I knew it was going to be good but having watched a lot of Joseon set dramas, I was a bit reluctant to watch yet one more. But Mr. Sunshine is one of a kind and that's what makes it powerful. We usually see period dramas with the same setting. The palace, the king, the court etc... we know the setting we know the costumes.
But this drama is set in at the end of the XIXth century beginning of the XXth and the mix of costumes, cultures and languages is a feast for the eye. The actors are mixing English, Korean and Japanese (and a bit of French too!) and I loved it. Seeing this page of Korean history was really interesting.
The actors are sensational. I discovered (finally) Kim Tae Ri when watching her new drama 25/21. I tend to like feisty actresses and she's one of them. She has soul, determination and is perfect in the role of this noblewoman who will do anything for Love and Country.
Lee Byung Hun is also a discovery (late as well) and I loved his way of playing this man in quest of his identity, vengeance and ultimately, love.
The impressive supportive cast was also a fantastic addition on this period piece about love, pride, loyalty and survival.
No wonder it was one of Netflix's top series before Squid Game arrived.