This is an INCREDIBLE movie. One of the best movies I've watched in recent year. It is long, but while watching it, you simply wouldn't notice how time has passed.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m Taiwanese, but the parental dynamics are achingly common and superbly captured. There were so many poignant and funny moments in this film it never felt slow for me and it’s a must watch 5/5. I would say it’s like “Another Summer Day” meets “Ordinary People,” two other 5 star films in my book. But it is more beautiful and funnier than either. Ultimately both the Golden Child brother and the Scapegoat brother were subjected to terrible trauma, although it was more obvious with the scapegoat. The hidden wounds of the “perfect” brother ran so deep they were not even visible from the outside.
the commencement speech delivered by father Wen was hilarious, poignant and all tragic at the same time. Wen is really your stereotypical Taiwanese dad. If you watch Wheel of Fortune or similar, you would hear contestants say things like my beautiful wife and 2 lovely kids... Traditional Chinese parent would never ever say such things not a chance. Love is never ever expressed not so much as asking Have you eaten yet? Father Wen love his boys and he just doesn't know how to express it. it's not his vernacular.
Awesome film. Love the scene when the inmates sing “The Flowery Heart” by Wakin Chau just before A Ho is discharged from the detention centre. One of my favourite Chinese songs
Thanks for the great review. I read all the reviews and no one mentioned the story that was told by the older son to his girlfriend. I think this is an important plot and want to help people understand this part. It is not a random plot, yet actually from an old Chinese tale. The original story was about kids playing hide-and-seek and found a missing kid was drowning. The kid was rescued by breaking the tall, and huge water tank by one of the kids. In the movie, his story was no kid thinks there is a missing one, yet only one kid found him in the dark empty water tank and reveal his hidden-self.
@@nawaisya14 , like tomisuu said, the older son feels he's like that kid hiding in the dark. He can't tell anyone or show the weak side of him. He feels his father will be disappointed with him since he's his father's only proud and hope. A sun, a son, the only son...
Just watched it last night, and indeed I was literally drawn at each of the character..emotional roller coaster all through out and yes it speaks a lot about silent realities of working class families, parental expectations, somehow failing to recognize individual gifts of each child..
It is a wonderful movie. Some slow parts are of the best with excellent music along. It is poetic and tragic and violent at the same time. But above all it is true art. The roles of the mother and the father are played beautifully. You think the characters are in front of you. So real.
I know it's been 2 years but I've just watched this heartwarming gem of a movie and I gotta say Chris your review is just spot on! It's definitely a slow burn but the final act is truly rewarding after we've invested 2h 36m of our time in this well crafted movie. Highly recommended! 👍🏻👍🏻
i didn't feel like the movie felt long, id prefer to call it a beautiful slow burn. if you enjoyed the film, you should check out 'burning' a Korean movie that's similar in pacing and tone.
Would you happen to know if this film, which is not a Netflix original, but is simply hosted by them, will get a DVD and BluRay release? I would love to use in my Advanced Film studies course, but streaming doesn't really work the best for course work. Any info, even your educated opinion would be great! Thanks! Great review!
You know. As a Taiwanese, this film is like a mirror that reflects the families in Taiwan. It reflects many REAL problem that we're facing right now, the tension between father and son, the problems which is caused by exam-oriented education... Just out of curiosity , Is there anybody who is not Taiwanese but you can relate yourself to any character in this film, or you're facing the same problems? It's my pleasure if you reply and have a conversation with me. THX
Can someone explain to me why the older brother committed suicide? From my understanding, it is because of the pressure from the parents that always expect him to be the perfect son. This is from the text that he sent his girl friend which said that the sun always shine at him and he has no shade to hide under.
In my subjective, the older brother shine his family as a sun, but no one can illuminate his darkness. He let himself deep into the eternal darkness, and he return the original sunshine to his younger brother who deserves.
!! Spoiler alert !! I did not understand the meaning of the sun in this movie and why the elder son suicided. This ambiguous poem about the sun being the most beautiful thing and the transitions of the clouds covering the sun had a hidden meaning that i think I haven't catched. It's a slow movie and everything has hidden meanings, no one speaks aloud their feelings and we have to guess everything. I found it a little difficult to understand. Maybe the sun is an analogy to "the son" (two homophonic words) or maybe the sun is the happiness that everyone lacks in the movie.
Just watched finished this film but was left in confusion. I was unable to grasp the message of the movie though. Can someone explain to me? Like why did the elder brother has to die?
an incredible family drama movie. It really captures the difficult but loving relationship of a father and son in a Chinese family. A relationship that many chinese people can relate to (even if they didn't do the things the characters did in the movie)
I love this movie. One thing. Aho is trying so hard to rebuild his life yet he steals a bicycle just for a joy ride and the mother just watches him do it and rides with him? Did I miss something?
