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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This Review is full with SPOILERS so please be aware.Well, i've been thinking the whole day in this drama, i didn't understand my feelings.
1. Acting/cast: The casting was so on point and all the characters are so well constructed (even the bad ones), the only bad thing that i got to say is that you can tell that the scenes with David McInnis weren't filmmed at the same time, because you can see that in reality he was never in the scenes where there were other characters different than the translator, the child or Eugene, probably he was never with Ae Shin (ypu can see him in a take but that's probably fixed), sometimes it happens in the dramas but this time it was very noticeable. However 10/10
2. Story: Really a beautiful story with a sad ending. I loved how they tried to represent a very difficult time. In the middle of the drama it was a bit boring, but in general the first 8 episodes and the last 6 were excellent. 9/10
3. Music: I wasn't a big fan of this OST, some songs were really great, and some others were ok. 8/10
4. Rewatch value: Not for me, because it mistreats my emotions, i'm sorry but i won't rewatch it, my heart can't handle this. 8/10
5. Others:
The cinematography and photography was so beautiful, 10/10
The bromance between the male leads and female leads 10/10
The ending, well yes i got a problem with this ending, i didn't like the way Goo Dong Mae was killed i though that he was going to die for sure but i didn't like the way he did it. Also the way Eugene dies it reminds me a little to Titanic, couldn't he jump back? 8/10
Also loved the large number of scenes between the two leads, I loved how they focused on romanticism rather than romance. I would have loved a kiss, but that does not take away the beauty of its story. 10/10
Anyway i totally recommend you to watch this drama if you love Politic and Drama and Tragedy, it is very well written and well developed. Overall 9/10
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A MASTERPIECE
Now I know why they called this drama a masterpiece for a reason. I wasn’t intend to watch this drama because I know that this series end with sad ending so I tend to avoid it. But they say, masterpiece need to see at least once so, here we go and I regret not watching this drama earlier :(I don’t know about the real history of Korea and whether this drama portrays the right history or not. But I think they did a good job in producing this kind of history drama. I was reluctant to watch the lead’s chemistry because of their age gap in real life but Byung-hun and Tae-ri truly outdone themselves and I’m in love with them. I was sad watching main cast (read: characters) died one by one because they have been a supporting foundation to this drama but good characters must come to an end.
I think it’s kind of sad that Eugene has to become a foreigner for a whole life. He needs to be an American or Joseon whenever they need one. I felt pity for him the most and that was until he meets Ae-shin. These two although fights for the different cause but they protect each other and that’s what I admired the most. Although their love story is not a happy ending, I do enjoy their story.
For Dong-mae, i wish he didn’t cling to Ae-shin for his whole life but if that’s the reason he live, I accept it. It’s sad to see the backstory of Dong-mae and Eugene and how Hui-seong tangled up with them. But they make a good combo and I’m rooting for them. And I love how Hina at first just want to be a watcher but then helped Ae-shin with her cause. These characters will remain a long time in my heart.
This drama may turn you off if you’re not up to historical timeline but I assure you that this historical drama is a well-built plot with amazing casts ever. Please watch it at least once in your lifetime.
Was this review helpful to you?
One word to describe how this drama plays out would be bittersweet. And given the context of the story, it would be almost impossible to have it otherwise.
Essentially the story dates back to the Japanese imperialism period. It strives to portray the life of the Joeson's protestors against the Japanese colonization. The historical/political aspects of this drama are in play throughout the entire drama but are mostly emphasized in the second half. There are a lot of ups and downs, a touch of humor which really kept things lively (s/o to the drinking buddies squad).
The five main characters and their dynamics were really amusing to watch. Some of the relationship developments got me by surprise. I think anyone who decides to watch this drama will connect with at least one of them. Personally, Hina Kudo's character really resonated with me.
