My Dearest (2023)

Better than Gone With The Wind

Tumultuous story that is strung together by the once in a lifetime chemistry of the leading couple. The entire cast is more mature than you would usually see and it pays off. The gravitas brought to each role is a feast for the audience. Every squint of the eye, flip of a ribbon, or glance to the side carries intention and depth of character. I found myself loving and hating each character in turn, including our main couple. The ships passed in the night one too many times, and I found myself frustrated constantly; but this made the moments of true connection so blissful that all was soon forgiven.

I’ve been a fan of Gone With The Wind since I was young, for its grand scale, frustratingly unresolved love story, and cinematic impact. I found myself carried along with the plot, adoring the homage to my beloved story, but worried it would ultimately end without our leads’ redemption. I feared I’d have to watch Rhett tell Scarlett he doesn’t give a damn and storm out. I was so relieved to find the story developed into a much richer and more meaningful tale of true love, sacrifice, fate, and forgiveness.

This film used color so well. The early scenes before war breaks out are presented in almost glowing hues, as if the saturation was turned up a bit past believable and really drives home the fact the our FL is living in a rosy version of reality that doesn’t quite exist, yet she is desperate to hold onto. Seeing the beauty of her transformation into muted colors as she truly matures, and we suddenly realize that glow is now coming from within her.

There’s so much I could say about this drama. I don’t rate 10’s often, and never across the board. But this one deserves it. I rarely write reviews, but here I am, still with tears in my eyes after episode 21, typing a review I can only hope will be coherent.

Don’t pass on this drama. It is a feast for the viewer and you won’t soon forget it.

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Nam koong min is the best actor in korea and accept best series plot to act

Nam koong min is the best actor in korea and accept best series plot to act

i like this series plot and all of actors especially nam koong min

he shines in every genre
he prove that with this series and the veil and good manager (the besries of him with three genre)

he deserve get best prizes for this series
im a kdramer from my chilehood ; i see kdrama from 8 up ton now that i am 25

and after empress ki and arthedal none of historical kdrama series couldnt attract me

but when namkoongmin act in a series; he changs that to best series on that genre


kdrama didnt have good series this two years but this series changes every thing

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Great drama

This has got to be one of my favorite historical dramas.

The story started out resembling Gone with the Wind. FL is a beautiful and spoiled noble woman who has a slew of young men pining after her and who loves attention, and who happens to idolize her childhood friend. ML is a mysterious older man who doesn't put up with her shenanigans and tells her how it is. Everyone enjoys a carefree life until the war breaks out. This is where the drama starts to get really interesting. FL is forced to flee her home and survive against the enemy onslaught and we get to find out that there is more to ML than we originally thought. The drama does a great job switching gears to a more serious and intense tone showing what people, especially women, had to do to survive and the absolute gender disparity between the sexes. On top of that, FL is forced to undergo some very intense character development and transitioned from a spoiled young brat to a serious, dependable, empathetic young woman with a strong sense of responsibility.

The first part is not so much about romance, but survival and building a bond. ML and FL did not spend very much time together, but the few moments together were very meaningful where he had to save her life allowing her to see him differently in a more positive way. Moreover, he didn't allow her to be spoiled with him and made her think, making their dynamic completely different from her relationship with other men around her.

The message here is that a person cannot be stuck in perpetual childhood and will eventually have to grow up either by virtue of life's circumstances or if they want to be taken seriously, as Jang Hyun told Gil Chae.

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This drama made me cry a lot. Over the course of these ten episodes, I have grown to love Gil Chae and Jang Hyeon and ship them. That's why episode ten broke my heart. I'm afraid that in the second part, the creators will not strive for a happy ending for Gil Chae and Jang Hyeon. I don't want the second part to end like Moon Lovers for me, because I still can't forget the sadness.

But despite the tears shed, I love the first part. There were also some funny scenes. This drama is interconnected sadness, pain, fear and happiness. The characters develop and have difficult decisions to make. I wonder how the rest of this story will unfold. I have a feeling the ending might not be a happy one, but I hope I'm wrong.

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A Beautiful Ryang Um Who's Like a Flower: Layers of His Character

I feel like Ryang Eum's character is interesting. He's complicated. He's definitely a more reliable friend than Eun Ae. But at least Eun Ae could understand the fl better. She even admitted that she understood her better than herself.

Meanwhile Ryang Eum seemed to have unseparable bond with the ml. It looked like there's no one who could understand him better than Ryang Eum but there was a time that Ryang Eum failed to understand. It's his heart. It felt like they didn't share the bro codes only in that particular thing.

"I don't belong to anywhere. I'm just here and there." When the ml said that what he actually meant was that he's longing for a place of his own. A place called home. And his reply with "Right. You don't belong to anywhere. But wherever you're, I belong to your side." It creeped me out.

I don't know what's his real deal was. Was it because of too much loyalty or he saw him more than friends? But I understand why he did what he did. Personally, I can relate to his character. That's why I can say that he's being childish at that moment. I thought he also realized his mistake but he just decided to cross the line.

