Mr Sunshine

DESPITE a title that does not quite fit the tone of the drama, Mr Sunshine is a much anticipated large-scale production about love and patriotism.

Written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok – the people behind hit dramas Descendants Of The Sun and Goblin – the 24-episode series is set in Korea in the 1800s to early 1900s before the Japanese occupation.

The story centres on Koreanborn US Marine Captain Eugene Choi (played by Lee Byung-hun, who has starred in Hollywood movies including GI Joe, Red 2 and The Magnificent Seven), and Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), granddaughter of a highly respected nobleman who is fighting against Japanese imperialism.

Born into a slave family, Eugene fled to the United States at the age of nine when his parents died due to their master’s persecution.

He returns to Korea much later to carry out his duty as an American soldier, not feeling much love at first for a home country that still practises the caste system.

Eugene then meets and falls in love with Ae-shin, noblewoman by day and sniper by night. She’s a member of the Righteous Army, formed to protect Joseon’s sovereignty. Ae-shin is engaged to the grandson of the same family that killed Eugene’s parents.

Although the age gap between Lee and Kim seems a bit too wide, their characters’ romantic story of forbidden love is nonetheless well-portrayed and tugs at the heartstrings.

The historical fiction explores friendships, relationships and comradeship, and how all three are formed in unexpected ways.

Despite criticisms of it being historically incorrect, Mr Sunshine makes a compelling watch, with moving dialogues, impressive cinematography and a great supporting cast.

Coupled with haunting tracks and surprising doses of humour, the drama is a winner in many ways. – Wong Li Za

Mr Sunshine is available on Netflix.