese BL. I'm quite shocked as well like it's 2024 and this was still my first one from Taiwan? I've known History long before but Idk why I still didn't watch it. It was pretty much hype back then. It's been so long since I've been inactive watching BLs. Tho I've been reading danmeis when I wasn't active with BLs.

Anyways, let get right into it. First of all I really love the overflowing chemistry between the two— Eric and Benjamin. The characters suit them well. Eric did a pretty good job with facial expressions. I know I'm biased but I really love his eyes and when he pouts it melts me. He's way too cute being a 30 yr old. Benjamin. He's good as well. He handles it well. I'm not good at this I'm sorry *sobs*. They're both doing well in terms of acting and delivery. I mean, you can't deny it. You can clearly see what their eyes are telling you. It looks simple but is quite well delivered. The plot is cliche. Addicted has it as well. But this one is a lighter version. Tho they are pretty much similar. I've read the novel of this as well.

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So much potential and so frustrating

This is brilliantly acted and directed, and the writing is in detail much better than the average BL - but the story as a whole was tedious.

When you have characters kiss in the 2nd episode, you can't just slam on the brakes for 10 more episodes and then have nothing happen. The development of their relationship is beautifully done - slow burn at it's best - but it reaches a peak far before the end and then goes nowhere after that. Not slow burn - no burn, because to keep the relatioinship at a steady level they couldn't continue to show them quietly doing loving things to each other and so we didn't get any more of those beautiful moments.

Sheng Wang does what he does to avoid being turned on by the way Jiang Tian drinks water? After the enormous amount of focus on studies - and I mean ENORMOUS, there was no setup at all for him to do something that drastic. OK, so you're turned on. Go whack off and get it out of your system. Obviously there were deeper issues behind it, but those needed to be explored and not handwaved away with the sexy-water-drinking shorthand.

The could have entirely deleted the tiresome and totally unnecessary secondary couple plot and instead devoted that to Sheng Wang's descent into self-denial.

There's a scene a few eps before that where Sheng Wang explicitly names himself as Jiang Tian's home, which was one of the best scenes in the series and would have been the perfect place to end it. But unless you have a second season confirmed, then it's beyond frustrating to have devoted 12 weeks and hours to this to get absolutely nothing.

To be honest, what kept me from dropping the series was Andy Chen as their friend Gao Tian Yang, who I found enthralling. So hot and such a well-drawn and acted character.

Would I recommend it? No. Not unless a second season does come out and does resolve all the unresolved issues, which is ALL the issues since none of them at all are resolved. It doesn't sound to me like a second season is likely, and all those people, who appear to be most of the MDL audience, can blame themselves for watching pirated copies of this. That is stealing and it greatly diminishes the chances of BLs being made, so hang your heads in shame.

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Excellent

The On1y One is a serious, gut-wrenching coming of age drama about the sexual awakening of two teenagers under very difficult circumstances.
Tian is traumatised by his parent's divorce and the shocking exposure to his father's secret which leads to conflicts in his heart and years of internalised self loathing. He considers himself to be essentially homeless, keeping a suitcase packed and ready to be on the move at any moment.
Sheng has lost his mother and lives through a lonely childhood grieving his loss.
They need to come to terms with their parents relationship and somehow start building a new family together.
Their tentative friendship gradually starts to turn into more. They negotiate this new path, forging a friendship which is deep and sincere despite Tian's early reservations. They find a tethering in each other which gives them a sense of belonging, a sense of home in each other.
As they realize their romantic feelings, Jian and Sheng deal with their feelings of shame and guilt differently. While Tian comes to term with his feelings, Sheng withdraws.
Sheng's withdrawal cuts into Tian's core, opening the very same wound he had helped in healing.
Season 1 ends on this heartbreaking note.
The series is beautiful, both visually as well in the powerful emotions it inspires.
Each and every actor has played a nuanced role giving us a sensitive glimpse into the pains of growing up. It is a story of sexual awakening which reminds us how delicate and painful it is to be 17.
Looking forward to season 2 of this excellent drama. Kudos to the entire team. ❣️❣️👏👏

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The Lost and Lonly Ones

This is a story about friendship, family, and an over all feel of being lost... as well as probably shows two of the most lonly boys in all of dramaland.

Yep lost and lonley ones... While I do have some issues with the make up that I otherwise realry notice most of the filming has some pretty decent quality and shots. The monologs and dialog of this drama say alot less than the gazes, mimcs, light and slow mo angles filmed. You could probably watch this with nieter subtitles or sound without loosing the ffel of the story or feeling the leas bit lost. You may even find yourself enjoying it even more (not that I tieied) .

If you are in the mood for something that will make you feel all warm and fizzy inside, this may make you smile once or twice bit the over all feel to it is kind of depressing, and more of a feel things than feel good type of deal.

A decent watch leaving you wanting more and wondering was this all they had to tell or will there be a second season?

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Ending plot

I can't express how I'm feeling right now. This series is filled with unsolved emotions. It's a MASTERPIECE.
The actors did a great job. We can feel that longing, tension, care,love etc. They portrayed it really welly.
Let's head to the ending part. We're expecting something like "Addicted" , "Culpa Mia" . But it has that same type of plot but it's really different at same time. This series shows you how you go through the things at teenage. We can feel that romance between tian and wang but it's not that typical lovers trope romance rather It's much more deep. We can see them letting their guards down slowly. It's a slow burn series. It's good that director didn't tried to haste things here.
Imo they ended it here to make us wait for the season 2. It's good marketing technique as it'll make us hook to it. But I think it'll be worth it.
I RECOMMEND THIS TO EVERY PERSON WHO WANTS TO SEE SOMETHING SLOW BURN

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