A Sun
the way you can tell this film was made pre-covid... i say this because the most notable thing about it is that this film lingers. it lingers in the moments that chip away at your core, like when the dad confesses everything but the camera is on the mother the whole time. or when they take that cycle ride at the end. comparatively it goes through the whole assault scene pretty quickly, even though that was the scene that started everything. just goes to show how split second decisions can take root and spread slowly into every sphere of your life like a poison.
gorgeous gorgeous cinematography. i love the neon and bright and high contrast colours, they add an intentional disconnect of the outside world to inner turmoil. taiwanese cinema is one of my favourites to watch because they somehow have a way to highlight the nuances and flaws which somehow creeps up on you without notice and then catches you off guard.
plotwise, no notes, i adore the older brother and he made such an impact with his limited screentime. the mom and dad actors blew it out of the park, it feels like they were born to absorb these roles specifically. very realistic working class problems and how we get into a habit of repression and showing love only in extreme ways. love is everywhere & in everything. in the books preserved for years. in ignoring responsibilities. in the one son you say you have. in the sun that treats everyone fairly.
amazingly directed. some reviews highlight the small quirks and it just adds to the genius of the film. must watch for sure.
"seize the day. decide your path."