Mr. Sunshine (2018)

one of the ultimate kdrama's

going into this drama I did not know what to expect, but the moment I started i could not stop myself. this drama is so so so so so so so good. every element was beautifully thought off and executed, each character was amazingly casted and 'acted as well. i'm not a fan of historical dramas but this drama holds a special place in my heart. the romance in this drama is not one that you would expect, the chemistry is amazing, very explosive. cinematography was another huge part which made this drama all the more better. it is a MUCH WATCH. there was not a second that was boring. you will express all sorts of emotions watching this drama but that's the best part, you will feel for certain characters and i just found myself being completely immersed in this drama. you will not regret watching this!

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It's Jane Austen meets K-Drama meets any moving story about rebels!

I'm going to admit that it took me a while to really get into it. The beginning moves like a slow history romance with no real direction. This is why it received a 9 from me. Those first twelve episodes while intriguing were nothing groundbreaking. But, If you're looking for a sappy history romance where the king falls in love with a commoner, then I suggest you move on. This drama is for strong willed rebels who are willing to be inspired to action!
The last twelve episodes however were the most gripping, tragic, moving and impactful i've ever seen a K-Drama.
The acting was also note worthy, when they cried, I cried. During the good times, I laughed. They drew me into their story and made me root for a country i've never even set foot in. Yes, the real main character of this was Joseon and really made me think about the history of current day South-Korea.

The story, acting, music, cinematography, editing, bromance, sis-mance? Are all top notch in my opinion. This story ramps up pretty quickly without leaving you bored at any step of the way. The villains didn't quite get the torture I thought they deserved but also, sometimes, the bad guys win in the end.

Despite it's flaws this is hands down the best K-drama I've watched in recent times. Only watch if you've got the heart to steel back tears, Impressive control for your anger and the open-mind to feel compassion for what others have gone through.

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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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Utterly destroyed

I actually died with them. Yes, I did. I am utterly destroyed and can only feel agony, my head hurts. This was absolutely amazing. I liked how this show gave us different angles on how each character questions their own identity and nationality, where they belong to or not. I loved how Ae Sin represented Korea, and how Hui Seong, Eugene and Dong Mae stood for the different relationships they have with their country. The cinematography, OST, acting – it was all so splendid and rich, an absolute delight to watch this show. The simple, quiet things between Eugene and Ae Sin, how their actions spoke louder than words. Their relationship was always at its best when it was just the two, enjoying mundane things. Sometimes, the show could be a little slow, and I also didn’t quite understand Kudo Hina as a character to be honest. But overall, this was amazing. But I still have a headache…

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First Kdrama I watched and just one of the best shows I've seen period.

Goddamn this show is fantastic. The characters, story, acting, action everything is just so well done. Such great production values and cinematography. I can't speak too specifically on the show since it's been a while since I've seen it but it has still strongly stuck with me. I absolutely loved how Eugene's and Koe Ae - shin's relationship developed, their romance was beautiful. All the supporting characters are strong. Eugene's confrontation of the people who wronged him as a child was great and what a great performance by Lee Byung-hun, the boy who plays him as a kid also does a wonderful job. I do remember finding the Samurai guy to be a little too edgy sometimes but he has a great story nonetheless.

As far as re watch value goes, I would watch it again but some of it is pretty sad so maybe one day.

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It Is My New Favorite Kdrama

I am not going to lie, I probably will NOT watch it again EVEN THOUGH it's my favorite. If you have been a long time kdrama fan, you know how TVN is. Not only is this a TVN show but also a historical drama so you know they are not afraid to kill some characters. It is a heartbreaking story but more than that, it is just so beautiful to watch. It is a real masterpiece. The visuals are appealing and the storyline is interesting. I love how well written the characters are and their relationship with each other. I can say this is one of the best kdrama I have ever watched. You are going to be deeply attached to all the characters and that is the reason why you might cry the most. Everything is great but I still think it will hurt me if I rewatch it.

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I just finished watching this drama today and i am still in shocked. My mind is blank right now and I don’t know what to say. I always like historical drama especially when it involves humanity and wars. I like how the writer slowly builds the storyline and the relationship between characters here. I think this is the first time i like most of the characters in the kdrama show despite of their flaws but they totally bring up the dynamic in their interactions with each other. I like how far that they grow on you in each episode and they totally steal your heart.

The focus of this drama is about relationship between the king, the righteous group, friends, and most of it is about patriotism and justice for sure. It’s not so much about romantic relationship though the drive between 3 male characters’ action is towards the main female protagonist which i can totally understand, who wouldn’t fall in love with a gorgeous, brave and smart lady like aeshin? Ohhh, i like her a lot, i think aeshin is my most favorite female lead in kdrama right now.

I think they have the most profound love that stands through hardship, i really like how they respect and help each other, oh it’s too perfect and beautiful. It’s rare to get this kind of respect in your relationship nowadays. I admire their characters a lot. Huhuhu.

The cinematography is excellent, acting is also excellent, music is awesome. The journey watching this show is really enjoyable. I like a cold hard truth show like this one, i can finally say that i like your drama, kim eun sok. I don’t know how to explain this drama, you should watch it yourself coz it’s hard to explain without spoiling the story hahaha. Ok.

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This deserves a 10/10 rating!!!!!

