A never ending struggle to the end and not just for them…
I'll apologise in advance, this isn't going to be my best review I simply can't find the enthusiasm to go into any depth.I never thought it was going to finish. And by the time we did end up at the beach, I was less than interested and definitely not convinced. I felt like I’d been dragged kicking and screaming through a series of fragmented plot-lines, rushed developments and overused clichés. Amnesia once is unfortunate, twice is unforgivable and tbh I got to the point of hoping to be touched with it myself…
The actors battled hard against an ever loosening plot, but were unable to save it falling apart into a weird time-loop at the end. The costumes were very pretty and far too clean, and the cinematography was also pretty.
An attempt to be epic that simply became unmanageable.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I wanted to like it
I might be in the minority here, but I really struggled to finish this drama. The overwhelmingly positive reviews made me go into this show with high expectations, but also made me even more disappointed in the end. Not everything is bad, but there are way too many parts that frustrated me to watch or was just plain boring.The casting was good. All the actors and actresses played their roles well (no hate towards any of them). The visuals were great and the show itself was filmed in a visually stunning way (although dark and bland sometimes). As with most shows that I'm not a fan of, the problems mostly lie in the writing and execution. This drama is long, taking into account parts 1 and 2, with some episodes being over an hour long. This wouldn't be a problem if the show actually kept my interest the entire time, but there were so many scenes that were just dragged out for way too long, and so many repetitive situations. The two leads going back and forth arguing with each other became extremely repetitive and annoying very quickly. Gil Chae's character was not very likeable for the majority of the show (especially at the beginning), and the way she treated Jang Hyun in the first half was frustrating to watch to say the least. She would constantly blame him for things, badmouth him, and was just plain rude. So many times Jang Hyun would help her or save her life, and all of this would go unnoticed. He would fight and hurt himself in the process, only for very little acknowledgement and little payoff in the end (in fact, Gil Chae would often get upset with him instead). Gil Chae being "in love" with Yeon Jun in the first half was so frustrating to watch. So many times I thought she would finally come to her senses and move on from this unhealthy relationship with Yeon Jun, only for her to fall right back in to blindly chasing after his affection even though he's already in a relationship with her best friend. It didn't help that Yeon Jun was incredibly annoying for most of the show, especially when he admitted to having some feelings for Gil Chae while also seeing Eun Ae.
Side characters were okay, although boring at times and helped to drag out the story for way too long. Ryang Eum's dynamic with Jang Hyun was interesting and not something that you see often in these types of shows. Gag Hwa was also a pretty interesting character, and sometimes I felt more chemistry between her and Jang Hyun than with Gil Chae. I didn't really care at all for Yeon Jun and Eun Ae's relationship (even though Eun Ae was a very good character in my opinion), as Yeon Jun was not very likeable.
The vibe of the show started off as a historical rom-com, but quickly turned very dark, violent, and moody. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I do prefer rom-coms over dark shows. The first two-ish episodes were great in my opinion, but I soon found myself wishing there was a fast-forward option to get through some of the boring scenes and repetitive dialogue. Namkoong Min, who I acknowledge is a very talented and well-respected actor, did this thing throughout the entire show where he would talk in a very slow manner. This was obviously done for dramatic effect and to increase tension in his scenes, but I found this also dragged out his scenes for much longer than they normally would have been. He would take a pause between every few words or sentences that dragged out his dialogue scenes waaay too long. I don't know if this was just me who noticed this?
The story itself became boring very quickly. I haven't seen Gone with the Wind, so I can't really make comparisons with it. The story just felt dragged out, and some parts like Jang Hyun losing his memory twice didn't really make much sense to me. The ending was okay I guess, I think I was just glad that it was finally over. The relationship between Jang Hyun and Gil Chae was cute at times, but I couldn't really feel the chemistry. Often times I wondered why they were so obsessed with each other (especially with Jang Hyun towards Gil Chae), as I felt like their relationship lacked a strong connection that made me want to see them together. The constant bickering and push&pull in the first half didn't really lead to a good build up to their relationship, and then the introduction of Gag Hwa into the story and her dynamic with Jang Hyun made it even harder to feel the connection between the main leads. I felt like most of the show Jang Hyun and Gil Chae weren't even together.
