This review may contain spoilers
It's an okay masterpiece
Note: The title needs quotes around the word "masterpiece" but the system wouldn't allow me.Before deciding to watch this drama, I came here to get an initial feeling of what this drama might be like. To my surprise, most reviews here were calling this a masterpiece and a must watch so I immediately went to watch it. I have just finished it and I have no idea if those revieweres were watching the same drama I did -- it's not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, in my opinion.
The story is really good. The music is good too, it didn't stand out to me as either great or terrible which is good. The cast is really nice too. The cinematography is really well done! Sadly, that's where the positives end.
The direction of this drama is not great. Too many episodes for what it ended up delivering. The characters are almost 2 dimensional as they make decisions that sometime seem random or make no sense. There's romance but sadly I didn't care for it one bit and I was not convinced of how and why the leads loved each other.
This drama could've been at least 8 episodes shorter! There are plenty of wasted "prolonged" scenes of characters just seemingly staring at each other as if the actors were trying to remember the next line. Some scenes were completely useless and added nothing of value; just fodder to pad this show.
The important bits were not given focus -- be it the characters or the political story. I do enjoy a good slow burner, with "good" being the operative word here. This drama overstayed its welcome and to be honest, I was bored for 99% (hyperbole) of the time I was watching it. I could not give it attention as I had the urge to fast forward past the useless scenes. My partner kept me from doing that and while she liked it more than I did, she still found it needlessly padded and slow.
I get the reason it's slow is to immerse people into the world and the characters and that the nature of political events unravelling is usually slow but this was needlessly slow. If there was a criteria for direction, I would've given it a 1.
Want a similar story with a far better pace? Watch Bridal Mask.
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However, even though the story was good and very impressive, the drama had a slow start. It felt like it was dragging on for the first half. In the second half, fortunately, it picked up. The action scenes were more plenty and the plot thickened. Kudos for the ending as well, as it was bold to conclude things like this.
Moreover, the performances were excellent from all the actors and they were many many characters in this drama, so it was harder to pull off concistant performances from all of them. One thing that bothered me though, was the constant changing of the language of the dialogues throughout the drama. But that might not bother everyone.
Finally, the costumes and settings were really good and felt original and well made. Though the soundtrack wasn't that impressive, it suited the drama's mood well enough.
So, overall, 7 out of 10.
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Maybe a Masterpiece for the regional audience¿¿..??
Historical dramas could be a lot more meaningful to regional audiences who may have lived through it. However for a global audience looking for pure entertainment this may not have such a deep impact.Everything was okay for me and I would've given it a 7 or 8, but there was a jarring situation.
Taking the risk of being cursed by the star -obsessed fans of the region, I must say that the lead couple was JARRING.
They were mismatched and uncomfortable with each other, there was no chemistry, in fact there was a certain distance or coolness to the relationship that went against the storyline.
The FL - as brilliant as I've seen her in other dramas- had one singular expression throughout. She looked like a 12 year old obstinate child. That's it. It didn't waver.
All the 3 male leads falling in love with her was a bit ridiculous to watch.
The romantic thread between these 2 totally mismatched and chemistry-less leads just messed up the drama for me.
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Could have a much better ending…
watched the whole episode….the More i watched the more i have to force myself to finish. Things are moving Too slow. The slow and lingering gaze between the main leads becomes monotonous and loosing its magic. The longings are too cruel. Then it’s just tragedy after tragedy after tragedy.This movie is a tragedy.
I saw the high ratings and expectations were high. There few who has similar views on how bad this drama, thank you for being honest and took the time to share with everyone.
