My Dearest Part 2

Constant state of pain and agony, washed with the holy waves of never-ending angst…

and yet, somehow… Part two made me feel far less than part one did. By the end of the drama I felt like the writer loved their story and all the characters too much to give some aspects up. Too many things were not set up and developed enough, too many plotlines felt rushed, luckily the closure was solid.

Don’t get me wrong though, I still enjoyed the show a lot, but the progression of the story and the lack of focus just lost me a bit. The politics and war were mostly the context in which the characters operated and explored their beliefs, personalities, morality and relationships in part one. It was great. We had many powerful scenes showing the contract between the royal family and the common people. Not knowing any real details was not an issue, because these royal idiots were never main characters in the first place.

Sadly, this whole royal drama gets more attention in part 2. It takes away precious time from the main characters. Where even was Eun Ae? Why did most of Yeon Jun's character development happen between the scenes? He took a couple of 180 in terms of his morality, but we never got enough reason for it to even happen. And it's not like the screen time they took away from these characters was even enough to truly develop and explore the palace storyline. It felt like I needed to do a lot of work myself to fill the gaps of the plot in my mind based on vague ideas and shallow set ups. It's like they tried to turn a character driven show into a plot driven one half way through...

All that said, the drama is still dear to my heart and even if I enjoyed part two less, I still enjoyed it a lot. We've got more of the exploration of different themes relating to morality, justice, duty, honor. Many scenes connecting to events in part one in a smooth and eye opening manner - adding to already intriguing commentary on social standards and gender roles.

Undoubtedly, the best gem, the true treasure of My Dearest was Gil Chae. Easily my favorite female character in 2023, probably top 3 from all the dramas I have ever seen. The masterfully crafted character development, the realistic flaws, the strength that was inspiring. The depth of emotional performance given by Ahn Eun Jin. There are no words that can truly describe how much I adore this character. The drama shows, you can have a female lead that is feminine, compassionate and good, without making her a stupid pushover. Gil Chae was smart, cunning, witty, and resourceful, but also stubborn. At times shortsighted and blind by her perception and understanding of the situation. Her character was beautifully complex and for her existence I am grateful.

Did I love Jang Hyun while watching? Of course I did. Do I want one in my life? Yes. Did I think he was not as developed as Gil Chae and I wished they explored his character more? Also yes. Since the past story did not really lead to anything significant and it felt more like a cheat and easy fix for some plot developments, I could not stop myself from feeling disappointed. The set up for the mystery of his background was perfect, the conclusion answered all the questions, but the overall picture created by that opening and ending felt a bit lacking. With little to no background for the character in part one, I thought they would explore him more in part two, but this did not really happen. From start to finish he was badass, smart, driven, caring (even if he kept denying it) and madly in love with Gil Chae.

What’s more to love? A strong set of diverse supporting characters that felt so real and humane with their, at times questionable ideas and actions. Ryang Eum with whom I went from friends, to lovers, to enemies to lovers trope, with how my feelings changed towards him. Jong Jong who was a loyal friend and support for Gil Chae, even if on the surface it felt like it was mostly Gil Chae protecting her. Gu Jam who always provided a solid dose of entertainment with his sharp comments and badass actions. Yang Chun, who truly shows that good people can have backwards ideas. Even Prince So Hyun and Crown Princess Kang’s scenes had many meaningful and touching moments.

Still adore the production and the attention to details in terms of how the characters are presented. You know how in many historical shows, as long as the female character is part of the main cast, they will have make up worthy of the royal family, looking like Crown Princesses themselves? Not here. From episode 1 till the end of episode 21 of the whole series, there was a lot of care put into making the looks realistic and fitting the context and hardships the characters went through.

