I just want to say how much I have enjoyed the analyses of “My Dearest “ by fans in MDL: especially the time sequencing and developing love story in this amazing series. I took a few minutes to read through the hidden spoilers by members here, and they helped me a lot while waiting impatiently for Ep 13 and 14 and re-watching 1-12. I’m even more stunned by and in love with the characters the second time around. The cast is wonderful, and our ML and FL are so beautiful and deeply gifted that I’m even more moved in the close re-watch. We are blessed to have this series to enjoy and share.
Quick take on debates about JH and GC: I think she’s actually the strongest character in the series who eventually realizes who she is under the most dire conditions. Rather than a silly twit, she is a rescuer and even a warrior. The situation pulls this out of her. And JH sees who she is. I don’t think he’s obsessed or pathetic. I think he has found the woman who belongs at his side; he sees who she is before she realizes it herself. This is why he both waits and persists. It is also why he can be disappointed and hurt. JH loves her and it really can happen that quickly when you recognize the beloved—maybe even before he or she sees themselves. But we have more episodes to test our theories. I want that love story, that joy in one another. But it’s complex all right, so I’m waiting like other fans. And rewatching favorite scenes. :)
Love both leads, but Rowoon was in a pretty stale role, Bo Ah was in a thankless role, and the plot fell apart with the screeching co-workers, a cartoon bad guy, and a super stupid dad. It’s okay—they can’t all be great dramas. But enough are to keep me happy.
This series began by teasing us with flirtations and long looks: a beautiful man with a fan loving a charming woman more than himself. It then advanced to the man dropping the fan that was only a distraction anyway to the real man, the experienced warrior behind those eyes who risks his life repeatedly, and the “girl on a swing” revealing herself as a brave warrior who assumes the leadership role to protect other women and children.
The series has steadily moved us through numerous scenes of increasing danger and heartbreak, that were leading us to where we are now. It is a love story, yes, but it is also about invasion, war, escape, resistance, horror, and the violent treatment of the poor, elderly, women and children in a horrific reverse of their community into a war zone with them as the sacrifice.
It is terrifying, heartbreaking. And no love story can change that. But it can give us hope. The woman in the love story is brave and resolute in protecting others. GC has become the woman LJH saw and fell in love with the first day as he watched her floating high on the swing. And he is not just the man who loves and protects her but is also revealed as the resistance fighter who saw her and knew who she was. As he tells Ryang, “you do not know what she means to me.” They are both wonderful as is this constantly evolving story.
I have never been as moved by a performance as I am by Namkoong Min in this series. It’s his eyes, mouth, and voice as well as talent and training. Yes. But he is drawing from some place or experience deep inside of him. He is stunning, heartbreaking, and amazing. And some of his most touching scenes are when he doesn’t say a word: he knows how to be very very still until you see in his eyes what he is feeling and ache for him. I love Korean Drama and a dozen actors—but this artist is on his own plane.
At first I thought this was a pretty offbeat storyline, and struggled a bit, but I decided to trust writer, director, and actors who are all proven talents. And turned out when I got into the feel of the drama, by about ep 4 on, I am enjoying it very much. And as Rowoon eases more and more into his complex role, he’s making it his.
I liked "Song of the Bandits" very much: good opening graphics, OST, writing, direction, action scenes, and fine actors who poured their hearts into their roles. I also learned about a part of Korean history and another group of freedom fighters I didn't know before. Weaknesses, however, in the awkward shooting of some scenes like embarrassingly fake horseback riding and some over-the-top, wide-eyed arguing most of which contrasted awkwardly with the usually stylish direction. Otherwise, this series was enjoyable: I cared very much about the characters, and admired the writing, actors' intensity, and director’s decisions. Recommended.
The director, writer, and entire cast are outstanding. My only quibble is some scenes are repetitious which slows down the tempo of the plot. But still we have our lead holding it together: One of the finest actors anywhere in the world today. Subtle and brilliant—whether it’s a medical revenge plot or a Joseon love story in the middle of a war: Namkoong Min is superb. The fact he is also extraordinarily gifted in any role while also beautiful, with that warm voice are all bonuses in what he contributes to our love of drama, especially Korean.
Of all the wonderful aspects of My Dearest—great acting from the entire cast, superb writing, excellent, careful direction , and more along with the evolving FL—it is the master class in acting that Namkoong Min is developing for us that makes me gasp. I am so deeply touched by what he has given both to AEJ as her Co-Star to work with and to us. It is an unforgettable work of dramatic art in both his delicacy and strength. Plus those expressive eyes and gorgeous voice. He has worked so hard and become one of the finest actors of his era.
You guys are so passionate about this series (I adore it) that you have created some of the best comments (often funny, too) I’ve read in years. They’re keeping me company while I wait impatiently for episode 10. 💗
Starts well, loses steam. Well produced and acted, but it is relentlessy dark and repetitive with little real character development. To be disappointed in a series with one of my favorite actors in Namkoong Min is especially disappointing for me.
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Quick take on debates about JH and GC: I think she’s actually the strongest character in the series who eventually realizes who she is under the most dire conditions. Rather than a silly twit, she is a rescuer and even a warrior. The situation pulls this out of her. And JH sees who she is. I don’t think he’s obsessed or pathetic. I think he has found the woman who belongs at his side; he sees who she is before she realizes it herself. This is why he both waits and persists. It is also why he can be disappointed and hurt. JH loves her and it really can happen that quickly when you recognize the beloved—maybe even before he or she sees themselves. But we have more episodes to test our theories. I want that love story, that joy in one another. But it’s complex all right, so I’m waiting like other fans. And rewatching favorite scenes. :)
The series has steadily moved us through numerous scenes of increasing danger and heartbreak, that were leading us to where we are now. It is a love story, yes, but it is also about invasion, war, escape, resistance, horror, and the violent treatment of the poor, elderly, women and children in a horrific reverse of their community into a war zone with them as the sacrifice.
It is terrifying, heartbreaking. And no love story can change that. But it can give us hope. The woman in the love story is brave and resolute in protecting others. GC has become the woman LJH saw and fell in love with the first day as he watched her floating high on the swing. And he is not just the man who loves and protects her but is also revealed as the resistance fighter who saw her and knew who she was. As he tells Ryang, “you do not know what she means to me.” They are both wonderful as is this constantly evolving story.