I've actually rewatching "Chocolate" as I write this review - my first review for the first K-drama I've ever watched in my life (which happened about seven months ago).

My message to you is, watch it! Even though I've read elsewhere that it's considered somewhat old fashioned, I hope many Koreans watched it, because it sends so many important messages about love and self-care that we could all use.

What people mistake for gloominess is actually a courageous take on difficult subjects that are often avoided in polite Korean culture, like depression. It also tackles hospice care, dementia, and the immense pressure of familial expectations placed on Korean children. It's definitely got its melodramatic moments, and you will shed many cathartic tears.

It's beautifully shot, it's got a lot of heartwarming moments centered around food, and thankfully it's got plenty of moments of levity in between. All of this frames the beautiful love story between the two main characters - two wounded people who didn't seem like they could be together because of so much baggage in their younger lives.

The drama has gathered a real powerhouse of actors, from the leads, Ha Ji Won and Yoon Kye Sang (who is somehow, frustratingly, not getting enough career breaks, much as he tries), to Jang Seung Jo (YKS' rival cousin), Kim Won Hae (the hospice facility director), and Min Jin Woong (HJW's brother).

It's probably not going to affect you like this year's big hits. Think of this as the underdog drama that tries to send quiet messages of caring and concern to the people who probably need it most. There's plenty of room in the plot, the photography, and in the acting to appreciate this drama.