Mr. Sunshine

Fancy watching this during a pandemic. It's so beautiful; it took me by surprise.

Mr. Sunshine.  This awe-inspiring one-season series and its many moments shined in every possible way.  From its deep storytelling to its intricate cinematography.  I loved it.  I have watched several Korean dramas before, but this one was unlike any I had ever seen in every aspect.  It was my first time to even cry while watching a K-Drama. Speaking volumes and truly setting the bar high.

Story:  The show takes place in late 19th/early 20th-century Korea, a time period not often depicted in Korean dramas.  Yet, Mr. Sunshine fluidly combines history, action, drama, melodrama, romance, and even occasional humor.  Never overbearing or overshadowing one genre over the other.  Though the historical fiction aspect of Mr. Sunshine is based loosely on historical events and figures, they are well covered and bring more cohesiveness in the story.  After having watched the first episode, I was hesitant to continue; it really dragged out the plot and I wondered if rest of the show would continue similarly.  One episode later...I was so glad I stuck with it.  There continued to be a multitude of slow-paced scenes and flashbacks in the following episodes, but they helped fill in the gaps or emphasize a foreshadowing. While mostly maintaining accuracy in the language used for the time period, the script was meaningful and witty and contained an abundance of memorable quotes. The overall story was a passionate and meticulous masterpiece writhed with metaphors and life lessons.   

Acting / Cast:  BRAVO!  My hat's off to the main cast.  Each main cast member exhibits great dedication to his or her roles, enveloping the character's personality and characteristics in each emotion.  The characters are written to be three-dimensional and evolving, and the main actors follow through beautifully with that.  The script includes several lines in English and Japanese (even some French). Even with these linguistic barriers, the main actors and actresses pull it off amazingly.  I was especially impressed with Lee Byung-hun (Eugene Choi). It is one thing to speak English and another to act in English. Lee did both so well that I occasionally thought he was a native English speaker, as his diction and accompanying acting were clear and fluid. In terms of the Japanese spoken, I thought several of the actors were fluent in Japanese. I learned later on from a talk show, featuring Yoo Yeon-seok (Goo Dong-mae), that he and many of the actors didn't know Japanese.  Instead, they had someone who was fluent in Japanese on set to critique their accents.  The Korean supporting cast professionally starred in their own right.  Some being familiar faces on other popular K-dramas.  Continuing on with the supporting Western cast...well, they were written to be one-dimensional for the most part, more on the sidelines, more just to be there and speak English. I didn't have many expectations for them in acting and it could've been worse.
 
Production / Visual FX:  The high quality production matches with the expensive budget.  It goes all out to ensure each scene looks realistic, yet artistic. A multitude of visual effects are used, but they don't detract from the story. Several scenes are also shot in slow motion. With this in mind, the choice camera angles really contribute to the cinematography masterpiece that is Mr. Sunshine.  Each shot had a meaning and if I didn't know the meaning while watching the particular episode, it would become much clearer in a future one.

Music:  The soundtrack and score are top notch!  The soundtrack evokes the melancholy, passion, and determination of the characters, befitting the scenes they are placed with.  Not only with their tone and rhythm but their lyrics too. Another plus: the music never emanates the tackiness I occasionally hear from other romance OSTs. The majority of the OST is in Korean and, interestingly enough, some in straight English.  I assume the English songs are meant to follow the current K-drama trend of including a handful of English-only songs, to allude to the "amicable" relationship that Korea had with the United States then and now, or to symbolize Eugene Choi and his existence as a forever foreigner in the show.  Maybe even all. The score is very fitting to the time period and aligns well with each of the scenes' moods.  I loved it all and still listen to the OST and score weeks after having finished the series.

Rewatch Value:  I have rewatched the majority of Mr. Sunshine and was never disappointed.  Each time I rewatched a whole episode or a few scenes from a prior one, I noticed new nuances, whether it was in character development or a metaphor relating to the culture, time period, and juxtaposition of characters.  It felt like strolling through an art museum that I could never get tired of.  Art that could never grow out of taste and style.

Overall:  STANDING OVATION *slow clapping with tears. That was my reaction after having finished Mr. Sunshine. I would recommend this drama even to those who dislike K-dramas or who have never considered trying it out.  It was that amazing.

