This review may contain spoilers
2023 was not that bad with My Dearest !!
Where do I even start?? I started many dramas from 2023 and 2024, and either I put them on hold, or I was so disappointed. This one is an exception. Maybe it's because it has just 10 episodes, but those 10 episodes were worth every single minute.The cinematography, production, and aesthetics were outstanding. Even though it was set during wartime, the locations were beautiful and calming.
The plot was amazing, and I was never bored. Each character added depth to the drama, showing what Joseon was like at that time—people’s beliefs, how women were taught, and how they should act during war.
Gil Chae and Jang Hyun were the exceptions to the rule; they were a match made in heaven. They had different beliefs and perspectives on life, not caring about what others thought of them.
Goong Min was the actor that pushed me to start this drama. He's one of my favorite actors and just knows his stuff. I can't imagine anyone else playing this character; it was made for him. His interactions with Gil Chae were so sweet—always teasing her, promising her, searching for her, finding her, helping her, and protecting her!
The songs that Ryang Eum sang were just so mesmerizing! They're stuck in my head.
As expected, the end of this part was dramatic, with the main leads having to separate. They added that last scene with the bounty hunter, making us wonder if he would fall for another woman.
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A real gem and absolute masterpiece!!
First of all, I've never thought that I'd feel so bad cause I haven't discovered such a k-drama sooner, plus that i've never been an historical k-drama fan, but this is beyond the good i had expected! I knew the actress but I think i didn't know her enough to watch her portray "Gil Chae" in such an outstanding way, and about Namkoong Min? i was chocked, I was blown away 'cause there was no way it was just an acting, I remember me saying during the first 4 episodes "Ahhh! so that's ACTING!"the cast was just perfect, it felt like watching a real life movie where every character means something to us, and yes! i still remember their name, because what do you mean forgetting "gak hwa" and "Ryang eum" ? without them there would not be any extra fire and plots...
I've watched this k-drama more than four times and everytime i rewatch it i discover something, A new OST i didn't catch while focusing on the acting, Or the haunting cinematography i couldn't enjoy while savouring every melody of its OSTs, and the one underrated original soundtrack is called With My Heart (다만 마음으로만) .
the chemistry speaks to me everytime, i can't imagine ahn eunjin now acting with some other male actor because of her chemistry with namkoon min, and if that means something it means how good they looked together and how great their acting was! I loved the outfits as well, i loved how professional and perfectionist the acting was that they paid attention to the pschological state of gil chae in the second season and how she clearly lost weight to portray the traumatised went through a lot gil chae, and that was just so professional, the characters personalities were perfectly chosen, gak hwa which is the qing princess vs gil chae the nungunri noblewoman, jang hyun the mysterious who appears in her village oneday, they were studied well, the misogamist who still wants to win gilchae who believe marriage as a part of their traditions, dignity and nobleness, these contradictions created that chemistery, that hesitation, that longing and yearning, which made the drama even more powerful, this k-drama made me cry, i have to confess that i had stopped watching it especially during the episode 12 because it felt too hard, but after only two days i continued and instantly regretted stopping it, i've watched it twice at the same year, listened to its osts everyday, had its posters on my laptop, and sang its covers, but the most important part? the quote... the magical quote! the iconic confession! i would have rated it 11 if i could, but that's because i wished we had an even clearer ending, even more chemistry and time together, even more fight scenes... and still, my dearest k-drama will always be my dearest!!
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Just an amazing acting and story
It's rare that I can rewatch a Kdrama many times. This drama is one of them. It's meant to be a Korean version of Gone with the Wind. The writing, the acting, the chemistry all work for this drama.The actress performs well for her role. She has the arrogance and innocence of Scarlett O'hara. She's not as beautiful as some Korean actresses who had cosmetic surgeries, but she made up for her presence in the story.
Anyways, if you are debating whether to watch it or not, I highly recommend. I am surprised that I love it even better than gone with the wind!
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An another level drama
An another level drama. A masterpiece.I think it will be one of the top drama in my list. Top Kdrama 2023.
Very beautiful drama.
Watching this feels like I really feel the sound of flowers, the sound of wave, the sound of wind, the sound of snow.
Every bit of silent momen in this drama is beautiful and elegant.
This drama is rewatchable, but not in the near future, it takes a lot of energy to watch it.
And I can also confirm that I got post-traumatic drama disorder after watching this.
Looks like I need a cheap romcom drama after watching this.
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A Glass Half Empty
Well, someone has to put on their big boy pants here. If there’s anything I for certain have gotten out of this drama is that I wouldn’t mind if it ended with Ryang Eum taking off h-..My Dearest, where do i begin? Have i already begun? Hell could i even tell you after a ridiculously long “part 1” that this drama even began yet? I’m sorry , let me get the few praises i have out the way that made me stick through and why anyone contemplating may want to give it a go.
