Title: 미스터 션샤인 | Miseuteo Syeonsyain | Mr. Sunshine
Genre: Historical | Military | Romance
Episodes: 24
Broadcast Network: tvN
Broadcast Period: July 7, 2018 to September 23, 2018

Synopsis:

Choi Yoo Jin is the son of slaves. He was meant to be executed at the age of 9 but his mother saved him. He escaped and grew up in America. Go Ae Shin is the grand daughter of a noble man whose parents died as rebels to free the people of Joseon from abuse and suppression. While Goo Dong Mae is the son of a butcher. His mother forsaken him so he can escape a life of misery but instead became a killer for hire. Kim Hee Sung, from a noble family who likes an easy life but inside he bears the sins committed by his family especially his grandfather. All of them need to fight and work to protect their own allegiance that will lead them to grief and difficulty. Each decisions they will take in their own way, challenging it maybe is necessary for them survive during an era of the early 19th century where power, greed and cruelty are dealt through war and politics. By twist of fate, their lives will be intertwined by family, friendship, and love that eventually makes a difference in history.

Characters:

• Lee Byung Hun as Choi Yoo Jin | Eugene Choi
• Kim Kang Hoon as 9-year-old Yoo Jin
• Jun Jin Seo as Teen Eugene
• Kim Tae Ri as Go Ae Shin
• Heo Jung Eun as Younger Ae Shin
• Yoo Yun Suk as Goo Dong Mae
• Choi Min Young as Younger Dong Mae
• Kim Min Jung as Kudo Hina | Lee Yang Hwa
• Byun Yo Han as Kim Hee Sung
• Jo Woo Jin as Im Kwan Soo
• David McInnis as Kyle Moore
• Kim Eui Sung as Lee Wan Ik
• Choi Moo Sung as Jang Seung Goo
• Kim Gab Soo as Hwang Eun San
• Lee Ho Jae as Go Sa Hong
• Kim Na Woon as Madam Jo
• Park Ah In as Go Ae Soon
• Kim Dong Gyoon as Kim Ahn Pyung
• Kim Hye Eun as Kang Ho Sun
• Lee Seung Joon as King Gojong
• Choi Jong Won as Heungseon Daewongun
• Kang Shin Il as Lee Jung Moon
• Bae Jung Nam as Choon Shik
• Kim Byung Chul as Il Shik
• Choi Jin Ho as Kwon Ryo
• Kim Eung Soo as Kim Pan Suh
• Lee Shi Ah as Yoo Jin’s Mother
• Jin Goo as Ae Shin’s Father
• Kim Ji Won as Ae Shin’s Mother
• Im Se Mi as Dong Mae’s Mother

My Review:

I normally don’t like watching period dramas but once in awhile I get curious enough about the story. With this k-drama, I got interested to watch because of Lee Byung Hun whom I admire as an actor and I have not seen in k-dramas for awhile. However, when it comes to his projects, I don’t generally get excited too much to watch immediately as it is always in a melodramatic tone. This k-drama is not an exception, so, I was able to wait until it finally showed its last episode. I delegated it as “to watch it later” category. I must say even at the very first episode, it is already highly dramatic but I am surprised at myself that though this k-drama is heavily serious in premise, I got hooked to continue to watch it non-stop.

So, What do I Like About this K-Drama?

(1) Lee Byung Hun is truly an actor of his own caliber. He delivers his character with realism and depth. Not only he is armed with talent in acting, he also knows how to speak Japanese and English well. In fact, because of his command in the English language, this is one of the very few k-dramas that an actor pulled off a character with a background that grew up in the US. Honestly, this is one of the few complaints I had with k-dramas when they create characters who supposedly grew up in America but get actors who can’t hardly speak English. Finally, something believable.

(2) I rarely comment on the technical stuff of making films but I must say that I can actually believe that making this film cost a lot of money. In fact in one of the vlogs I saw that this is one of the k-dramas that’s considered to be the top most expensive k-drama made and I can actually believe it. Not only it had top notched main actors including special appearances of famous ones but the backdrop to deliver a period drama was impeccably done. The cinematography is also top notched and it is like watching a movie in a big screen. It really spent money to create a spectacular and well-created period drama with beyond reproached quality.

(3) What fascinates me with this k-drama is that it sucks you into caring about what happened between Eugene Choi and Go Ae Shin even if their love story is similar to all other love stories except somehow the director successfully made it feel different and still interesting for a period drama. Lee Byung Hun for the greater part made it so but what’s totally brought new to the table of theis k-drama is the brilliant talent of Kim Tae Ri portraying Go Ae Shin. I don’t know much about her as an actress but all I can say is “Bow”.

(4) The casts were superb from the special appearances, supporting down to the extras. I actually felt admiration to the talent of Byun Yo Han as Kim Hee Sung and Yoo Yun Suk as Goo Dong Mae. They made their characters matter. I felt empathy with Kim Hee Sung for bearing the sins of his ancestors. While understand Goo Dong Mae of why he became the way he is.

(5) I love simple dialogues filled with double edge meanings and amazing scenes especially the girl on girl fight scene. It was choreograph in a believable masculine manner with a touch of grace in actions. And, the OST is poignant and sad.

What I do Not Like About this K-Drama?

This k-drama is epic. In my eyes, truth to be told, the estimated USD 35 million spent to produce this was well worth it in every scene. I also must say that on this K-drama, I can put my hat on as one if not the top best k-dramas produced. Moreover, in my humble opinion, I dare say has far better content, story and delivery than the overrated “Goblin” ever was. It was created in perfection every step of the way irregardless of historical inaccuracies some may claim. However, if there’s one advice I can give to those who haven’t watch it yet, don’t see it if you’re not in an emotional and psychological positive state in your life because, though, this k-drama depicts hope, courage and love for country, family and brotherhood, it also depicts the harshest realities of life without giving banal excuses.

Would I recommend this K-Drama? 110% Highly Recommended.

My Rating to this Drama
( See My Rating System: ) 5/5 Stars

OST:

01. That Day – Park Hyo Shin
02. Sad March – Elaine
03. Days Without Tears – Kim Yoon Ah
04. Sori – Lee Soo Hyun of Akdong Musician
05. Good Day – MeloMance
06. My Home – Savina & Drones
07. Becoming The Wind – Ha Hyun Sang
08. Stranger – Park Won
09. Shine Your Star – O3ohn
10. And I – NU’EST W
11. See You Again – Baek Ji-Young
12. Beautiful As Fireworks – Shin Seung-Hun
13. Lover – Sejeong of Gugudan
14. If You Were Me – Ben
15. How Can I Forget You – Hwang Chi-Yeul