Director John Sayles, from his own script, brings us to Florida to one week, and with the leisure of a vacationer on the beach reading a book, lets the the story unfold with an assured pace. Much like "Magnolia", but without the quick cuts and flashy editing, "Sunshine State" involves us in the intertwining story of as many as ten characters, each richly developed and well acted (Angela Bassett
and Edie Falco are easy standouts). On the surface the plot regards the
development (and oppostion) of some Florida beach real estate, but this really about people coming to terms with their past and trying to move on to the future. Of dreams crushed and realized. Of history and memory. John Sayles doesn't
provide any pat or cliched answers and allows us to reach our own conclusions. This is a smart film for a smart audience, and stands among John Sayles' best works.
"Sunshine State" is a film rarity, and a complete pleasure. This is a film that never quite found a place in theatres, but I hope it does on video. Seek this one out you'll be glad you did.
10/10
and Edie Falco are easy standouts). On the surface the plot regards the
development (and oppostion) of some Florida beach real estate, but this really about people coming to terms with their past and trying to move on to the future. Of dreams crushed and realized. Of history and memory. John Sayles doesn't
provide any pat or cliched answers and allows us to reach our own conclusions. This is a smart film for a smart audience, and stands among John Sayles' best works.
"Sunshine State" is a film rarity, and a complete pleasure. This is a film that never quite found a place in theatres, but I hope it does on video. Seek this one out you'll be glad you did.
10/10