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Finally watched it

I knew it was going to be good but having watched a lot of Joseon set dramas, I was a bit reluctant to watch yet one more. But Mr. Sunshine is one of a kind and that's what makes it powerful. We usually see period dramas with the same setting. The palace, the king, the court etc... we know the setting we know the costumes.
But this drama is set in at the end of the XIXth century beginning of the XXth and the mix of costumes, cultures and languages is a feast for the eye. The actors are mixing English, Korean and Japanese (and a bit of French too!) and I loved it. Seeing this page of Korean history was really interesting.
The actors are sensational. I discovered (finally) Kim Tae Ri when watching her new drama 25/21. I tend to like feisty actresses and she's one of them. She has soul, determination and is perfect in the role of this noblewoman who will do anything for Love and Country.
Lee Byung Hun is also a discovery (late as well) and I loved his way of playing this man in quest of his identity, vengeance and ultimately, love.
The impressive supportive cast was also a fantastic addition on this period piece about love, pride, loyalty and survival.
No wonder it was one of Netflix's top series before Squid Game arrived.

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Like a combination of a museum painting and a 24 hour long masterpiece of a movie

9.5/10

Writing a review for Mr.Sunshine is so hard because i don't know how to describe how it made me feel or how to articulate how good it is. Definitely the greatest historical drama or tv show i have ever watched. I''ll keep this review short in order to try to convey what i loved and why it feels like a painting + a masterpiece of a movie.

Maybe some of the best character driven shows? I know it sounds weird since is a show that is mostly moved by its plot points an historical events. But this plots and events would be nothing without how the characters are written and loved by the people that wrote this show. When i say that the people that wrote this show love the characters is obviously not because of their fates or happy things (if you watched the show you know this people go through hell and beyond), when i say it i mean that each character is given such depth and layers that made them feel beyond human.

One of the best love stories ever written hands down. Its the power of their dialogue, touches, glances and the overall chemistry between the leads that convey some of the most painful yet beautiful romances i have seen.

Some of the most interesting depictions of historical events, how they build up to a climax and how they affect everyone's life no matter how much involvement they had. There is not plot hole or moment you go "that comes out of nowhere" or "that doesn't make sense". HOWEVER, here comes the reason why i gave this show a 9.5 and not a 10. The pacing was so well done BUT in some middle episodes, specially between episode 10 - 15. I struggled a bit to get through does episodes and i think it has to do with the idea of "building" towards something. Now, its not the shows fault entirely. Those plot points in those episodes are important, but they are more of the part that builds towards the third act of the show, one of the best acts of the show. I think the pacing could have been done better in those episodes cause it were a little difficult to get into. STILL, the payoff was beyond excellent.

NOW, here is what i mean by a combination of a museum painting and a 24 hour long masterpiece of a movie. If you take all the things i mentioned prior and give them one of the key ingredients, the cinematography and direction in general, this show is unmatched. Just as a museum painting, it is a whole finished picture that can de studied and looked at forever and you will still find new things and beauty about it. And because of the direction of the show in general, and by that i mean the work of the director and how they decided to tell each shot, scene, arc, etc, is that this show feels like a masterpiece of a movie. This show feels like a love letter to Korea, but even if you don't know anything about Korea or have never been there, you can still feel the message of be proud of where you come from and be proud that you are part of what makes history exist.

Hope everyone gives this show a shot even if a lot of people are scared or put off by historical dramas. This show is what every kdrama or piece of media in general should be: stories that from start to finish were given 100% of effort, love, creativity and importance.

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Story & Acting- This drama had you hooked in with both the story & acting. Yes, it had slow developments in the start but it was bearable and each moment was worth it and there were funny moments as well. Like someone mentioned, the romance between Aesin and Eugene is not the same as you see in typical dramas with a lot of skin-ship/kissing/bed scenes,etc. The chemistry between LBH and KTR was wonderful and they were able to show how deeply they love each other in the drama and you were very convinced with their acting. Some of their scenes may be cheesy but I also found it very cute. The way they performed together was amazing and way better than any typical romance drama. I guess they were trying to show modesty in that time period and at the same time, the historical events was what the drama was mainly focusing on, just added a romance on top to tie it in. As for the other actors, they did a wonderful job as well. I like how this drama made them matter.

Music- There were so many sad OST’s and I loved them all. There were especially two that would catch my attention and I'm not sure of the names, I would have to check it later.