Overall, rather disappointed to say the least. You may enjoy this show if you like historical/costume & period dramas. I prefer modern-day rom-coms so maybe this show just wasn't for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
"Do You Hear It?. It Is The Sound Of The Flowers"
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 all time 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!
Was this review helpful to you?
Longing for someone.
How sad and how beautiful!I'm speechless. What a wonderful story. It's like, if they are happy, you are happy.
I'm exhausted mentally and emotionally. The whole story was a rollercoaster, you may be laughing and crying without even knowing it.
Sometimes, we as humans take some things for granted, and then our destiny shows us how important those things are. You may think, “Well, I will do it later”, but then you realize that was the only opportunity that you had.
Anyway, nothing is perfect. This story has some inconsistencies with the plot and how the character will react in some situations. The FL has had some growth since the last season, we have to recognize that she is not the same girl, and she has grown beautifully.
I loved the cinematography, music, and acting. I can't complain; this wait was worth it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Tiring but meaningful
This might be an unpopular opinion, but this drama left me exhausted. I was so tired of the back-and-forth, push-and-pull dynamic between the two leads. Throughout the series, I kept wondering when they would finally get together and when the FL would make up her mind. I personally disliked the FL’s personality. For someone meant to be strong and independent, she was so indecisive about love, making one illogical decision after another, especially when captured by the Qing.At the start, the chemistry between the leads was excellent. I enjoyed it—they were very cute together. But due to all the back-and-forth later on, they completely lost that initial spark.
This was the first time I had to look up whether a show would end happily, because if it didn’t, I would have stopped watching—I wasn’t willing to endure endless separations between the leads.
The series could have easily ended at 16 episodes like usual, but it dragged out too much in the second half with lots of unnecessary scenes. Despite how tedious it became, I still rate it an 8 overall because of Namkoong Min’s astonishing acting, the beautiful cinematography, and a meaningful story that depicted war so realistically. After watching, I was surprised I hadn’t seen any of NKM’s work before—he’s one of the best actors I’ve seen. The FL’s acting, on the other hand, felt lacking next to NKM. At times, it felt forced and unnatural.
The ending featured a lot of timeline jumps, as many people have commented. They could have made it simpler and more organized, but I still understood which timeline was which. Overall, I wouldn’t rewatch the show, but I’m glad I discovered NKM, and I’ll definitely watch his other shows.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Gem in Kdrama-World
Well, this is the end of a long journey and yearning. I absolutely loved Part 1. I did not expect to love it that much and in my humble opinion... it's a masterpiece. But it was not completed and we obviously needed a Part 2. Even though I was scared how it will play out. I think Part 1 is stronger than Part 2, but I still loved it. I gave Part 1 a 10/10 and Part 2 a 9.5/10. It's hard to be subjective, since My Dearest is already on my list of all-time-favourites.Before going into my thought on Part 2, I want to add a few of my thoughts of art 1 since they are still the same show and actually not a different season or anything:
- After watching the first two episodes I was not sure if I would like it or not and could not tell where the story was going
- Episodes 3 & 4 of Part 1 are brilliant: The happiness and "naivety" of people living in peace and then showing the horrors of war
- I love love love the characters! They are flawed, this is what makes them interesting. I could feel all the emotions they were feeling. The acting was amazing.
- Slowburn Romance at its best. The chemistry between the leads is wonderful
- The Show pulls you in and you won't be able to leave
- Beautiful music
These points are still relevant for Part 2. But here are a few thoughts on Part 2 to explain why I think it is "flawed":
- Gag Hwa... I did not need her in the story. She adds Drama, which causes for more yearning and angst between the leads... but I really disliked her
- Side Characters from Part 1 were not that relevant in Part 2
- Part 2 sometimes felt a bit draggy in comparison to Part 1, but maybe that's just me
- The Ending. I feel warm and happy. It's happier than I ever imagined it would be. I still wished for more ending scenes of the other side characters. But I don't want to get greedy.
- A beautiful and capturing show, an underrated gem in Kdrama-World. It's been a long time since I saw a show like this. And right now I am not sure if I ever did.
