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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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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This review may contain spoilers
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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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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This review may contain spoilers
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?
This review may contain spoilers
Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin made this look like reality
The producers and director captured and presented exactly what this story told. It's cinematography is spectacular & makes you feel like you're right there amidst the jangle and luxury of 1636. Try not to read reviews that spoil the crafting of this story's characters; just let this one happen to you for it is sublime & epic. There are dramas/movies where the wonder and appeal cannot be easily described, only experienced. And if you're a lover of Classic Art in any format, once the soundtrack and ballads begin it will touch your senses deeply.The main characters are unaware they will start a journey of recognition and self discovery . Gil Chae is immature & thinks she already has life figured out because of her beauty. Jang Hyeun is a man with deep convictions learned from real life encounters, to him love is sacred & humans are incapable of it. He thinks the woman he desires doesn't exist; he's seen them all. Yet the mystery of recognition starts once these characters meet. I found myself speaking to them out loud. Many times I wanted to advise and comfort Jang Hyeon; or give Gil Chae a wake-up call. The casting is phenomenal; each role delights, disgusts, infuriates, intoxicates, puzzles, and surprises you as needed. And if any role gives that icky uncertain feeling, time will expose their true nature. One in particular (Ryang Eum) will capture your enduring empathy as a tragic character. Whatever attracts us to dramas is very subjective; if actors Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin don't capture your imagination immediately this drama might not be for you.
The romance involves a lot of characters vying for our two main characters affections; sometimes very tenderly and sweetly, sometimes brutally; sometimes in an covert manner. Jealousy will reveal or defeat itself in countless ways - tenderly or brutally. I would have watched this sooner had synopsis been better. But there are true heroes within the realm of humanity (warts and all). Even though romance is my main draw, the historical backdrop is eye opening and educational (about politics, philosophy & culture). Psychological conflicts, mental instability and insanity abounds.
It isn't obvious this is a 2 season series. Series 1 ends in the storyline where things are almost too confused to see forward. So although it backtracks a bit in Series 2, DO NOT use any fast forwarding when scenes get uncomfortable because the story is told in a way you will miss important information and dialogue. And because dream sequences are a prominent theme throughout, you will get the wrong idea or make assumptions especially towards the end.
After watching this to completion, I have two criticisms:
(1) the happy ending is scrunched up in the last 10 minutes. I don't know why this is a constant in many long dramas!!!! It would be more satisfying if "the END" took at least half of the last episode's runtime - say 35 minutes. Viewers would WELCOME that reward having persevered through the nerve wracking twists, turns, and angst of a 21 episode battle for the main characters.
(2) this story took place over 23 years. But the passage of time isn't always obvious with vast distances back and forth between Joseon and the Qing dynasty. A date given at the end of this story means our lead characters are in their 40s at the very end.
So this is a VERY ‼️sad tale if the timeline is taken into account. And especially why producers should give viewers more in the way of satisfaction. We want to see what "happily ever after" looks like by golly!!!!. Still, this really is a 10 ⭐️ production.
Additional warning ⚠️ : watching Jang Hyeun's character express and welcome feelings he's never had before is dazzling. If you're very sensitive, it will be emotionally exhausting to watch when he repeatedly risks his life for the people/person he loves. Actor Namkoong Min dupes you into thinking his role is non-fiction. Be forewarned, your empathy will pour out in buckets. He is self sufficient, clear thinking but misses well deserved happiness by seconds countless times. Yet from the beginning to the end he remained true to his nature against he backdrop of such a horrific time in history.
This is now, the MOST BEAUTIFUL historical (sageuk) drama I've ever seen.
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Once in a year drama
How can I start describing this marvel of a gem?I am mostly used to kdramas who are pretty much same story lines, although entertaining and fun to watch, they are always familiar and loveable. Whether it is a legal drama, rom com, comedy or thriller.
Rarely we get kdramas that distinguish themselves very different from what we usually watch. Misaeng, my liberator notes, my mister, weak hero class 1, etc. Now you know what kind of drama I am speaking about.
My dearest, isn't a drama, it like watching a well written novel. Each and every part of the drama, every second of it is not wasted on unnecessary filler just to drag till 16 episodes. Every episode is like a chapter of a book, every character is unique, each distinguish themselves and sets them apart uniquely. Whatever things they and whatever choices they make won't seem random, because each character was given personality and not just dialogues that sum up a story.
And the most incredible thing is, both ML and FL characters are inspiration from Gone with the wind. But I have to say entire drama doesn't copy gone with the wind, but often times you get those vibes especially in the beginning. ML and FL, are complicated characters and Fl shows incredible character growth and is so unique. Fl is a brat, selfish and entitled at beginning, but she grows so much as a person in a ways that very admirable. Mi Jung from my liberation notes, hye jin from hometown cha cha cha, deok im from red sleeve are the recent kdramas that had such determined unique females who had incredible character changes, this drama does the same.