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
This KDrama is more like an epic movie that (fortunately) doesn't want to end over 24 episodes
"Mr. Sunshine" is pure epic! Visually stunning! Heartbreaking. With a fantastic cast! In addition, there is a vivid and at the same time gripping history lesson (dealing with the turn of the 19th / 20th centuriy). The KDrama is more like an epic movie that (fortunately) doesn't want to end over 24 episodes. Complex characters, interwoven developments with sudden twists, cinematic camera, unforgettable soundtrack, everything seems handpicked, nothing off the shelf. The budget was correspondingly high, but it isn't just good because it was expensive. Rather, it is made with a lot of love from front to back and down to the last detail. There are hardly familiar motifs that we have often seen in variation. Everything is precisely coordinated in all scale levels. The personal decisions that the protagonists make over and over again in the course of the story remain unpredictable until the end.Historically we learn about the relationship between Joseon and the Japanese, but also with the rest of the world. The story takes place before the country becomes a Japanese protectorate - in that brief window of time when Joseon (after a long period of isolation) became the Greater Korean Empire and then opened up to the rest of the world. For this reason, the USA also play a role in here, because the States - like Russia and Japan - are ready and waiting to get involved in the imperialist competition for the largest slices of the cake Joseon is offering. The country is rich in raw materials and therefore hot property. "Mr Sunshine" provides a vivid and gripping introduction to those geopolitical complications.
------------------ SIDE NOTE --- Historic setting: Joseon and the rest of the world ...
Since the 17th century, Joseon rather had itself isolated from the outside world. This rigorous attitude ultimately led to the first military confrontation between Joseon and the USA, which marks the kick off point to the plot of "Mr. Sunshine". In 1866, an American ship, the SS Sherman, entered Korean waters via the Taedong River. Since it did not turn around immediately when asked, there were violent arguments in which the ship was ultimately set on fire. This was followed in 1871 by the battle off the island of Ganghwa-do, in which the USA wanted to rescue the survivors of the shipwrecked crew and at the same time establish the first prerequisites for trade relations. However, since the desired diplomatic gesture of the Korean apology did not happen to take place, the Joseon garrison on the island was radically wiped out by the American warships and their crew. This first conflict with the USA went down in history as 'Shinmiyangyo'.
King Gojong came to the throne in 1873 and, in contrary to previous national policy, decided to open up his country in the hope of flourishing trade and technical innovation. Japan pushed ahead and forced the Japanese-Korean friendship treaty of 1876 on the king, including military pressure, too. However, this was a contract between unequal friends... In the course of the international processes that had been initiated, King Gojong also sought contact and trade agreements with Western countries.
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During this time, "Mr. Sunshine" stages its main plot, in which protagonist Eugene, as US officer of loathed Korean descent, is supposed to sensitively, competently and diplomatically represent the interests of the USA with a consular mandate. But there is always more life has to offer... Eugene has to meet the love of his life, face his roots and reconsider his values in life. He can´t help it: he has to take a stand...
It is said that not everything is historically 100 percent precise, but the historical circumstances provide plenty of material for pure epic drama at its finest. Thrilling. Unforgettable.
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However, the 20 episodes leading up to them were largely very boring. There were great moments of bromance, humor, and even some just all around aesthetically pleasing scenes, but a majority of the screen-time was focused on politics and it was just so boring because I already knew what was coming. I wish we had focused more on the characters earlier on since they are so, so great. Eugene Choi, Goo Dong Mae, and Kim Hee Sung had me rooting for them the entire time...and not just to "get the girl" but to be successful in whatever direction their lives were going because they all were so genuine and had such depth.
Go Ae Shin is one of my all time favorite leading ladies. She isn't your typical lead at all and I love how she took her destiny into her own hands. She was strong, funny, and cute all at once so it did not surprise me in the least that all three guys mentioned above were smitten with her (as opposed to many a drama where I can't figure out why guys are falling left and right for the heroin). Kim Tae Ri was fantastic and I give her so many props for standing next to Lee Byung Hun and holding her own, it really shows how talented she is as an actress.