And he really meant it when he said he didn't regret it. Moreover when he witnessed what happened to the man he looked up to at the end. If I were him, I would be glad if turned out I was wrong. But the look in his eyes, he was so mad that in his mind he's true about her after all.

I understand her decision and it seemed like there's another reason that will unfold in the next part. The writers seemed to have an intention to make it as if she didn't really meant it when she said "I don't love you enough to leave everything behind." Maybe they will provide a good and brutal excuse for us and we will buy it later. Something like "I love you too much that's why I was letting you go." But what makes it clear for me right now is, he gave everything for her, even his life. But she couldn't do the same. That's why to me what she said was quite literal, that 'he loves her more than she loves him' and I think Ryang Eum would be agree with me.

Was he okay when he saw Gil Chae sending him off just like that after what he's been through for her tho? Ryang Eum is not just another supporting character. And his bond with Lee Jong Hyun is too strong for him to let him go like that. Ryang Eum is smart and tactical and sometimes manipulative. Our main lead would have been died several times if it's not because of him. He has the ability to change the direction of the wind. If you know what I mean...

Based on the teasers, it seemed like something happened to the female lead. I wouldn't be surprised if Ryang Eum had anything to do to pull the trigger. Maybe he didn't need to take much effort. He just needed to sing, and it would be like a butterfly effect. When a small flap of its wings might cause a tornado at the mainland and the peninsula.

Or there's a twist of a character development and it's the other way around of what I've said about him. It would be interesting if later turned out I'm wrong. And I'm really anticipating of what they have in store in the next part.

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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 show will steal your heart

At least, it stole mine. Where should I begin? Before starting it, I was a little bit sceptical. I was not sure what would await me. But since I like both main actors, I gave it a try anyway. And what should I say? This show is totally my taste. The first two episodes were okay but it was hard to tell where the show was headed. But I remember being in love with the cinematography. It's so beautiful. Episodes 3 and 4 were the ones that totally captured me. From showing the naivety and happiness of people living in peace to showing the horrors of war and the fates of those being confronted with it. This is for everyone that wants a deep story with a slowburn romance. The characters are flawed and that's what I like about them. You can see them grow and make mistakes and there is still so much room for development in part 2. What I love about this show is that the characters exist outside the romance storyline. I wasn't bored of the seperate storylines at all. They gave me inside of who the characters are and made me like them even more. I love both mainleads. They might be clumsy fools when it comes to love. But that's what makes them endearing. Gil Chae is strong in the way she cares for her family and friends and protects them. She is smart as hell. Jang Hyun is smart as well. I love how he questions the authority of the king and is good at scheming. He also protects the people he loves at all costs. The way he presents himself is really manly. Both characters are flawed, but I can understand their worries and why they act the way they do.
Absolutely love this show.

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Empress Ki was my favorite until this EPIC story came along

For mature audiences who love to watch powerful romantic shows!
Number 1 The music alone would make me want to watch it again, That voice and the melody can really take you to a place of imagery, it was perfect for the show.

Number 2 The ML, had the most sexiest, deep, voice, his timing to respond was excellent. I’ve never seen this actor before, but now I’m going to be looking for everything he plays in. He has a look in his eyes as if what’s happening is true,. I’ve seen hundreds of shows like this one and other types of shows like Wolf, which was my favorite too until this movie!

Number 3 The plot was very well executed, the only thing is , it should have been longer than 20 episodes !

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A must for historical drama fans (and romance fans)

I have to begin this review with the fact that, in general, I do enjoy watching historical kdramas so I feel rather strongly about how much I loved this drama. I watched part 1 and 2 consecutively (in an effort to avoid writing my thesis paper lol) so this review will be based on both parts.

First and foremost, the acting in this drama is an absolute 10/10. Every character was portrayed so masterfully by their actors. I also think this goes hand in hand with the writing of the drama. The writing was well done, in my humble opinion, and all the character's actions felt true to their character. And each main character had a beautiful storyline and arc and this includes the characters that were not my faves, which I think speaks to the writing being done well. I particularly feel that the female lead's character development was done incredibly well. Also, I am a sucker for well done romantic dialogue and there were some lines that just pierced my heart so deeply. For the sake of not spoiling anything, I won't write any out. But the chemistry between the leads?! 10/10, no words.

The strong female characters were... chef's kiss. Their perseverance, resilience, and sisterhood was one of my favorite parts. Yes, this drama centers romance but it does such a good job in highlighting how amazing women are especially during such difficult times and harsh conditions. When it comes to the romance, there is a lot of push and pull and I can see how people might find this annoying or boring, but I actually didn't mind it in this story and actually felt it fitting. The other parts of the story, like the political turmoil and how it affected people, were also done well because it really makes you become invested in what is going on and how people are being affected.

There were some amazingly beautiful shots in this drama. I had to pause occasionally to take it all in. Hats off to the cinematographers. To wrap this up, if you enjoy historical dramas I think you should definitely give this a chance. If you enjoy romance that is felt so strongly through the screen because of great chemistry, give this a chance.

