This review may contain spoilers
Unwavering Love and Unyielding Spirit
"My Dearest" Part 1 and 2Part 1: Captivating Beginnings
"My Dearest" opens with a compelling blend of romance and resilience, drawing viewers into the intricate lives of its protagonists. The initial episodes set a strong foundation, introducing characters whose unexpected meeting sparks a deep and evolving relationship. The narrative is marked by heartwarming moments and significant challenges, creating a storyline that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.
The series excels in its visual and sound design, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the settings and the emotional depth of the characters. The soundtrack, too, enhances the viewing experience, perfectly complementing the drama’s poignant and uplifting moments.
Themes
Part 1 revolves around love, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. The drama explores how individuals cope with loss and find strength in their connections with others, adding depth and relevance to the story.
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Part 2: Intensifying Emotions and Deepening Bonds
In Part 2, "My Dearest" intensifies its emotional stakes and deepens the bonds between characters. The storyline progresses with greater complexity, as the protagonists face more significant obstacles that test their resilience and commitment. The series continues to deliver powerful moments of love and drama, keeping viewers thoroughly invested.
The second part maintains the high standards of visual and sound design established in the first. The cinematography remains breathtaking, with each scene meticulously crafted to enhance the overall aesthetic. The soundtrack continues to play a crucial role, adding layers of emotion to the unfolding drama.
in Part 2 further explore love and resilience, delving deeper into the characters’ struggles and triumphs. The drama also touches on societal issues, enriching the narrative and providing a broader context for the characters’ journeys.
"My Dearest" is a standout Korean drama that masterfully blends heartfelt romance and gripping drama across both parts. Its strong performances, beautiful visuals, and emotional depth create a series that resonates long after the final episode. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Korean dramas or new to the genre, "My Dearest" offers a profoundly moving and satisfying viewing experience.
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Part 2 is perfect
I was a bit disappointed of the end of Part 1 and some reviews said Part 2 was not worth it.In my opinion, Part 2 gave us everything season 1 did not.
As said for Part 1, the acting was perfect, and the chemistry between the main leads is off the roof. I like how Part 2 gives more depth to the characters (even side characters). There is something really precious in each relationship, especially those formed by Lee Jang Huyn with others (special mention for his relationship with the Qing Commander & the Princess).
It still seems some issues were left to the side, which is a bit of a shame as it could have been more of a historical drama. However, this still was a really good drama that i would recommend watching :)
Part 1 review: https://kisskh.at/profile/lisouille/reviews/328967
Note: same with Part 1, there are a lot of scenes with violence :(
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Best drama I have ever watched
Best drama I have watched so far, since I started watching dramas 8 years ago. it is the best drama I have ever seen, no hyperbole. My words cannot express how great this drama is and my words cannot do it justice so I'll keep this short. it was deeply satisfying to watch. There are so many important, intertwined themes, still relevant to modern day, such as unrequited love, sexual assault, fanaticism, and so much more. and it makes it very deep and cerebral despite also being a love story. it might not be for everyone but I loved it so much. I couldn't stop watching it. but it is one of those few TV shows or movies that stay with you forever and that you never forget because it has such an impact. I will never forget this one. not only was it a joy to watch, I feel like I learned something (and not just about Korean history). the way it treats the subject matter and themes is brilliant. I will definitely have to rewatch it again someday. I hope it comes out on DVD so I can buy it, I love it soo much. and I hope they make more dramas like this in the future. one last thing: the main actors are gorgeous and brilliant.Was this review helpful to you?
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EPIC LOVE STORY
The most beautiful roma;nce and action drama. The plot was stormy and original enough, not to get bored, but made you can not stop watch it. For me it is difficult to watch fast or focused, but this one was the only drama that I loved so much. Charactes and cast was amazing, especially the protagonists. Everyone could feel the love of main lead, because was infinite. That drama, made me high my standars about love. The story between the two of protagonists was sad, but I was relieved when they end up together. This drama was completed as story and didn't let questions, so I liked it. I was disappointed about the music. The only thing that I didn't like was music and the artists of music. Of course, I will watch it again. Now I cannot watch other drama because I can't overcome this plot and this excellent acting.I recommend it safely, it was the most unexpected excellent historical drama, that I have ever seen.
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The sound of flowers
The drama has come to an end, and I wonder whether I finished the drama or if the drama finished me.This was a wonderful journey that I enjoyed from start to finish. I remember starting Pt.1 very randomly and watching the first four episodes all in one go. At first, this drama wasn't on my radar, but then I saw the poster and the title and thought "I need to watch this". I might not have known peace since episode 4 onwards since every other episode made me cry or sob or bawl from that moment on, but I will always cherish this wonderful show.