Cast
Yes this is indeed Namkoong Min’s world and we’re just living in it. Emphasis on namkoong min alone, not his character. In fact I’ll get it out the way that there’s not a single character besides one (I’ll get to) that satisfied me on screen. BUT!..but, the casting surprisingly held its own to enhance the mediocrity my now dreary eyes couldn’t get enough of. Namkoong Min is truly a delight no matter what he’s starred in, i can watch the man stare in longing from afar for hours. Actually, should i rewind and start a timer? I think we have already, no? Was at least 10% of this drama not comprised o-. Sigh, pros… pros. The rest were good enough, big ups for the antagonists here.
Cinematography
Watch the trailer. Yeah no just watch the tr-Shut up, turn the trailer on. Want more? Of course you do .
Jack of all Trades, Master of None
Listen, we have a bit of almost everything here that almost every kdrama fan can’t get enough of. Cliche romantic setups, poetic dialogue, BL, stunning settings, censored BL, intense love triangles as confusing as they are everchanging. Hm, anticlimatic cliffhangers keeping us flat on the center of our chairs, oh hey Ryang. Grand action sequences , sleeve tugging, not now Ryang, heart numbing departures, weirdly timed confessions, me too Ryang. Know it all there for it all wingmen. Oh so mysterious and seemingly tragic pasts, singing, fine ,one more Ryang. Damsels in distress, but hey, capable damsels? Trying betrayals, ah, slam him harder against the wall, more passion, t-that’ll show him.
Fyi, i enjoyed all of these and more for some reason. And for that same reason unknown to me, I’m sure anyone contemplating on watching it now would too. Would i say any of these were executed profoundly? No, but I wouldn’t say any of them were done in some piss poor manner either, more so a delicate tinkle.
Character
No not characters, let me introduce the most refreshing female lead to hit the screen in 2023, that I’ve wa-. Yoo Gil Chae is this manipulative, seemingly selfish, obnoxiously stubborn, clueless, hopeless romantic young woman finding herself during a dark time in Neunggun-ri that’s falling down on her quicker and heavier than anyone at that point of time could ever imagine. Forcing this carefree woman to adapt quickly in extremely harsh and boundary pushing surroundings. What once was manipulating others’ infatuation and frustrations for her personal gain in favor, entertainment ,and reputation suddenly had to shift into taking advantage of the cards dealt in front of her in order to survive and protect those she care for. This selfish woman going with almost any means necessary to make it through one more cold insufferable night, day by day. You have the absolute pleasure of witnessing these strengths and weaknesses contrast in several completely different and expansive situations. Sometimes with relieving and maturing results, other times leading to deeper holes and despair. Ladies and gentlemen, Namkoong Min may hold the star power, but there’s no other character here that holds a torch to the ever-growing flame that is Yoo Gil Chae. She alone made this worth my time, she alone may make this worth watching part 2 if i weren’t currently exaggerating my ass off from the temporary fulfillment her character has given me in comparison to the other mediocrity.
Episode 6
I do not care what anyone has said or tells you. This point here is what sold me on this drama’s potential that it later fell flat on. Not the drastic tone change in the beginning episodes, though impressive in contrasting. Hell if you would want to just spring on ahead of the other episodes to see what i mean, I wouldn’t advise otherwise. This was the peak for me, all the way through, what happened before and after this episode? Couldn’t tell you.
I don’t wish to convince anybody to turn away from this series, as there’s some quite impactful stuff here to miss out on. But I wouldn’t consider this a must try either. At moments it has everything going for it. But then there’s the ineptness of the pacing here of what feels like a story meant to be told in it’s entirety within what is made out to be the first half? The extremely questionable actions and senseless confusion from these characters that had me questioning if i’m just not comprehending the full picture drawn out. The sole plot progression tool and absolute bot of a character Eun Ae went out her way to be. The complete abomination of a “part 1” finale that was just all over the place in pacing and writing that terrifies me in even opening a trailer for the inevitable second half around the corner. These are hot takes, simpleminded thoughts to avoid deep dives and heavy spoilers just to take a shit on this drama in full cognition. My single half assed rant amongst the swarming amounts of well thought out reviews treasuring this drama for plenty of valid reasons. I’m currently half awake and pissed at the potential I personally didn’t find this drama coming close to. Constantly sipping away at some cheap wine i know would be empty soon. Admittedly addicting ,but no memorable notes. Now a trade of my time for a bit of yours.
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A beautiful masterpiece!
I loved watching this drama, from the start to the end. It was touching, romantic, surprising and just beautiful.The cast is so amazing, both main leads and second leads, they were all perfect for their roles.
