Great cast, great acting, failed to remain interesting
I'm not someone who drops stuff left and right, it pains me to do so most of the time. But my time is valuable and I've been dragging this show for a few years, never being able to summon the interest to finish it. After watching a few more episode and being mostly bored out of my mind, I decided it was time to pull the plug on it.The acting is good, the cast is all stars, the first few episodes are very nice. I usually like political intrigues and romance and stuff. But my good the pacing... Again, I'm a former cinema student, I've seen worse and the pacing isn't something that will affect my watching experience most of the time. Except when it's starting to drag THAT much that early on. Except when the funny ha-ha jokes to brighten the mood get far and fewer between. Except when I cannot even really hold on to the romance to keep some kind of motivation to know how it's going to end up.
I made it up to more than halfway, about 60%+ in fact, and I don't care what happens anymore. It becoming so complicated and my lack of interest in the plot might not help me to understand what's going on, but like... the stakes are soooo high all the time that it weirdly feels like they don't matter anymore. The only few people I still care about are Goo Dong Mae and Kudo Hina. But there are not the main, so I won't stick around to find out how they end up.
I think it can still be a good show though, if you binge it. Is it bingeable? Really not sure. But don't spend too much time between each episode, because in my experience, you'll get lost and you will start to not care slowly but surely, and drop it as well . Or finish it, but by fighting against your better judgement.
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This drama isn't too fast paced nor too slow paced. Each episode is important, each scene is important. The cinematography in each episode is breathtaking. The storyline is simple as , set in joseon time.
Story line : I will honestly give the storyline a 10. As I said before the storyline is different, the script the dialogues is well written and each epusode really captivates you. The romance in this drama was done well not too fast nor too slow. Both main leads were pleasant to watch and as their love grows we all really do crave for more. The love story in this drama is very much different than other drama love story I am telling you now. This drama is about the war between Japan-korea and it really does educate us if you're into historical dramas lol.
Acting : EVERYONE DID SUCH AN AMAZING JOBBBBBBB. They really did drop main casts to 2nd main casts to supporting casts to minor casts. I am very well impressed with them. Plus the chemistry between all was really different and intriguing. Lee Byung Hyun honestly never fails to impress me, I'm glad KES picked him for the job. He really done a great job as expected from him. Kim Tae Ri has now gained a fan ! Ha ha. She did wonders with her acting! Her facial expressions were great her dialogues her accent she did it well. Not one once of awkwardness. The chemistry between her character and LBH character was extremely good. You can't feel any awkwardness or any any gap between the two as you're too immense into their love and their adventures together. Kim Min Jung I watched her previous drama didn't like her role much but her acting here was awesome!!! She is one of my favourite characters so fearless. The actress did a amazing job at it and it is really hard to portray the role well but she did it and she also gained a fan! Yoo Yeon Seok is God damn attractive!!! He never fails to impress me and his chemistry with all the casts was pleasing to watch YYS really mastered his role well, he makes you want to hate him and love him at the same time. Last but not least Byun Yo Han - you'll end up just loving him he's really funny. The actor did a good job at it too and I'm glad KES picked him. Nethertheless everyone did great. The supporting cast did to (I would write their names out and talk about them but it would be too long lol!) Thank you KES for choosing them.
I gave music a 10 as well because the music really did go well with the drama overall. It was soft and slow and I do actually listen to the songs in YouTube. Really soothing.
Rewatch I gave it a 10 because I will deffo rewatch this drama later on maybe a year after or so. This drama is worth the rewatch.
This drama will not bore you.
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read my full review here: https://drammmajjigae.com/2018/11/23/mr-sunshine/
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Not your average drama
Mr.Sunshine is not your average drama in many aspects. The cinematography and photography were out of this world, maybe the best I’ve seen in a drama.In terms of story again this is so much more than your usual romance heavy or oriented drama. The drama explores the road toward the Korean independence and the struggle of the people around that time. Although according to some articles I have read not very accurate, it gives you an idea of how Korea was at that time.
Before starting the show, I’ve read in another review that this is not a bingeable drama and I thought to my self “Challenge accepted” but I soon realized that they were right. Mr. Sunshine has many characters and many plots going on that each episode is very information heavy. If you try to watch more that two episodes in a row you start to drift apart and you are unable to follow the characters and their story. And trust me their stories are worth following.
All the characters, main and supporting, have a purpose and a role to play, none of them feels out of place or as a filler. The two Female leads were strong, independent, smart, brave and everything you would like every female character in a drama to be. The actresses were great and did an amazing job.
The 3 main male leads are amazing and their chemistry and interactions incredible. Three characters that love the same woman but can’t seem to hate each other and understand that there is a purpose bigger than them and the girl! Although I really hate this trope to the bone, like there are no other women in that place!!
I have to admit that, when it comes to the Male leads, I have a soft spot for my future husband and love of my life, Dong-Mae. The actor did a great job taking such a complex character and bring him to life and portray every emotion incredibly.
Having said all that ,there were two things that prevented me from giving this show a perfect score. One was that although the story was amazing, 24 episodes were a bit much since I felt that at some point in the middle the story got a bit druggy.