Has Part 2 flaws? Yes. Do I love and adore it anyway? YES.
What am I supposed to do now? It's over and I feel quite melancholic.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
ongoing
OngoingBut i stopped at 10 episode to me this drama it has happy ending
Both of them going to NEUNGGUNRI her hometown then married live LONG
SO HAPPY ENDING
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Was this review helpful to you?
I'm being super generous.
This is a cohesive review for both parts of the show.This show means business when it comes to tragedy, so watch out!
As some other people have pointed out this show is wayyyy better in the first half. I think the main issue that comes up in ep 10 onwards, is that the story relies on people making dumb choices for drama's sake. Characters that you've gotten to know will dead-ass look at the camera and make the dumbest choices you've ever seen.
Due to that there are a lot of scenes where I'm bored or angry. Not to mention how many coincidences there are to help the characters float along.
Despites the flaws this drama was still incredibly compelling. Every episode moved me or made me physically ill from the stress of watching. I thought the ending was pushing the limits of believability, BUT I was satisfied!
One of the best Korean dramas in YEARS!
Was this review helpful to you?
Good Enough
Korean Drama " My Dearest part 2" is the second part of the popular tv series, giving the story a proper ending.The drama is a turbulence of a story, with a melodramatic plot with many twists. However, this time around, they tended to repeat things and plot twists. They also focused too much on the palace politics and deprived screen time from other main side characters, thus, leaving their stories half baked.
Still, the story was enjoyable and the ending just right for the mood of the drama.
The performances, finally, were great by everyone.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
Was this review helpful to you?
When It’s Fate..its Fate
Part 1 of "My Dearest" was undeniably a masterpiece, setting a high standard that Part 2 had to live up to. While I was glad to see the continuation, my expectations were naturally elevated.Throughout the episodes of Part 2, I remained optimistic. Despite any shortcomings in the storyline, witnessing the journey of our main characters, the ML and FL, reminded me to cherish the moments of joy they shared. It's a valuable lesson—to focus on the positives amidst the challenges.
Admittedly, there were moments in the drama that seemed far-fetched, where our leads couldn't catch a break. However, I choose to interpret it as the writer's portrayal of fate prevailing against all odds.
Namkoong Min's exceptional acting, worthy of the Baeksang Award, undoubtedly salvaged some of the shortcomings of Part 2. While some may dismiss this drama as a waste of time, it still had its fair share of heart-fluttering moments and comedic scenes, making it a worthwhile watch in my eyes.
Was this review helpful to you?
My FAV for 2023
Such a great drama. So emotionally captivating. The actors, the story and the chemistry between Jang Hyun and Gil Chael is so hot…... All the casting actually is great.I just can’t wait to watch next episodes....although I wish I could just watch it till the end right now.
Well those two are my favourites, the way they act is so deep …emotional…intelligent…pure and minimal. Even if they say nothing is like they are saying everything….
If they don’t end up together I will be very disappointed :( :( :(
Was this review helpful to you?
Part 1: ASTOUNDING–Part 2: DRIFTED OFF....
Hands down to the emotional rollercoaster throughout the drama, the actors are stupendous. I'm like so doubtful I even saw emotions through my screen due to the splendid performance from ALL SIDES. Each character had their moments, each actor/actress, whether good or bad, all had their moments of splendor and disgust, which is what makes them all SO. MUCH. MORE. REAL. Unpopular opinion, I personally LOVE the Qing Princess character for being the most complex and well misunderstood/understood character. Her character has the equivalent complexity as the male lead which I find is a great accomplishment to the storyline. I wish script writer would add more characters like hers, it just makes a cliche storyline so much more intriguing and with more plot twists––better yet make a character like her the main character, aka strong FL (omg I would so watch that!).However, I have to say, with the extremely high expectations from Part 1, Part 2 definitely drifted off. Although not as believable, was still enjoyable to watch. There were points there I find were a bit incredulous, and some things didn't quite make sense or they didn't quite round it off, especially with the character Ryang Eum, but overall the performance of each character was what ultimately made this drama an enjoyable ride.
Was this review helpful to you?
