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Sunshine (1999)

R | | Drama, History, Romance | 14 July 2000 (USA)
Sunshine Poster
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The fate of a Hungarian Jewish family throughout the 20th century.

Director:

István Szabó

Writers:

István Szabó (story), István Szabó (screenplay) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Ralph Fiennes, Rosemary Harris, Rachel Weisz | See full cast & crew »
71
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Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 12 wins & 14 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ralph Fiennes ... Ignatz Sonnenschein / Adam Sors / Ivan Sors
Rosemary Harris ... Valerie Sors
Rachel Weisz ... Greta
Jennifer Ehle ... Valerie Sonnenschein
Deborah Kara Unger ... Maj. Carole Kovács
Molly Parker ... Hannah Wippler
James Frain ... Gustave Sonnenschein
David de Keyser David de Keyser ... Emmanuel Sonnenschein
John Neville ... Gustave Sors
Miriam Margolyes ... Rose Sonnenschein
Rüdiger Vogler ... Gen. Jakofalvy
Mark Strong ... István Sors
Bill Paterson ... Minister of Justice
Trevor Peacock ... Comrade Gen. Kope
Hanns Zischler ... Baron Margitta
See full cast »
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Storyline

The film follows a Jewish family living in Hungary through three generations, rising from humble beginnings to positions of wealth and power in the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire. The patriarch becomes a prominent judge but is torn when his government sanctions anti-Jewish persecutions. His son converts to Christianity to advance his career as a champion fencer and Olympic hero, but is caught up in the Holocaust. Finally, the grandson, after surviving war, revolution, loss and betrayal, realizes that his ultimate allegiance must be to himself and his heritage. Written by <gatsby@freemail.hu>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

one word title | sex scene | jewish | female frontal nudity | man in shower | See All (388) »

Taglines:

In a time of revolution, in a family torn by tradition, one man was consumed by love. See more »

Genres:

Drama | History | Romance | War

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, and for violence, language and nudity | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Official Sites:

Hungarian Official Site (Intercom) | Metropolitan Filmexport

Country:

Germany | Austria | Canada | Hungary | France | UK | USA

Language:

English | French

Release Date:

14 July 2000 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Taste of Sunshine See more »

Filming Locations:

Hungary See more »
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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$84,869, 11 June 2000, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$5,095,981, 4 February 2001
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alliance Atlantis Communications, Bavaria Film and Television Fund, Channel Four Films See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Mark Strong later appeared in an unrelated film also titled Sunshine (2007). See more »

Goofs

When fencing for the gold medal, Adam Sors' opponent has his foot way across the line at the start. This would never be allowed at the Olympics. See more »

Quotes

Gustave: I'll never forgive you, you know.
Valerie: For what?
Gustave: For marrying him instead of me.
See more »

Connections

References Citizen Kane (1941) See more »

Soundtracks

Ezzel a kis dallal
Written by Dénes Buday
Arranged by István Bergendy
Performed by Gábor Skerlecz, Szabolcs Ducsai, Attila Simon, Gábor Kollmann, Pál Járóka,
Béla Ferge
See more »

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User Reviews

Ralph Fiennes.
29 November 2002 | by thechosen1 – See all my reviews

Ok, this is my third comment about a Ralph Fiennes movie in just under a week...five days to be precise. If there ever was a role on this earth that he could not play, I haven't seen it yet...or putting it simply, such a role has never been written. Ralph Fiennes is extraordinary as all three characters that he plays in this film. Characters who are completely different from one another, with different ideals and different beliefs. His dialogue delivery, his expressions, everything is marvellous. His eyes say it all. This role should've given him an Oscar nomination. When he smiles, you smile, when he cries, you cry. He is just a brilliant, brilliant actor.

The movie was very interesting, though very depressing at times. It gave some interesting views on the treatment of the Jews during World War II and the progression of Fienne's character from one generation to the next and how the current situation of the world in each character's time contributed to his thinking and views of the world.

Supported by an exceptional cast... Rosemary Harris, Rachel Weisz (I wanted her role to be a little longer), Jennifer Ehle, William Hurt. Very good movie. Highly recommended. ****/*****
27 of 33 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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