I think when I first started watching Mr. Sunshine I was disappointed because it wasn't really what I expected from writer Kim Eun Sook. Some of her trademark elements were there (especially when it came to the bromance/humor) but overall it just wasn't what I wanted it to be so I was upset. Once I got over that though and was able to watch the drama for what it was instead, I was able to appreciate it much more. This time period is made for epic stories and is so emotional and tragic. Every time I watch a drama or movie that takes place during this era I feel for the Korean people so hard. Having lived in South Korea, I've witnessed first hand the effect the terrible things that happened during the Japanese Occupation has had even today...there is still a huge scar. Mr. Sunshine in particular was an interesting story because it started right before the occupation, instead of in the heat of it as other shows I've seen previously have. That made it even harder to watch because you can see all the pieces falling into place leading up to this horrible time period you know is coming. So while watching, I knew exactly how it would all end. In a way, that made finishing this drama easier. I won't lie and say I still didn't bawl my eyes out...but at least I was expecting it. I still have some issues with the way certain things went down (not *what* happened so much as *how*) for our characters here but overall, I'm satisfied.
Conclusion: watch it for it's historical significance, beautiful cinematography, and lovable characters. Be patient with the story. Bring a box of tissues.
Ps. Was anyone else expecting Gakshital to just show up in the end? How epic would that have been?? (haha).
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I watched Goblin and I really liked it, it did set my standards for Korean Dramas before... Now, from the same creators comes 'Mr. Sunshine' - they set the bar too high haha.
CJ E&M's TVN has been producing really great movies and series lately and it makes me proud to be a partner of CJ E&M and DIA TV through my YouTube channel.
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Oscar Worthy
If this drama had been a movie instead, it'd be Oscar worthy. The cinematography is visually stunning, the score really adds to the plot, the actors performances are incredible and they truly made each character believable. Mr. Sunshine is top 3 dramas of all time for me. It has important historical points that are heartbreaking yet eye opening. People complain of the age gap between the leads, but I didn't even pay attention to that. They have chemistry but isn't overly done and it's done with taste. It has a fast start and then seems to move slower, but every episode has something happening. If you stick with it, it is one of those dramas that ends up living rent free in your head and once in a while when youre driving, out for a walk, cooking or doing any mundane task, this drama will pop into your head and you'll be grateful to have watched it!Was this review helpful to you?
An Unforgettable Historical Journey. My Entry into historical drama
Foreword:Reviewing a historical drama that depicts actual events is tricky business. My approach to "Mr. Sunshine" centers firmly on its unforgettable cast, who were stamped into my mind long after the credits rolled. Even a year later, this show lives rent-free in my head, a testament to its staying power.I haven't even felt the need for a re-watch; it's just there.
"Mr. Sunshine" was my entry point into the world of historical K-dramas. Perhaps not the smoothest introduction, given its immediate intensity, but I stumbled in blindly, back in the days when Netflix recommendations were my guiding star. The series kicks off at a hundred miles an hour, not quite what you'd expect, yet for anyone familiar with military narratives, it's clear you're in for an epic ride.
Eugene Choi:
Born into the harsh reality of Joseon slavery, He escapes to America after a childhood trauma, only to return years later as a Captain in the US Marine Corps. Lee Byung-hun's portrayal of Eugene Choi is so seamless, it's hard to separate actor from character. From a dark past, he finds himself on a ship to an unknown land, eventually rising through the military ranks. Despite his success, his homeland calls him back. The very vessel that once carried a frightened boy now sails him towards an unstable Joseon, a land that showed his parents no kindness. What awaits him? War? Desolation? Liberation? Or perhaps, an unexpected love? Shielded by a foreign flag, he's caught between personal comfort and his motherland's salvation.
Go Ae-shin:
An orphaned noblewoman, secretly a sharp-shooting sniper for the Righteous Army, fiercely battling for Korea's independence against a possible Japanese colonization. Beneath her elegant hanboks, a warrior princess resides. By day, she's a picture of grace; by night, she commands a silent, formidable force unknown even to the most ruthless. She embodies the very spirit of the struggle.Joseon found its own Joan of Arc in Go Ae-shin. Kim Tae-ri's performance captures every sentiment, soft, tough, and everything in between – until she encounters Eugene Choi, forcing her to completely recalibrate her life's trajectory, like a GPS that's suddenly lost its data.
