This review may contain spoilers
A great story from 1936
So here's the thing as an enthusiastic reader, nothing annoys me more than plagiarism and part one is a straight 1 for 1 storyline from Gone with the Wind. The only thing that was not plagiarized was the Palace story line which I believe was completely unnecessary in Part One. I assume this was the writers attempt to humanize the King but it just made me hate him more in part 2.Acting wise, ML was the perfect Rhett Butler and FL was the perfect Scarlett O'Hara and their acting was the most important. Casting director really did their thing for the cast of part 1. It is part 2 where things got funky. I know many people found FL annoying but she is supposed to be. Selfish people survive and Eun Jin was the major reason those ladies survived.
Despite the great story being told, the rewatch value of only part 1 is not as high. it is a very frustrating watch just like Gone with the Wind.
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This review may contain spoilers
My Dearest? More like My Detachment.
I gave this drama a solid shot — halfway through of part one, even. The emotional core never quite clicked for me, and the female lead didn’t help matters. She was written in that frustrating mix of arrogance and self-righteousness that makes empathy hard work. I could see what the show wanted me to feel, but I just couldn’t get there.Visually, yes — it’s stunning. The production is polished, the cinematography is rich, and the atmosphere is undeniably crafted with care. But I’m not someone who gets swept up by aesthetics alone. Then I heard about the double amnesia arc in part two and immediately checked out. Once is lazy; twice is punishment.
I get why others might call this a masterpiece — but I don’t use that word lightly. Personally, I wouldn’t even call my top-rated dramas that — feels like artistic blasphemy to Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Let’s just say this drama might be great for others, but for me? It was a gorgeous miss.
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a review for both part's 1 and 2
"Do you hear that? The sound of flowers blooming"I was sold. I was seated.
——
I devoured this drama in 2 days and lost my sleep for the beautiful narration it truly was. Mind you i have 3 pending kdramas as of 12/29 but i mindlessly put it on hold just to reserve myself to see this drama through...
I initially came across this drama when MBC released its trailer. it caught my attention but i guess it wasn't enough to get me out of the kdrama slump i was at the time😂 THANKS TO TIKTOK it resurfaced on my fyp and gave this a shot!!
Many say it starts off slow and picks up at 3rd-4th episode however i do not feel the same. From the first episode till the last few minutes of episode 21–i loved every bits of it.
I seldom writing reviews and reserve writing allat for dramas deserving. I can confidently say its well within my #10 all time best kdrama and #1 sageuk drama. Easily Nam Goong Min's and Ahn Eun Jin's best roles portrayals out of their filmographies.
Do i recommend?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Though be prepared for the rollercoaster and tearjerker it will be. If you suvived scarlet heart/moon lovers, then you wont have much trouble going through all the episodes. It is depressing. Sad. Dark.
I came for the romance but also stayed for the history of Joseon. I found myself sympathizing for the plight and the women of Joseon endured. This drama portrays all of the character's story so well—so much depth and well thought and written characters.
I miss my JangChae already☹️❤️
I'm in "i wish i could watch it like the first time" moment🥲
WELL my yapping ends now.
It has been awhile since i felt this empty after watching a kdrama. The void left in me will be hard to fill in.🥴
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BEST DRAMA EVER
Μια από τις καλύτερες K Drama σειρές. Εκπληκτικοί ηθοποιοί, υπέροχη σκηνοθεσία. Υπομείνετε τα 2-3 πρώτα επεισόδια (φαίνονται χλιαρά αλλά έχουν τον λόγο τους) ώστε να εξελιχθεί η ιστορία τους που θα σας χτυπήσει την καρδιά. Το έχω τρεις φορές. Θα σας μαγέψει η μουσική, η πλοκή και η απέραντη αγάπη πάθος μεταξύ των πρωταγωνιστών. Κάθε επεισόδιο έχει εξελίξεις ενώ δεν κάνει καθόλου «κοιλιά» μεταξύ των επεισοδίων. Αξέχαστο!Was this review helpful to you?
The mistake of a young heart
I put this on hold for a very long time despite being a fan of Nam Goong Min. You just need the right mood, and I don't look back.I cannot remember how many times I cried. The portrayal of character development and the understanding of the feelings of two individuals who began to experience true love was truly remarkable.
