24 over-one-hour-long episodes flew by. This I the first drama I've watched where I never skipped a scene once. I admit I was more interested in the romantic subplot(s) than in the general historical plot – also because I already knew what sad and terrible history Korea was about to go into so I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat – but the political scheming was never boring, and the villains and the antagonists were never flat or too stereotyped.
Also, this drama had zero drama clichés, or at least they were very sparse. No stupid misunderstandings or jealous rivals; no clueless female protagonists or jerk male heroes; no situations that make you cringe or roll your eyes. It had more of a movie feeling than a TV drama's.
Every character, especially the main 5 (Eugene, Ae-sin, Hina, Dong-mae and Hui-Seong) was interesting and well-rounded and I really empathised with them all.
The funny bits were actually very funny, and the product placement was sparse.
The music and the cinematography were outstanding – though regarding the latter I think they put all their effort in the first half and the second half doesn't have as many gorgeous or iconic shots. If I have to think of the shots of this drama that are iconic for me, they're all in the first 15 episodes.
The acting was really good, with Kim Tae Ri and Byun Yo Han shining the most in my opinion.
I only gave 8.5 to the story because, just like with the cinematography, I had the impression it wasn't as strong in the second half. It got slower around episodes 15-20, then it got a bit more predictable and sometimes it felt like they didn't have a clear idea where they were going with some storylines. I also wish the ending was different in a couple of aspects. But overall it was a very solid story and they managed to juggle well the personal stories with the political/historical background.
I'm keeping this review spoiler free but in the next paragraph I will go into more detail about things I didn't like so if you want to stay 100% spoiler-free please stop reading.
I've already said that Mr. Sunshine is amazing and listed the good things, but I have a few small complaints I'd like to mention as well.
First of all, I'm a little disappointed that the romance subplot became less and less relevant as the episodes progressed, especially towards the end. While this won't matter to those who watch this drama mainly for the overall story, I'm a sucker for the romance and I wish the relationships had progressed a bit more. I think there were things that could have been done but sadly were never explored.
Second, towards the end they introduced interesting new characters and situations that were left as loose threads and never brought to a closure. That was also a bit disappointing.
I'm also a bit bitter about how a particular character's arc (my favorite character, actually) ended, and I think that, again, there was still a lot of unexplored potential there.
In the end, I'd give 10/10 to the first half of Mr. Sunshine and 8/10 to the second half, so my overall vote is 9. If I'm ever gonna rewatch this drama, I'll probably only rewatch the first half.
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I have watched over a 100 dramas and this is the best one
The acting, music, writing, scenery, characters, storyline. Everything is absolutely perfect in this drama. After watching 100+ dramas, I have only rated 1 other show a 10. It is that good.It does take like 3 episodes to get into it, because they're starting slow with the background story, but after that you'll be hooked!
I also never rewatch dramas, but this one and Reply 1988 were the ones I watched two times and would recommend to everyone. The characters are very fleshed out and likeable and compared to other dramas that get worse in the second part, this one only gets better. So if you're considering watching thisn I would absolutely recommend it!
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The Best of The Best
This historical drama exceeded my expectations: it was such a masterpiece.How come I neglected this through the years of rummaging all the high-rated k-dramas and just decided to check it out this day? I couldn't believe I had never given this a chance for years.
The intro was great — their backstories entangled with true-to-life scenarios during the pre-colonial period of Joseon. The portrayal of each character was so well done, especially the leads - they were exceptional. Some characters also stole the show - that I never got bored watching each scene as it shifted with every story and role they portrayed. One of the most striking ones is Kudo Hina (what an amazing actress). She really nailed it from the beginning till the end.
This is just pretty heart wrenching and made me breakdown down a couple of times. It was traumatizing at times, but I commend this series for being such eye-opening to us viewers that this story was also based on true events in history. There were lots of symbolism shown throughout the show (whether some objects emphasized or the characters themselves), which made it more interesting, especially when everything was already topnotch - from the editing, cinematography, to the setting.
