In 2018, tvN and Netflix released a Korean historical drama that was an immediate success because of its cinematic quality and its deep characters very well written. In addition, it deals with a historical part little highlighted in the Kdramas as a rule: it takes place in the years 1900 to 1905, before the Japanese annexation of Korea. The destinies intertwine, the historical re-enactment with its scenography, its sets, and its realization is magnificent.Let's discover together this historical jewel that will not leave you indifferent Mr. SUNSHINE.
Synopsis
Lee Eung Bok (director), and Kim Eun Sook (screenwriter) duo well known among others for dramas such as " Descendants of the sun " or "Goblin", have again managed to make a masterpiece but this time, historical.
The story begins in 1871 when a child of a slave, Choi Yoo-jin, flees his country following the murder of his parents and finds himself embarked on a boat bound for the United States to survive. Years later, when he became Eugene CHOI, captain of the US Marines, he had to return to his country for which he thought he no longer had any feelings. His path crosses that of an aristocrat, Go Ae-Shin, who secretly campaigns for the independence of Korea.
A SUPERB ACHIEVEMENT AND OST
Clearly this drama is already distinguished by its realization and its visual as we rarely see. A lot of work was done on the sets, costumes, and shots filmed, all in precision and detail. We are transported directly without difficulty to this Korea of the 1900s, and with emotion. The historical re-enactment is worked, we feel that they wanted to bring a realistic and poetic atmosphere throughout: it's successful. The resulting staging is just as sharp, the filmed shots are worked and for some, just beautiful. You don't get bored for a single episode. This drama takes us to one of the darkest periods in Korean history, right in the heart of the Korean resistance. A nice history lesson in addition to everything else because based on real facts of the history of this country. The OST that accompanies this drama is just as neat: it accompanies and fits perfectly to all the atmosphere in which we are immersed. Here too, we see the work and the great care given to all his music that will continue to embark you by listening to them again, once the drama is over.
PROFOUND CHARACTERS
One of the strong points of this drama is the fact that not only the two main characters but also all the secondary characters have a real story, a worked writing, and a real depth. Their life stories have crossed, crossed or will intersect: stories of mixed destinies, all very well orchestrated.
The two main characters:
Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Ri: one is known for her great filmography, the other as a key actress in Park Chan-wook's film "Mademoiselle" (among others). And in this drama, it's a gorgeous couple.They each carry out their role to perfection. 
In his role as a wounded Korean man who became American by necessity, Lee Byung Hun was able to bring this ambivalence of two cultures to carry in itself and the marking that this can entail. He thought he was detached from the country where he was born, and yet, everything will be questioned with his feelings for Ae-Shin. 
Kim Tae Ri is once again stunning as this aristocrat who knows what she wants for her country. She looks fragile because of her status but we discover a strength, courage and emotion that will thrill all spectators in front of their screen. A strong female role like there is not all the time. 
Their romance is all in suggestion as the Koreans know how to do beautifully, and formidable in its chemistry and its playing. They do not need to touch each other to make you go through a myriad of intense emotions, an exchange of glances will suffice. And here, we say hats off: rare are the dramas with such intensity while their story is all in restraint. You will be embarked on a romantic whirlwind like we rarely see.
Other characters:
Byun Yo Han, in the role of Kim Hui Seong: we think he is superficial, and not invested and especially he does not want to follow the path of his family, known for his immoral acts, and among others, responsible for the death of Eugene Choi's parents. And yet his character will knock you down by his evolution and the depth that the actor has put into it. 
And finally Kim Min Jung, in this female secondary role, a strong woman once again, courageous and independent, masterfully carried. We admire her, we fear her, we can only remember this impressive female role. All of their crossed destinies, each brings in its own way a stone to this extraordinary historical epic, without forgetting the links they will create with each other, unexpected but touching. We can only advise you to watch this magnificent drama which also received the award for best drama of the year, the award for best actress in a supporting role and the best actress award at the APAN Star Awards 2018. Like any dark story, you will be heckled, touched, crossed by many emotions and in many different ways. This is not a gay story, pain and sadness are also part of this historical epic throughout. But the feelings it will bring you, the scenes, the cinematography, the plot that goes crescendo, will mark you for a long time. Want more? Some other Korean historical dramas to discover.
