ive watched over 50 dramas, SOKP tops the list

i wanna keep it short and simple but i can't, my love for this drama is literally through the roof.

STORY - most revenge plots lack good pacing, meaning a wonderful original novel could be ruined and not truly appreciated. sokp political plot was intriguing, the villains weren't written as filler characters; they had depth. romance wise i love how the second and third male leads have chemistry with the FL and get screentime together, sometimes it's conflicting to choose who to root for. i like how none of the relationships are overly toxic, they all have each other's best interests in mind. also it's amazing when FL and ML are both smart, there's always tension in the air romantic or not <3

ACTING - lord this cast is insane, i can't find a single pet peeve about the cast. the entire supporting cast did phenomenal, especially loved xueshu and luxian's portrayal. also chemistry is THERE, not a single moment do i look away or feel bored. i literally wanna jump through my phone screen and yell at the characters to get together. morally gray characters are also made interesting SOKP, bailu and zhanglinghe both made great efforts to understand their characters, and showed thanks to director zhu as well!

MUSIC - when i found out the ost was on spotify i was losing my sht, ive studied for 5 hours with it on shuffle. listening to the tracks make me reminisce my joy of watching the show, it's heavenly music.

REWATCH VALUE - this is always based on personal preference, but for me it's a 10. while waiting for new episodes i would endlessly rewatch even if i what events would occur. wonderful acting always keeps you on the edge of your seat, if i like a drama i seriously wont stop rewatching. it's a complex plot but somehow conveyed well enough for an unobvservant person like me to pick up on the little details.

I LOVE THIS SHOW IN IT'S ENTIRETY, ONE OF THE FEW DRAMAS THAT CAN BE TRULY CONSIDERED A 10/10 IN MY OPINION! also this show is like crazily popular in china compared to internationally, hope it receives more love
- don't hesitate "what if i get bored?" you won't "i don't like love rivalry" you will after this show "i'm planning on watching it later" never delay your own happiness, achieve it now!

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please watch all im on my knees

The acting is always the most important aspect, and the entire cast carried out the story's emotions perfectly. I watched "The Legends" starring the same main leads before watching this show, and I immediately binged all of their dramas. Unlike many actors who are only casted for face value and fanbase, they literally work so hard for their roles, and their chemistry is just through the roof.

ACTING
Bai lu (FL) actually cut her hair for the role, and many of the male actors did weeks of intense training prior to the shoot to prepare for their roles. It's refreshing to see actors who are willing to dedicate themselves to the scripts once in a while since many dramas have lazy actors who use stunt doubles for the most harmless scenes and never care about the script. I feel like xukai and bailu match perfectly in both of their main lead dramas because they are open people. I wasn't annoyed by a single side cast member, since they all played their roles perfectly and genuinely.

SETTING
The story is good, but it is understandable if some may drop the show. Many people only look for rom com dramas and may not like the political/military aspects of the show, but for me it's like a bonus. It's plausible for a show based on the previous century to accurately display past events and perfectly weaving it with the plot. For context, China did not have military forces such as they do now, thus the people were constantly in fear of foreign invasions. In the early 1900s, Japan was formidably powerful and attempted to invade China and control/influence its people. The title, Arsenal Military Academy, is the name of the military school where the main leads attend to fight for their country. I was never truly enticed by the military aspect, but the emotions of loss and will to fight are shown through the bits and pieces of historical events.

GENRES
Besides the military aspects, AMA is also a romcom action drama. The romance in the show is refreshing, as in the characters remain sane throughout the plot without doing absurdly underhanded things (historical drama watchers ykwim). There are many sweet moments that are actually relevant to the plot and not thrown in there like fanservice. Obviously the romance isn't over quickly since there are 48 episodes, but the gradual development of feelings between the characters is so satisfying to watch. The comedy in the show is just perfect. It contributes to the lighthearted/silly tone of the drama's first half, which balances out the intense and tearjerking action scenes. The expressions of all the cast members are very comical, and they click together like friends in real life. Watching this show had me simultaneously crying laughing screaming and pacing around (could be caused by sleep deprivation, but it genuinely evoked so many emotions in me). The action scenes of a military drama obviously include guns and swords etc. I don't believe there is excessive gore in this show, but some may be sensitive to the sight of blood (warning, mild gore like gun wounds or scars). The fight scenes were always filled with suspense, and honestly they were choreographed perfectly. To sum it up, the genres all blend well with the plot and will send you on an emotional roller coaster.

