Story
Chen Shou (Yibo Wang) works a constant string of jobs, from helping at his family’s restaurant, to running errands, washing cars, and doing small performances and birthday parties, all in an effort to pay back the debt accumulated during his father’s terminal illness.
But Chen Shou’s true talent lies in dance. He auditioned for the famous group ‘E-Mark’ just before his father became sick and while he didn’t get in at the time, he never gave up his love of dancing and continued to practice and dream during every spare minute he found.
When Kevin, E-Mark’s best dancer, decides that he’s too talented to practice with his team, dance coach Ding Lei (Bo Huang) looks for an understudy to take his place. He offers the job to Chen Shou, who readily agrees on the condition that if he proves himself capable, he will be able to remain with the group.
Working harder than all the others combined, Chen Shou’s raw talent is transformed and he becomes an essential part of E-Mark, earning the lead dancer’s coveted place. As the National Street Dance Competition approaches, it looks like all of Chen Shou’s dreams will finally come true. But will Kevin and his influence gets in the way. While the country holds their breath and watches, a dance-off ensues, the likes of which the Nation has never seen.
Themes
Death of a parent; selfishness; egocentric behaviour; power trips; derailed dreams
Violence
One and Only has some violence. For example:
- Dancers repeatedly shove each other on stage and in the lead up to performances.
- Dancers get in each other’s space and move aggressively towards one another, looking very angry and disgruntled.
- Kevin drives recklessly through the streets, with obvious disregard for the safety of others.
- A character attacks Chen Shou and physically beats him as he is finishing a dance routine. The rest of the group follows suit and soon a big group is fighting and wrestling on the floor.
Sexual references
There are no sexual references in One and Only.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
One and Only has some substance use. For example:
- Characters drink wine with dinner, as well as pints of beer and occasional shots.
- Beer bottles are often seen on tables, along with food.
- Coach Ding drinks from a wine bottle, chugging it back until he is forced to spit and spray it out of his mouth.
Nudity and sexual activity
One and Only has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- Coach Ding arrives wearing his boxer shorts and shirt after taking off his pants and flinging them to a security guard on the sidewalk.
- A dancer rips his shirt off on stage, exposing his bare chest.
Product placement
One and Only has some product placement. For example, We chat and Corona Beer.
Coarse language
One and Only has some coarse language and name-calling. For example, ‘dumb ass’, ‘ass’ and ‘dumb’.
Ideas to discuss with your children
One and Only is a comedy-drama from director Chengpeng Dong. It’s presented in Mandarin with English subtitles and features incredible dance moves and an excellent cast. The movie has something for everyone, expect younger viewers, but it’s likely to be most enjoyed by Chinese speakers and fans of the street dance movement.
These are the main messages from One and Only:
- Believe in yourself.
- Continuously strive for improvement.
- Kindness, humility and hard work will ultimately bring their own rewards.
Values in One and Only that you could reinforce with your children include persistence, determination, self-sacrifice, teamwork and compassion.
One and Only could also give you the chance to talk with your children the importance of working hard to achieve your dreams and not allowing the bumps in the road to deter you from your ultimate goal.