Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol (2018)

The Best KDrama to Date!!!

I’m in absolute awe and in love with this drama. For those who are hesitant of watching this drama, don’t be because this drama is a masterpiece! There are no words to describe how amazing this drama is. It’s just that good! For someone like me who doesn’t watch/like historical dramas, I was very impressed by the quality and I don’t think any drama can top this one (well at least to date). The cinematography, production, costumes and OST were perfectly executed and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Pacing
It does start off a bit slow at the beginning but it does pick up the pace at episode 3 or 4. I’d also like to point out that episodes 15-17 were also kinda slow but other than that, the overall flow of the story is good and doesn’t really have any pacing issues.

Characters
- I love the female characters so much. Both very strong characters and don’t rely on anyone. We’ve got one that’s a sniper and the other who does fencing. I also just like to mention the fight scene between the two as it really showed some women empowerment. A power duo indeed!
- There’s a little bit of bromance between the 3 male characters, which I absolutely loved as well. I wish we got to see more of that.
- Ae-sin is my favourite character hands down!
- I live for Eugene, Ae-sin and Dong-mae supremacy.

OST
Every track perfectly matches the scenes and is top tier.

Cinematography
You can tell that they really thought about what shots, colour grading and angles they wanted. It was like watching an Oscar-worthy film. No doubt that this drama has the best cinematography to date.

Overall, this drama is one of the best ever made and for someone that doesn’t even like historical dramas as much, that kinda speaks for itself. This drama will always have a special place in my heart that’s for sure! I do suggest for you to really know the history before diving into this drama just so you can fully understand what is going on. I personally did a bit of research before watching. GO WATCH IT! IT’S WORTH IT. TRUST ME.

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Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol - Drama Intenso e Emocionalmente Desafiador

"Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol" é uma série que se destaca pelo seu drama intenso e envolvente. A trama nos leva em uma jornada através de personagens cativantes e complexos, que enfrentam desafios emocionais e dilemas morais ao longo da história.

As atuações são sólidas, dando vida aos protagonistas e secundários de forma convincente. O elenco expressa as emoções dos personagens com habilidade, trazendo autenticidade às cenas mais intensas.

A direção cria uma atmosfera envolvente, transportando o espectador para o cenário histórico retratado na série. A ambientação é bem trabalhada, embora em alguns momentos possa parecer um pouco exagerada.

O enredo oferece uma variedade de reviravoltas emocionantes, tornando difícil prever os desdobramentos da história. No entanto, em alguns momentos, a trama pode se tornar um pouco arrastada, perdendo um pouco do ritmo.

"Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol" apresenta uma produção bem cuidada e alguns momentos tocantes, mas ainda assim, não conseguiu conquistar o posto de minha série favorita. Essa avaliação é baseada em uma perspectiva pessoal, e embora eu reconheça suas qualidades, sinto que falta algo que me conecte profundamente com a trama, algo que vá além da excelência técnica e da atuação magistral.

Recomendo "Mr. Sunshine: Um Raio de Sol" para quem busca um drama emocionante com personagens bem desenvolvidos e uma imersão no contexto histórico. Apesar de não ter sido minha escolha favorita, tenho certeza de que muitos apreciarão a riqueza da trama e a intensidade das emoções apresentadas.

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This is one of the most unique shows when it comes to cinematography. I think Kdramas overall has its own style of camera work and mood setting. However, Mr. Sunshine really made me feel as if I was watching a movie. When I think of it in my mind, it felt like one continuous 24-hour long movie. In other dramas, there are cuts in each scene and conflict whereas here, every transition either from scene to scene or the changing of conflict is smooth. I really comment both the director and also the story for this.

Speaking of the story, I really love the concept. Anything that has to do with a revolution or an overthrow of an oppressive system excites me. I do think it is very well done. There is a build-up to every significant event and each character's motivations and choices are deliberate and truthful. I loved that every character stayed in character or when there was development, the writer took the time to flesh out for the most part. In my opinion, the most lackluster part of the entire drama is the romance between the main leads. Maybe it was because I didn't love Eugene's character or maybe I didn't like the actor, but it just didn't click or made me feel for them.

Aside from Eugene, I truly believe that the characters make this show. Because the writer does such an amazing job at character development, I fell in love with every character despite the flaws that they have. The characters were so complex, especially Kudo Hina and Gu Dongmae. However, my favorite character is perhaps the simplest of them all, Kim Huiseong. His character started off as the arrogant, cowardly rich boy hiding behind his family, but as the show progresses, you see him grow to have such a kind and pure heart. He went from hiding behind his family to baring the sins his ancestry committed and taking the blame as well as atoning for both his and his relative's mistakes. There's also so much more to his character. I feel like that shows how much the writer does with everyone. None of the characters that matter are ignored.

