My Dearest

A character driven story that was overpowered by the plot

I haven’t written a review in a while so bear with me
As a kid I played this Pride & Prejudice game, a multi choice story board with different endings
For example if Lizzy chose to dance with Mr Darcy the first time they met, or if she accept his first proposal, things would be different
How so? In the second scenario he never went back to their mansion, he thought she was a simple win, maybe even after his money so he didn’t love her as dearly

And well getting back to the review, this is what happened here, the setting was simple, a flirtatious girl meets the heartbreaker
And then we started getting constant sidetracking plotlines

For me eps4&5 then 8&9 were the best simply because it was about gilchae, our sweet naive girl’s journey and growth
For her, shoes and boys were her pastime activities , she had no worries, no threats
Her love was a product of that fantasy and “only” future plan for girls, to get married
Anyway as janghyun shook her world and the war broke her world, we get a simultaneous narrative of two different prospectives

To me all men looked at gilchae like she was gullible. They never accepted her feelings and never thought it was anything more than a youthful vigor. And that is the curse of age gaps, men think they’re more mature and have a deeper acknowledgment of the world

The fantasy dream of janghyun shows how he never understood or got to see the gilchae that had to mature, from the island but more so when all the male figures in her life weren’t there to “save and protect” them, the women who were raised to stay home and take cover while the men did everything.
So she had to get up, work, make men listen and try hard to show results to gain money to survive while also getting respect as a figure able to plan and plot

I am glad, eventho it was messy, I’m glad they had finally both talked it all out, that was three or more years of two incredibly frustrating people that didn’t show their vulnerability
Every time they had to actually admit their feelings they would switch it up with bickering and teasing that did become burdensome and increased misunderstandings

But anyway if she had gone with him, she’d always feel guilty about her family and he’d think she hated him for it so the best choice was to stay
Just like how janghyun said if he had “went to her faster” he worried she’d get over him and that was basically why he played hard to get, which also led to frustration and made gilchae trust him less

Now they also need ten more eps, so they had to end on heartache but either the husband lets her go, idk how their separation works. Or he dies and she can be free
By then I hope janghyun sees her as a mature person rather than a fancy object in forms of a love interest

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It will suck you in instantaneously

I mostly binged this part and it was probably the best decision since it's an easy watch. By that I mean, it is very easy to sink into the story. It captivates you. There is a lot happening constantly so you certainly won't be bored. It also has some very emotional moments. At least they were for me. I was on the verge of tears at least a couple of times so expect angst as it delivers it well.

The war scenes were brutal without being too gorey. They left it to the audience's understanding of what might have happened/is happening and I am thankful to not have to seen some of those scenes. Else it would have required me to take a lot of breaks. It's nothing close to Game Of Thrones if you need an idea. There are some action scenes but not that much and nothing that blew me away. It's less skill and more about war tactics.

I enjoyed the character development of the female lead. How she changed from being self-obsessed and somewhat immature to having great strength, wonderful leadership qualities, being a quick learner and strong-willed. The male lead on the other hand gives off red flag vibes initially but falls hard for the female lead so there were several points where he won my heart. There's a lot of push and pull happening.

If you prefer quick resolutions, don't bother. It's a bit of a rollercoaster. The final episode may leave you feeling a tad annoyed. But nothing we didn't expect I suppose.

All actors were brilliant. The OST is beautiful. Hopefully part 2 will be satisfying.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama " My Dearest " is part one of the historical melodrama, following the lives of two tragic lovers that fate and their own mistakes keep them apart.

The drama starts off seemingly like every other historical romance, with some light moments, some comical sketches, and two leads that seem to be constantly fighting and loathing each other, even though, underneath it, there is an undeniable tension brewing. Soon, however, things take another turn. War breaks out and the characters come face to face with its ruthless reality. Hereafter, the story goes deeper and deeper into darker waters, with the drama hitting its pick towards the ending, when the characters have gone through a huge character development, and their stories coming together. The ending, even though its just the end of the first half, was just what the story needed to fully embrace the melodrama.

Moreover, the performances were masterful, by everyone in the cast, but especially the two main leads, whose chemistry was deliciously enjoyable.

So, overall, nine and a half out of ten.

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A thrilling, epic historical romance. Well worth a watch . . .