The story was very special, and I thought that, for an historic drama, it was kind of very modern!
I can't express how much I loved this drama, writters and cast deserve so many rewards for this masterpiece.
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the missed opportunities made me pause and rethink all of my life choices
GOD , am not someone who enjoys the historical/war aspects of a kdramas especially if it contains elements of abuse,grape , violence...i mean DUH its war😂but despite my reluctance, i found myself enjoying the story in some parts even if i couldn't get why they did half of the actions nd only supported jung hyung's actions cause that man is SMARTTTT like damnnn.-what made this kdrama the best experience for me is the romance parts nd let me tell u something,the angst , the yearning, the freaking crying , the light touches , the HUGS omgggg and their expressions? they only acted with their faces half the time with no touching involved and it got me on my knees.
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Fate is about timing
Where do I begin?!I've heard of this saying (fate is about timing)..this series had me in a chokehold from the 1st episode, it was beautifully written and the brilliant actors was 👌🏾👌🏾
our main couple meet by chance shortly after the FL had had a dream about our ML, and it was love at first sight for our ML(she?..not so much) but that did not deter our ML(even after learning of her crush to someone else) in that time period she was considered (brash,loud mouth, forward) amongst other things. Our couple is then taken on a journey like no other and we get to see them in different stages of the their lives during the war and their timing being off(frustratingly so), which led to her getting married
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My Dearest?
“My Dearest” is without a doubt one of the best historical romance series I’ve ever watched. At first—especially during the first two episodes—you might think you’re dealing with a cliché and repetitive storyline, but if you give it some time, you’ll slowly find yourself completely drawn into it.
• The visual effects, battle scenes, and action sequences are absolutely stunning.
• The acting is flawless and highly professional. The love visible in Jang-hyun’s eyes and Gil-chae’s transformation from an innocent, naive girl into a wounded yet mature woman are conveyed entirely through their performances, which truly highlights the actors’ skill.
• The cinematography and high production quality clearly reflect the professionalism and dedication of the production team.
• The storyline is deeply engaging and emotionally gripping. Unlike many historical dramas that rely heavily on clichés, this series presents a different perspective on a nation’s fate—how a country is pulled into war and how each individual plays a role in shaping its destiny.
Honestly, I can’t fully describe how much I love this series. I’m genuinely in love with it, and words just aren’t enough 😂
However, despite my deep love for the show, there were two aspects I personally found disappointing:
1. The timeline isn’t clearly defined, which makes it confusing for viewers to understand the time gaps between events.
2. I had hoped that everything would end at the beach in episode 20, with Jang-hyun dying there while surrounded by soldiers. But instead, he survived, and a completely different final episode (episode 21) was presented.
How is it that events spanning ten years required twenty episodes, while another ten years were wrapped up in just one episode?
Episode 21, in my opinion, didn’t live up to the quality of the rest of the series. Because of that, I personally choose to imagine that Jang-hyun died on the beach and that the story ended with episode 20.
Despite these two flaws, this series holds immense value for me. I truly enjoyed every moment of watching it and have absolutely no regrets.
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An amazing kdrama series
This is the most amazing k-drama series I have ever seen in my life!!!!The story,the screenplay,the music,the cast are really incredible. The series is a blockbuster for sure.The male lead(Namkoong Min) is fantastic and the female lead Ahn Eun Jin) has become a great actress!!!The plot is amazing and you never know how the story will go on,is really unexpected.
I believe that every k-drama lover must see this tv-series .It is right that they won so many awards since it is a masterpiece.
I recommend this drama unreservedly !!!!
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????☺️??☹️?? (MY EMOTIONS THROUGHOUT THE DRAMA LOL)
OH MY PRECIOUS HEART? 😭 This has got tk be the best Historical Kdrama out there. You definitely must prepare urself mentally if you are planning to watch this drama. Coz this drama was a roller coaster of emotions for me. The storyline the OST and even the chemistry between the LEADS!! Ughh Chefs kiss. 💋 I’m definitely gonna miss them.LOVE TO EVERYONE AND THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THE LOVELY DRAMA YALL ARE THE BEST!! 😭💗💗💗
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The sound of flowers
I truly believe if you look up epic love story it’ll be them that shows up, because if the first time someone ever meets me he describes hearing flowers bloom my heart will skip a beat. Gil chae and Jang hyeon truly deserves everything good in life because their journey throughout this show was just heart wrenching. Even the side couples from the elderly couple, to the crown, prince and princess, to jong jong and Goo Jam their stories were so beautifully made, even the little side characters made the story so very emotional this show will make you cry, laugh and feel all your feelings but it is so incredibly worth it.Was this review helpful to you?