Rewatch Value- It's definitely going to be lower for me. It was an emotional drama, I rarely cry when watching any dramas labeled as tragedy or sad, but this drama hit you in the feels in the very end. I can't bear to re-watch those scenes that made me cry again, but at the same time I would still want to rewatch most of it since I enjoyed it just as much as it made me cry.

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A truly Breathtaking drama.

If you are still wondering whether or not you should spend 24 hours or so of your life watching this drama, wonder no more. Those hours you spend will give you an amazing experience. If my heart had the strength I would rewatch it again already, I would rewatch all the scenes that had taken my breath away. But it seems I have to let my heart rest a bit or I might just have a breakdown haha :D


They had their moments.
And In those moments they loved
harder each and every time
So that when he’s gone
the love will last for a lifetime
As he took a step back
she took a step forward
and She did so with as much passion as his life meant to her
so she went further than he could ever imagine.
Now, she looks back and reminisces
To when they used to walk side by side
And she smiles,
Goodbye...
Surely they will reunite In better times.
Because that is love.
and see you again.

I suppose that was how I interpreted the beautiful love story between the AeSin and Eugene :) With the bittersweet love, it's a definite given that this drama is mesmerizing. For me, I have to say it's the most beautiful drama I've seen. This is something I would watch every year and still cry the same way I did the first time I watched it. The cinematography was worthy of an Oscar-nominated movie, the soundtrack was incredibly befitting, the course of the show was paced nicely, not too slow and not too fast. It was at a pace where you could soak in the warmth and meaning of the show.

All of that combined makes for a stunning drama. Every episode pulls you deeper and deeper into their world. Although many would first see it as a solemn drama, the humor is definitely alive. I often find myself laughing from all the silly shenanigans between the characters which made me quite sad later on as it makes me smile or laugh in the midst of tears.

I found myself falling in love with all the characters, especially the two leads. The characters were truly portrayed as human beings. They were layered and complex, just like us. With that and the amazing acting done by all the cast, it definitely compels you to dive deeper into their characters. The actors brought their characters into life beautifully, they all fit the role so well I can't quite see any other actors or actresses playing these characters.

This drama makes you understand and bond to the characters so much so that At the end you would feel empty without them. You'll find yourself occasionally missing the humor, the bromance between the three male leads, the badassery between the two female leads, and of course the sweet smiles shared between AeSin and Eugene.

The couple was really the sweetest. I don't really know how to describe it with justice but the romance was beautiful. It was enchanting how pure the love was, it's a different kind of love that we see in today's dramas. It was slow and warm, It was a kind of love that didn't demand, it was just giving. but it was also the kind of love that struggled between ideals, nevertheless, It was the kind of love that took pride in the little things. It was the kind of love that would stay for a lifetime. I didn't know love could be filled with so much longing and beauty. It wasn't a love story...it was more like a story of love.?

The show was also quite meaningful, portraying the pains and struggles of the past for a better and freer future in such a raw and true form. I come from a country whose past is filled with stories of struggling like this, I never really cared because you know the past is in the past but because of this drama, I learned to show a little more respect, because of their efforts and their sacrifice I can live a life with privileges.

"Thank you and Goodbye Mr. sunshine, in our independent country, see you again."
This really hit me man, it's like the team was thanking all the characters and the people those characters represented that had gone through so much pain and struggle in the past.


Thank you, director, writers, actors and actresses, the production team and everybody involved in making such a stunning drama, all of you really made me experience a roller coaster of emotions. Thank you.

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AMAZING DRAMA

At first, I hesitate to watch this drama because of the era. But when my korean friend recommend me this drama & i watch the first episode,it hooked me right away that i dont want to stop watching. As i get deeper into the story i was fascinated of what the lead are portraying. Im really not into cheesy drama so this is probably for me. It leave me sleepless night coz i can't stop myself. Im so impressed that there are not much hidden secrets from the past. I probably hate throwback on dramas, it only consume time.LOL
Im definitely amazed how the lead carry on their role despite of huge age gap. Great work guys!!!
I always thank you for bringing such a wonderful drama to us audience.

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First of all, I usually shy away from political drama's as I tend to find them way to frustrating but my oh my...I'm glad I didn't let that idea get in the way of this magnificent piece of work. This is one of those drama's that will really make you grateful for the seemingly normal life you now lead, regardless of your origin. Be prepared to not only cry but sob wholeheartedly with the leads.

