My Dearest (2023)

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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EMOTION

The exceptional melodrama, "My Dearest." With each episode, this remarkable series evokes a unique spectrum of emotions.

The drama's consistent portrayal of pain is interwoven with diverse themes, creating a captivating narrative that resonates deeply with viewers. As the story unfolds, it takes us on a journey of emotional growth and self-discovery.

Your emotions rise with every episode and in the end it floods.

As an individual who is deeply attuned to emotions, I found an immediate connection with "My Dearest." It has become a part of my life, and I cherish the impact it has had on me.

I want everybody to please refrain themselves from comparing "MY DEAREST" with other works.
"My Dearest" exists in a realm of its own, OFFERING profound emotional experience.

While there is much I could express, I believe the single word, "emotion," encapsulates the essence of this extraordinary drama.

Furthermore, I would like to highlight the exceptional characterization of Lee Jang Hyun.

THE BEST CHARACTER ONE CAN WRITE, I ADMIRE HIM THE MOST.

NAMKOONG MIN WAS THE GREAT CHOICE FOR LEE JANG HYUN.


The slow motions used between episodes to express emotions were particularly effective.
I COULD LITERALLY FEEL MY HEART BEATING LOUDLY.

THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PARTS

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My fav kdrama in 2023

I started the series by watching some edits and clips, but then I fell in love with this drama The story was great and you were worried that something was going to happen to the main characters and there is a hidden sadness in the story that makes me want to cry when I think about it. The set and costume design was also very good and I was very satisfied overall And the acting of the actors... I have to say that both the main actors acted so well that you think they are really in love with each other. The series also introduced new actors who showed their talent well. In my opinion, the best Korean series of 2023 was my dearest

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LINDO ROMANCE

Olha, o drama é maravilhoso.

Ela pensa que gosta de um estudioso mas já tá gostando do prota. Ela tem bons momentos com o prota, porém os boatos sao que ele não vai casar e ela fica com pé atrás com ele. Muita coisa rola, começa uma guerra, ela foge, sofre que só, ele salva ela  2 x dos invasores, só que na 2ª vez ela não descobre q foi ele.. (na ilha) depois a guerra termina e ele sem esperança de ficar com ela resolve partir cativo com o príncipe herdeiro. Enquanto ela fica, ela percebe q gosta dele e fica esperando ele voltar… ele tbm não vê a hora de voltar… daí o cantor amigo dele voltou primeiro, e diz q ele tá morto, a pobre quase morre do coração ? pq nessa altura já sabe q amava ele, ela luta pra sustentar a família após a guerra, trabalha forjando coisas de cobre, se mata de trabalhar..  um oficial FDP diz que salvou ela na ilha, durante a guerra, ela pensando que o outro tá morto, e tendo q dar o melhor pra família aceita casar com esse oficial nojento … ? daí no final da 1ª tempo o prota aparece bem na hora que ela tá recebendo os presentes de casamento do oficial (aí já não pode mais terminar o casamento e ela já é considerada mulher dele) ela se reencontra com o prota, sofre, joga na cara q ele a largou e ele joga na cara q ela nunca deu uma chance pra ele… os dois sofrem ele descobre q o cantor sacaneou mentindo que ele estava morto…. Eles chegam a fugir mas ela volta atrás pq tem medo dele abandonar ela ? termina assim, ele indo de volta lá pra China, e ela chorando vendo ele partir escondida. Os 2 com o coração ? partido . E ele pra salvar os cativos de joseon da guerra fica lá, e acaba encontrando uma mulher mascarada (chamo ela de cascavel ?)  FIM DA PRIMEIRA PARTE

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Emotional well-acted roller-coaster romance during the Qing invasion of Joseon Dynasty

This historical drama take place in the Joseon Dynasty, in the 1600s, during the Qing invasion. The invasion aspect is the one that intrigued me the most with some pretty interesting political aspects. The war is quite gutwrenching to follow as it impacts a lot characters you appreciate more and more.

This story is quite melodramatic with a romance that I think is quite nice and with a lot of emotional stakes...The romance is not my favorite part of the drama as it is truly a series of misfortunes and heartbrakes. It for sure take a lot of resilience for the heart of the viewer if you are rooting for some of the couples...

Production and acting-wise, it is very good...The soundtrack is nice with very melancholic balads perfectly fitting for the story but are not necessarily songs that I will keep on listening very often contrarily to some other shows. There are a lot of action sequences that are well executed and the crying/sentimental scenes are very well done as well.

The actors and actresses are very well casted and you found yourself very invested in their characters survivals. Ahn Eun Jin is brilliant as the brave and strong female lead with a super attaching cunning side. Namkoong Min is excellent as the flawed but super intelligent and tactical hero. I love them as individuals but I am less invested in their relationship as it is sometimes difficult for me to understand why they should/need to be together. They have a nice chemistry together but it is not the most sizlling one and I hope to be more invested in the romance in Part 2 of the series. I'm also truly wondering if I'm not protecting my heart by trying to not be too invested in the romance...