Instantly became the #1 best drama for me knocking down Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (I love u so much but I'm sorry TT^TT)
General: When you see a drama review where they say, "it's not your typical kdrama", well that line does not give justice to how every aspect of this drama is so unique and so well-thought of. It's a historical drama where there's actual history. 2 award-winning actors as leads, as well as award-winning actors as supporting characters! Even the villain is a veteran actor!!! Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Ri once again made me laugh, cry, fall in love, and feel warm.

Personal: As a person living in a country that was colonized by the same colonizing countries in the drama, I felt so connected with what the characters were feeling. It's a whole historical experience for me.

Love story: The leads' love story was so intimate in a very subtle way. I love how it was written and executed. It's a relationship/love that was not rushed, full of good qualities, they communicated despite conflicts, they understand each other's situations instead of having a fight. Basically, the whole journey of the love story in this drama is like a warm hug.

Antagonists: THEY. ARE. SO .GOOD. They'll make you hate them so much but in the end, you'll also praise them for their great acting. These characters along with the supporting characters actually made the drama even better. They're not one of those dumb and weird antagonists. Yes, they're annoying as hell but them and the leads and supporting characters were all so in par when it comes to acting and portraying their characters and executing certain scenes that will leave you wanting for moooore.

Supporting roles: I had to make a separate paragraph for them because they earned. They're all so freaking well-written I hate myself for not watching this drama sooner!!! They're not like other supporting characters where it's like the have their own separate world or own separate story/drama inside the drama itself. Not one of them became irrelevant throughout the series. Each one has something to do with the whole damn plot of the series. They're almost like lead characters. And since they're relevant to the whole story, you won't be distracted by a separate story. You'd want to know them more and I applaud the writers for that.

I honestly just started this because of one of the OSTs where Park Hyo Shin is the singer, and he's my favorite solo artist in the industry. But when I watched it, I was so surprised.

Lastly, the ending: I don't want to give spoilers you have to watch it I promise you everything will be worth it.

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I’m not the kind to write reviews ,but I had to here , this art work just one of the best korean dramas that I ever watched , it’s not like any I watched before something new and amazing , I really loved every part of it all idk how to express I’m so drown by it , such an art , thank you for giving us this masterpiece , I liked the way they expressed the romance here it was breathtaking keeping you hoping but pay it other way , I loved the filming here , just wow , the acting , and ofc I fall in love with the main actor , I loved how strong the personalities of all characters were , the story the acting , it’s all new subject in kdrama , and it was exactly all what I wanted in drama in one place , I’m so thankful for all of the ppl who helped giving this work of art , tbh , I want my memory to disappear and to return watch it again and get amazed by it again , all in a word “ masterpiece “

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This drama is just breathtakingly beautiful. Those snowy scenes in ancient times with ancient clothes... just so beautiful.

I love that some parts of this drama were done in English, helps to relate. It's incredible what diversity does to a drama. By just adding an additional language in this drama, the feel completely change. The story line is good. I wouldn't bear to rewatch the last few episodes. It's just too heartbreaking.

I love how this story portrays women. Many girls would be inspired after watching. It's unfortunate that I feel Kim Tae-ri (as Go Ae-shin) didn't really shine in this drama, she didn't own the character , meaning if she were to be replaced, I don't think many wld noticed. The OST is so so only. I can't recall much since it has been over a year since I watched this.

a must watch if you like ancient times winter Korea.

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WOW

Of the 70+ dramas I have watched, "Mr. Sunshine" was one of the BEST!! The story, acting, cinematography, EVERYTHING was absolutely perfect!
I did hear some complaints on how the history was showcased throughout the drama. Some also stated that the drama, Mr. Sunshine, showed a lot of bias. In other words, I guess the storyline showed Korea as the "very good guy" and Japan as the "very bad guy". But, I never really liked learning about history, so I thought that the story was amazing and beautiful!!
In regards to romance, there's no steamy romance with a lot of physical contact, I guess one can say. The hugs, eye contact, smiles, between the Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri were so sweet and anyone could tell that their characters loved each other. Other than the romance between the mains, the bromance was reallyyyy funny! Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee Byung-hun, and Byun Yo-han showed a lot of comical scenes together that always lightened up the mood. To this day, I still search up these three characters on YouTube just to see the scenes they acted out together ^^
Lastly, the cinematography!! The scenes were ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I would like you to go on Safari, YouTube, or Google and search up "Mr. Sunshine Scenes" and click on images. They are very beautiful~~
I guess one small complaint I have is the cast... and I know that multiple people do agree with me and others don't.
------------ Lee Byung-hun was just... too old, I honestly believe that someone younger should've been casted-------------
I too know that other people do not think the same as me and believe that "age doesn't matter". I respect that opinion, but... I'm just sorry, the chemistry between the mains kind of got ruined (just a lil) because of the HUGE age gap (20-years people). But I didn't hate it. The acting from both characters were AWESOMEEEEEE still. I heard that if there really were kiss scenes between Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri, people would've had an uproar about it ^^
OVERALL, the story PERFECT, the acting AMAZING, the cast ALMOST COMPLETE (I just still wish there was someone at least a lilll younger - Hyun Bin - would've been fine tho) that's why I couldn't give a FULL 10/10, but still... WATCH IT
I ABSOLUTELY recommend to watch this drama! You will NEVER regret it~~

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