The ending of Part 1 is truly acceptable. Jang Hyeon, who initially did not understand his feelings, then dedicated his heart to one woman, and it was beautiful.
And Gil Chae. I cannot hate her. You need to see her perspective. Jang Hyeon was being playful, and she has someone she really adores. It doesn't fade away easily. Her suffering contributes to her personal growth. They are right. She is very responsible, not selfish to the point that she chooses not to follow her heart.
Overall this is a great drama. And I'm going to start season 2 soon.
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CANT WAIT PART 2
I'm the type of person who doesn't really understand history but for this drama I can still enjoy it.The acting of the cast makes me speechless again.
Each episode makes my heart scratched to pieces why are they acting but my heart hurts too, anyway I can't wait for part 2 and I also ask why not immediately air 20 episodes in one season why should it be divided into 2 parts ??? Its kinda annoying but that fine
Namkoong min and ahn eun jin make me sick!! Both great actress and actoor no wonder so many people at south korea talking about this drama because so worth it to watch
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Epic romance meets the dumbest b**ch main lead you’ll love to hate
A Beautiful Mess of Passion, Plot Holes, and Questionable Decisions✨ THE GOOD:
Visually stunning — Gorgeous costumes, epic sets, and cinematography that screams “period drama goals.”
Chemistry overload — When the leads actually talk sense, sparks fly like fireworks.
Side characters — Surprisingly decent, giving the show some much-needed balance.
🤦♀️ THE “WHY IS SHE LIKE THIS?!” MOMENTS:
Main lead’s decision-making skills = nonexistent — You’ll spend half the time yelling at the screen.
Plot confusion — Twists pop up like whack-a-moles with zero explanation or payoff.
Dragging pacing — The story trudges on, begging you to stay awake or find snacks.
💔 THE “I’M HERE FOR THE DRAMA, NOT THE IDIOCY” FACTOR:
If you can survive the main lead’s antics, the emotional moments have some weight.
Romance is messy, over-the-top, but occasionally endearing.
🎯 VERDICT:
"Like trying to enjoy fine wine while someone keeps spilling grape juice everywhere."
Watch if: You want epic visuals and drama, and have the patience for a frustrating lead.
Skip if: You hate irrational characters and plot holes big enough to drive a carriage through.
Best paired with: 🍷 A strong drink and zero expectations for common sense.
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Amazing
Loved all cast and story, its a must watch!!!! I loved every single moment ❤️ Loved all cast and story, its a must watch!!!! I loved every single moment ❤️ Loved all cast and story, its a must watch!!!! I loved every single moment ❤️ Loved all cast and story, its a must watch!!!! I loved every single moment ❤️ Loved all cast and story, its a must watch!!!! I loved every single moment ❤️Was this review helpful to you?
Gone with the wind but better
I just finished this drama for the third time. I loved it the first time, but every time I allow myself to watch it again it gets even better. Pride, prejudice, loyalty, selfishness, idealism - the drama tackles these themes without being able to answer them clearly. All the characters have their own strengths and weaknesses, comprehensible motives that do not remain black and white in their contrasts, but reflect the shades of gray of real people and situations.The characters undergo a comprehensible and logical development. I find the lovers' struggle for a love in which they do not give up on themselves, but remain true to themselves, to be topical and contemporary.
Beautifully staged, opulently equipped, the musical accompaniment is also worth mentioning, especially the title song.
The acting performances are remarkable. The lead actor Namkoong Min in particular is able to reveal the inner emotional worlds of his character in his face so convincingly that the fact that it is a play is forgotten.
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This review may contain spoilers
an unmatched, enthralling masterpiece
i don’t even know where to begin to describe how excellent this drama is. i knew i was going to enjoy it after watching an edit of it on social media, but i didn’t know just how much of a treasure it was going to be!as a history lover, i absolutely relished this excellent period work of art.
not once did i fast forward or feel bored during any episode. i felt sad as i was nearing the last episodes. and so, i enjoyed everything a little extra, not wanting to let go.
the longing and yearning is absolutely tear jerking and the romance worthy of swoons! as someone who leans more towards romance, the politics within Joseon and across nations were so interesting and captivating that i was curious to see how it all ended.
i love the feminism and patriciachial society themes.the FL & ML are both feminists in a way that’s fitting for their time and their viewpoints really touched me.