I cannot believe that Ahn Eun Jin received backlash when she was first announced as Gil Chae. Who doubted her skills? Because what I saw was a phenomenal performance of emotional depth and variety. She acted like rent was due, every second, every facial expression, everything was perfect. Gil Chae is a character that I will always talk about. Her resilience, her wits, her emotional strength, her cuteness, she is my everything. No character will have such beautiful character development. From a slightly narcissistic young girl to a strong business woman with an iron will to survive. A woman whose beauty was her greatest asset but also a woman who didn't think twice to scar her face in order to survive. Gil Chae from episode 1-3 would have never done that. But Gil Chae who survived a war, who was sold into sexual slavery would do it. I could talk endlessly why I love her selflessness, her character, her person.
The love between Gil Chae and Jang Hyun was simply ... tragic yet beautiful. Massive push and pull, but they got what they finally deserved in the end.
Very shortly some points I don't want to flesh out in full sentences:
- Crown Prince and Princess got great development (especially the Prince), their ending was tragic, they deserved better
- The King died too late, how did no one impeach him... the man was a lunatic istg. Also, his concubine ?? what was her scheming??
- It is clear the crew didn't have much time to film the last episode as some questions are left unanswered: what happened to Ryang Eum? Was he found in the forest where JH left him? Why was he imprisoned? Also, the long-awaited beach scene was not as battle heavy as expected. The cinematography was a bit eh in the reunion scene between the leads. I wish MBC had given the crew and actors more time to give a more polished product. The acting didn't suffer though, it was 👍🏻👍🏻
- The Qing Princess ... felt too much like a plot device rather than a real character. She saw JH as a toy and wanted to possess him, she didn't love him. She got on my nerves unfortunately...
- Yeon Jun the most useless character in all of Joseon. I mean c'mon now. A piece of untoasted white bread has more dignity, character and wits than this "scholar". Absolutely hated his guts, he did not deserve Eun Ae
- Eun Ae deserved better?? Where was her character? I understand the actress was pregnant but... eh still. The fact that she took YJ back is also... a major nono for me
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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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An epic love story that tries to defeat time and space.
LOTS OF SPOILER AHEAD.I have to preface all of this saying that I've really enjoyed this drama and I think that it really lives up to his reputation. I've just finished ep 21 and I feel like I've said goodbye to a group of close friends with whom I've been sharing years with.
Seeing these people go through thick and thin and witnessing their growth is really special and makes you feel really attached to both the main protagonists (especially our Gil Chae) and the rest of the cast.
But,
as much as I've loved part 1, I felt like part 2 could not live up to the first. I found it far less exciting and got really bored at some points with the king/politics/prisoners storyline in its second half, while I found the first episodes about Gil Chae being a prisoner more interesting.
Again every happy moment between the leads was always promptly follow by another separation.
I also didn't really like how the rest of the cast slowly faded on the back, in the last 2-3 episodes I don't really remember seeing Jong Jong, bang Du Ne, or even Eun Ae, if not for some brief glimpses. And I really missed the comradeship between the girls and their bond.
But what disappointed me the most was the last episode, for sure.
I didn't really get the flow of time, like we're supposed to believe that Ryang Eum has been locked in that psych ward for 23 years and he still locks 25 if not for the white hair. Also why and by whom was he imprisoned? The drama doesn't really explain that.
Gil Chae has lived we don't really know how many years believing that her husband is dead only to find out years later that he may still be alive, just because YJ decided casually to spill the beans like years after everything happened.
She then proceeds to find him after we don't really know how much time spent by knocking at every door in search of him. And when he finds him, he has lost his memory again except for the fact that he remembers that someone once described a house to him and I'm supposed to believe that he build an entire house on the mountains all by himself? I don't know....
I'm not saying I would have preferred him to be dead, because I was really happy at their well deserved reunion, but I found everything not really believable especially considering that he somehow escaped for the 6th time a sure death.
All in all, I think this is a really well round and complex drama, but after watching this and the red sleeve back to back I definitely need to take a break from all the angst and sadness.
Still would recommend it.
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One the best dramas.. PERIOD
I didn’t watch part 2 for a long time because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. But it’s been exactly 1 year since the first airing so it seemed like the best day to start & finish part 2. It deservedly won awards and acclaim, because there’s nothing bad to say about it. Acting - best of the best from EVERYONE, story - I was in tears most of the time, cinematography - wonderful, especially the last episode, action - interesting & powerful.Maybe the only thing that was missing was seeing the leads live a happy life together, get (officially) married and have kids. Janghyun was the greenest flag to exist, kind and empathetic, a true hero. Gilchae was such a complicated & layered character that really grew to be mature and loveable. Her kindness, grit and will to survive was amazing, one the best female leads in drama history.