Gu Dong-mae (Ishida Sho):
A truly complex figure who constantly keeps you guessing. Raised on the "other side of the river," You only need to read his adoptive name to know which side of history he is standing on, he was my personal headache, not because he was twisted, but because predicting his next move was impossible. He's a man of action, his sword doing all the talking. For the longest time, his allegiance remained a mystery, until the ties of blood proved thicker than water, forcing a choice that ultimately helped the writers neatly wrap up this intricate historical tapestry, leaving us staring at the screen wondering, "Now what?" It was much later I discovered Yoo Yeon-seok, an actor you'd never expect to embody such a ruthless villain, brought this character to life.
Lee Yang-hwa (Kudo Hina):
Adopted by the Japanese, much like Gu Dong-mae, Kudo Hina, though not as overtly ruthless as GDM or the "night runner" princess, possesses a quiet strength. She faces the enemy daily, a smile masking her pain. Her intelligence is her strength; her every move is calculated, making her a puzzle to her adversaries. Kim Min-jung breathes such life into her that, like Eugene Choi's character, it's tough to distinguish where the artist ends and the art begins.
Kim Hui-seong:
The male counterpart to Go Ae-shin. Born into aristocracy, Western-educated, and a very sharp man who carries a hidden burden: a past he desperately tries to escape. His family's wealth funded countless atrocities, enslaving, killing, and exiling many, a direct reason for "Mr. Sunshine's" very existence. He yearns for a quiet, noble life, but family ties and unrequited love constantly pull him back. He's perpetually torn between joining Joseon's fight against a formidable foe or simply ordering another bespoke suit from London's finest tailors. A truly troubled soul.
The paths of these distinct individuals cross as Joseon fights for sovereignty. Every decision brings them closer to an inescapable knot, demanding they either fight or die trying. Bound by a common enemy and a shared destiny, they fall in and out of love, all while navigating the treacherous journey towards freedom.
"Mr. Sunshine" is the kind of drama that, when the credits finally roll, sends you straight to Google, desperate to confirm if any of this could possibly be real. It leaves you with a lingering "hangover" for days. Certain characters cling to your mind, making it hard to move on, hence my year-long delay in pinning this review, yet still recalling every detail as if it were yesterday. While it might not be an easy entry point for historical drama newbies, if you can comfortably watch something like "The Battle of Changsari" late at night, then proceed. The initial intensity gives way to some of the finest cinematography, production, and storytelling I've encountered in recent memory.
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Those who dare
Before her execution, resistance fighter Sophie Scholl's lasts words were:" How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause? Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter, if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?”Mr Sunshine embodies the spirit of vain hope in the face of utter doom. When I first started watching this show I was mainly expecting a melodramatic love story between two people in a very difficult historical time. Yet, while watching Mr Sunshine i began to understand that the focus of this Series is not a forbidden love or the love rectangle or whatever you may call it. It is resistance, hopelessness and patriotism.
We follow Noblewoman Ae-Sin and American Soldier Eugene on a journey through their love. They both have their secrets, Eugene being a slave turned American soldier that wants to revenge his dead parents. Ae-Sin is a seemingly ignorant rich girl that is secretly fighting for the freedom of occupied Joseon, they both defy their own country and tradition but never their ideals.
What carries this drama is in my opinion the superb acting. As a very unpatriotic person and someone that usually struggles with melodramas I felt very connected to these multifaceted character ensemble. Even the people that seem to be the enemies at first or mere comical relief characters share their deep love with ther fellow humans through sacrifice and passion.
What you should take with you after finishing the show is that even when all efforts fail, all your loved ones get lost in the fight and nothing seems worth the cause, if someone is willing to stands up for themselves, many more are as well. And every single resistance will be worth it. Even if it's just vain hope.
I truly recommend watching this drama if you need a sorrowful but enjoyable drama that reflects upon the human condition.