The OSTs are beyond what words can describe, got me emotional at all the right moments. My personal favorites are:
OST Part 7: Becoming the Wind - Hyunsang Ha
OST Part 6: My Home - Savina & Drones
OST Part 4: Sori - Lee Suhyun
I think it is a personal preference, but I would suggest if you decide to watch this drama forget what you've seen of the main cast and let them paint a new canvas for you. What I mean to say, is that each cast member really makes the character their own, and I don't think I've ever seen a more suitable cast. Not only the main actors/actresses but also all the supporting cast were just.... daebak!
Mr.sunshine, it was an unforgettable 24 episode ride, you will forever leave a lasting impression. <3 <3 <3 <3
Was this review helpful to you?
The drama hits you hard in every pay possible..
This is hands down the best k-drama I have seen till date.Everything from storyline, acting and OSTs are splendid. Although it has a sad ending but the actions of each character seems justified & leaves an impact in the final outcome.
Cast:
Every character has aced their role to near perfection. Conversation between all the main characters, their respective actions and following repurcussions pace the show in a very balanced way.
Eugene Choi and Go ae shin's relationship and the way of embracing each other is represented in a very beautiful manner.
OSTs:
Each of the songs hits very deep. All the songs are so beautifully composed.
Glad that I watched this masterpiece and it will have a lasting presence in my memory.
Hope to watch it again sometime...
Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
A masterpiece everyone should watch.
I decided to watch thiss drama about 4 or 5month ago. I started watching the drama last month and I never imagined it would be this beautiful. Every single scene has captivated me.The story of Ae sin and Eugene Choi is so wonderful that I can't even explain it.. When they meet she's was so arrogant but he was super cool a mature guy they hangout together there care for each other special Eugene cared for her ver much. Whe the was in Japan when he give her a ring and also when she wanted him to wear a ring . When the go to studio to take a photo of them. Their look at each other everything ever single details make my heart flutter . When the go to the river and walk together when everytime he came to her..................
You cant beleive this is a masterpiece drama and it became one of my favorite drama and it also hurted me because i want more scenes of Eugene Choi and Ae Sin. I didn't knew this drama would be that wonderful. It just surprised me the acting of lead roles and the story everything leaved a mark on my heart.
I have heard it has a sad ending and even though I know what might happen I really hoped for a happy ending for Ae sin and Eugene Choi. Especially since Hina Kudo, Gu Dong-mae, and Ae-sin’s grandfather have already passed away.
It’s heartbreaking that he didn't get to live a long life with her saving Ae sin was the last choice he made in his life. He didn't just die he became the Sunshine that allowed her to keep fighting for Joseon. But stil i wanted him to survive alongside with her.!!!!
Their story fascinated me from the very beginning such a beautiful love story. The other characters were wonderful too Hina Kudo, Dong Mae, Hee sung and many other .characters. Everyone protected Ae sin so much. She also survived because of her parents' sacrifice when she was a child and in the end just because of his life she managed to keep going she managed to survive. It breaks my heart into pieces. I just wished him to survive.
I was so terrified that something might happen to Ae sin or Eugene Choi,, I almost didn't want to watch it for that reason. But in the end that’s exactly what happened. Eugene sacrificed himself to save his love. I cried so much i can’t even describe it. I couldn't stop the tears at all. I cried for nearly half an hour.
What would have happened if Eugene had lived? He could have fought alongside Ae sin. I kept thinking about how his mother sacrificed her life how he survived in America himself alone all thanks to Joseph who helped him. Yet he ended his precious life in exchange for the life of the woman he loved. Is love really like this?
The tragedy of Eugene Choi is that his entire life was defined by sovereignty. He started as a man without a country but through Ae sin he found something worth dying for.
Sometimes the most beautiful stories are the ones that leave a scar on our hearts. Eugene Choi lived his life as a man between two country but he died as a hero who found his home in a single person. As a slave child in Joseon he had no power over his own..