Now to the second part that might be a little controversial, but my main issue to this drama was the 2 main leads. As I said above both are BRILLIANT in their roles and their chemistry was good. My problem with the Male Lead was that out of the 3 males leads to me he was the most indifferent, I just didn’t feel for him the same way as the others. Kim Hui Sung brought a much-needed levity, cuteness and fun to the drama that you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. As for Dong-Mae, I think I made my feelings clear! He was such a complex character and far from the good guy/hero, but the actor did an incredible job. He portrayed all the emotions of the character perfectly with every inch of his face and he could really make you feel everything he was feeling, while being incredibly hot. So, the Male Lead really failed in comparison to me.
As for the Female Lead my main issue with her is really subjective and not really her fault, but she looks too young, especially next to the Male Lead. I know she was a 30-year-old actress playing a 30-year-old woman, but she looked 16 and it got even worse when she was in the suit, because she looked like a 12-year-old boy! So, every time she was in a scene with the ML all I could she was a 16 year old girl next to a 40 year old man and it made it icky for me taking me out of the drama!
All in all, for me Mr. Sunshine is a must watch drama that will bring all kind of emotions out of you!
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This review may contain spoilers
Amazing lead characters
One of the good series in Korean. Starting I felt a bit slow and seriously it was very slow but the 3 lead actors who made me to love this drama are Yoo Yeon Seok, Lee Byung Hun And Byun yo Han and I loved every scene where this 3 are involved. They made really amazing combo. Kim min Jung was Also amazing and her style in this drama I think no one can replace it. Kim tae ri looks like a baby face girl but her voice will be like a well grown women. I liked her acting in this drama specially in last 4 episodes but when she is with male role Lee Byung Hun, I couldn’t like it much because of age gap which is shown in they face. In drama they age is not much different though.I loved every scene of Yoo yeon seok, and he is an amazing actor, his Japan style and style of talking in Japan and Korean are truly amazing. I loved his character so much in the drama. And the reason I tagged this review spoiler because I wanna share this part. So don’t mind reading it. If you like suspense then it’s better you stop reading this right here. Yoo yeon seok character is one the best character in Mr. Sunshine, the flow of his character and the vibe I loved it. The minute when I felt his character is gonna end I couldn’t watch this drama till end but I was hoping him to be alive somehow and till end he was taken really good. The end of his character in the last episode is so touching . And the last scene of his in the last episode I will say amazing editing and cinematography and view. The way he linked candy and him, I felt it is really amazing, sweet with danger - I felt it that way.
An other best character which byun yo Han did was really cool. I loved the emotions and smile he carries in this drama and his ending was so touching. and he is one of the amazing actor in the drama. The love and words his character has are beautiful.
Lee Byung Hun character which he played was good. His emotions and love are next level.
And you can’t say one character is good in the drama. All the characters in this drama are truly amazing from 1st episode till the last one. Mostly everyone will make you smile and cry too.
You may feel slow starting or normal but it depends on your taste of drama but the ending is very sad. But keeping sad ending and slow pace aside in this drama. I can suggest you can watch this drama for few reasons
you will like male and female leads in the drama, even supporting roles.
Love, friendship, hate, jealous, and special 3 male leads combo. And emotions.
Cinematography, editing and sound track, background music, songs, dialogues, expressions and scenes are truly amazing.
Very clear characters ( no confusion- mostly in drama with many characters - linking from character to character disturbs the flow of the drama. You won’t feel like that)
Even though it’s Fictional and real events story, the story of Joseon was touching and Righteous army.
Rewatch value maybe low but few scenes even though you watch 10times you won’t feel bored.
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This review may contain spoilers
CANNOT begin to describe how beautiful this show was. Extraordinary is an ordinary word for this show. A masterpiece, so unique and so so beautiful in each and every aspect of the willingness of this show to be beyond its imaginary reach.This drama has so much potential and great cast. I watched the lead's movie sometime back, "I saw the Devil" and instantly liked him. In this show, he looks much more mature and is paired up with a fairly young actress, but they make a striking pair. I was rooting for them all along.
The story is a massive hit. Other characters play their parts almost brilliantly, there is nothing I dislike about this show.
Must watch, it is beautiful!
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Utterly Glorious, Must-Watch Brilliant Masterpiece full of Historical Importance - PURE GOLD
"The first English words she learned were gun, glory, and sad endings."I'm not even sure where to start talking. EVERYTHING about this drama is excellent. It's got it all: Beautiful cinematography (the COLORS, the SETTINGS, the COSTUMES - ALL stunning), a perfect cast, intricate and complex plot/s (absolutely zero fillers - the intensity and suspense is Off The Charts), diverse characters with amazing dynamics, all the while immersing you in the historical setting and times of (the end of) Joseon Korea.
It's a time of shifting allegiances and complex politics and the inevitable shift from the ancient, dynastic/aristocratic society to the brave new modern world of electricity, trains, and guns. Not to mention the shift of power from the Joseon royals to colonialist, imperialistic Japan.