MUSIC
I literally created a spotify podcast just to upload the ost for my pleasure. The ost is on spotify, but I'm pretty sure it is only available in mainland china. The main song, Dreaming, is sung by the two main leads. Their voices match so well and the intro of violins and violas or wtv the instruments are sounds like the ascension to heaven. Unlike historical dramas (dynasty periods), there aren't a long list of 4 minute songs that each match with one romance scene, but the discography is still enjoyable. Only complaint is that they should have made more music with those same artists bc it's just too heavenly. After watching all 48 episodes, hearing the songs makes me recall each scene and look at the ceiling and start reminiscing.

REWATCH
Personally, I rewatch dramas right after finishing them in case I missed any information. Often times, watching through the whole drama will help you better understand past scenes, and that feeling of "ohhh damnnn thats what that meant" is nice. Not even joking I've rewatched this drama start to end at least 5 times without skipping, which is rare since I drop shows quickly usually. All the aspects of the show are a 10 to me except this one and it's a 9.5 for rewatching because certain suspense in the show is built up by not knowing the true criminal or the true story etc. It is still enjoyable to watch nonetheless.

SUMMARY
That was too long, I wouldn't even read all of that again. To sum it up, I feel sorry for those who turn away from the drama due to its unique plotline because it actually is such a lifechanging experience. My only complaint with the show is that a few scenes were cut out due to censorship in China (not a big deal, all can be found on yt, but kinda sad). Acting is perfect, story is perfect, music is perfect, watching this show is like therapeutic. PLEASE WATCH WITHOUT DROPPING LIKE EVEN IF ONE PART SEEMS BORING JUST KEEP PUSHING ITLL BE WORTH IT TRUST

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please do not drop ahhhhhh

i had this on hold because i heard this was filled w angst and wasnt sure if i could take it, but i do regret not starting this drama earlier. the drama isn't "carried" by anything, the camerawork, soundtrack, and acting just make the story impactful altogether i'd highly recommend anyone to watch this prequel before the sequel (Forever and Ever) even if others say it's more interesting. it's not a grave mistake, since you can always revisit a drama to find the little connections. it's like a buy one get one free, where if you watch one of the dramas it's almost a must to watch the other.

STORY
at first i was scared by the age gap, but it is later clarified that there's only a few year difference. the story involves tragedy, but it is blended well with all the sweet and slightly comedic moments. romance wise, the main leads have outstanding chemistry and the side couples as well. there arent any absurd love triangles or moments added purely for fanservice that ruin the plot. the emotions and romantic moments are pure and just a joy to watch. watchers who only look for typical romance (kissing, consumating, marriage) may find this drama a bit different, but i think it's so pure that the gestures have more meaning. comedy wise, there are lighthearted moments but the show obviously isn't comedy based. i still think it's enjoyable to watch how peaceful life is when they're off the battlefield. it's enjoyable how the political/military aspects are relevant to the time period and historically accurate (dramas occasionally throw logic out the window for fanservice). i was always engaged in the plot and watching the characters gradually develop emotions/mindsets is worth it.

ACTING
a 24 episode tragic drama is a rare sight since theyre usually 50+ episodes, but the cast's subtle emotions and expressions perfectly convey the meaning of the plot. the development of the plot doesn't depend on out-of-character moments that defy the plot (like certain dramas..) but even their smallest gestures can evoke strong emotions. the main leads click very well, ren jia lun and bai lu are both notable actors who have had outstanding roles in other dramas before. the acting feels down to earth and realistic, helps watchers immerse themselves into the story. the supporting cast, especially the villains, add a great amount of impact to the plot. you know the cast's acting is well if you sometimes want to go through the screen to comfort and cry for a character or punch their face flat.

MUSIC
cdramas always have music that set the tone/mood for the next scene, and ive rarely ever watched a cdrama with a bad ost. one and only is the type of drama that makes its opening unforgettable. hearing it literally makes me so nostalgic (i only finished the drama recently) hearing the intro again in forever and ever literally made me gasp out of excitement.

REWATCH VALUE
i immediately rewatch dramas without skipping if i like them, one and only is not an exception. it felt taboo to skip any scenes because i knew what impact the story had on me. with complicated political dramas, watching them a second time allows you to understand little details and understand better. also being able to see the main leads happy moments is such a treat.

SUMMARY
please do not drop, or please don't turn away from the drama, i feel so much regret not watching this earlier. each character was portrayed perfectly by the cast, from heroes to villains. story is definitely engaging, and i just feel so much dopamine watching this.