trigger warning: sexual assault
a line that will stay with me from the ML is when a woman he knows tells him how she has “dirtied” herself for “sleeping” with the barbarians (the foreign ruler actually raped her). she blames herself as if the violent act was her fault, despite being the victim. but the ML says, “if a dog bites you, did you dirty yourself? if a barbarian beats you, did you dirty yourself?” you can see the glint of realisation in her eyes after hearing his words. they took away her shame and guilt because it wasn’t hers to carry in the first place.
it’s the first drama i’ve ever watched that depicts how gruesome and barbaric war really is.
i also really love the touch of realism in the drama. for example, the blood stained clothes the FL wears for days while fleeing from the war stays on her for a couple of scenes, which makes sense because they don’t have time to wash their clothes or properly take care of themselves during a time of war while fleeing for their lives.
the stylists and make up artists did a great job at portraying the characters as sick because they really looked like they were going through it!
the battle scenes are the most frightening i’ve seen so far from any drama. there were scenes where my body was tense with anticipation or worry from both the politics and the life or death scenes. i physically squirmed when a sword was pierced through someone’s body as if it’s happening to me. at times it felt like a horror movie!
none of the characters are one-dimensioned and the actors delivered astounding performances. phenomenal. i feel so proud as if i know the cast personally.
the story telling is so evocative and thought provoking.
the ML’s voice is everything. my phone literally vibrates when he speaks. so raspy. so deep. so calm. so confident. his appearance is a delightful treat for the eyes.
approaching the final episodes, i was worried if the end was going to turn this drama into a ktrauma for me. i can’t fully express how glad i am it didn’t because i enjoyed every minute of it!
this drama is definitely first-class. i’m fondly going to remember this one.
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One of the most painful love story I have ever seen .
If you liked Moon Lovers, don't waste your time reading this, just go watch this masterpiece!the only thing I can say is : if I find someone that could do for me at least half of what they have done for each other in this drama, I would be happily married for the rest of my life.
Why did they suffered so much ? The man SAVED a country for her !!!!! There's no real man that could do that. And there's no way that man is from Joseon during that time, he must have been a time traveler. Just come back to present days and be with me , Jang Hyun 😭
Thank you again korea for making me have even higher standards for a relationship.
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This review may contain spoilers
"My Dearest" is a drama about Gil Chae, a young woman who dreams about falling in love and marrying the man of her dreams. She thinks that person is Yeon Joon and does everything to win his heart, but nothing works, since Yeon Joo likes Eun Ae. Then suddenly Jang Hyun appears and totally changed her life.The romance between Gil Chae and Jang Hyun is something that instantly grabs you, the two have great chemistry on screen and you fall in love with them, but I think I must be one of the only people who wasn't rooting for them at the end of the season.
It was clear how much Jang Hyun cared for Gil Chae, but when she needed someone the most, he was always somewhere else and Gil Chae ended up having to save herself. She ran away when the war started, hid from the invaders and helped Bang Doo give birth. Then, to escape the island, she saved the prince's baby and managed to save everyone. The war finally ended, but not the problems. In order to survive, Gil Chae worked alongside men, sold things in gisaeng houses, not caring about anything or anyone, listening to insults from basically everyone and that, in my opinion, is harder than surviving any war, for someone as proud as her. Finally, when Gil Chae was fine and thinking about moving on, Jang Hyun comes back and messes with the girl's feelings, but I would have made the same decision as Gil Chae and stayed. After everything she did, it's not right for her to abandon her family for her own happiness, especially since they depend on her. Gil Chae has grown up so much with everything that has happened to her, she started the drama as a spoiled girl and ended it as an independent woman!
It's an incredible production, it exceeded all my expectations, but I still don't really like this format of dividing it into two seasons, because now we have to wait to find out what will happen.
Given the style of the drama, I don't know if a happy ending is possible, it seems more like it will end in tragedy and the first episode was what made me think about that. When we see that person in jail, who is telling the story about Jang Hyun, I immediately thought of Gil Chae and if that is true, besides them not ending up together, because Jang Hyun probably died, she would have been locked up and considered crazy by the others, always waiting for him. But when I finished the last episode, I thought of another possibility, I think it could be Ryang Eum, because he is clearly also in love with Jang Hyun.
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