I love that one of the messages in this drama was that the next generation should not have to bear the sins of their ancestors. I have read so many cruel comments that states we should not visit Japan but please remember the message this drama was trying to convey.

I also really enjoyed the underlying tones of Karmic debt. It showed how every action taken by the leads had a sort of rebound effect that needed to be paid off in one way or another. It reminded us that every word and act of violence only added weight to your Karmic debt regardless of the reason. And that Karma would come for you...sooner or later.

Romance was one of those "blink and you'll miss it" type but it was vastly deep and heartbreaking. I think there was actually more Bromance than Romance in this drama and it added the humor that was needed to make this a well rounded piece of work. Physical intimacy was very limited but so well executed that I didn't feel ripped off. Acting was...sooo beautiful to the point it was agonizing. Every single cast member was mesmerizing.

The two female leads stole the show and it was spectacular. My all time favorite character will always be Hina Kudo/Lee Yang-Hwa. She was intelligent, loyal, fierce, brave and beautifully righteous. She is literally the epitome of what a feminist is. I could honestly go on for hours about how well written this character was as she out shined the main female lead in soo many aspects. I would love to see a spin off of her earlier life and how her and Gu Dong Mae met in Japan #praying.

As for re-watch value...I would definitely re-watch it but it is quite heavy and emotionally draining so maybe not in the near future. I'm usually into fantasy romances like TMOPB (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) but this drama really did leave me speechless. Highly, highly recommend.

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Magnificent!

I'd like my heart back please!

What an incredible drama - let alone a kdrama! Each episode is shot like a blockbuster movie, the cast are superb and the story captivates you from start to finish. That it's based on historical events, makes it all the more painful sometimes.

The the five main characters are superb and you love them throughout and become so invested in their stories. Each of them go on a journey and you fall in love with all of them. The supporting cast are equally great. One of the villains does his job so well that I wanted to smack him in his face - great actor!

At 24 episodes this is a lot longer than the usual kdrama and sometimes the pace may seem a little slower than what we're used to in the West - however, the investment of your time pays off in spades.

I'm not going to mention anything about the plot as I strongly urge you to watch this. This is an utterly beautiful love story - love for each other and love for country - whatever the cost!

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❗❗❗???? BEST DRAMA

I m 23 ! I started watching dramas in 2018 ... i mean i watch 3 or more dramas every week ! But let me tell you ... i just finished this drama one hour ago and i tell you guys just this ...: WATCH IT ❗❗❗ is first time when i give a review but for this drama i was feeling that i have to because i doubted if i have to watch it or not . Just go for it ! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗❗

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Mesmerizing

This is my second time watching it. I think its better this time because all the anxiousness is gone (I know who lives and dies) and now I can just relax and enjoy it as it unfolds.

Lee Byung Hun is one of my favorite ML’s and he doesn’t fail to highly succeed in mesmerizing us this series. I had not seen Kim Tae Ri (FL) before and I thought she was just great. Actually, everyone of the actors and actresses are just fabulous in their roles and one is able to connect to each one emotionally and feel what they are feeling at that moment.

I would like to add my two cents worth about the controversy over the ML being so much older than the FL. I think maybe younger viewers might not readily figure out the dynamics of why it was cast this way so I thought I’d explain. The FL is very mature. She is not only well educated, especially for that time when women were not permitted access to education and the outer world, but she is also a Freedom Fighter. She is intelligent and she simply isn’t going to be attracted to someone her age. We can see that in her disdain for the SML. But the ML is extremely accomplished in all facets of life…his demeanor is one of tremendous self confidence and she is drawn to that more than just him being physically attractive. A notable quote by the FL…If a man cannot keep a promise to a woman….what can he keep? This shows how important Honor and Loyalty is to the FL.

I can highly relate to this situation as this has been my life story. I have lived in the wilderness a lot of my life. I was accomplished at many things when younger, including martial arts. I simply could not relate to someone my own age. I ended up marrying two times, both men were much older than me…..one 26 years older, the other 20. For me a relationship is not so much about love, although that is important, but more about respecting my partner for his own accomplishments which I require to be many. The FL proves this is also how she views a potential partner. She isn’t interested in daily Korean life, she wants to be a mover and shaker and is likewise drawn to someone else who is also that way.

So I give Kudos to casting for including this wonderful dynamic - rarely seen in KDramas. The story moves along swiftly and I thoroughly enjoyed the time that was shown where she was training to be a Freedom Fighter. She is that perfect combination of being tough as nails, but not emotionally stunted…..she lets her guard down when she knows she can trust someone.

