Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Great plotting, great chemistry, hard-to-forget drama

Sejujurnya, sebelum aku nonton drama ini aku kurang suka sama lead actor actress nya, dan aku kurang suka ceritanya yang tentang jaman penjajahan jepang di korea, pernah nonton genre itu dan itu ngebosenin, makanya aku males nonton. Dan akhirnyaa, karena kurangnya stok drama, trus nemu drama ini di folder hasil hibahan dari temen yg dah lama bgt tpi ga aku tonton, aku memutuskan buat nonton setelah 2 tahun dari drama itu selese. Dan ternyata beginilah, dibuat deg2an sama alurnya yg dikemas apik, disuguhin humor2 di tiap scene biar ga bosen nonton, romansanya mereka yang bikin gemes, perannya juga cocok juga lama2, dan dibikin speechless bgt sama ending yg BOOM!! Huhu.. bakal jadi salah satu drama yang bikin gagal move on.. Selamat menontonn.. Oiya, kenapa rewatch valuenya aku kasih 9? Pertama drama ini emang worth bgt buat ditonton, tapi karena banyaknya episode yang ada (24 eps @1 jam an, menurutku bakal jdi tantang buat aku pribadi. Hehe

Citeste mai mult

Wow, after watching 24 episodes of Mr sunshine, I do not know how to feel exactly. At first, I found the show to be extremely slow-paced and boring but something about it kept me going. I felt it was too slow-paced especially with respect to the relationship between the two main leads, I would have thought that the lure in the forbidden affair between the yu jin the slave and Aeshin the noble would be capitalized but all we got were long stares and heartfelt goodbyes. I actually felt more chemistry between dong mae and aeshin even though it was a bit on the obsessive side on his part. However, the historical part of the drama held it together as it gave its audience a glimpse of what Joseon went through at that time. I loved the acting, I felt the cast really got into their roles and delivered their best, I loved that it did not end up with the typical revenge troupe, I thought the story would just be about Yujin coming back for revenge, but I liked how the drama pointed out that at the end of the day, there is a choice not to go down that path. I also loved how in the end there were no fixed heroes or villains, this can be illustrated by Hina and Hui seng who refused to follow their father's footsteps and chose to fight for their country.
The tragic, yet hopeful feel the drama gave off at the end was beautiful but I would have loved it if they did not kill off the whole cast leaving just Aeshin

Citeste mai mult

I NEVER watched any HISTORICAL drama but this one made me binge-watch it on NETFLIX!!
This series isn't even finish yet but I am currently rewatching it again for the 3rd time!
I love the cinematography in this TV Series. The staff/crew of the show really made an effort in making this historical drama.
It's amazing how the writer created this epic and unpredictable drama.
The love story is incredibly cute and makes me think of Eugene Choi and Ae-sin once in awhile(because it's that good!).
The actors are all superb; they all did a spectacular performance and delivered the lines pretty well.

Citeste mai mult

You will not regret

Not many people have seen this drama, I still don't understand why.
But if you are hesitating watch it now or leave it unwatched. I can tell you that you are missing a story that will hook you from the beginning to the end.

Do you like Japan? Do you like korea? Do you like United States?
Well, this is your drama, a drama in which three different cultures mix, where you feel every moment, you laugh, you cry, you worry, you can't stop watching it.

And most importantly, it is not a simple story about duty or love, it is more than that.
It is how each of your actions leads you to the right place, to a fight in which you should not be part of but you are in the middle.

What would you do?
Sit back or join the fight?

Citeste mai mult

YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!

i cant exaggerate any more how amazing this drama is. from the story, to cast, to production, this drama is impeccably good. as a film student this is the kind of drama that sets standards for the rest. the filmography is beautiful and awards it indeed deserves.
there was never a moment that i was bored or un-interested. the strong build of character makes the smallest of scenes so much more interesting without adding too much to them.
the choice of actors couldn't have been any better, i fell in love with all of them. you do not understand how much i cried at the end of this series (no-spoilers tho), i was left heartbroken as well as heart warmed.
the filmography man... for a film student its like a dream come true.
i dont want to give too much away because its best to jump right into it and find out for yourself.
just please watch this show! i promise you wont regret it!

Citeste mai mult

Indeed a Masterpiece.

