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Good stakes but tonal whiplash
I know this entire series is highly regarded and there are moments where I can completely see why — it’s probably one of the most high-stakes historical dramas I’ve ever seen, and the acting and production value are all great. In this first batch of 10 episodes though, I found the tonal inconsistencies to be really difficult to keep up with.The first episodes are really light-hearted, and we have a really spoiled main female character; this definitely makes for good character development later on as layers get peeled back and we start seeing that there’s much more to her, but those first few episodes were really hard to sit through. That combined with a similar obnoxious personality for our male lead meant that I didn’t really root for our leads to be together — not until later. It doesn’t help that the show uses a lot of tropes that I don’t really buy into or that I find frustrating, like dream symbolism or miscommunications.
About halfway, the heavy stuff starts, and that’s when I start to care about it. The political strategy stuff is not always the most interesting to watch, but seeing the FL become stronger and try to protect her friends was great, and probably the highlight of the season. Which is why it kind of jarring weird when the tone suddenly reverted back to being bright again when the previous conflict was resolved. And then it went back to being dark again when another conflict was introduced. I’m not against moments of humor in shows with life-or-death stakes, but I think it wasn’t balanced very well between scenes or episodes.
I’m a little sad that I didn’t like this as much as the rest, but I still have high hopes for Part 2.
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This review may contain spoilers
Conflicting yet Desiring
Period dramas always bring various conflicts that heightens to an uprising or a war. My Dearest may be such a tender title for it gives us the story of two people who had pushed and pulled their feelings for one another, not admitting that they are attracted to each other.Like any Korean period drama, it depicts the women to be more desirable if one has various talents while the men being scholars or of high-ranking official. There is a caste system which causes the singles to choose only those within their societal levels. But Gil Chae isn't your typical leading lading. In fact, she is not the 'artistic' type and is somewhat mischievous and manipulative. She knows she is beautiful and can attract any man, except the one her eyes delight in. Jang Hyeon, rightfully described in the synopsis is mysterious. No one knows his roots, or his abilities. What people think is that he is a playboy, enjoys the company of women without being married to. Both Gil Chae and Jang Hyeon have already pre-conceived ideas of each other. They may be drawn to each other, but what they say is not what is in their hearts. The circumstances surrounding them, the Qing invasion, the war, the survival, the escape all contributed to the push and pull of their relationship.
My heartaches when Ryang Eum had not been truthful to Gil Chae. Does he not really want her to be with Jang Hyeon? Does he not want to part from him? Is it bias or selfishness? There are unspoken reasons for the actions of Ryang Eum. The timing of their meeting was really bad. And I can feel Jang Hyeon's pain as he heard and saw who the bride is. Gil Chae chose to marry someone else - was it for survival of her family? or was it out of gratitude to save them? or was it to save face as everyone knew already of this engagement? Will there be even a reason for Jang Hyeon to fight the Qing? Will there be any reason for him to hope in reuniting with Gil Chae?
What I love about Gil Chae is her courage that shone when she tried to save her friend. She is ingenuous, and a creative person which made her good in business. She learned that from Jang Hyeon. She does not know how much Jang Hyeon had to go through in order to survive, even to be an instrument to save the king, despite not his aim. She does not know how skillful he is in combat and all along, she thought someone else saved her.
Namkoong Min is right in saying that he does not consider Ahn Eun Jin as a junior but an equal (when he accepted his best actor award). We have seen that Ahn Eun Jin embraced her character and is an equal of Namkoong Min 's character. Their characters unfolded and little by little developed as they continue to find each other.
About the production, this is immense. Locations, costumes, the Korean army and the Qing army may not be the main thing but surely completed the feel of a period drama. The music, especially Ryang Eum's singing is haunting. I wonder if Kim Yoon Woo really sings.
This drama also shows that those who go to war also fear - fear to die and they depicted this especially for the scholars who were never trained in battle. So, we should be reminded to honor those who defended our countrymen in the past for their sacrifices.