I would also like to point out the romance of the two leads as it was such a rare sight to witness a pure love story without having skinships and unnecessary cheesy scenes. It was pretty realistic and a breath of fresh air for us. The actors have done a great job with their characters. The chemistry was there, and the way they delivered their lines to each other was so emotionally convincing. One foreshadowing line I can't forget from Eugene is that "Eventually, no one's ending will be a happy one."
This show reminded me how our ancestors also protected our homeland and fought for the future of the country that was victimized by colonization, as well. We can't attain the freedom we enjoy today if they didn't risk their lives to achieve it. This was like an inspiring tribute to all who fought for independence during the colonial era. I would love to watch this again, but with some companions to know what they think of this series.
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It was something that stayed on my watchlist because I wasn't sure if I wanted to potentially waste my time on a too-serious historical drama, but... it took my by surprise.
It was like a gift had fallen into my hands. :)
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Mr Sunshine kdrama as your Gun, Glory, and Sad Ending
If you are a kdrama addict, you would know what kdrama the title is all about or maybe, it’s a familiar phrase you heard to someone. The title itself basically summarizes the entire concept of a hit South Korean Drama of 2018 – Mr. Sunshine.I am writing this article after finishing the series, the feeling of pain, and how I cried a bucket of tears – emotions rushes throughout my body. I’ll tell you that Mr. Sunshine is the most heart wrenching and satisfying ending for me out of all kdramas I’ve watched. This is a kdrama that you shouldn’t miss.
This is not the first time I cried watching kdramas but this is the first time I felt that it needs to be broadcasted (posted here) – kdramas may be fictional, but you can’t deny the fact that it influences you mentally. How you view things may differ from one another but it teaches you to understand them in any way you can.
So before it goes south in what I am supposed to talk about (lol), let me introduce to you the main casts, what I love about them, their characters and how it makes me realize many things. I’ll try my best not to make a slight mistake. ( NO SPOILER)
• Eugene Choi‘s character in the story is a commendable, serious, and courageous man. He is the epitome of a great and noble man who was born in Joseon, left in Joseon with a broken heart, then returned to his homeland to fight for what is supposedly for Joseon. He is a man with a heart, action, and dedication to save his homeland that was once abandoned. This man made me realize that at the end of the day, we go through different routes but one thing remains, the affection we feel towards someone or something. It’s just there, always there, it may not be so blooming, and bright right now, but it will, someday.
• Go Ae Shin‘s character is so impactful that it made me think about the situation of women during the war of every nation. To wield a sword is a hard task, and a woman. However, she debunks that culture in the story. Who would’ve thought that a noble woman can kill an enemy, and can change the future of Joseon? She protects the people of Joseon, especially those people who can’t voice their opinions, as she thought that no one in her homeland can protect them against Japanese and Americans but only their fellow citizens. Her character and her story is a reminder for us that women can also lead, women can also be the future of something a country should be proud of, women can also do what men can do. Women can be dangerous too, always remember that.
• Gu Dong Mae is a powerful, skillful, and fearless one. He doesn’t want anyone to go on his way. He doesn’t hesitate to kill – either a Joseon man, or a Japanese man, a soldier or a highborn man as long as they did something wrong. I didn’t know that I would fall in love with Gu Dong Mae’s charisma. A coldhearted beast yet a protective man to people he loves. He doesn’t usually show his emotions, but once you’ll see it, it will strike you directly to your heart – happiness, distress, and sufferings. He realized that no matter how evil a person is, there was once a ‘good’ heart there. It is just buried deep through time, and it also takes time to burst it out in the chest.
• Hina Kudo‘s character is an independent woman and a remarkable one. She suffered a lot but she stood without the help of anyone and that’s what makes her great. She was born in Japan, but both of her parents are Joseon people. She used her amazing skills in calculating, deducting clues, and even one of the people who are the most trusted by the king. At first sight, she seems coldhearted but never judges her just because of that – in the back of that name, fancy clothes and accessories, there’s ‘her’ that can be a huge help for a great cause. She made me realize that don’t allow everyone to spit you in the ground, stand, know your track, and get back on them if the opportunity allows you.