This was a complex and sophisticated story but it was not hard to understand, I really enjoyed watching this and I'm glad it was not a waste of time. Every episode felt like a movie thus this is not a bingeable show. Mr Sunshine is not for everyone, it's really mature, detailed, slow paced and long. To my surprise I never got bored watching this I was so invested in it. The best thing I like about this drama is the character development as well as the characters. Every character was unique and developed in some way and it was interesting watching their relationships blossom. As for the two leads considering their age gap, they had amazing chemistry. You would feel every emotion while watching this. I cannot necessarily rewatch the whole thing, this is one of those dramas that I love but I can't bear to rewatch. Do I think it needed 24 episodes? no but each episode led up to something thus it was worth the watch.

Citeste mai mult

My Roman Empire

This tale is a marathon. It's not for viewers who can't sit through a slow burn or prefer direct conversations. It is most definitely not for the lighthearted, either.

Buckle up; you're in for a fangirl review (read: this could've been finished within 3 lines if I held little affection for it).

I find sageuks enjoyable, but Lee Byung Hun isn't my style. Luckily, their ad ran on YT before, which was intriguing enough. So, first and foremost, cheers to the editing team for their stellar performance from start to finish.

It's 2024. About five years since this masterpiece floored my entire existence, yet Mr Sunshine remains my most beloved kdrama. As someone who lives in a nation that perennially suffers from the consequences of colonialism, this series brought me an overwhelming level of respect for my ancestors, who fought bravely and relentlessly despite the odds being stacked against them. Choosing to live for one's homeland every day is a daunting task. It requires selflessness and primacy. Only those who risk losing something genuinely precious to them can commit to a cause that keeps on taking without any assurance of giving recompense. To devote one's life to their country, they must love their family so fiercely as Eugene and Ae Sin did, enough to let love go and ultimately let love rest.

Mr. Sunshine is a well-rounded production. The cinematography was stunning. The soundtrack was epic. The costume department ate and left no crumbs. The character portrayal was magnificent. I could not think of a single actor or actress who fell short in their delivery. The humor? The banter? The flirting? Sure, kdrama was already popular when this aired. But imagine if it ran post-pandemic? When streaming's the new norm, sageuks are increasingly gaining more popularity, and kdrama has reached unparalleled heights. It would have effortlessly dominated trending searches.

This series remained faithful to its storyline. The plot was cohesive, the pacing was well-timed, the arrangement of symbolisms, forces, politics, and relationships was deliberate, the build-up was masterful, and the ending made sense. Every single moment was touching. The direction was devastatingly beautiful. My heart sings for every lingering gaze, touch, tone, and even the blockings. This was the best collaboration of Director Lee Eung Bok and Writer Kim Eun Sook (Descendants of the Sun & Goblin / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, some supporting casts appeared in these projects too). This was also Kim Eun Sook at her peak. She has penned multiple bangers, but nothing hits quite like this period fiction.

I can never forget how there was not a single kissing scene. The first romantic kdrama I watched without one. The leads had an explosive chemistry — their impact was simply undeniable. There was no need for physical demonstrations of feelings. Their dialogue was already pure poetry. Their passionate, quiet confessions and mutual pining? It would take years before it can be outdone, let alone be comparable.

It's simply revolutionary.

Once in a while, I'll think about flames and pinwheels and trains and scraps of confessions in matryoshka dolls. I'll think about the man with no country to call his. I'll think about the woman who longs for Joseon's liberation, wearing a ring that honors a love long gone.

I'll forever be scarred by guns, glory, and sad endings. I'll be reminded of my people and how they helplessly came to terms with their unfavorable fates. May they reunite with their loved ones in the afterlife and be at peace knowing their sacrifices will be remembered, even if those who remember have to perpetually argue against their fellow countrymen who have forgotten.

To me, this story is comparable to the creation of the universe. So, whoever plans on writing a wartime romance should take notes because Mr. Sunshine shows how to do it properly.

Citeste mai mult

One of the most hectic & hard dramas to make are the historical ones due to the setting & environment they have to make & did marvelous job with this one.. it reminded me a lot with bridal mask as both have the same setting.. but I don’t know why I had the feeling from the beginning what ending would be like & I was right with hunch.. for me.. I actually didn’t like the romance between the two leads as much as I loved the relation between the three men.. their enemy / friendship feelings between them were amazing whichever actually drove me to watch until the ending..

