Sunshine

The drastic social and political upheaval in Hungary over the past century becomes an inescapable influence on the lives and fortunes of a Jewish family in Budapest. Ralph Fiennes portrays three men from different generations of the family: Ignatz, a lawyer striving to blend with the establishment around the turn of the century; his son, Adam, an Olympic athelete whose focus on his career blinds him to the rise of fascism; and Adam's son, Ivan, a political activist who joins the fight for Communism.

Awards: Best Actor (Fiennes), Best Cinematographer, Best Writing, 1999 European Film Awards

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Rosemary Harris, Rachel Weisz, Jennifer Ehle, William Hurt, Molly Parker, Deborah Unger, David De Keyser, James Frain, Miriam Margolyes, John Neville, Mark Strong

Director: Istvan Szabo

Reviews

The New York Times
"The film leaves you with a sense of quiet, chastened grace."

Inside Out Film
"Ralph Fiennes's triple performance (Ignatz, Adam, Ivan) is a triumph of intelligence over opportunism. What might have been a grandstanding celebration of an actor's ego becomes an exercise in integrity. Sunshine tells a bloody history through the anguish and tribulation of these men."

More

Official Site

Szabo, Istvan
IndieWIRE talks to the acclaimed Hungarian director about his new film Sunshine, short films, simplicity, and chronicling the changing decades.

Now Playing
For more reviews, links, interviews to independent and world films playing in theaters near you.