Back
in 1993, Schindler's List was released, and I must say, I think it is the greatest
film of all time. Featured in the Spielberg Holocaust epic, was a stunning breakout
performance by Ralph Fiennes, who played a horrible monster of a human being.
Following eclectic choices including Strange Days and The English Patient, Fiennes
returns in a tour de force for director Istvan Szabo (Mesphisto) in the ambitious
and beautiful Sunshine.
In
this film, Fiennes plays three generations of Hungarian men during the 1900's.
Sunshine deals with much difficult subject matter including inner family romance,
religion, politics, and the horrors of war.
Truth
be told, Sunshine is a long film and it's also quite cold and dreary, with some
moments that don't seem to click. But it's also a deep picture about family and
how mannerisms and characteristics flow from one generation to the next.
Sunshine
is full of major talent, including Rosemary Harris and her real life daughter
Jennifer Ehle who play the same character at different ages, Rachel Weiz (The
Mummy), and Debra Kara Unger (Crash), as well as countless others. The film is,
however, anchored by the compelling Fiennes, and although on the surface it seems
as if he's playing his three descendants the same way, look deeper. This is an
incredibly nuanced performance from a truly gifted actor. Many will argue that
Sunshine is too long and that Szabo has gone overboard with this turbulent storyline.
I'd have to disagree. I was fascinated throughout the story.
Sunshine
is a film that is ultimately about living your life the best you can. It's sad
that it took this family three generations to figure that out, but it makes for
an intriguing journey nevertheless.