As for love story part, this drama isn't about romance or a simply historical romance story. It's main theme is love story but it is a very realistic drama, so it takes every other element that belongs to part of life of that era, and a characters thought processes, their personalities into consideration.
A must watch kdrama.
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A PERIOD DRAMA MASTERPIECE
"My Dearest" is one of the best period k-drama. From Cinematography, story, set up, locations, customs, action, actors and of course the main leads. It is a roller coaster of emotion from episode 1 to episode 21.I love the character development of the female and male lead. Their love story is a series of love, longing, pain, suffering and dedication. It breaks you and heal you then break you again and heal you over and over again. Lee Jang-hyun unwavering love to Gil-chae is one of the highlight of the story. As a women you will eventually realize you want to experience that kind of love in this lifetime.
You will feel so much emotions in every scene. It was perfectly written and beautifully acted.
Namkoong Min performance as Lee Jang-hyun is exceptional. His smile, his action, his facial expression, his longing face. They deserve all the awards!
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A love that is true but keeps tumbling over.
[I'm aware that the ending is one of the heated topics right now but I'm going to try to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible.]Whew.... this drama was BRUTAL.
It is so rare nowadays to find a drama that you get so into it and y'know what makes it better? 'My Dearest' was not entirely a predictable story even though we were all made aware that it wasn't going to be a jolly one.
A story of two imperfect people who are in love but due to their circumstances and unresolved misunderstandings, their love keeps tumbling over. Yoo Gil Chae and Lee Jang Hyun have such a gosh darn sickeningly, amazing and addictive oozing chemistry that whatever awful thing hit the fan, I found myself rooting for them. Truly great performances from Ahn Eun Jin and Namkoong Min.
I was in for a treat when I realised just what I got myself into: pure but beautiful angst. At first, Gil Chae was that character that I found entertaining, might be a bit immature and full of herself. Yes, she has the milkshake that brings all the boys to the yard. And damn right, it's better than yours. However, she totally bloomed into a strong and reliable character that I grew to love. Even then, she has always been a woman that was capable. Is she perfect? No. She has her issues but they're also understandable. For Gil Chae's case, she couldn't accept that the man in her dreams could be someone else other than Yeon Jun. While I know many might disagree with me, I personally like that the drama highlights that feelings for someone don't shift that fast. If this turned out to be like any other romance drama out there, it would no longer have a unique perception of a romance story. Maybe I'm just a masochist but it's nice to see something different for once.
The drama has some really nice screenshot-worthy moments (most of the time). I really like the camera angles and editing on this one. It adds details to the scene and makes me want to tear up even more. The music was not bad too. The cast was amazing. Not one person here missed. If I were to nitpick, I think the timeline was a bit weird on the last episode. Overall, the production quality for this one was pretty good imo.
By the way, can we appreciate that the women here are not fighting against each other but instead are standing up for each other? We don't get to see that in dramas very often and I genuinely appreciated that the writers didn't create unnecessary drama between my girls, Eun Ae and Gil Chae. They had the most precious bond in this drama despite Gil Chae's feelings for Yeon Jun.
This drama doesn't shy away as it is quite realistic in terms of how the war affected people. The women who had to go through so much hell, the grief people had for their loved ones, how prisoners were tortured and the bitter truth that the poor suffered harder than the rich. In addition, the annoying ones who take credit when they haven't done a single thing for the country.
The great contrast of past scenes to the current one makes up for a good way to show the viewers a clear picture of the situation that the characters in.
I'll try to be as discrete as possible but I believe the ending had a lot of weight more on Gil Chae than Jang Hyun. Are we not going to talk about how difficult Gil Chae's situation was? She has so much that she'll be leaving behind while Jang Hyun has the freedom to go as he pleases. Personally, I also found the guilt tripping and Jang Hyun being inconsiderate of her situation quite frustrating. I'm not ignoring the hurt that Jang Hyun feels but it felt like he was being selfish for not thinking about her case. Both Gil Chae and Jang Hyun were not aware of what went down from their last meeting which caused a lot of misunderstandings. This is also what I like about the ending because usually, in dramas, these misunderstandings might get fixed in a flash but here, it was much more complex and interesting.
I will not mention the person but we all know who to blame. I couldn't accept it at first because I got attached to this character. It is obvious that it was out of jealousy but it was not right. I'm highkey scared of what they'll do next.
In conclusion, I will forever not be over this drama. I was super invested every Friday and Saturday so I'll miss the fun (pain) I had. I'm sure there will be more heartbreak for Part 2 so better brace yourselves. I stand with my rating of 10. After the number of times I suffered, swooned and was treated like a punching bag, it's safe to say that this drama still became one of my top dramas this year.
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