Genuinely I don't repeat any dramas if it is heart touching than I repeat the drama after coupe of weeks or year but I rewatched every scenes again and again. I don't know why this drama has become so special to me. I give 100000000 rating to this drama I also want another drama of them where they could live a happy longer life.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It wouldv'e been a diservice if I didn't write a review for this amazing Drama. 'Mr Sunshine' is a literal one of a kind drama in which I dont think we will see a drama like this one for a long time. I'm from england so I couldn't fully sympathize with hoe bad Koreans were treated because the drama shines light on historical events, but even I got annoyed at the Japanese soldiers for the tyranny they spread throughout Joseon.This show did something ambitious and it was to make it multi-lingual to where they have multiple languages present in the show, they were; Korean, Japanese, English and French. I can only imagine how hard it was to get a cast for this show because they needed to be multilingual. Eugene's role especially because he spoke Korean, Japanese and English fluently in this show. Also, even though I disliked the Japanese characters I have to admit their acting was very good and just made the show better.
Within this show there was a clear 5 main characters and I loved each and every one of them. I loved the dynamics between Eugene, Dong Mae and Hui Sung. They all had the same women in thier heart but they just couldn't hate eachother in which Is why I loves the relationship they had. Normally in dramas thier are obnoxious characters who fight for love but neither Dong Mae and Hui Sung were bad, Dong Mae especially.
Eugene is a very complex character because he fled to America from Joseon and then comes back with America. It's quite sad for him because Koreans call him American while Americans call him Joseon so he got forced into a middle ground. Throughout the show he insisted that his motherland was America and acted on that belief throughout the whole show saying that. He even wouldn't ditch America for his love Ae Sin which shows how loyal he is to America. His relationship with Ae Sin was complicated in the fact that she was from an Aristrocrat family which means she's high up in terms of status so just the emotion of loving her was dangerous for him. You could say he got swayed by her but not fully. Even though Joseon ditched him, he still helped Joseon in some ways and I think purely that some of his actions were done for Ae Sin so she could survive. I knew that he wasn't going to live to the end of the show, it was foreshadowed alot to us with the whole 'Sad Ending' saying. So when he finally used his last bullet to save Ae Sin I coulnd't help but support his actions as it was for her safety.
Ae Sin is a very interesting character because since birth she was very interested in foreign affairs to the point she became a gunner to fight for Joseon to get thier independence back. She was also in a sticky position loving Eugene because she was engaged and also her family didn't think nicely of her having an American lover. It was my first drama that I watched from Kim Tae Ri and I was positevly suprised and I will watch out for more of her works. Her relationship with Eugene was so fun to watch because she was able to cool down and be happy when she was with him and one thing I loved was her smile and her laugh, they were just so adorable. When she said 'Mister Sunshine' that was also a powerful scene because she's basically saying that Eugene was her light and someone that lit her up. I loved how she wasn't just some weak character but she was strong and relied on herself to the point where it made Eugene look smaller than her but when Eugene stood up to the plate and sacrificed his life for her, that was the biggest act of love anyone can give to someone.
With both Eugene and Ae Sin, their relationship was amazing to watch as they had great chemisry, they wasn't the kind of couple in which kissed and showed their affection that way, all they wanted was to be with eachother and the way their relationship grew into something big was very fun to watch.
Now in my opinion, the dark horse character in this was Gu Dong Mae, I loved everysing part of his character. He portrayed a samurai amazinly and everytime he was on the screen it wasn't boring to watch. The way he was ruthless to everyone and didn't hesitate was a personality trait which defies him because of his harsh past. His relationship with Eugene was a wierd one because they both loved Ae Sin but they couldn't hate eachother as they grew fond of eachother. With Ae Sin, he was just fine seeing her and that was all it took to satify his love for her, with the whole debt thing in which Ae Sin met him every month on the 15th, that was just to see her. Personally he was my favourite character in the show and it was painful to see how pitiful he was as he faced death doors multiple times and couldn't get his love recipricated.