I would recommend this to people looking for a very good historical drama with good acting and set during an interesting period of time. If you do not enjoy melodramatic moments and just want a cute / fluffy romance, this is not the drama to watch as it is pretty rough for the heart.

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2023 was not that bad with My Dearest !!

Where do I even start?? I started many dramas from 2023 and 2024, and either I put them on hold, or I was so disappointed. This one is an exception. Maybe it's because it has just 10 episodes, but those 10 episodes were worth every single minute.

The cinematography, production, and aesthetics were outstanding. Even though it was set during wartime, the locations were beautiful and calming.
The plot was amazing, and I was never bored. Each character added depth to the drama, showing what Joseon was like at that time—people’s beliefs, how women were taught, and how they should act during war.

Gil Chae and Jang Hyun were the exceptions to the rule; they were a match made in heaven. They had different beliefs and perspectives on life, not caring about what others thought of them.

Goong Min was the actor that pushed me to start this drama. He's one of my favorite actors and just knows his stuff. I can't imagine anyone else playing this character; it was made for him. His interactions with Gil Chae were so sweet—always teasing her, promising her, searching for her, finding her, helping her, and protecting her!

The songs that Ryang Eum sang were just so mesmerizing! They're stuck in my head.

As expected, the end of this part was dramatic, with the main leads having to separate. They added that last scene with the bounty hunter, making us wonder if he would fall for another woman.

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MY DEAREST ES UN DORAMA REPUBLICANO NO TENGO DUDAS Y SI MUCHAS PRUEBAS....

Ese final no puede ser... Un buen slow burn unido a un enemies to lovers en un dorama de época, es algo que no sabía que necesitaba.
Si bien al principio no me enganchó (los dos primeros capítulos) la personalidad de ambos protagonistas no era algo que me llamase la atención, me gusta como hacen evolucionar sus personajes. Ella al principio se la ve inmadura y arrogante pero al final la guerra por desgracia (o por suerte) la hace espabilar y comprender la importancia de las cosas primordiales. Todo el arco de la guerra y como las cuatro escapan es simplemente sublime .
Hay veces que se me ha hecho pesado la trama política y me perdia con tanto nombre extranjero. Odio por cierto tremendo al rey y a su hijo , NO PAVO NO VOY A MORIR POR TI. Lee Jang Hyun gracias por abanderar la causa republicana y ser un gran estratega. Puedo comprender la situación y porque hacian lo que hacian y esas ansias de proteger al rey pero es que no.... REPUBLICANA SIEMPRE. Es por ello , que también he detestado al personaje Nam Yeon Joon, que tio mas pesado con el rey, una cosa es tener valores , yo los tengo pero parecía que estaba caso con el rey en vez de su esposa..... uf que la protagonista evoluciona de ese amor y se da cuenta lo que verdaderamente significaba.
GANAS DE COMENZAR LA SEGUNDA PARTE

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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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We written story and good drama

It is good drama
Fl:- given her best
Ml :- given his best
Ambience:- up to the timeline

What I find odd:-
In episode three at starting the invaders ( qing Dynasty warriors) Armor is waving in wing like cloths, that type of Armor had steel plating inside and even if steel plating were absent the harden leather doesn't flap in wind , editor shoul have spotted this little things
Everything else is all right What I find odd:-
In episode three at starting the invaders ( qing Dynasty warriors) Armor is waving in wing like cloths, that type of Armor had steel plating inside and even if steel plating were absent the harden leather doesn't flap in wind , editor shoul have spotted this little things
Everything else is all right
Ending look to commercial ( abrupt change in personality of both main character hence I reduced overall rating from 10 to 7.5



Word filler( to make 500 words)

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Can't have the one you love, love the one you are with.

Generally, the so-called romance stories have little if anything that’s considered romance throughout the show. Here I can finally say we get to actually witness the love growing. It has other side stories that contribute to the plot as well, but nothing takes center stage over their growing love. There is action, family, trauma, wars, and much more. However, it still holds its weight as the main plot.

Is this the best series to date? No, but it's the best script-turn series I have seen in a very long time. I have been watching these dramas as well, for two decades, and I can honestly say it's a gem. I would give it 4.2/5 on a 5-star scale and anything less than that would not be fitting.

I am a romance buff so I am very particular about my love stories. Their unknowing love faces challenges and setbacks like no other. You wouldn’t want to miss this ride.

The leads are great and so are the support actors. No one is overacting or failing to meet the expectations set by the viewers. It's pleasantly heartwarming even in the midst of a war.

You will definitely enjoy this one.

Happy viewing

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