Some caveats on the portrayal of the 'barbarians' at the end:

Lee Jang Hyun is a familiar character, a world-weary ex spy or military man who hides his skills and history behind a joking, frivolous womanizing mask. What is unique, is that he meets Yoo Gil Chae an entitled, determined and crafty 'fox' of her village and falls head over heels for her because of these qualities, not in spite of them. Here, though young and immature, is a woman who has the resilience to survive. As these characters get tossed to and fro, partially due to being in the middle of a tragic and gory war, and partially due to their own inability to be vulnerable, you very much cheer on their survival and happiness.

Towards the end, the miscommunications and missed connections stretch into the absurd. It is understandable that both characters would prioritize their country, community or family over their romantic love - laudable even. It's also understandable that both misunderstand each other - assuming that their love was weak instead of that their duty called on them to act differently. This does not forgive the lack of letter writing and direct communication of the last episode. The lack of communication during war is forgivable - during peacetime less so, and so some points were knocked off for that.

The acting here is believable and top notch, not for one moment from the main characters to the supporting characters, was I ever taken out of the story. Namkoong Min does an excellent job in the early episodes of hinting at the cold competent nature that hides behind the mask. Ahn Eun Jin has the difficult job of portraying a character with many unlikeable flaws and making her come alive and be endearing and she does just that.

The music was sweeping and epic, and some scenes will definitely linger, even if the show isn't really set up for rewatching. I grade on other criteria as well:

Themes: 10
In difficult times, the clear headed, determined will to survive at any cost will triumph over ideological purity. You can find someone that loves you for your difficult qualities not in spite of them. Beware parting with angry words or things left unsaid, you could end up living a life of regret. Be skeptical of titles and power. Look to people's actions not their words in determining where there values and priorities are. Romantic love is not always what to prioritize there is our responsibility to our country, community and family to consider.

Complex characters/Character development: 8.5
All the characters even the secondary ones, have different sides to them and I appreciated this. I was mildly annoyed that instead of having a bigger time skip and allowing Yoo Gil Chae to fully mature, the plot kept them reuniting piecemeal and didn't let the mark of war and trauma full settle on to her.

Complex Women/Strong connections with Women. 9.0
The friendship between Gil Chae and Eun Ae was a complex and enjoyable one. Both having a deeper connection, than their reputations as the 'bad girl' and 'good girl' of the village would imply. Eun Ae, like Jang Hyun, respects Gil Chae for what would be considered 'bad qualities' in a woman.

Cinematography/Production Values: 9.0
Really beautiful, with plentiful use of outdoor sets, well-done costumes, and excellent fight scenes. Nothing new or innovative, but a pleasure to watch.

Note on the 'Barbarians':
The portrayal of the Mongolian and Jin/Qin people is primitive and dehumanizing. It was not 100% this way. I did like that even Jang Hyun underestimates them at times, assuming they will greedily go for the money or gold, only for them to catch him in his plots. I also liked how it shows how Jang Hyun can trade and live amongst them: he understands and respects their practical drive to survive and conquer over the scholars of his own country upholding ideological purity even if it led to defeat. But, I'd be curious for those more knowledgable or from those heritages how they found the portrayal.

