My Dearest Part 2 (2023)

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.

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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.

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An epic love story that tries to defeat time and space.

LOTS OF SPOILER AHEAD.

I have to preface all of this saying that I've really enjoyed this drama and I think that it really lives up to his reputation. I've just finished ep 21 and I feel like I've said goodbye to a group of close friends with whom I've been sharing years with.
Seeing these people go through thick and thin and witnessing their growth is really special and makes you feel really attached to both the main protagonists (especially our Gil Chae) and the rest of the cast.

But,

as much as I've loved part 1, I felt like part 2 could not live up to the first. I found it far less exciting and got really bored at some points with the king/politics/prisoners storyline in its second half, while I found the first episodes about Gil Chae being a prisoner more interesting.
Again every happy moment between the leads was always promptly follow by another separation.
I also didn't really like how the rest of the cast slowly faded on the back, in the last 2-3 episodes I don't really remember seeing Jong Jong, bang Du Ne, or even Eun Ae, if not for some brief glimpses. And I really missed the comradeship between the girls and their bond.

But what disappointed me the most was the last episode, for sure.
I didn't really get the flow of time, like we're supposed to believe that Ryang Eum has been locked in that psych ward for 23 years and he still locks 25 if not for the white hair. Also why and by whom was he imprisoned? The drama doesn't really explain that.
Gil Chae has lived we don't really know how many years believing that her husband is dead only to find out years later that he may still be alive, just because YJ decided casually to spill the beans like years after everything happened.
She then proceeds to find him after we don't really know how much time spent by knocking at every door in search of him. And when he finds him, he has lost his memory again except for the fact that he remembers that someone once described a house to him and I'm supposed to believe that he build an entire house on the mountains all by himself? I don't know....

I'm not saying I would have preferred him to be dead, because I was really happy at their well deserved reunion, but I found everything not really believable especially considering that he somehow escaped for the 6th time a sure death.

All in all, I think this is a really well round and complex drama, but after watching this and the red sleeve back to back I definitely need to take a break from all the angst and sadness.
Still would recommend it.

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One of the best korean dramas release this year 2023. The whole historical romance story of the main leads are really well portrayed. It's a really a heart aching drama. I cried a lot watching this one. I liked that I watch this one ongoing, because my emotions can't take it if I watch this in one go.

Aside from the love story, I really liked the side characters in the drama. Even with all the flaws shown by the characters, I can't help but accept them as what they are. I really am so convinced with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, they are also one of the characters that made an impact for me as a watcher.

Though the drama is political in it's aspect, which is usual in a historical drama, I like that it shows the perspective of the common people, though the monarchy is seen, it's not really the main plot of the story which is really a plus for me as a watcher.

The lines/script of the drama is well written, I am in awe. I would not rewatch this for sure since I don't want to cry again.

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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!

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A beautiful journey awaits

⚠️⚠️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️

Where do I begin?!
I've heard of this saying (fate is about timing)..this series had me in a chokehold from the 1st episode, it was beautifully written and the brilliant actors was ????

our main couple meet by chance shortly after the FL had had a dream about our ML, and it was love at first sight for our ML(she?..not so much) but that did not deter our ML(even after learning of her crush to someone else) in that time period she was considered (brash,loud mouth, forward) amongst other things. Our couple is then taken on a journey like no other and we get to see them in different stages of the their lives during the war and their timing being off(frustratingly so),


○After losing everything, she was not afraid to work(even though noble-women weren't allowed to)
○She sacrificed her love for Jang Hyeon and chose to stay with her family to take care of her unwell father and young siblings
○She was told he had died which in turn led to her getting married(not before mourning him)
○After that he(ML) finds out she was bought by the princess of the Qing empire (because of her unrequited love for Jand Hyeon)
○He gets Gil chae(FL) out and the Qing princess almost kills him while he was trying to save Gil chae
○Makes Jang Hyeon make Gil chae leave to have him to herself (Qing princess) as a result of not understanding why he'd be willing to die for her
○She goes back, only to find her husband has impregnated another woman(probably thought she was never coming back)
○Her refusing to him and see her struggle