I’m so happy it gave us a happy ending, unlike many dramas in this genre. THEY DESERVE TO HAPPY 😭
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Aside from the love story, I really liked the side characters in the drama. Even with all the flaws shown by the characters, I can't help but accept them as what they are. I really am so convinced with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, they are also one of the characters that made an impact for me as a watcher.
Though the drama is political in it's aspect, which is usual in a historical drama, I like that it shows the perspective of the common people, though the monarchy is seen, it's not really the main plot of the story which is really a plus for me as a watcher.
The lines/script of the drama is well written, I am in awe. I would not rewatch this for sure since I don't want to cry again.
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A Rollercoaster of Emotions - My Dearest Review
"My Dearest" kicks off in an extraordinary fashion, immediately grabbing the audience's attention with a gripping and immersive first half. The intriguing plot and well-developed characters promise an unforgettable television experience. However, while the initial part of the series is a triumph, the latter half presents some challenges that diminish the overall impact.The plot seems to undergo excessive acceleration in the second half, with numerous moments feeling rushed. This could be attributed to a desire to keep pace with the drama or swiftly resolve narrative entanglements. Unfortunately, this choice significantly affects the story's coherence and the depth of character development.
The final episode, in particular, leaves a bitter taste. The conclusion, perhaps dictated by the need to tie up all narrative threads hastily, lacks the satisfaction one would expect after such a promising start. Fans would likely have preferred a more nuanced and less hurried resolution.
Another aspect that might have influenced the second part of the series is the king's obsession, a theme that, in my opinion, was dealt with excessively heavily. This element risked overshadowing other aspects of the plot, leaving less room for the development of other storylines and making the entire experience somewhat monotonous.
In summary, "My Dearest" starts with brilliance that captures the viewer's heart, but the second half of the series introduces a series of rushes and questionable narrative choices. The final episode, in particular, falls short of expectations, leaving the feeling that the series could have offered much more. Despite these shortcomings, enthusiasts may still find value in the series, especially if they are willing to overlook some narrative stumbles.
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A beautiful journey awaits
⚠️⚠️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️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),
○After losing everything, she was not afraid to work(even though noble-women weren't allowed to)
○She sacrificed her love for Jang Hyeon and chose to stay with her family to take care of her unwell father and young siblings
○She was told he had died which in turn led to her getting married(not before mourning him)
○After that he(ML) finds out she was bought by the princess of the Qing empire (because of her unrequited love for Jand Hyeon)
○He gets Gil chae(FL) out and the Qing princess almost kills him while he was trying to save Gil chae
○Makes Jang Hyeon make Gil chae leave to have him to herself (Qing princess) as a result of not understanding why he'd be willing to die for her
○She goes back, only to find her husband has impregnated another woman(probably thought she was never coming back)
○Her refusing to him and see her struggle
●Despite everything he continued to love her unconditionally
●He fought with her and for her(didn't think twice when she was in danger)
●He risked everything to get her out of slavery(when her husband chose reputation over her)
●As he promised, always finds her(wether in danger or not)
●The way his eyes conveyed what his mouth couldn't
●His hearts refusal to forget her when his mind did
●His unwavering love for her throughout the years
●their sacrifices for other people (captives)
There's a lot I could say regarding these two but it still might not be enough, the emotional roller-coaster one goes through whole watching(laughter, love,tears,anger, angst, frustration) but a beautiful journey one could take.
Let me leave it here
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"Do you hear it? this sound, the flowers sound"
This is not a proper review just my first thought now that I finished it and without spoilers.Just finished it, it didn't take me long to finish this wonderful drama considering how I had to pause it many times for a short moments to heal of the much sadness and furstrating it gave me(especial in part2). I was struggling to find a TOP K-drama recently, to add to my TOP K-dramas list, but I found what I was looking for here.
I always knew how great diverse actor NGM is, he conviced me in a psycho, evil, comedy, romance, melodrama and action roles. But seeing him in melo romance will always be my favorite, because his eyes say a lot that many other actors can't say with their mouths. He deliver his lines to us through his eyes before openning his mouth. His character here will be one of the most perfect ML we ever had.
AEJ, first saw her on HP she was great, but seeing her as a FL here gave her more space to show her talent, very proud of her performance, it's not easy to show that you're a good actress in front of NGM but she did it. YGC character is one of the best well written characters, she wasn't perfect she had many flows especially her actions at the beginning but she had great character developpement and she is a survivor, strong FL that makes hard decisions and bears the consequences.
The plot wasn't perfect, but it was the closest to perfection that I saw for a while now. It made me care, feel furstrated, angry, sad, happy... and that's more than enough. 10/10 For me.
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