The things I don't like about this show and why I didn't rate it higher are pretty small, but to me, they really make or break a drama. For example, the music they used at certain scenes felt off. I feel like since this was on Netflix, the soundtrack had more English lyrics that just felt off in moments where there was so much Korean pride in the drama. Even in the Korean tracks, none of the songs stood out to me except for maybe the Suhyun song. They were nowhere near as memorable as Goblin or Descendants of the Sun. I also felt that the acting by the Americans and specifically Minister Hiyashi were stiff majority of the time. There were a lot of crucial moments that were suppose to make the audience feel something and in my opinion, it fell short because of the over the top line delivery. The actor who played Kyle Moore was the best actor out of all the Koreans but even his line delivery felt forced. Minister Hiyashi and other Japanese actors such as the bald soldier felt less like a person and more like a cartoon. The Japanese were treated like 2D character but those two were the worst.

Mr. Sunshine could have been a near-perfect drama but the very things that make a Kdrama memorable weren't executed as well.

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I don’t even know where to start. There’s just too many layers to this masterpiece.

The story and writing were beautiful. It made me google about Korean History a few times just to check fiction from fact, and to know some parts were inspired by real history just made it even more engaging. The fact that this made me curious about another country’s history... that’s a win for me.

The cinematography, oh my gosh. Your eyes will surely be in for a feast, and you’ll leave fully satisfied and in awe from almost every episode. The music also heightened the emotions.

The characters. Most dramas usually reveal their backstories mid way or towards the end as a plot twist, but the writer in this drama chose the opposite. You’d appreciate every character from the very beginning since their history is revealed as early as the first episodes. Though it got confusing for awhile, be patient and wait for all of these beautiful characters with beautiful histories meet and create an even more beautiful story for us.

Can I specially mention the bromance? They added humor in this very “heavy” drama. This is probably one of the few dramas that really had me literally laughing out loud, all thanks to the peculiar friendship of the three.

And sorry, special mention for Yoo Yeon Seok. His acting was totally out of his usual character, and damn sir, you really pulled it off. I rarely fall in love with characters, this is one of the few moments.

The heart ache. You felt for the characters, their desperation, anger and frustration for a country that was falling, and their eagerness to stand up and fight for a cause... damn, this makes you realize how lucky we are in the times we live in.

Spoiler: this one particular scene in the end made my heart ache in particular... this was when the shop that buys stuff and does favors opened again, and they started having a collection of the many things that hold too mny good memories. It gave me a familiar feeling I have about growing old- the feeling of sadness when you’re reminded of the good moments and how you’ve lost the people you’ve spent them with. This is the pain of passage of time.

Thank you, Mr. Sunshine. This was truly a treat and I’ll surely be reading articles about you for days.

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An epic saga in turbulent Joseon

Set in the troubled times of early 1900s, Joseon empire (Korea) is in decline with a number of foreign powers trying to gain control. It's a lesson in history. And if you know the history, you know how it ends. All five protagonists have their own reasons but they all are originally from Joseon and share a love-hate relationship with their motherland. All of them also carry the burden of their parents: either trying to live up to them, or living beyond their sacrifice or trying to get to terms with their cruelty.

From the writer-director pairing of the Guardian and DOTS (star writer, Kim Eun-sook and Lee Eung-bok), the brilliance of the show is in its poetic writing. The first English words Go Ae-shin learns are 'gun, glory and sad endings' which defines her as well as Joseon; her character is possibly a metaphor for Joseon. The cinematography turns each scene into a painting, supported by beautiful sets and soulful music.

Acting is of course, wonderful, although, the brilliant Lee Byung-hun looks a tad too old for his role. He looks solemn in the serious scenes but a bit out of place when he acts silly. Kim Tae-ri is absolutely fantastic, drawing romance into her expression with barely a breathe.

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This is my first review, So I thought that talk about my favorite drama would be perfect, And mr sunshine is that drama that stole my heart and also my tears.
The true is that I see Mr sunshine as a masterpiece and it really set my standars so high, The cinematography is awesome and you feel like you are watching a whole movie, The characther are so well written and the actors and actresses did an amazing job portraying them, The story is interesting and keep you invested in it, Also I have all the OST in my playlist.
I am a fan of historical dramas, So I was not surprised at all by the end, But i got depressed for a week, Overall This drama is the definition of perfection.

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I've always love Revolutionary War drama/movies , no matter where you are or what you've become or what you do , never forget where we've come from, in the end our country needs us :)

I cried so much that i had to paused for a while and catch my breathe, I feel like i am watching an Oscar winning serial.

Writing for a TV is a skill, and not one that many have. Having to maintain pace, coherence and continuity within sharply limited six or seven-minute segments is a remarkably hard thing to do. That the writers of Mr Sunshine succeed

The show has action, creative dialogue, and maybe the most badass TV character ever in , a good political intrigue. Excellent villains. I enjoyed the strength and conviction of Lady Ae Sin's performance, the absurdity of the Japanese caricatures. A drama of cornball sentiment, humorously anachronistic dialogue, and expensive Colonial sets.

I imagine myself in the Joseon period how frightening it would be :)) Having fought the Japs.
The rough-and-tumble of Joseon life during the Revolution and brave men struggle against his own violence.
Long live Joseon, Long live South Korea!