• Kim Hui Seong‘s character development in the story is a really good one. From a man who always has flowers in his hand, to a pen, turned into a gun. From a noble family and yet he chose to live independently far from his parents. He suffers from what happened in the past and yet he also shows his killer smile to everyone. He’s a happy-go-lucky man but he knows where and when to be serious. What I realized from his character is that you may have everything physically but there’s always that emptiness mentally. Do what makes you happy and influence others to be filled with happiness also.
Mr. Sunshine has a lot of characters from American Legation, Japanese Legation, the people of Joseon, the Righteous Armies, and their families. Each one of the characters aren’t there just to give exposure to the main characters, they are designed to achieve a greater cause in the future of Joseon.
Each character has a story to tell and it makes Mr. Sunshine exquisite and a classic kdrama you should not miss.
Gun, Glory, and Sad Ending is not just a word, not just a phrase, not just about a kdrama. This whole thing is all about the freedom they want to achieve in their homeland. These three are the weapon, the fulfillment, and mostly the ending of every nation that were colonized. (Joseon in Mr. Sunshine)
Guns as weapons to fight for what is yours. A great fight for the future. A weapon that could be the death of your enemy or your death.
Glory as a sense of fulfillment. The fact that you are fighting for your country’s liberation means you are a hero. Fulfillment is not about indulging yourself for something, alone. It’s all about the great camaraderie you have with people.
Sad Ending as an ending we ought to be in that kind of story. In a war, there’s always the one who wins, and the one who loses. The sad part is hundredths or thousandths of lives are at stake every time. Either you will die fighting for your own people or you will die in the hands of your enemy without even using the GUN as a weapon and the sense of GLORY you’d bring in the future for your country.
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This review may contain spoilers
I've heard a lot about this drama and that's one of the main reason why I watched it and wow oh wow! It took me by surprise!I knew this drama is good based from what I've heard but I never really thought it would be THIS good. It exceeded my expections by 1000%. I'm really not the biggest fan of dramas about war or was set during that period but somehow I just found myself wanting to watch the episodes consecutively. I just can't seem to stop. And I really don't know what is the reason for this. I thought to myself, I wasn't a huge fan of anyone here, not really a huge fan of the main couple BUT something about this drama just makes me keep wanting to watch more.
would 100% recommend this drama to every one. The sexual tension between the FL and the three MLs are no joke, really did not know whom to ship her with since all the three guys are amazing in their own ways. During the initial episodes you can already tell that the three MLs are genuine. Really love their brotherhood. But what kept me from enjoying their mischievous acts in the beginning might be because I already foresaw that their ending won't be a happy one.
The last episode made me cry a lot. This drama might be a fiction but watching these types of films makes you realize what type of life our ancestors had. What sacrifices were made for us to live a life that we are living now. It gives you a deeper appreciation on the things that we have now. The last episode also made me realize that choices we make now, big or small, will somehow have an effect on us which is why always choose to be kind no matter what. This was shown in the beginning of the last episode. I literally had goosebumps when the people tried to protect Ae Shin. It was such a touching moment.
I really felt sad for the three male leads but I feel more for Kim Hui Seong and Go Dong Mae because I think they weren't given the recognition that they deserved.
This is me just rambling on because it has just been 10 minutes since I finished this drama and my thoughts are all over but bottomline is THIS IS A MASTERPIECE. IF YOU HAVEN't WATCHED IT YET PLEASE DO.
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Phenomenal
Mr Sunshine has gone well beyond a drama to a masterpiece in its own right. I just finished watching it and I have to say it is easily one of the most stunning dramas that I have ever seen. The performances of every actor involved were so evolved that every character came to life in a gripping and heart wrenching manner and yet there were so many times when I found myself smiling and falling in love with even the secondary characters at the way they could still manage to find humour in such difficult times.All in all this was a story of epic proportions and a true epitaph to all those who fought so hard to keep their own national identity and independence. Thank you to all those involved in the making of this wonderful piece and to the fallen and those who continued the fight I salute you. You brought a story that needed to be told not just to the generations of those who followed but to the entire world. Well done.
