Mr. Sunshine

Utterly destroyed

I actually died with them. Yes, I did. I am utterly destroyed and can only feel agony, my head hurts. This was absolutely amazing. I liked how this show gave us different angles on how each character questions their own identity and nationality, where they belong to or not. I loved how Ae Sin represented Korea, and how Hui Seong, Eugene and Dong Mae stood for the different relationships they have with their country. The cinematography, OST, acting – it was all so splendid and rich, an absolute delight to watch this show. The simple, quiet things between Eugene and Ae Sin, how their actions spoke louder than words. Their relationship was always at its best when it was just the two, enjoying mundane things. Sometimes, the show could be a little slow, and I also didn’t quite understand Kudo Hina as a character to be honest. But overall, this was amazing. But I still have a headache…

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This drama is just breathtakingly beautiful. Those snowy scenes in ancient times with ancient clothes... just so beautiful.

I love that some parts of this drama were done in English, helps to relate. It's incredible what diversity does to a drama. By just adding an additional language in this drama, the feel completely change. The story line is good. I wouldn't bear to rewatch the last few episodes. It's just too heartbreaking.

I love how this story portrays women. Many girls would be inspired after watching. It's unfortunate that I feel Kim Tae-ri (as Go Ae-shin) didn't really shine in this drama, she didn't own the character , meaning if she were to be replaced, I don't think many wld noticed. The OST is so so only. I can't recall much since it has been over a year since I watched this.

a must watch if you like ancient times winter Korea.

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Mr. Sunshine is a powerful historical drama featuring a story of romance, politics, and rebellion. Many pieces make up Mr. Sunshine which both widens its appeal but also runs the risk of being too ambitious. I chose Mr. Sunshine to be my first K-Drama precisely because I have a soft spot for all of these genres. Mr. Sunshine did not fail to impress and it ended up exceeded my expectations.

I will immediately note that this drama was perfectly cast. Every actor is a natural fit for their role and each character is very memorable. Among the main characters, Lee Byung-hun as Eugene Choi and Byun Yo-han as Kim Hee-sung stand out in my mind. Even the side characters feature great acting with Choi Moo-sung as Jang Seung-goo and Lee Seung-joon as Emporer Gojong.

The characters of Mr. Sunshine are intriguing enough to pull the show through its slowest parts. The mains come from a wide variety of backgrounds offering unique perspectives on the rapidly changing society of the setting. It is particularly interesting in that the show offers the perspectives of those born in the lower classes of Joseon society with Eugene Choi, who was born a slave, and Goo Dong-mae, who was born into a butcher family, considered to be the lowest tier in Joseon's caste system. The show also gives a voice to women of the late Joseon era. Protagonist Go Ae-shin is a noblewoman longing to gain more education and get involved in the politics of her nation against the wishes of her tradition-minded father. Kudo Hina is a successful businesswoman, a rarity in Joseon at the time of this setting, who operates a hotel hosting primarily foreigners. Unlike other characters, her loyalties are not immediately apparent and she acts as an interesting bridge between the other main characters. Lastly, Kim Hee-sung is the second-richest nobleman in Joseon but lacks ambition and purpose, causing him to waste his time with womanizing and drinking. Surprisingly, it was Kim Hee-sung who ended up being my favorite due to his fantastic development.

Great attention is paid to the details of Mr. Sunshine's story. For example, the first episode is essentially a long prologue but the viewer does not realize that literally every line uttered in the first episode is built upon throughout the story and nearly every character with a speaking role becomes an important character later in the story. The show is not afraid to demonstrate this with plethora of flashbacks, which admittedly can be excessive at times.

Romance is a main feature of the story. There are even two love triangles involving to some extent all of the five main characters. Fortunately, the drama never becomes "guess who this character will chose!" It is evident from the beginning who each character loves and also that their feelings will not be fickle.. The drama from these love triangles come from unrequited love and love that breaks Joseon societal norms. I was skeptical of the romantic element for the first half of the story but all doubts were put to the rest when I saw how the romance builds on itself in the second half.

Emotions are powerful in this show. The emotions in scenes are amplified by a striking soundtrack that never seems to run out of heart-wrenching melancholic songs. Viewers should certainly be aware that they are not in for a picnic of a drama. However, the drama is not always go cruel and dark, especially in the beginning. For every scene showcasing Japanese cruelty to Koreans there is a romantic scene or comic relief. The writers are smart enough to pace these scenes of wildly different emotions from each other. Viewers won't go from viewing two servants cracking jokes immediately to an execution.

Perhaps the greatest point to make about Mr. Sunshine is that it is an evocative show. At times it can feel like propaganda with its uncompromisingly negative portrayal of the Japanese yet slightly positive portrayal of the United States. However, the show is not afraid to be critical of Joseon society. Three of the main characters have tragic backstories literally caused or exacerbated by the backwardness of the ultra conservative culture. The other two characters rebel against their society's culture and norms, albeit in very different ways.

Aside from the show's politics, I have a desire to write about this drama's character development, romance, the emotionally powerful soundtrack, the impressive cinematography, the metaphors and symbolism. I may write a analysis of these topics in another spoiler-heavy review.

