FOREVER AND EVER

A love story that seems to be a continuation of previous lives, Forever and Ever portrays a love so strong that centuries of time and thousands of miles in distance could not keep them apart.

I just realized after a while that this FOREVER AND EVER is the modern sequel of the historical drama ONE AND ONLY- same actors, same characters in modern times and the flashbacks are that of some scenes from ONE AND ONLY, though as far as I know, they're not marketing this as such. It's actually very touching to think that lovers in another lifetime would somehow find each other again against all odds and will continue to take care and protect each other from the ups and downs of life.

Zhousheng Chen and Shi Yi are one in a million couples who found true love. It's the kind of love that doesn't need too much effort in courtship because they have an innate understanding of their roles in each other's lives. I think what's so endearing in this story is not just how much they care for each other but that there is no need for acknowledgment when they do so. They also trust in the other so much that nothing can come between them-not circumstances, not challenges, not anyone's approval. No matter what happens, they always choose each other.

As for the cinematography, I like the interplay of past and present scenes and how either timeline would always be defined by love. The locations are great, the casting superb. The supporting characters are well presented to add flair to the drama. It's also good that there is a touch of patriotism and advocacy there. I think a country would be more progressive if men in power would think of their people first.

To be honest though, it could have been made shorter. Thirty episodes is a bit long for a story this simple. For me, the sweet spot would have been 24 episodes.

Anyhow, I suggest you watch ONE AND ONLY first before you watch FOREVER AND EVER so you can appreciate the story more. Just bask in the greatness of a love that not even death can deprive. It's like them saying to destiny, "deny us all you want, we would still find each other across time and space". If you won't be touched by that, I don't know what will.