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A TRAGIC LOVE STORY

This is the kind of drama I am looking for ! When I first saw the poster of this drama I knew It would be great ! and I was not wrong ! I just finished it and I feel satisfied with what the story is trying to tell.
This drama is not the usual historical drama that the lead will have revenge or something and fall in love and be stated at the higher position in the end, it is nothing like that ! the story is more of a reality, some random man who is strong fell in love to a noble woman whom does not like him and it is in the midst of a war!
Every now and then government is always been this lame, this drama depicts such reality that in the midst of a disaster Governments and those who are on a position is lame and weak and slow and self centered !( that is why I don't believe anymore to anyone in the government ..) I hated the King so much in this drama, he is such a coward, he should've been the one to lead the army ! and what ? he even sent his crown prince as a captive to the invader ? lol .. I hated that, but I loved how the drama implied that story it is so convincing that this is what I felt
The love story is tragic on the first 10 episodes , I flutter so much with the lead in a while but things got serious in the end, What a tragic love story ! you have met but it seems you are not destined to each other, this couple cannot admit to themselves that they want each other. I kinda understand Gil Chae choosing what is right and his family in the end because that is for the benefit of many not just for her, in times like that love is not important but how will you ever survive ! like hello she's just started a business right ?
too bad for Jang Hyun to not being the chosen one in spite of all the things that he did for Gil Chae ! well that is life.
About Ryang Eum, his character here is so new to me in a historical drama, he have some kind of bromance with Jang Hyun here , Is it only I who notices it ? like he had this dialogues behind Jang Hyuns back and the facial expressions are as if he loves Jang Hyun more than a Hyung, that is why he looks differently to Gil Chae knowing that Jang Hyun loves her .. so I am really looking forward of his character here also, and the part where Ryang Eum told Gil Chae that Jang Hyun is dead and when Jang Hyun found it out, he did not hurt Ryang Eum .. but even so I don't think the drama will give a chance to Ryang Eum's desire here .. I don't expect anything about the bromance here but I just want to mention it.
I am so excited on the part 2 of this drama, there are so many things that I am really looking forward to it that is not clearly shown on the part 1 like, who is the woman in the end part? will she be the new lover of Lee Jang Hyun ? also is it truly the end of the love story of him with Gil chae ? and also who is really Jang Hyun ? what is his roots ? does he came to revenge ? is he someone that is just pretending to be nobody but in fact he is really someone powerful ? those are what I am expecting to be answered on part II so I am looking forward for it really
The Visuals, props, and production of this drama is really giving, we can really say that it is not cheap but the people behind this really did spent a a lot , so I am so satisfied, this drama is a lot ! my time is never wasted and I was never wrong to watch this ! see you on part II Jang Hyun !

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Beautiful epic

Likes
1. I've been waiting for Min to do a historical drama and not only did he delivered but the romance is oh so good 😍 i love Jang Hyun so much. He looks so sexy and manly wearing hanbok.
2. I also love Gil Chae and how capable she is. She definitely grew up after facing so many hardships.
3. The angst!! Why cant Gil Chae choose Jang Hyun huhuhu when he is willing to stay for her! But i get her. How can she give her heart to someone she doesnt trust?
4. The scene at the field where they kissed.
5. Ryang Eum has a pretty voice, i hope he doesnt get petty and tear the lovebirds apart even more.
6. The beautiful soundtrack.

Dislikes
1. I dont really care much about the King and the Crown Prince.
2. I think the Qing Princess is going to be trouble.

Rating: 9/10

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Absolutely in love with this gem

"My Dearest" Part. 1 is a painfully beautiful love story, with:
- profound characters, who develope throughout the episodes,
- outstanding acting from all the cast,
- scenes that keep you on the verge of your seat,
- amazing landscape shootings,
- overflowing emotions,
- gorgeous CGI, costumes and props.

I can only say that... I can't wait to watch Part. 2.
❤️

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A drama that is overall just okay, with good character portraits

To preface, I absolutely love historical dramas, and was pleased to hear about one set in this particular era jet during the invasion of the Jing/Qing. But, while the pacing kept me afloat to episode 9, I was greatly disappointed by this drama.

Let’s start with Jang Hyun. The way he is written is freaking annoying. His character and background is so vague it’s impossible to have any attachment to him. I’m aware that his mystique is part of the plot I guess, but withholding a backstory for a twist later is no excuse for having such a poorly developed character for a majority of the story. We only get glimpses of “tragedy” that don’t really explain anything about him. He’s also got a serious case of Mary Sue. I also think his companions could have been far more complex.

Now, he still has shining points as a character: he provides candid views on political situations, and what he said about Lord Nam’s burdensome idealism and weaponized incompetence was a BAR — the best written part of the whole drama.

Next. Let’s talk about my one casting gripe: Nam Goong Min. He’s a fine actor, but it’s so hard to get to the interior of the character when his face is so stiff. I don’t mean this as a drag or an insult, it’s just my criticism in a vital component of acting — with screen acting, you can’t profess your inner thoughts like in plays or lean on clever language like in books…the performers face must say what’s left unsaid. And Nam Goong Min simply has stiff facial performance. It’s creepy. And not good. I can tel by his eyes and his voice that he has all the skills necessary, but his FACE simply doesn't move!

More in stuff I liked: I love the character of Gil Chae. She’s a fascinating heroine (to me, who has seen every trope in the book). She’s neither a do-good heroine that prioritizes the good of society and well-being of the public nor a “spoiled brat with a secret heart of gold” trope that you typically find in sageuks.