Do not expect to get the best war story ever told or the best romance ever written with Mr. Sunshine. Mr. Sunshine is a jack of many genres, but a master of none. This will be absolutely fine if you enjoy historical romantic dramas with a story about war and rebellion. Like me, you will be easily able to get through the slow pacing approximately episodes 3-13. If you are not a fan of these genres it will be more difficult, but I still recommend to give Mr. Sunshine a shot.

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This series was amazing.

1) the acting & characterisations were superb
The bromance was the highlight of the series. The three lead men brought humour, pathos & tragedy into their story. The females were fear even skilled & powerful. All made choices for love & freedom with courage.

2) the female characters where strong
All the female characters- from young to old; main characters to the side characters were amazing. They

3) the story was captivating & beautifully shot
The series cinematography was gorgeous! The story is a real roller coaster- heartwarming, thrilling & heartbreaking.

Just beautiful.

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Despite the title, Mr. Sunshine is no romantic fairy tale. Handsome Captain Eugene Choi returns to the land of his birth after 30 years in the USA where he carved a brilliant career in the military, only to find that nothing has changed for the better and the kingdom is now threatened by the increasing presence of the Japanese army.
Joseon's King/Emperor, lacking the support of his ministers and betrayed by many, does not want to create a confrontation with a superior military force fearing it would plunge the country into a bloodbath, so he gives in too often and finally loses the throne. Joseon-Korea ended up under Japanese occupation for 36 years until the end of WW2.
Eugene falls in love with Ae-Shin, a noblewoman fighting for her country, and protects her at the risk of his life and career. Lee Byung-hun makes an excellent captain, his calm demeanor and composure thinly veiling the anguish of his childhood and his now all consuming love for Ae-shin.

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It feels like a movie. There's too much to take, given that it is only a drama series. I cried for the least expected scene I could think of, I cried for the last scenes when the patriotism of the characters was shown, it really striked my heart, and I was just surprised when I felt the tears in my face. I never thought I'll have that strong feeling for something that's way past behind my generation, especially not even in my own country, I never thought that flashbacks from my learnings about our own country's history would appear and I would reflect again that much. And with that I really want to thank the producers, directors, the whole team of this drama for showing it to the world, inferior countries like us( I'm from the Philippines which was conquered by Americans that time ) do have this kind of story that must be told again and again for generations to see. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect 10 is because I longed for the romantic scenes for the main characters and was disappointed until the end, I felt the love, yes, but not having even a single kiss scene, even in the cheeks makes me really sad.

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I just watched a masterpiece . The drama excels in every aspect from OSTs to Cinematography , this is one of the best, Definitely in my top 10. This is when we realise that responsible creators are most important in the industry. They didn't try to make a fool out of the viewers like most of the others do. They valued our time and work hard to bring the best out. It's all evident in this drama from start to end. The casts were amazing. I was amazed by the FL from Little forest and Handmaiden. She is subtle yet strong in the way of representing the character. LBH as always was superb and mostly, cool and stylish . Yoon Seok was admirable as well playing a bit of both good and bad shade. The actors done the role brilliantly and maturely without the regular dose of cliches that K-actors produce. Must watch!!!!!

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Just watched the last episode, and, goodness!!...I feel as if I have been put through the wringer! This gorgeous 24 episode series is full of wonderful acting, beautiful cinematography and heartfelt music. It is a historical fiction of a young man who is forced to flee Korea because his life is in danger. He comes back years later as an American soldier and ready to take revenge on those who hurt his family. The drama that surrounds him sets the course in the path he takes, whether it ends in happiness or tragedy.

I love films that make me care for the characters, even the not-so-good ones because the writers have taken the time to flesh them out and not make them one dimensional villains. The female characters are very strong. No Mary Janes here. The acting is out of this world, pleased that they were able to cast a very talented ensemble. This is a show that doesn't not leave you. The historical situations were fascinating. It has been a real pleasure waiting for new episodes to come out weekly. Watch this. You will not be disappointed

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Wow, after watching 24 episodes of Mr sunshine, I do not know how to feel exactly. At first, I found the show to be extremely slow-paced and boring but something about it kept me going. I felt it was too slow-paced especially with respect to the relationship between the two main leads, I would have thought that the lure in the forbidden affair between the yu jin the slave and Aeshin the noble would be capitalized but all we got were long stares and heartfelt goodbyes. I actually felt more chemistry between dong mae and aeshin even though it was a bit on the obsessive side on his part. However, the historical part of the drama held it together as it gave its audience a glimpse of what Joseon went through at that time. I loved the acting, I felt the cast really got into their roles and delivered their best, I loved that it did not end up with the typical revenge troupe, I thought the story would just be about Yujin coming back for revenge, but I liked how the drama pointed out that at the end of the day, there is a choice not to go down that path. I also loved how in the end there were no fixed heroes or villains, this can be illustrated by Hina and Hui seng who refused to follow their father's footsteps and chose to fight for their country.
The tragic, yet hopeful feel the drama gave off at the end was beautiful but I would have loved it if they did not kill off the whole cast leaving just Aeshin

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