— Review Part 1 —

People will do whatever it takes to survive; those who will not do so are bound to perish.

It is a very well-written story, and although it cannot be considered historically perfect, I found it to be largely accurate.

Romance might be at the centre, but its historical war setting plays just as big a role, too. Its intense focus on the ruthlessness of war, neatly tackling transformation, development, longing, loss and the deep unfairness of life, is nothing less than top-notch.

My Dearest not only explores life in times of war but people's reactions to it, and as such, war is questioned by many of the characters from different perspectives.

Of course, in times of war, prisoners were victims of constant physical and psychological abuse, torture and humiliation, and the unfairness of it all could reach inhumane limits.
The women were the target of rape and sexual abuse and were even expected to take their own lives if there was so much as an encounter with an enemy because, to society and their families, they were not pure anymore.

It is outstanding how most of our main characters show a grey moral character and emotional flaws, and their bad traits receive as much attention, or even more, than the good ones.

The costumes, scenery, cinematography and realistic scenes of the horrors of war are the best I've seen in a sageuk.

A must-watch.