With Hui Sung, he was an MVP in this show as he was the one in which recorded all the events in history for people in the future to recognise the efforts and pain that Joseon went through. The sacrifices he made for Ae Sin and Eugene were very thoughtful and I truly believe that he is sincerly sorry to Eugene about what happened to his parents.
Hina was also a very good character due to how she did things and also her indescreet love for Dong Mae in which she probably realised too late before she died. I liked how independent she was and she could fend her own.
The relationship of Eugen, Dong Mae and Hui Song was very sad because Hina kept saying which out of the three would face sorrow but in the end they all died but in my opinion they did not feel sorrow because they all died for the cause of Ae Sin being alive and well and thats just what they wanted.
Even though the show does not have a 'Happy' ending per say, since the events on this drama are portraying what happened in the 1900s between Japan and Korea we know that eventually Joseon get thier indepence and become the Republic of Korea so Ae Sin acheived her goal of protecting Joseon even though we didn't see it we know it happens and we saw the hope at the very end of the show with her standing tall next to a Korean flag.
The OST in this show was very good as it created the mood and atmosphere for the show. Noticeable OST were from Sejeong, Ben and Kim Yuna which were all honestly amazing now that I'm listening to an OST right now and it makes me quite sad that I can't watch this anymore.
Overally if your looking for a very different kind of drama in which shows politics and love at the forefront then watch this show. This show also opes your eyes to some of the things that Korea had to endure against Japan.
Was this review helpful to you?
Eugene Choi's character is so dreamy. I love men like him. He is decisive, knows what's wrong and right and looks so good!
And Kim Tae Ri is so amazing. I love her rebellious character.
I love how the drama is not overly tragic despite the ending where I bawled my eyes out. It has it's cute moments where you yourself can sense the romance brewing between Eugene Choi and Go Ae Shin. There are also funny bromance moments all of which balance the drama so well, it's amazing. The cinematography is so beautiful too.
The love story, I would say is hauntingly beautiful. You know the futility of their situation and can understand that a future where both of them are together is next to impossible. But even then you can't help but cheer and root for them.
I even loved the characters of Kudo Hina, Go Dong Mae and basically everyone else that there was in the drama.
This drama is just all kinds of amazing
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Working together for the third time, Writer Kim Eun-sook and Director Lee Eung-bok forged yet again another drama into a landmark. Masterfully melded with realism and romanticism, Mr. Sunshine offers an indelible image of the waning age of the Korean Empire. By far the most ambitious K-drama ever mounted, it's a legendary saga of romance and war told in an unforgettably cinematic style.Every episode is like a mini-movie offering hardened yet vibrant characters, panoramic views, and emotionally-gripping action, climaxes, and plot twists. Further enhanced by heart-rousing OSTs, it's one of those black pearl-rare dramas that keep the viewer entranced right from the episode's very beginning and wired up to its last scene only to re-watch the whole episode again to fully savour and comprehend its magnificent scale and dramatic mystique.
Aforesaid praises aside, this drama is worth watching for the intelligent and memorable characterisations by a constellation of the brightest acting talents ever assembled. Protagonist or foe, adult or child, in main, supporting, or cameo roles - we've grown to either hate them or adore. It stars Lee Byung-hun as the righteous, enigmatic, and romantic USMC Capt. Eugene Choi; Kim Tae-ri as the sharp-shootin' spunky noblelady Go Ae-sin; Yoo Yeon-seok as the hapless romantic gang boss Gu Dong-mae; Kim Min-jung as the enchanting hotelier/fencing femme fatale Kudo Hina; Byun Yo-han as the noble-hearted dashing nobleman Kim Hui-seong; Choi Moo-sung as the hardy yet hearty gunner Jang Seung-gu; Kim Kap-soo as the famed potter/RA's revered leader Hwang Eung-san; Kim Eui-sung as the uber-wicked Lee Wan-ik; Lee Ho-jae as the venerable Lord Go; and many more.
