Sunshine

I left a comment over on Yoli's fencing video post about the fabulous

fencing scene done by Ralph Fiennes in the movie Sunshine, 1999.

Then Marc came over and requested a film review of this

masterpiece. I love-love this movie, so how could I possibly refuse?

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The film is basically about three generations of the Sonnenscheins,

(translates sunshine) a Jewish family in Budapest during the

political upheaval in Hungary. The brilliant Ralph Fiennes, who I

adore, by the way, amazingly portrays three men from different

generations of the family. Ignatz, an attorney, at the turn of the

century, who attempts to blend in with society; his son, Adam, an

Olympic gold medalist in fencing, who is blind to fascism; and

Adam's son, Ivan, a political activist who joins the Communist party.

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Also, rounding out the great cast is James Frain, the lovely Jennifer

Ehle, Rachel Weisz (need I say more?), the delightful Rosemary

Harris and William Hurt, who I fell totally in love with, after seeing

Children of a Lesser God.

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Masterfully directed by Istvan Szabo, this film has the sweeping

majestic feel of a David Lean epic. Like Lean, he weaves the story of

intimate family details into a backdrop of historic fact. The lighting

and attention to detail are stunning. Maurice Jarre's haunting music

brings to mind his score for Doctor Zhivago. This wonderful combo

equals magic.

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It is a powerful and breathtakingly gorgeous movie. If you like

history, as well as serious cinematography, you are going to love this

film. Reserve a whole evening for this one. Just like a Lean epic, it's

three hours in length, so put on the popcorn and kick off the flip flops!

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