Overall, I loved it, but maybe I loved it a bit too much, so it made me expect more. I wish the whole story was more simple, with less side characters and plot lines. Wished the plot focused on the common people more and kept the palace drama and the war as the context and background the story is happening in, rather than the focus of the plot. From the start, I loved this drama for its characters and countless social commentaries and powerful scenes, and it was never truly about the plot for me. While the conclusion was amazing, giving proper closure to it all, I wished the journey itself was either more detailed, or more simple…

That said, once you sell your soul to this drama, there is no coming back, so while I might have had some complaints, they were delivered through tears of both sadness and happiness, and complete devotion I had to the main characters and their journey.

Review for pt1: https://kisskh.at/profile/Shini/review/300809

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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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It's just a cinematic masterpiece

Everything was perfect from start to finish. I was never bored while watching every episode, and the actors were perfect in portraying their emotions.

The moral of the story is that those who are meant to be together will always find a way to each other. People have to live their lives and make their decisions, but in the end, they will end up where they're supposed to belong. Moreover, a relationship only works if the man loves the woman more than she loves him.

I just know that I will come back to watch this masterpiece; this TV series has become my comfort show.

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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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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.

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If you should one history drama only one what would you recommend? I would say My Dearest!

If you should watch only one history drama then this one! I can’t, this drama got me involved in it so much! First I wasn’t sure if I should watch it and I doubt it if it’s fits my shoe. I didn’t watch a really good history drama till now with everything involved but mostly romance and love trying to overcome all obstacles. I can’t believe I found this one! Can I ever go back watch it for the first time. The cinematography incredible, the actors omg so great and the storyline the plot it’s amazing and I still try to figure out how to overcome it! This Drama deserves more than xxxx plus and a 10 rating and I hope and wish it gets so many great things … it’s epic! This here is only my little view on things without trying to give any spoiler! The one time I felt so about a drama was as I did watch Goblin. This is the second time in my Drama life when I feel like this and I know one day I will watch it again … I need to rest now and overcome this depression to not see this two again on screen. I really wish u could do that for the first time again. <3 much love to all the involved 🥹

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BEST HISTORICAL KDRAMA !!!!!!

After a long time a drama that is soothing as well as which could prick ones heart have got to watch ,the potrayal of lead characters is quite appreciatable and commendable , when they longed for each other we longed for them to be together more , even though there were episodes were the leads doesn't have scene together one doesn't feel to skip because each character had a worthy story to tell about .
Two characters who called themselves selfish but when the time came they forgot themselves and fought for others with all their might , The depiction of female lead is quite good neither a whining girl who is waiting for her prince nor a girl who can fight off ten men but simply a girl who is strong willed and believes in what she does , her characters growth from the beginning to the end is vast . Talking about lead male ,what to say when the actor emotes with his eyes even we shed our tears along with him , the character is too deep , a noble born man but do like to be known as man who brought noble title with money , tells he has no empathy for people but all he did was simply live for them , a hero who doesnt gives a motivational speak of patriotism but someone who simply speaks with his actions , his words not nurtured by many yet it was all him who had wise ideas and tried to colloborate with everyone , courage not in his words but in his veins , last but not the least that laugh with that "aigoo"! how can one forget it , the depth of his love for his Gil chaye makes one wonders what is it to love a person , even after knowing she was pregnant though she was decieving him with it he simply wanted her to be happy , he wants nothing but simply her happiness.
If someone ignored this masterpiece thinking they have no taste in historical drama they are simply fathoming a brilliantly written and acted drama , which could show you one of the finest lovestories of joseon era ❤️

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One of the best Korean dramas I've seen in a long time!

The best thing about part 2 is that the pace is much faster than in part 1 which makes total sense in a way because there had to be a character buildup. In this second part there is no time to breathe, you have so many things happening that I cannot actually write about since I would spoil the drama so I'm going to leave it at that. But I will say one more thing, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous!

The acting is excellent and of course, Nam Goong Min nailed it. Proof that he won the Daesang award. The acting overall was so good, great job to all the cast!

Beautiful OST, especially the song sang by Kai.

It's totally worth to watch this, the ending was one of the most beautiful endings ever!

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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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