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Gone With The Wind Joseon Style
This drama has Gone With The Wind written all over it. That was obvious by the second episode. Lee Jang Hyun is the rakish Rhett Butler, Yoo Gil Chae is the willful and determined Scarlett O'Hara, Nam Yeon Jun is the wavering Ashley Wilkes and Kyung Eun Ae is the trusting and loyal Melanie Wilkes. I'm 6 episodes in so I wonder if they'll do anything to make the story a bit more original. I hope so.As always Namkoong Min is excellent. I just wish the dialogue was worthy of him. The character is a bit too loquacious for a mysterious man. The dream sequence in episode 1 is one of the most beautifully shot pieces of footage I have ever seen.
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Set during the righteous and perfect Qing rule over Korea.
The warning "this story is about fictitious events" always makes me cringe, as it seems like Joseon never existed. Nice respect for history...
Already in the first episode we find something Koreans are very good at, erasing history to make themselves great. The Emperor... historically inaccurate since he was a coward.
Cultural appropriation of Chinese sewing techniques, Chinese hanfu. Phrases said to mock China, its history, its culture and its multi-ethnicity, because Korea is poor.
The story is absolutely ridiculous, out of context and the romance context completely unrelated to the real story. A cast of actors who can't act, the two protagonists too detached and modern compared to the historical context. The story lacks a balance between romance and historical context .
The two protagonists are cringe from episode to episode. Th side characters are ridiculous and lacks depth.
Historical inaccuracies every now and then.
Bad direction and camera, without color balance that make the visuals squalid.
It totally falls after half and the ending is bad and casual
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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
Part 1 is incomplete without Part 2
This is everything the 9/10 star say!Gil Chae is a brat at first and Jung Hyun ‘held his cards close’ for good reason. Gil Chae needed to grow up before he was going to confess his heart to her. Their individual stories are equally interesting - putting others ahead of themselves. They were both extraordinary people in their own right ultimately becoming each other’s match.
Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin were equally exceptional and perfectly cast in this drama. Neither outshined the other as they played their own roles - as well as into each other’s roles - perfectly. AEJ gave such believable intense emotions. I could feel what she was feeling. Sometimes I was even breathing like her, my heart wanting to leap out of my chest (last 15 minutes last episode the most recent example). NMK was a full basket of sides to his character and he delivered each side perfectly. You could feel his heart for the captives, his contempt for the dysfunctional king, his annoyance at the hypocrisy in the nobles, and his love for Gil Chae.
Lee Hak Joo as Yeon Jun and Lee Da In as Eun-Ae were also excellent as the second main leads. YJ was honorable to a fault - so blinded by his loyalty to an emotionally corrupt King. I wanted to write him off more than once. Eun-Ae was loving and loyal to both YJ and GC to the end. Such a wonderful character.
Ryang Eum was kind and wholly devoted to JH but in Part 1 a mixed bag of that love, loyalty, and deceit.
This is a beautiful story complete with all the feels! Watch if that appeals to you. You won’t be disappointed.
Did I mention the very handsome Namkoong Min has the most beautiful eyes????
Part 1 is incomplete without Part 2. See part 2 review for more thought.
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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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A love story that feel earned
My Dearest is a nearly perfect romance drama with excellent casting, outstanding acting, and a beautifully executed storyline. Every element comes together to create a compelling and emotionally engaging story that keeps me invested in the characters and their journey.One thing I particularly love about this drama is how every character has their own flaws, strengths, and personal struggles. Rather than remaining the same throughout the story, they gradually develop and change as they face different challenges. Their growth feels natural because it is shaped by their experiences, choices, and the circumstances surrounding them.
What makes the romance between the leads especially satisfying is how naturally they fall in love. Their relationship doesn’t feel forced by the writer just to create a romantic pairing. Instead, their feelings develop through their interactions, experiences, and the challenges they face together. I can understand why they fall for each other, which makes their relationship feel believable and emotionally rewarding.
Overall, My Dearest is an exceptional romance drama that understands how to develop both its characters and their relationships. The compelling storyline, natural character development, and convincing romance make it a memorable drama for me. It is the kind of love story that feels earned rather than simply written into existence.
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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?
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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Prefect k drama
My Dearest is an absolute masterpiece. This historical K-drama delivers a flawless blend of sweeping romance and intense heartbreak. Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin give career-defining performances with electric chemistry. With stunning cinematography and an epic score, this is a non-negotiable watch!Was this review helpful to you?
