Film Review: Sunshine

With a very small release and a low amount of buzz, Sunshine is going to have a hard time succeeding financially. With its independent feel and lack of any big name actors, it will surely get lost in the shuffle what was the monstrous movie summer of 2007. Though it may be overlooked by most, the few who do view it will be rewarded with one of the most satisfying and definitely the most intense movie of the summer.

Directed by Danny Boyle, whose previous work includes 28 Days Later and Trainspotting, Sunshine is set upon a spaceship sent from Earth to re-ignite the sun. The crew of physicists and scientists must successfully detonate a bomb within the celestial body to save our planet from a solar winter. The story, though engaging, is actually one of the least important parts of the film. Instead the atmosphere and characters take center stage as the ship, Icarus II, glides towards its destination.

The acting is excellent, which is critical for a film so character-driven. The visuals are simply incredible, with stunning use of the solar theme as well as inside the ship. Each view of the sun, light, and ironically the human eye is spectacular. The mood is perfectly created, and the attention of the audience is thoroughly captured for the entire film. Sunshine is so engrossing that most undisturbed eyes will not leave the screen even once.

The audience need not worry about dozing off either; the movie is fierce with excitement. This can be credited both to the excellent camerawork and the dynamic use of sound. The camera may sometimes feel too art-house for some, but I found it creative and beneficial to the film. In fact, there are many cinematic themes which add to the electric experience.

Sunshine is a beautiful movie that is emotionally charged in some places and absolutely insane in the rest. The third act may at first seem out of place, replacing intelligent drama with slightly intelligent entertainment. Still, even that entertainment is top-notch and leads to a great ending. I cannot wait to rendezvous with Icarus II again.

8/10