A Sun (2019)

A Sun (2019)

A searing but poetic drama about class and family set in modern Taiwan

The Very Best

8.6

Movie

Taiwan
Mandarin
Crime, Drama, Family
2019
CHUNG MONG-HONG, MONG-HONG CHUNG
Apple Wu, Chang Han, Chen Yi-wen
156 min

What it's about

A family of four fractures under the weight of unmet expectations, unexpected tragedy, and uncompromising pride.

The take

In The Sun, a family of four is dealt with tragedy after tragedy, beginning with the younger sun A-ho's sudden incarceration. The mother is sympathetic but the father all but shuns him as he chooses to throw all his affection to A-hao, the older brother, and his med school pursuits instead. Themes of crime, punishment, family, and redemption are then explored in gorgeous frames and mesmerizing colors with director Chung Mong-hong doubling as the film's cinematographer. 

Despite itself, The Sun never falls into cliche melodrama territory. Its heavy themes are undercut by naturalistic acting and poetic shots, resulting in a deeply emotional but balanced film. Rich in meaning and beauty, The Sun will surely stay with you long after your first watch.

 

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