Sunshine Boys (2013)
A tender Korean drama about three childhood friends, one army visit, and a break-up letter nobody wants to deliver.
Sunshine Boys - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1999, 면회
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Kim Tae-gon
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 21, 2013 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 1999, Myeonhee (KR), The Sunshine Boys (US)
- Production Companies: KwangHwaMoon Cinema
- Production Countries: South Korea
Sunshine Boys - Plot
Sang-won, Seung-jun and Min-wook are high school best chums. However, after graduation, they are in three different places in life; Sang-won is a college student, Seung-jun studies one more year to enter the college, Min-wook performs his military service. One day, two friends visit Min-wook in the army. Seung-jun has another reason for a visit to bring the break-up letter from Min-wook's girl friend, Esther. Once three boys reunite, they spend one night of carousing devoted to the poor military boy and try to find when to give the letter. Before they separate, will the Dear John letter be delivered successfully? The trio allows their adventure to continue.
Sunshine Boys - Trailer
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Sunshine Boys - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kim Tae-gon
Main Cast
- Sim Hee-seop
- Kim Chang-hwan
- Ahn Jae-hong
- Kim Kkob-bi
- Hwang Mi-young
Writers
- Kim Tae-gon
Producers
- Jeon Go-woon
Sunshine Boys - FAQs
What is Sunshine Boys about?
Sunshine Boys follows three inseparable high school friends whose paths diverge after graduation — one heads to college, one prepares for university entrance exams, and one serves in the military. When the other two visit their friend on base, a night of carousing unfolds around a secret break-up letter none of them wants to deliver.
Who are the main actors in Sunshine Boys?
The film stars Sim Hee-seop as Sang-won, Kim Chang-hwan as Min-wook, and Ahn Jae-hong as Seung-jun — the three central friends. Kim Kkob-bi and Hwang Mi-young round out the cast in supporting roles.
When was Sunshine Boys released in South Korea?
Sunshine Boys opened in South Korean cinemas on February 21, 2013. The film carries a 15 age rating in South Korea, making it suitable for teenage and adult audiences looking for a warm, nostalgic story about male friendship.
How long is Sunshine Boys?
Sunshine Boys runs for 83 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a compact, breezy watch that keeps the focus tight on the three friends and their one eventful night together, never overstaying its welcome.
Does the break-up letter get delivered in Sunshine Boys?
That question sits at the heart of the film's tension. Seung-jun arrives at the army base carrying a break-up letter from Min-wook's girlfriend Esther, but the three friends spend the whole night drinking and reminiscing, with no one quite finding the right moment to hand it over.
Is Sunshine Boys based on a true story?
Sunshine Boys is not based on a specific true story. Writer-director Kim Tae-gon drew on the universal experience of Korean male friendship and mandatory military service to craft an intimate, semi-autobiographical-feeling portrait of youth, loyalty, and the awkward transitions that follow high school graduation.
What are some movies similar to Sunshine Boys?
If you enjoy Sunshine Boys, you might also like Bridge to Terabithia, Sleepless in Seattle, or The Karate Kid for their warmth and coming-of-age spirit. For Korean films with similar themes of friendship and youth, Soulmate, Miracle: Letters to the President, and Love in the Big City are great picks.
Who directed and wrote Sunshine Boys?
Kim Tae-gon both wrote and directed Sunshine Boys, giving the film a cohesive personal vision. The cinematography was handled by Moon Sang-won, while composer Kim Hae-won provided the score. Producer Jeon Go-woon oversaw the project under KwangHwaMoon Cinema.
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