The characters & acting were marvelous, Lee Byung Hun is great in any role he does & he did his role perfectly & it’s suited him perfectly.. but Gu Dong Mae won my heart fair & square.. his acting, his role & his background story were all great that touched my heart.. it’s my first time seeing Yoo Yeon Seok & he actually win a spot in me with his great acting.

My only problem were Go Ae Sin character.. I don’t know exactly what it was but I found her character the least interesting in all.. Kim Tae Ri is a great actress & she did her best in this role but I feel that her age wasn’t suitable for this role especially with her baby face which made her look more younger.. I believe that Ha Ji Won would suit this role more action wise & age wise.. she is one of the top actresses who aces action roles most.

I believe that this drama can go shorter as I skipped many scenes which didn’t affect the story.. also I found the middle part were lengthy & a bit boring because of the fillings.

In the end I didn’t regret watching it.. the ending was full of tears with me but I knew it would end like this.. a memorable show indeed..

Citeste mai mult

...along with the rest of the characters (R.I.P).

I came for nuest's "and I", stayed for the show.

The actors were amazing and went above and beyond expectations. Later on I found out the main actors are pretty good well known actors (western action film star and the handmaiden cough cough) also the supporting actors are amazing as well. I didn't know that about them but luckily kpop exists and it's what brought me to check this show out in the first place.
So the music was a A+ for me. There's definitely a few that make me want to cry along with the scenes.

At first I really loved AeShin and Eugenes romance, but Dong Mae was such a good runner up (lol). It kind of breaks your heart that he lived the way he did. I also fell in love with Hina! Kim Min Jung needs more roles like these.
I read about how the accuracy of the history might be off, but who cares? It's a good fiction story anyways, even if they got a few details wrong lol.

I didn't give it a perfect 10 because a few things made me go, "but wait, couldn't they have just done this?" or "that doesn't make sense!" etc. For example, the train... also, dong mae- why u HAVE to fight the musin society? and the hotel- couldn't they have just- anyways. You get what i mean.

Citeste mai mult

Truly beautifully written masterpiece

Let me start off by saying I do not watch historical dramas. This is a rare occurrence but I became curious due to the ratings and reviews. I am currently on episode 20 and can confirm this is worth every waking moment. This is a beautifully written story with several twists and turns that cover everything from romance, unrequited love, the struggle between the rich and the poor, the righteous vs the corrupt, power and war. The drama intensely takes you through the impact that war, betrayal, social status, love and corruption had on the lives of all the main characters. There is an excruciating amount of pain throughout each episode; at times overwhelming and heartbreaking.  Yet, there are also those perfect moments in the plot that are just breathtakingly beautiful, humorous and heartwarming.

The acting and character development is phenomenal. From the two main female leads, though beautiful and poised also mysterious in their own way. Their strength is not just in their beauty. They have learned to survive in a world where their freedom is dictated by men and/or their country. The fearless yet hopeless romantics that play the male leads, Dong Mae, Hui Sung and Eugene Choi and even those within the Righteous Army each have a story that plays out. Right off episode one you dive into bits and pieces of everyone's lives. Discovering the closer you get to the end that they are all interconnected in one way or another.

What is there not to love about the three male leads? Aside from the fact you could slice the tension between them with a knife. One scene I can still recall is when Eugene addressed Hui Sung , who was still unaware of the impact his family had in Eugene's life. "When there is a man in front of you whose heart has been torn out. You shouldn't say you're hurt.....That would be shameful." While I watched this, though a minor part. I felt the pain piercing through Eugene's stare as he addressed the son of the family that killed his parents. Also, the chemistry between Eugene and Lady Ae-Sin is spot on. One of my favorite scenes is when she drops out of nowhere and directs him to a meeting spot after she waited days for him to reply to her letter. In that space, she ends up getting the upper hand by grabbing his gun and while pointing it directly at his face proceeds to question him. Romantic huh? But, regardless of what they were doing their romance is captivating even without having to exchange words.

Everything so far has come together seamlessly. Yet, as beautiful as this drama truly is there is also a significant amount of loss. But, I do hope the writer pulls through towards the end and that they can save us (the viewers) from a sad ending.

Citeste mai mult