Her character is clear, defined, and consistent. Pretty much from the beginning it’s clear that she takes exceptional care of her closest loved ones, but she protects them with by nanking hard decisions that can be seen as cruel and selfish if from an outside perspective. I found the boat scene leaving Ganghwa such a bold and powerful decision to portray her in.

In what I’ve seen so far, the balance of flat and round characters is very well used here (a round character must have an engaging direction, a flat character must be able to represent a force).

I’m not extremely well versed in the history that inspired it, but I did find some of the ‘foreign’ characters to be fascinating. It’s always refreshing to see some rounded out Jurchen characters as opposed to simple caricatures.

Overall, it’s not terribly interesting, but My Dearest has averagely decent political intrigue, engaging pacing, and important messages about the decay and de-romanticization of war. But the weakly written male characters dragged it down, and there wasn't a committed enough message on any single theme like anti-war or serendipity or youth.

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What Happened? Absolutely Riveting Love Story And More

Crikey!! What happened? Namkoong Min (Jang Hyun) really knows how to choose the most ideal script for himself and Ahn Eun Jin (Gil Chae), hot from The Good Bad Mother, both are absolutely meant to be in My Dearest.

A simple beginning in the first 2 episodes, of a man who is not interested in devoting himself to anything nor anyone, suddenly finds himself interested in a spoil brat of a lady who only has eyes on another man. Everything increases in momentum from Episode 3 as their King and Land is threatened by the Mongols, he suddenly finds himself volunteering to go outright to war, in order to not defend the King, but the woman he sets his heart on. How much more romantic can this get?

How about watching Jang Hyun as unfolds his ingenuity, intelligence and strength to overcome all obscurity and calamity around him to protect Gil Chae. And watching Gil Chae transform from a pampered and charming appearance, to a stronger and more mature demeanor during the war is mesmerizing to me. She is seen to be growing in depth to a woman and in this episode 8, her feelings for Jang Hyun is yet to be acknowledged.

The pace, the fighting scenes, the chase makes one await the next episode in great anticipation.

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Fantastic Romance Drama That Could Have Been More

Be prepared to embark on Rollercoaster Journey of Emotions with My Dearest. It has been a long time since The Red Sleeve that I truly enjoyed a Romance Saeguk drama. I felt that the Writer really spent the time to develop and flesh out the Lead Couple & the Supporting cast through many different trails and tribulations. I felt the Pacing of these developments were acceptable and really aided in creating strong attachments between the viewer and the characters. Of course, this is also due to the amazing acting from Nam Goong Min & Ahn Eun Jin. Every crying or kissing scene really roped me in and I found myself hoping for a Happy Ending.

On the flip side, while the Romance part of the story was developed really well, I felt that improvements could have been had on the Political side of things. I did yearn to see LJH develop more into a "Strategist" kind of role, after the early glimpses of his genius in tactics. The Writer also spent quite some time fleshing out GC's business sense but she slowly got relagated to a waiting wife towards the end. I also felt that many characters were "killed" abruptly and did not had the endings they deserve (Big Hyungnim & the Captive lady, Ryang Eun, JongJong/Gu Jam, Gil Chae's family etc.). Overall, it had the feeling of over-development in Part 1 & a rushed ending in Part 2.

Despite the above, in the end, I still massively enjoyed My Dearest and strong encourage viewers to pick it up if you enjoy Romance Saeguk such as Red Sleeve & Mr Sunshine.

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Different from anything I've watched before

I think I may have said this before in another review but my all-time favourite Korean drama genre is historical. I'm a huge fan of Korean dramas of any kind but there's something about historical dramas. This one was different in the best way possible!

First of all, the story. It is basically about the war between Joseon and the Qing dynasty. There are many bloody and ruthless scenes which give authenticity to the plot. There are some sad moments too. The war is presented so realistically! Of course, you have the love story: even though you might not see the chemistry between the leads, as episodes pass, everything is natural. Unfortunately, the ending was really sad to me but I'm getting high hopes since there's season 2.

Acting was very good, to be honest, Nam Goong Min is so good in everything I've seen him play. The other actors did a great job too!

Pretty OST. Hoping for a happy ending although I quite doubt it.

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