My Dearest

What can I say? In my opinion, this is the best drama of the year, perhaps the best in a long time, and undoubtedly the finest historical drama. It's a beautiful, inspirational adult love story with none of the fluffy stuff. The drama takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with many heart-wrenching moments throughout. While it touches on controversial topics, it deals with them beautifully, sparking diverse opinions.

The actors, especially the main leads, were phenomenal. The cinematography, fight scenes, and OST were amazing. Sure, you could point out some flaws in the plot, but let's be honest, most dramas have them.

This drama has secured a spot in my top ten, a list that I often tweak based on my mood. It joins the likes of "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim," "Itaewon Class," "Fight My Way," "Hometown Cha-Cha," "Flower of Evil," "Touch Your Heart," "Vincenzo," and "Strong Girl Bong-soon."

Honestly, I stumbled upon this drama by accident and didn't know the main leads very well. However, I watched it with an open mind and have no regrets. I found myself completely engrossed, never skipping a moment, even when the storyline got frustrating at times. The drama also boasts scenes that are worth watching over and over again.

I highly recommend it to people who enjoy the melodrama, romance, and sageuk genres. It's a must-watch!

Finally available on Netflix for viewing - it was totally lost on Viki.

It's the second Kdrama I have ever given 10 stars! (The other was Crash Landing) Many have written synopsis on the story so I will refrain. Except to say this is absolutely no GWTW copy.

Have no idea why I started watching this and confess at the second Ep ready to abandon it, but suddenly it picked up in Ep3 and really took off. Through the horror of war and hunger, I settled in for the ride and became mega-hooked. Appreciation sank in as I watched masterful acting and took a personal interest in the outcome of almost all these characters' lives.

The lead actors are both utterly astonishing! Both the ML and FL: Min Nam-koong and Ahn Eun-Jin, are a dream together. They both take my breath away with the skill and genuineness with which they interpret the scriptwriter's intent with this plot of love and loss in a difficult time in Korea's history. The Director deserves applause and a bouquet for his direction.

The cinematographer comes in bang on target with stunning wide sweeping shots, magnificent colour and moving scenes. (The kiss in the field was excellently shot).

Never have I seen a historical bedding scene so beautifully shot regards lighting and close-ups. Able to translate a deep affection finally being consummated with such dignity, as opposed to "camera to black!" Just Exceptional. Other Directors please pay attention and learn from this master.

With yet another massive bouquet for the Casting Director. Nearly forgot (slap wrists), the Costume Designer! The Qing Dynasty outfits are astonishingly beautiful and don't look like some fake Halloween get-up, but genuine clothing. You can see the research that went into creating them. Altogether the production is a rare joy. I cried, laughed, was anxious and lived alongside the joy, war, tears and escapades of this historical Kdrama series.

Whilst waiting for the Second Series to be aired I rewatched the first 3 episodes to comprehend the intent of the scriptwriter as the foundations It helped get me ready for the airing of the 2nd series.

The ML initial inability to seriously commit to a relationship and the growth of the FL which I found compelling; once her teenage immaturity, silly flirting and feisty outspokenness passes, she comes into her adulthood with a compelling inner strength during the war, and later when she initiates and run a business, whilst becoming responsible for providing for her family and servants. The ML makes it clear it is her "brazenness" that he admires.

Absolutely no hesitation in declaring My Dearest/Lover is easily my favourite Kdrama. I highly recommend it for viewing.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

PS Those idiots who watch 3 episodes and write a review are an absolute waste of time as they fail to comprehend character & story development. Equally, those who insist that this is a Copy of GWTW fail to understand that the scriptwriter said it was initially inspired by but NOT a copy of, which is quite clear in terms of the history of Korea and the restrictions enforced by Buddhist and Confucian teachings, particularly for women of the period. GWTW did not ever display the slow-mounting realisation of deep love and affection regardless of trails and tribulations like those in My Dearest.

Viewed: English subtitles + Korean audio.

Telling the story of Qing invasion of Joseon Korea and its devastating aftermath on people from prince to servant through the eyes of an unconventional couple, it is as topical a story as it was centuries ago.

The depiction of war was incredible, original and realistic. The mistreating of people as slaves, of women considered miasma even by their own, every little aspect of how lives were ruined or used as collateral after the war supposedly ended was jaw-dropping and holded the biggest part of the series.

It was an excellent production and execution throughout.

It stumbled upon some typical kdrama cliches at the beginning and especially towards the end. Look past that, because it was such a great series to watch.

I'd give My Dearest 20 stars if I could. Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin turn this beautiful drama into a classic. I really don't know what to say except that if you love Kdramas My Dearest will rocket to the top of your favorites.

Namkoong Min is such a handsome guy, but after seeing a younger version in other dramas, and then watching a more mature man in My Dearest, I am struck by his beauty and talent. Like Sean Connery, he gets better as he ages! Ahn Eun-jin is beautiful, but she shines in this drama. The two of them are my favorite drama couple ever. The supporting cast is also so well done - all top notch actors who made me forget that they were acting parts as they were so natural and believable in their roles.

Additionally, the soundtrack for My Dearest is hauntingly beautiful. A classic in itself. I keep hearing the score because like the story, it is too special to forget.

Min Namkoong yet again defies typecasting and brings it all to the table as an enigmatic man of the world smitten with a woman who when things get rough proves to be far more than a silly flirt. The Lady has spirit in a culture where it's not usually valued in a woman. This is NO damn wanna be GWTW as one reviewer yapped about. Gary Grant could only dream of having Min Namkoong's acting chops. And the rest of My Dearest/Lover 's cast are no slouches either in this romance amidst a war where smart strong leadership is in short supply. When those "precious lips" are kissed it's going be a HUGE moment. But that opening scene on the beach, well, it makes one wonder IF that moment will ever come.

Update edit: Mea culpa, indeed Cary Grant was not Clark Gable in GWTW. Still neither can compare to Min Namkoong--they're both third rate actors in comparison. Their status was created by Hollywood marketing. Min Namkoong's status is due to his remarkable talent.

Episode 11 is off to a grand start of the second half of My Dearest/Lover. Heartbreak like none other? !

In an award acceptance speech Min Namkoong thanked writer Hwang Jin-yeong for the wonderful script/story she worked on for five years.