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just gets better

story - to sum it up, the female lead was neglected throughout her child and became rebellious as a result. she loves to play tricks on the people she dislike, but she still has a heart of gold. from what I’ve seen so far, she begins to quickly adapt to a series of tragedies relating to death and war, which is obviously quite shocking and difficult for a young girl. general ling, the male lead, is a stoic character who shows small hints of emotions but never truly opens up (yet). less than 25% of the show has aired but im sure this story has immersed many viewers.

acting/cast - zhao lusi and wulei are young but talented actors. from past films and shows, they’ve displayed a wide range of characters, which is why i knew the acting was going to be top notch. you can quickly sympathize with shaoshang, the female lead, because lusi portrays her sheltered but adventurous character well. since the show hasn’t reached the climax yet, we’ve seen only hints of general ling’s character. however, it becomes apparent that he is slowly opening up to be more than just the cold faced general he’s seen as. many of the comedic moments are carried by the side characters, the expressions in this show just add an entire level of comedy. maybe im sensitive but some of the scenes where the side characters cause misunderstandings and hurt everyone really brings me to tears as well. only 12 episodes in and im attached to all the characters <3

music - i would honestly rate the music a 10/10 but at the moment the show hasn’t reached the climax yet, meaning how the rest of the ost fits the show is unknown. music changes the mood of the show really fast. for a show that has a twist of comedy but also some heart-wrenching scenes, the music is really well-made. i know this show will make me bawl like a baby bc the ending song is so beautifully tragic. looking forward to the rest of the ost as the drama continues airing!

rewatch value - this rating is quite random and technically incorrect since the show is still airing, but it’s based off a prediction. the comedic and lighthearted scenes make you easily attached to the story and the cast, but never forget the first rule of historical cdramas: “if it has over 40 episodes, it will rip your heart to shreds”. you can tell that this show isn’t going to be 100% comedic and the cast has carried out each genre very well. 10/10 for rewatching plot and cute interactions but points deducted bc this drama will most likely make me cry for days straight.

overall - my rating numbers: “10 10 8 8” seem quite simplistic mainly because I’ve never been able to use numbers well to measure a show’s greatness. words do the trick! 12 episodes and im hooked. i usually drop shows not even past the first episode because after watching masterpieces like love and redemption, ashes of love, not many dramas can build up angst properly while still being entertaining. i have great expectations for this drama and so far, they haven’t been let down. to those who can’t stand slowburns: with a great cast and plot, all pain and waiting is worth it! 10/10 recommend. my review after the dramas finished airing is most likely gonna be mainly me sobbing and crying over the tragic moments (56 episode drama definitely means there’s gonna be angst)

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well that escalated quickly

the story starts off light-hearted then moves into darker themes like betrayal, loss, and guilt. without spoiling, i can say that the plot is definitely intriguing. mystery is not one of the main genres, but the twists definitely keep you hooked. the development of the fl and ml are insane, from helplessly lost in love to maturing and understanding the weight of their words and actions. only reason story is not a 10 is because i feel heart palpitations when villains get too much screen time. 9.5/10

the cast had insane chemistry, platonic and romantic relationships included. yang mi and deng lun both displayed a range of emotions that make the viewers feel the dramatic shift of moods in the show. from cute scenes that make your heart melt to tear-jerking scenes that make you hug your computer screen, they can do it all. the supporting cast, especially the villains, are honestly too perfect. you know an actor's done their job as a villain when you feel like skinning them alive <3. only reason cast is not a 10 is because one of the side characters was too mild (she only had like 5 mins of screen time). 9/10

music is just chef's kiss. it's been 4 years since my first watch and i listen to the playlist religiously on spotify. the playful background tracks set the mood of the first couple of episodes, and towards the end you realize the melodramatic music is bringing you to full on tears. the traditional instruments used were amazing as well. 10/10

rewatch value is lower than all the others because: P A I N. i love the first half because you get easily attached to the characters and get interested in their backstories. without spoiling much, all i can say is you immediately get shot down from fluff romance heaven to tragic betrayal mode. it's not a flaw or critique, it actually makes the show more memorable., but if you don't want to burst into tears randomly in the middle of the night, one watch is enough.

final notes: this review may be slightly mild and less picky because i only started watching historical dramas in 2017. nonetheless it's an unforgettable show where it makes you wanna search up all the behind the scenes shots.

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