●Despite everything he continued to love her unconditionally
●He fought with her and for her(didn't think twice when she was in danger)
●He risked everything to get her out of slavery(when her husband chose reputation over her)
●As he promised, always finds her(wether in danger or not)
●The way his eyes conveyed what his mouth couldn't
●His hearts refusal to forget her when his mind did
●His unwavering love for her throughout the years
●their sacrifices for other people (captives)

There's a lot I could say regarding these two but it still might not be enough, the emotional roller-coaster one goes through whole watching(laughter, love,tears,anger, angst, frustration) but a beautiful journey one could take.
Let me leave it here

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"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!

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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.

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“do you hear it? this sound, the sound of flowers.”

UNA MARAVILLA , MIS PADRES, SI SON. DE VERDAD QUE NO QUERÍA ACABAR EL DORAMA PORQUE ME IBA PEGAR UNA DEPRESIÓN Y LUEGO NO ENCONTRARÉ UN DORAMA COMO ESTE.
Normalmente dicen que segundas partes no son buenas pero es que en este dorama se equivocan la segunda parte lo supera con creces y eso que el primero estaba ya en unos niveles muy altos. Me gusta sobretodo porque al conocer ya a los personajes te da para centrarte en la historiaa. Eso si hay ciertas cosas que quiero comentar:
- Mira que odio el cliche de la amnesia , ya me lo comí en el último capitulo de Flower of Evil (lo siento si no has visto la serie porque menudo spoiler que te acabo de hacer ) para comermelo aquí en la última media hora de la serie estando enganchadisima , pero debo de decir que no me ha molestado tanto el cliche de la amnesia es mas lo he hilado con las veces que Gil Chae tras huir de la invasión cuando vuelve su padre comienza con la demencia y no la reconoce, he pensado pobre ya que debe volver a cuidar de una persona que ama pero que no se acuerda de ella. Ya sufrí en el capitulo 9 la amnesia despues de que torturasen a mi señoro (Lee Jang Hyun) como para los momentos que estaban juntos él no se acordase de ella pero mira llegue a aceptar y atesorar esos momentos porque me parecían enternecedores y como ella seguía con él e intentaba que se acordase. (AME en la forma que se acordó y esa frase que dijo I hope I did not do anything too silly, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa). Por eso lo de la amnesia al final me volvía a tocar las narices pero mira yo con saber que acaban juntos viviendo la vida como querían me alegra. En mi mente viviran como la pareja de ancianos del principio (la pareja que celebra los 60 años de casados), amandose profundamente.
- Odio y no me ha gustado nada que matasen al Principe Heredero y a su mujer, me da pena y he llegado a querer a ese personaje al principio pensaba que me la iban a liar con mi señoro pero al final esa carta y todo lo que el pobre llega a padecer al ser ''secuestrado '' simplemente muestra la evolución del personaje. Me parece que la guionista no les dió el final que merecían y que muriese me dolió mucho.
- Salgo más republicana que nada, odio profundo al rey, comenzando con que da a su hijo como chivo expiatorio y luego se crea unas paranoias mentales de la leche que si todos van en contra de él que los prisioneros de guerra hay que matarlos y que leches mas, señor retirese usted no esta para gobernar un país. La mujer es un personaje que podría haberle sacado mas partido porque siento que ella y el eunuco maquinaban mas planes que me hubiera gustado ver. De verdad que me parece que ha durado muy lejos en la serie yo le hubiera quitado antes.
- LA PUTA CASTIDAD Y LOS VALORES TRADICIONALES, mira todos los academicos, que para mi se encontraban reunidos en el personaje de Nam Yeon Joon, me han hecho maldecirle cada vez que salía en pantalla que horror de señoro, tu mujer ha sobrevivido cuando escapó, el otro pavo solo le tocó un hombro, que si le hubiera pasado algo más no pasa nada a su castidad y la deberías haber protegido y no al inutil del rey, que deberías haberte casado con el rey y no con Kyung Eun Ae, una señora demasiado buena para tí, es que uf que Gil Chae evoluciona en sus gustos y se queda con el señoro , contigo no hubiera podido ser ella (ya se ve cuando se casa con el oficial y lo que hace el oficial para tratar de salvarla, que asco de personaje el del oficial por cierto, se enamora de la valentía y de la personalidad echada para adelante para luego querer en el matrimonio que se retraiga y se quede encerrada como buena ama de casa?. MUJERES NO , buscad un hombre, mujer o una persona o pareja que no os anule, que nos os robe vuestro brillo , ni vuestra personalidad ).
- Me gustó más la primera parte con respecto a lo de la dinastía Qing aquí la emperatriz me ponía de los nervios y me molestaba que estuviera entre Gil Chae y Jang Hyun. Me gustaban mas las interacciones entre la mano derecha del emperador y Jang Hyun , que las que tenía con la emperatriz, asi que cuando la tía le deja irse a sido como victoria por fin, no te aguantaba.
- Me ha hecho gracia que los dos mejores capitulos de ambas partes son el cuarto, en la primera parte cuando Gil Chae salva a Eun Ae de que la violen mantando al pavo y ambas acceden a encubrirlo y en esta parte , te diría que es historia de los kdramas que digo del cine esa escena cuando Jang Hyun ve a Gil Chae en el sitio de subastas de prisioneros y le grita que porque. (MENUDA ESCENA ES QUE TENGO ESCALOFRÍOS SOLO DE PENSAR EN ESE MOMENTO).