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speechless
this truly is a masterpiece, I can't describe how perfect everything in this kdrama was.the emotions? the acting? the pace? the plot? the cinematography? Everything was perfect. Now I have seen people say that the pacing is slow but I couldn't disagree more. I feel like everything is perfectly timed. The love between these two characters was so authentic, like I felt it thought the screen. I don't give 10/10 ratings easily but this one deserves it and it will forever stay in my heart. My heart still aches and I don't know how to recover from this one. Mr. Sunshine is a must watch. This is pure art.
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Satisfying Ending, But Sad At The Same Time (SPOILER FREE)
I am always skeptical about giving a drama 10 star, but this one deserve it. Is it a cinematic masterpiece? What is so different about this show?NARRATIVE is the key point which makes this show different from other historical kdrama's. There are two types of narrative in a show first goal oriented or second is journey oriented, But this drama delivers both goal and journey oriented narrative. The length of this show is one of the plus point why its so good, as the story didn't compromise in its world building and character development.
SHIFT, usually show only builds one aspect at a time, but in Mr. Sunshine, in a single real time scene they will shift to multiple aspect and develop the story simultaneously. (for ex. leads interaction with supporting cast)
Why Mr. Sunshine is UNIQUE, Once Quentin Tarantino said "Telling a story, we don't tell a story we tell a situation. A story is something which constantly unfolds", And this is the one reason why this show stand out so much. The show HOLDS INFORMATION till the end.
Now the TECHNIQUES this show has. In various episode they have some long sequence which can sometime bore the viewer, and feels like the story is stopped progressing but there are various techniques the makers used...
THE FIRST and major reason are the characters themselves, for ex. in the show Gu Dong Mae has the majority of long sequence (Here if you know Alfred Hitchcock, he is the one who is capable to make long film sequence without audience getting bore, and long sequence means more than 20 minutes.
He has a popular theory named bomb under the table, "Blows the people to smithereens, What do the audience have 10 seconds of shock"). So in Mr. Sunshine if you already know there is a bomb under the table then the long sequence will not make you bore. Here Gu Dong Mae is the bomb and you know how dangerous he is we know what he can do, so that long sequence will not be boring anymore, and you will subconsciously thinking about what gonna happen next.
SECOND is RHYTHM, this is the most important in dialogues, a dialogues needs to have a proper rhythm. Then there is a musicality in the scene, with a bit of rhyme that happens between of the words and some of the phrases. The way they created some of the good ost's and sound designs, and more importantly they fit the sound and ost in the scene, that is what worth discussing. This ost and sounds help the sequence to not feel bored.
THIRD is MUSICAL MOTIF, it is important that show have some sounds that represent some characters or a situation. To make scene more engaging they used many REACTIONS of supporting cast which is like cherry on top.
FOURTH is its CINEMATOGRAPHY, every viewer who watched the show will agree that this show has some of the best camerawork's DOP literally did his 100% to make a scene look good, and the art design over that makes an extra layer which makes it more good.
These are some techniques why the show is so good.
Now in the end, The ACTING
The cast of the show these actors did such a wonderful work not just the main character but the supporting characters too...
FIRSTLY the MAIN CAST: Lee Byung-hun (Eugene Choi), Kim Tae Ri (Go Ae Shin), Yoo Yeon Seok (Gu Dong Mae), Byun Yo Han (Kim Hee Sung), Kim Min Jung (Kudo Hina). Everyone literally nailed in their respective roles, and I can't think, that they can get the better cast that this. The chemistry they got with each other is praiseworthy.
SECONDLY the SUPPORTING CAST: When they are interacting with the main leads they all did so good that i can tell yes they are very good actors , Their REACTIONS are the most important for the story as it made a huge impact in main leads scene, as if there are no reactions it'll not be good cinematically.
Is Mr. Sunshine is a cinematic masterpiece?
For me Yes, it is a cinematic masterpiece, as it has all the elements a good show needs. It has some heartbreaks but that is best ending for every character....
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