In watching Mr. Sunshine, we've witnessed how noble, self-abnegating love works; how character is built; how unlikely friendships are formed; how loyalty is won; how cultural stereotypy of femininity is 'lunged' at and/or 'sniped'; how grace and equanimity can be maintained under surmounting pressure; and above all, how to make a difference esp. in a period of constant change and great tumult.
Two and a half hand-spans and back, we circumspectly yet excitedly nagivated the intricate terrains of Eugene's and Ae-sin's hearts as we concurrently entered into a world of history. At the end of our long journey, some of us have been left intrigued and wondering thus warranting a peer-back with critical eyes through the fog of time to re-examine important world events at the dawn of the 20th century. It is without a doubt that Mr. Sunshine not only left us overwhelmingly entertained but also edified.
Kudos to Kim Eun-sook for her astute and dynamic story-telling; to Lee Eung-bok for his meticulous and gorgeous camera work; to all the actors for their topnotch performances; to the crew for their diligent and painstaking efforts; and last but certainly not least, to fellow fans of Mr. Sunshine for helping make the drama an immensely enjoyable watch down to the last minute through your percipient comments, clever reviews, and delightful artworks.
Until next time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Maybe not your typical kdrama
To quote a line I heard somewhere before: This is not a love story, this is a story about love. There are no kissing scenes, there is no PDA, very little flirting. But there is more meaning in the way the characters talk to each other, look at each other, act for each other.One of the reasons I really like this show is the character interactions. You don't just care for the 5 main characters, you learn to love everyone around them as well. The first few episodes are focused mainly on the development of the character backgrounds and understanding the role of each character (because there are SO MANY). Many people got bored around the middle part which I agree I felt too. But stick to the story and it won't disappoint. Or maybe it will? Hehehe. Starting episode 14, the story really kicks off and the plot moves a lot quicker.
Maybe not everyone will like how it ends but I think it's what makes it so meaningful for me. (I still don't think I'm over this story)
If you're looking for a story with a good plot, loveable characters and great cinematography, I suggest you give this a try. You will both love and hate this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is a drama I will watch countless times. Absolutely sure about it.I'm completely satisfied with the male lead's charming, exquisite performance. If he did not already have an fairly decent ability in English language, then he sure learned it quite perfectly for this drama.
The way Choi Yoo Jin mesmerized me with his manners, his looks, his perfect devotion to the female lead. I think it's one of the best performances from a male actor I've seen in Korean dramas. Any woman would love him, any King would honor him. And surely anyone would want to be defended and protected by him.
I haven't seen Kim Tae Ri play in dramas. It surely is something to regret, I'll fix that mistake quickly.
She plays with this fervent fire and dedication, that you might see in other actors, but at first notice, I can't think, who would fit more perfectly into this role. The gentle yet unbending nature of the role is perfectly acted out by this female lead. When I looked her play Go Ae Sin's role out, it made me want to be her. The courage emerging from fear and doubt, with such victorious indignation. It takes me a step farther, to look at women of that society more closely and to ardently admire of the nature of women in all the times of the world.
Not as a feminist, but just as a fair judge of character, I wonder, how many people with this kind of nature have there ever been in this world and will there ever be...
Also I would like to point out that, when in a hurry to get to the plot's important moments and as usually a person with busy life, there was not a moment in this drama, that I had the heart to skip. Everything fitted so perfectly. There was not a moment that would have left a question mark, as why would they add this or that scene here/there. And this is one of the most important points of any drama. How well does the story flow and how much does it make you want to skip to the important parts. This, for me, had not a second of it.
Also, one extremely important point. The side characters, everyone was important for the story. They added coulor's to the story, that will make it possible to remember them as much as the male/female lead.
Not just the lead actors, but also every other actor was perfect for their position in this drama.
Hope you like the review :) This is just how I feel :)
#BTW! Music is over the top. You can just drown into the emotions and the deep feelings in the drama's OST!
Was this review helpful to you?