En fin una fantasía de serie, comencé esta serie por un comentario que leí en Twitter preguntando porque habían dado el premio de mejor actor a Namkoong Min y no a Kim Soo Hyun por su papel en Queen of Tears y si bien me encantan ambos actores, My Dearest me ha enganchado de mayor forma que Queen of Tears y entiendo todos los premios que le han podido dar porque menuda maravilla, se ha convertido en mi kdrama de epoca favorito y esta entre mis Kdramas favoritos. (vaya nunca había escrito una review tan larga pero esta obra de arte lo merece) Siempre se quedará entre mis kdramas favoritos.

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Dear Husband…

I’m going to rate this in 2 parts since it has a season 1 & 2.
Season 1: 9/10
Season 2: 8/10
Overall, it is a remarkable series with minor inconveniences.

I know this series was based on actual historical events so they didn’t give us the typical good guys conquer all storyline. You’re not going to get the epic political warfare or battle of the wits in the royal court. It was more focused on the fall of Joseon during the Qing’s takeover. You see more of the heartbreaks from the civilians’ eyes. That being said, there were SO many moments I wanted to just scream and punch my pillow out of anger or just cry in anguish.

If you’re here for the romance. Hang tight. It won’t kick in until episode 18. This was THE most chaotic couple in the history of couples. By chaotic, I meant chaos followed them everywhere and every single time. They don’t have a lot peaceful times before shit would hit the fan and off we go running again and again. The ML was one of the most heroic and greenest flag of all green flags. He LOVED the FL with all of his heart, body and soul. The FL .. you’ll have to wait until at least episode 3 to warm up to her but the character development was remarkable. She went from being an arrogant, petty and selfish brat to a strong, independent, wise and courageous woman. Truly magnificent to see her blossom.

Let’s talk crazy. We all know who. Ryang Eum was batshit crazy. He was manipulative, obsessive, possessive and I blame him for the leads’ misfortunes in the first season. Nam Yeon Joon was another crazy mofo. His self proclaimed righteousness under Confucianism blinded him from seeing the actual lack humanity presented in front of him.

The amnesia. Overdone and overused. Wtf. It happened not once but TWICE? EOTAKE?!

The women in this series suffered. A lot. You need to be brave to watch some of it.

Overall, it was a great series and experience to watch. I would not watch it again.

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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.

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