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The Best Korean Drama. PERIOD.
It's my favorite korean drama EVER. Nothing can beat this one ever. It's perfect in many ways. It's a crime not to watch and even greater crime to not like it. It's SO PERFECT! It was so captivating that after 2 years I still haven't rewatched it yet. I dwelled so many emotions and energy while watching it. Just thinking about it makes me happy and bitter at the same time. I made it my routine to listen its AMAZING soundtracks. THEY ARE MAGNIFICENT! I still listen to them every other day. Which is also the reason why the drama still feels so fresh to me. It's a top tier korean drama in every way possible. Watch it and love it. It will leave a big impact on your life and mind.Was this review helpful to you?
I've waited long enough for this drama to air last year. The moment they released its trailer, I knew that I should definitely watch it. So there came the month of July. I initially planned on watching this while it was on-going but the pacing from episodes one to nine was too slow for me. But good thing I picked it up again.
The element of getting yourselves on the edges of your seats was there, the element of anger, grievance, love, friendship, just... everything. I loved how well-rounded the characters were especially the five leads; they never tilted, they went forward to the paths where they knew they belonged.
Go Ae Sin had only one goal in her life and that was to save her motherland. Eugene Choi, a foreigner on the land of his roots, ended up saving the country who abandoned him. Gu Dong Mae loved only one woman and went on taking the road that would lead to her safety. Kina Hudo, a Japanese woman by name, yet a patriotic Joseon by soul. And lastly, Kim Hui Seong, the man who just wanted to know what his heart really desired.
This drama was like a movie extended to twenty-four episodes. The cinematograhy, the music, the costumes, the production design... everything was perfect. It was perfectly executed. The story-telling made you feel the feels, so is the topnotch acting of everyone--the support roles were really something, too. This drama was really deserving to bag the "Drama of the Year" award.
Thank you for lighting up the flaming desire in our hearts. Let us not say goodbye, rather, see you again.
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Very good k-drama
I loved it although the ending was sad, I rarely cry and this k-drama almost made me cry so gonna clap to that. I would not recommend to watch this as your first k-drama because it will set your standards too high. I don't understand why this kdrama has 8.9/10 Because personally for me as a fan of romantic war I loved this. Although some scenes (usually the crying ones) looked a bit unnatural but other than that, the plot was amazing. I really loved the characters except the age gap kind of bothered me.. I honestly can't look at other k-dramas the same way because this one was just amazing and I didn't not know a k-drama could be this dramatic. I would most definitely rewatch this because after i finished watching the k-drama i just felt so empty. This k-drama really got me waiting for new episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
The most stunning piece of art and cinematography I've ever seen...
I cannot express enough my applause and love for this drama. It is just so full and so profound in many ways that captivated my heart and soul. The story was so well written that bound every single character in the drama, no matter how small their role was. The scriptwriter really succeeded in retelling a wartime story in such a new and passionate way. Usually, when I watch historical or wartime dramas and movies, I just consider myself as an audience and watch them because they are entertaining, informative, or dramatic. But with Mr. Sunshine, I really felt that the drama touched my heart and soul, leaving me feeling the same way with every character in the drama, and made me feel like I was just right there in the drama, standing beside these characters. The love lines between the characters are well developed, too, with portrayals of different ways of loving and caring for others. There's one thing that's interesting about the chemistry between the two main characters: even though there were almost no intimate acts (kiss or something more than that, the best they did was hugging, and I wish there was even one kiss scene), the love that both characters have for each other is very existent, it's like their affections for each other were oozing out of their eyes and body movements, it's just something that you can feel it even without having to look at it with your eyes. Really great acting and chemistry!Everything else than that, the cinematography, the OST, the scene set-up, the acting, were all top-notch. The drama gives the audience all kinds of emotions: heartbroken, happy, comical, angry, frustrated, disappointed, excited, and so on. As I said, this is a profound and fulfilling piece of artwork that deserves applause and appreciation.
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