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Tragic and impactful, MUST WATCH

Let's start with my favourite quote from the show:
"Noble woman always resorted to living vibrant, like a flower"
"I'm no different, I also live vibrant.
The only difference is that I want to be like a flame"
Breathtaking, heartbreaking and unpredictable are three adjectives I'd used to describe this drama.
Every scene, every dialogue and every glance makes you feel all types of emotions. This show is filled with such beautiful written characters who all have thier own stories. All the characters are shown as extremely capable and passionate individuals who are ready to fight for thier rights and protect thier loved ones, come what may. Especially the women really stand out,none of them are weak and clueless, be it swords,words or guns they're always ready for anything. This aspect really sets it apart compared to every other drama,the depth of the character and thier development just makes you fall for every character by the end of the show.
This show is tragic, in every way possible and that makes it beautiful. A failing country, a love that will obviously have a sad ending and unrequited love that has gone on for decades. Sacrifices one makes for its country and loved ones,Patriotism, fighting for equality in the unfair world and how powerful a country can be when they all come together, is so beautiful displayed.
The symbolic meaning of every scene gives you goosebumps. Its incredible the impact this show has on its viewers,especially knowing that this is based on historic events.
The writer has mixed up 3 languages Korean, Japanese and English without making it seem funny or awkward,which is extremely hard.

What made me a little dissapointed is that they took this unrequited love aspect to another level. It was extremely unrealistic how a man's heart never changes, especially if the other person isnt interested in him. I felt like some of the love aspects could have been tuned down a little. But I do understand that love played a very important role in the story and was essential. I must say the mid portion of the show was a little slow and frustrating, nothing much happened. They really put in alot in the last 3 episodes though,maybe could have extended and slowed down the the story from 20th episode as alot was happening.
But nevertheless, this show really leaves you broken and then healed, extremely amazing. I cried so hard that tears stopped coming.

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Exemplar cinematography and beautiful patriotism

Superb! Superb! Superb!

This drama left me in shambles by the end of it with its stunning but heartbreaking ending. Nevertheless, I have been deeply touched by this drama's depiction of Korean independence fighters of the early 20th century and of the unspeakable violence committed by the Japanese army and government in Joseon during that time.

Moreover, the beautiful, healing romance between Go Ae-shin and Eugene Choi was like a rose through its painful beauty.

I was also heartbroken by the death of Gu Dong-mae, as he had quickly become one of my favourite characters through his complexity and good soul.

It is also worth mentioning the stunning soundtrack of this drama, which will keep being played in my house! Astonishingly beautiful!

I will certainly keep thinking about this drama for a long time and will re-watch it for sure.

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The bar has been set much too high by Mr. Sunshine for me to fall in love with any other drama in the same genre. Perhaps my all-time favorite. They depicted the most heartbreaking loss, misery, and tragic story that I don't want to remember, but every time I watch it again, the peculiar feeling of not wanting to let go returns to me all over again. If anybody ever questioned, "What's the best drama you have ever stumbled into?", this will be my answer. A timeless masterpiece, I might say.

Gun, glory, and? Well, you name it. (Also, the OSTs are OUTSTANDING). 

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A Genuine Piece Of Art

I will not waste your time with a long review.There are many awesome ones with great analysis if you want to find out about this Masterpiece.
Or,better,you can go completely blind,knowing the minimum.I guarantee,the experience will be greater this way.
Iam writing this to bring it up for those who haven't watched it yet and mostly for those who hesitate to start it.As i did too for a long time until few days ago when i decided to start it with a cold heart to be completely honest.
Once again words like Romance and Melodrama prevented me from start watching it,as these 2 Genres are not my cup of tea.
4 days later and just few minutes after i finished it,iam telling you this was my best watch decision in 2022.

If i had to use only one word to describe Mr. Sunshine,that would be the word "EPIC"

Epic Production/Direction/Cinematography/Acting/Music/Story/Characters.
It is a flawless,fair and square,amazing, 10!No doubts.No debates.End of story.
For me,Mr. Sunshine,is a complete Drama.It doesn't lack anything.Is not good there,average here and bad further.No, is PERFECT all the way.From the first minute to the last second you don't want to take your eyes off the screen,you don't want to take a break to use the toilet or go to sleep.

24 long episodes,over one hour each and yet after finishing, you are craving for more.You wish this journey never ends.
It is a piece of art for the eyes(amazing cinematography and visuals)for the ears(the Ost is unforgettable)and mostly for the soul.
Gosh i cried as i never had before with any other Drama.I felt so many emotions.Had shivers in my spine.Butterflies in my stomach.My heart was beating fast.Sad moments.Happy moments.Funny moments.
Great friendships.Amazing love stories.Sacrifices.Fights for a free country.

Ok i must stop here cause i can write all night.

Just pause what you are currently watching,add Mr. Sunshine to your watch list and hit play.
Make sure you have plenty of snacks and water nearby.You MUST watch this before 2022 ends,so you will have an excuse to rewatch it in 2023!
Enjoy.

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