My Dearest – REVIEW
Image: Supplied/ IMBD film stills
Viki series 2023, directed by Kim Sung Yong and Lee Han Joon. A historical drama romance
Review by Jill Livingstone
Story
Inspired by Gone with the Wind, My Dearest features Namkoong Min as Lee
Jang-hyun, a complex, enigmatic and charismatic merchant of unknown origin. He
uses his wits and intelligence to survive and prosper in the challenging period of the
Qing invasion of Joseon.
Ahn Eun-jin is Gil-chae, the beautiful, petulant and self-centred daughter of a noble
family whose life and outlook change dramatically when the barbarians invade. She
has to find the courage and the inner resources to survive and save her family.
The pair meet in happier times, and Jang-hyun is intrigued by Gil-chae. Later their
paths cross often, but their timing is ill-fated, mostly due to the ever-present and
barbarous Qing and what each must do to survive the brutal conditions.
Should I watch?
Only once in a while does a masterpiece of Korean drama with truly iconic
characters come to our screens. This epic series is mostly one such drama.
The story of two headstrong, fascinating and passionate characters pulled apart by
historical events is heartrendingly and mesmerisingly played out in My Dearest.
The visuals are spectacular, with the story enthralling as it unfolds. It’s bursting with
action and emotion, beauty and tragedy, with a plot that almost never falters.
Each viewer will have their own experience of the last episodes of this grand and
ambitious production. There are aspects which for this viewer, seem a little unworthy
of an otherwise magnificent and powerful drama.
Verdict
A rating of 9.999/10 – Almost a masterpiece – and Namkoong Min’s performance is
simply sublime.
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