Honorable mention certainly goes to Choi Moo Sung (her mentor) - he always nails a character. Of course we must mention Yoo Yeon Seok (Dong Mae the Samurai). He is just breathtaking in this role - certainly one of his finest roles. You just breathe in his pain, his confusion and despair and embrace the choices he makes as he emotionally matures through the series.

Surprisingly there are a lot of very funny moments in this tragedy series. Often provided by Il-Sik, the trader. For instance he is asked what his name means. His friend says Hope. Il Sik shakes his head and says no, it means never skip a meal. Later on he is trying to explain to a lady gambler why she isn’t having any luck as a gambler. He says to her “In a game, if you can’t figure out who is being hustled, its probably you”. Between his witty sayings and his funny facial expressions, he brings a light heart to a heavy drama.

Lastly Byun Yo Han (SML) does a really wonderful job. You can’t stand him in the beginning and cry for him in the ending. I don’t really consider this a spoiler statement…..most of us who are long time watchers of Sageuk know the SML never has a happy ending.

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One of the Best Shows I Have Ever Seen!

I have been watching movies and shows for over forty years. And, yes, this show is THAT good! After watching "Descendants of the Sun" only a couple of years ago, I was wondering how long it would be before another grand series came about; a series that resonates with the heart and soul; a series with a crisp story and fantastic performances by the actors. And along came "Mr. Sunshine."

I can only think of a couple of series that are on par with "Mr. Sunshine." "Band of Brothers" is one and "Descendants of the Sun" is another.

What is truly sad is that much of the world is quite ignorant when it comes to Korean history, I'm sure. It's a country that always seems to be at odds with Japan, and sometimes China and Russia as well. Its turbulent history has too often been plagued by invasions or other countries attempting to gain control of the small peninsula.

"Mr. Sunshine" tells of the time when Korea was, once again, fighting against Japanese occupation in the beginning of the 20th century. With virtually no real army to speak of and a king with little power on the throne, Korea or "Joseon" found itself relying on rebel guerilla tactics to try and prevent the Japanese from a complete takeover.

Several characters find themselves unknowingly intertwined with each other at the outset of the series. One boy finds himself quickly orphaned and making his way to America to begin a new life. He returns to Joseon years later as a U.S. Marine Captain. Little does he know how the turn of events would pull him into the conflict between his previous homeland and Japan.

The story's focal point is on three men who all happen to have feelings for the same woman, Go Ae-shin; a woman with a background as terrible and wrought with horror as the marine captain's. And yet, she is the heart and soul of the rebel forces. It is admirable and captivating to see this woman spearhead the rebellion, as well as her willingness to do whatever it takes to help her country. Tae-Ri Kim is perfectly cast, giving Ae-shin tremendous depth and complexity to her character.

The cast is simply magnificent from top to bottom. Every role, no matter how large or small, is handled with immaculate precision and depth. However, there is, to my mind, one who stands out just a hair above the rest. And that is Byung-Hun Lee as Eugene Choi, the marine captain. The man has a regal distinction that very few actors in history have been able to pull off with such ease. He may appear to be emotionless in many of his scenes, but to make such an assumption would be wholly inaccurate. I've said many times: an actor/actress who can say more with their eyes than with words, is a true master at their craft. Byung-Hun Lee is such a performer. I cannot imagine anyone else playing this part with the integrity and depth that he brings to Eugene Choi.

This is quite literally a "Do not miss!" series. With 24 episodes, each at about 75 minutes each, you are in for a wonderful treat. This is a show to savor. One might be wishing to quickly move on to the next episode, but I found myself stepping back and letting each episode soak within me instead. Like a perfect French dessert, you relish taking your time and savoring each bite. This is such a series.

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I have been hesitant to watch this show for a while and keep pushing them on the back of my list, but then i ran off things to watch and decided to give this a try.
Amazing.
Great cinematography, extraordinary acting, everything is perfect.
I'm quite stingy with scores but then i give this one a perfect score.
Everything is perfect.
This one keeps me glued to the screen, preventing me from skipping parts which i used to do with other shows, makes me scream like a high school girl, bawl my eyes out, laugh like a maniac, also tears my head off of frustration.
Give this shows a try for those who haven't seen this.

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