Chuah QL

Well worth binge watch, certain flat segments in an otherwise very satisfying roller coaster ride  Decided to give this a watch after leaving it on my to watch list for years. I enjoyed the story telling from the perspective of a character, it helps us to connect more with the inner workings of each character. Some characters were more well fleshed out than others, which helped the audience root for them more. There was one underlying plot line with many story arcs built over it, morally I can't agree with their motives but it certainly made for a very entertaining show.  Couldn't quite root for certain characters such as Berlin no matter how, can't really care for the story line surrounding his relationships so felt like those parts were slightly draggy and skippable. It definitely had me on the edge of the seat most of the time and wondering how they will outwit the authorities. The props and sets were really grand.  Overall am glad to have finally watched this showpiece!

Well paced, gripping visual feast. As a person who doesn't watch Chinese period dramas, am very glad to have picked up this gem. For one, the writing and characters were well fleshed. It wasted no time in introducing the 2 most important characters and the inciting event that set the wheels in motion. It's satisfying to see the heroine overcome each obstacle and gain allies and friends along the way. The antagonists were well crafted, almost too sympathetically, as they each had reasons for straying down the wrong path. The soundtrack and music was key to creating an immersive experience as well. It was bittersweet hearing 'Spring Fading into white pear blossoms', without the accompanying flute, it sounds incomplete. This was akin to Xue Li, who would be very different without Shen YS. The costumes and sets were elaborate, vibrant. The chemistry between the lead couples were palpable and convincing. The only slight flaw would be near the ending, where it felt slightly rushed. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyed this piece.

Truly a gem in terms of the cinematography, acting and sequencing of the plot! I loved watching every scene, so beautifully framed and colour coordinated, it's as if every frame is a painting. Most scenes even the low- lit ones are lighted up just right. I liked our main characters, especially our teenager versions of them, they brought out the pure and innocent charms of their characters, I found myself squealing or tearing whenever they appeared. I especially enjoyed the non chronological sequence of story telling and that it was easy to differentiate between each time point. I enjoyed how it slowly uncovered events leading to the present day and beyond. Would recommend if you enjoy a romantic story, beautifully framed shots, do prep some tissues too:))

I picked up Mr Sunshine as it was recommended on a few year-end review sites though I generally don't watch period dramas as I feel they might be slightly draggy and too tragic. However, this has been one of the best shows that I have watched in terms of acting, writing, cinematography and strong characters, hence I would strongly recommend Mr Sunshine for anyone seeking a good drama in these aspects. Long review: Acting was superb, from the subtle details such as a twitch of a facial muscle, to the cracked voice in emotional scenes, everyone had their moments. I have never felt so much emotions while watching a drama before and I'm glad for such a bountiful journey. Cinematography was astounding, you know a show is not playing when they dish out a battle scene worthy of a big-screen production early in the series. Every shot had its purpose, certain objects reappear throughout the series and held great significance, which helped the audience keep track of a character's growth. The writing was beautiful as well, even through eng subs (thanks to kind people who annotate certain wordplay that would have been lost through literal translation). Almost everybody speaks poetically regardless of their background ahaha, while I'm wary of historical speech, I feel that the dialogue has been bearable, maybe because many lines/ narrations recur throughout the series, bringing new meaning to them each time. Language choice also played an important role in power play, it was cool having our characters use specific languages under different circumstances. While I liked how each of the main characters was fleshed out, my favourite character would be Eugene for he was selfless, intelligent and deeply loyal, to people who have helped him, friends and the woman he loved. If I could use a word to describe each of the 5 mains: Eugene- selfless, AeSin - determined, Dong mae - passionate, Yang-Hwa - intelligent, Hee Sung - brave. A common characteristic that they all shared was loyalty, they were all loyal to different causes and yet that bound their journeys together. The romance between Eugene and Ae Sin was heart-fluttering and heartbreaking, the admiration our 2nd male leads held for Ae Sin was beautiful too, the friendship (love) between Dong Mae and YangHwa was refreshing. I loved the relationships between Eugene and the Righteous Army, as well as Dong Mae with his Musin society members, although they may seem like loners or outsiders on many occasions, they were deeply appreciated and embraced by these family members and that was very touching. I enjoyed the themes of an identity crisis. Each of our 5 leads struggled with that, especially so for Eugene, whose decisions may seem to contradict who he claimed he was. I guess everyone struggles with an identity crisis at some point in their lives, so watching our main characters find their motivations in their lives and establish meaningful relationships with each other may resonate with each of us. Some people may not enjoy the pacing in the mid-series but that's fine, enjoy the fleeting happy moments and humour while they last, life does not have to be 'guns, glory and sad endings' all the time. :)

Characters are very well fleshed-out and humanized, can't help but get drawn to each and every one of them, as well as their relationships with our main character. Most of our main characters, be it the prisoners or the correctional officers, are easy to love. Even though the first 2 eps had slightly darker tones, the tonal shift is evident from that point onwards, with plenty of comedy gold and warm moments alongside griping and intense plotpoints. Running time of each ep is slightly long (~1.5h), but it is largely well-paced and easy to sit through. It is such a gem find and I'm lifted by the overall positive messages from the drama, which is one of second chances and not judging a book by its cover. Would highly recommend! :))