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A Glass Half Empty

Well, someone has to put on their big boy pants here. If there’s anything I for certain have gotten out of this drama is that I wouldn’t mind if it ended with Ryang Eum taking off h-..

My Dearest, where do i begin? Have i already begun? Hell could i even tell you after a ridiculously long “part 1” that this drama even began yet? I’m sorry , let me get the few praises i have out the way that made me stick through and why anyone contemplating may want to give it a go.

Cast

Yes this is indeed Namkoong Min’s world and we’re just living in it. Emphasis on namkoong min alone, not his character. In fact I’ll get it out the way that there’s not a single character besides one (I’ll get to) that satisfied me on screen. BUT!..but, the casting surprisingly held its own to enhance the mediocrity my now dreary eyes couldn’t get enough of. Namkoong Min is truly a delight no matter what he’s starred in, i can watch the man stare in longing from afar for hours. Actually, should i rewind and start a timer? I think we have already, no? Was at least 10% of this drama not comprised o-. Sigh, pros… pros. The rest were good enough, big ups for the antagonists here.

Cinematography

Watch the trailer. Yeah no just watch the tr-Shut up, turn the trailer on. Want more? Of course you do .

Jack of all Trades, Master of None

Listen, we have a bit of almost everything here that almost every kdrama fan can’t get enough of. Cliche romantic setups, poetic dialogue, BL, stunning settings, censored BL, intense love triangles as confusing as they are everchanging. Hm, anticlimatic cliffhangers keeping us flat on the center of our chairs, oh hey Ryang. Grand action sequences , sleeve tugging, not now Ryang, heart numbing departures, weirdly timed confessions, me too Ryang. Know it all there for it all wingmen. Oh so mysterious and seemingly tragic pasts, singing, fine ,one more Ryang. Damsels in distress, but hey, capable damsels? Trying betrayals, ah, slam him harder against the wall, more passion, t-that’ll show him.

Fyi, i enjoyed all of these and more for some reason. And for that same reason unknown to me, I’m sure anyone contemplating on watching it now would too. Would i say any of these were executed profoundly? No, but I wouldn’t say any of them were done in some piss poor manner either, more so a delicate tinkle.


Character

No not characters, let me introduce the most refreshing female lead to hit the screen in 2023, that I’ve wa-. Yoo Gil Chae is this manipulative, seemingly selfish, obnoxiously stubborn, clueless, hopeless romantic young woman finding herself during a dark time in Neunggun-ri that’s falling down on her quicker and heavier than anyone at that point of time could ever imagine. Forcing this carefree woman to adapt quickly in extremely harsh and boundary pushing surroundings. What once was manipulating others’ infatuation and frustrations for her personal gain in favor, entertainment ,and reputation suddenly had to shift into taking advantage of the cards dealt in front of her in order to survive and protect those she care for. This selfish woman going with almost any means necessary to make it through one more cold insufferable night, day by day. You have the absolute pleasure of witnessing these strengths and weaknesses contrast in several completely different and expansive situations. Sometimes with relieving and maturing results, other times leading to deeper holes and despair. Ladies and gentlemen, Namkoong Min may hold the star power, but there’s no other character here that holds a torch to the ever-growing flame that is Yoo Gil Chae. She alone made this worth my time, she alone may make this worth watching part 2 if i weren’t currently exaggerating my ass off from the temporary fulfillment her character has given me in comparison to the other mediocrity.


Episode 6

I do not care what anyone has said or tells you. This point here is what sold me on this drama’s potential that it later fell flat on. Not the drastic tone change in the beginning episodes, though impressive in contrasting. Hell if you would want to just spring on ahead of the other episodes to see what i mean, I wouldn’t advise otherwise. This was the peak for me, all the way through, what happened before and after this episode? Couldn’t tell you.

I don’t wish to convince anybody to turn away from this series, as there’s some quite impactful stuff here to miss out on. But I wouldn’t consider this a must try either. At moments it has everything going for it. But then there’s the ineptness of the pacing here of what feels like a story meant to be told in it’s entirety within what is made out to be the first half? The extremely questionable actions and senseless confusion from these characters that had me questioning if i’m just not comprehending the full picture drawn out. The sole plot progression tool and absolute bot of a character Eun Ae went out her way to be. The complete abomination of a “part 1” finale that was just all over the place in pacing and writing that terrifies me in even opening a trailer for the inevitable second half around the corner. These are hot takes, simpleminded thoughts to avoid deep dives and heavy spoilers just to take a shit on this drama in full cognition. My single half assed rant amongst the swarming amounts of well thought out reviews treasuring this drama for plenty of valid reasons. I’m currently half awake and pissed at the potential I personally didn’t find this drama coming close to. Constantly sipping away at some cheap wine i know would be empty soon. Admittedly addicting ,but no memorable notes. Now a trade of my time for a bit of yours.

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