Love the fact that there are so many various nations and languages presented here in their original languages and cultures. The cultural crossroads being presented is flawlessly done. Not to mention the fact that characters from essentially all walks of life/all classes/backgrounds you can imagine are represented in their own right. All of which make for some extremely interesting and fantastic relations on-screen.
Probably the most beautiful and rewatchable historical kdrama ever. I love it so much that I want to imprint it in my mind and relive ALL the moments (actually I had rewatched many episodes twice already). Absolutely wrecked me with how solid it is. I love each and every one of the main characters: all very relatable and all very heartbreakingly REAL and ICONIC in their respective ways. There's family, friendship, bromance, companionship, brotherhood, (slow-burn and honestly THE MOST romantic) romance/s, and heartwarming and funny banter to balance out the seriousness of it all: it doesn't pull any punches in its intensity and realism.
Some may complain a bit about the pacing: I actually like it for what it is because the slower, more drawn-out scenes allow me to reflect back on previous, more fast-paced scenes and information. And also I think it's a great opportunity to ponder about what the characters are thinking (but which they're not saying aloud). No minute feels wasted here.
I've seen the other two Kim Eun Sook and Lee Eung Bok team-ups - GOBLIN as well as DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN - and those are great. Yet this is a Whole New Level in yet another completely different genre.
The more I think and reflect on this show the more I love it and appreciate its brilliancy and exceptionalism. I feel honored to be able to journey alongside these beautiful people.
Definitely the gold standard for historical dramas. I will never get over it.
"The steps we took resembled who we are.
The article one wrote instead of a will. Opium that burned through one's broken body in the amount of the life he had left. The Korean flag that was given to a man who was forever a foreigner.
Will our final destination be somewhere between glory and a sad ending?
Maybe we just didn't know how to stop. Or perhaps, we had no reason to stop. Maybe it was love of our own country."
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I BINGED THIS IN 3 DAYS, IT'S THAT GOOD.
As the headline suggests, I finished this so fast because it's all I could think about day and night when I started it. IT IS SO GOOD. PERIOD. I actually put this off ever since it aired because I am your typical romance watcher. I don't usually watch that many historic/war-related dramas. Also, I tend to watch things by the younger actors. But this was exceptional. I hope anyone reading this understands that they should give it a chance. you'll regret it. I was shocked as to how much I enjoyed it. Yes, it wasn't as romance or lovey dovey as you'd hope, but it was like a different kind of love portrayed in this drama. I think everyone should give it a chance, no second thoughts, just try it. The actors were exceptional, the emotions the made me feel are not easy to do. I like studied each actor, and truly there was no flaw, their expressions and character were portrayed so well. Please please watch it. I really loved this.Was this review helpful to you?
I started the series sort of half interested. I found the first episode to be somewhat disjointed and confusing. It turns out it was a necessary step to understanding the rest of the series. By the third episode we were all hooked not just by the superb acting of Kim Tae-ri and Lee Byung-hun but also Kim Kang-hoon who played Eugene as a child. And it only got better from there! This is definitely binge worthy.
Kudos to the director, cinematographer, sound editor, for a truly epic experience.
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This review may contain spoilers
guns, glory, sand ending.At first I thought this drama would end happily in a fairy tale, ending with "living happily forever."
but unfortunately not.
the story is quite complicated for me to explain,
Sweet love from Yoo Jin and Ae Shin that made me laugh.
Hui Seong's unrequited love.
hidden love from Dong mae.
story "betrayal, and death.
everything ends sadly.
and of course it really drained my tears.
especially in the last few episodes. You need a lot of tissue to remove your tears.
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It's romantic, but romance can mix love, guns and sad endings
This drama make me think about the struggle, the decision to fight and the pain that it can cost to you. The authoritarianism, war and all those evil things can take the best or the worst of us. Sometimes we love, sometimes we are foreigners, sometimes all we got is sad endings. Different people with their owns storys can make a brighter future together. Joseon's people keep fighting knowing how hard their goal is, but they keeping fighting. That's the message. I was sobing. Truly a masterpiece.Was this review helpful to you?
The tragedy of Korea
I love Japan. I've visited a couple of times. There's so much I like about it. Korea does not fascinate me and I rarely watch Korean dramas.But where there is light, there is shadow. Lots of things to love about Japan means there must be a lots of things to hate. And this story is told with the background of Japan stealing Korea from its people. We all know the history. Here we have romance, which is the main reason for people to watch a drama, we have good people, we have bad people. Koreans, Japanese or the other way around. But the romance thing is just the tip of the iceberg here.
The story about the characters in this historical context is just beautifully told. People are hurt, hurting each other, people are loved or loving each other. Regardless of their background. And the story is told patriotically. Patriotic, but in a good way. The outcome of this story might not be what you wish for, but the history as well as the present time of Korea is just as unsatisfying.
Then there is the cinematography. Just hit the PrintScreen key at any time and you will have an amazing wallpaper for your PC. This I know just from the good old movies of Zhang Yimou, Raise the Red Lantern, Ju Dou or Red Sorghum.
So I advice you to give this a try. If you are just looking for romance, watch any korean drama out there, it does not matter which one. If you want to get amazed: Watch this one only!
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