He represents the middle ground, not all good and not all evil. It ends poorly for his older brother (all good) and radish (all evil). He manages to survive and live life because he walks the middle path.
I read most of the reviews, but I didn't see anyone talking about the hidden agenda of the playwright had to say. I would like to recommend anyone interested to watch again. Listen to A-Ho's mom recall how she ride A-Ho on the back of her bike for many HOURS ........ and the last scene - A-Ho steal the bike and ride his mom on the back. Mom didn't stop him. Do you think this two scenes has nothing to tell ? My opinion is, the playwright is advising everyone. The mom's insensitive to right and wrong has harmful effect on a child for the whole life.
Detention is another good movie to compete with "A Sun" in 2019. It was based on a popular video game. I am curious to see your review if you haven't yet.
I feel like the gangs killed him. There was no reason for him to die until you get to the last 45 mins of the movie where you see just how fucking scary one kid can be. How even scarier the people behind that kid can be. When the son A-Ho gets thrown into the van, it is like meeting with chithulu.
@@godemperormeow8591 no. he's depressed ever since the start of the movie. you can see him spacing out and even gave a metaphor on how he feels by talking to the girl. he doesn't need to exaggerate it tho since it is really hard to notice someone depressed, just like how it is in real life. suicide is always unexpected.
This is an INCREDIBLE movie. One of the best movies I've watched in recent year. It is long, but while watching it, you simply wouldn't notice how time has passed.
True the scenes are so beautiful.
That is so true
This was a good movie. Think it's my favorite from 2019. Never felt it was long, and the actors and their chemistry, just wow!
I don’t know if it’s because I’m Taiwanese, but the parental dynamics are achingly common and superbly captured. There were so many poignant and funny moments in this film it never felt slow for me and it’s a must watch 5/5. I would say it’s like “Another Summer Day” meets “Ordinary People,” two other 5 star films in my book. But it is more beautiful and funnier than either. Ultimately both the Golden Child brother and the Scapegoat brother were subjected to terrible trauma, although it was more obvious with the scapegoat. The hidden wounds of the “perfect” brother ran so deep they were not even visible from the outside.
the commencement speech delivered by father Wen was hilarious, poignant and all tragic at the same time. Wen is really your stereotypical Taiwanese dad. If you watch Wheel of Fortune or similar, you would hear contestants say things like my beautiful wife and 2 lovely kids... Traditional Chinese parent would never ever say such things not a chance. Love is never ever expressed not so much as asking Have you eaten yet? Father Wen love his boys and he just doesn't know how to express it. it's not his vernacular.
Awesome film. Love the scene when the inmates sing “The Flowery Heart” by Wakin Chau just before A Ho is discharged from the detention centre. One of my favourite Chinese songs
This movie doesn’t give you a tear, it dries your eyes.
Thanks for the great review. I read all the reviews and no one mentioned the story that was told by the older son to his girlfriend. I think this is an important plot and want to help people understand this part. It is not a random plot, yet actually from an old Chinese tale. The original story was about kids playing hide-and-seek and found a missing kid was drowning. The kid was rescued by breaking the tall, and huge water tank by one of the kids. In the movie, his story was no kid thinks there is a missing one, yet only one kid found him in the dark empty water tank and reveal his hidden-self.
And what's the point of his story? I rlly don't get it
@@nawaisya14 it told of the older son's depression and how he couldn't bring himself to tell anyone.
@@nawaisya14 , like tomisuu said, the older son feels he's like that kid hiding in the dark. He can't tell anyone or show the weak side of him. He feels his father will be disappointed with him since he's his father's only proud and hope. A sun, a son, the only son...
@@tomifaux @kelly chen Ah, I got the point, hahaha thank you guys!!
The name of the movie "A Sun" has the same pronunciation as "a son".
Really great movie, and i really like your review as well
Just watched it last night, and indeed I was literally drawn at each of the character..emotional roller coaster all through out and yes it speaks a lot about silent realities of working class families, parental expectations, somehow failing to recognize individual gifts of each child..
I wouldn't call it a slow movie. It covers a lot of ground in it's 2.5 hours. Long yes but not slow. Loved your review though. Loved the movie.
This film really needs more wide recognition and acclaim. One of my favourite movies of the year for all the reasons menrioned.
It is almost like a poem to me. A beautiful one...
I truly loved it , the moral for parents is to love your children equally , 😭❤️ ,
Such a shallow way to look at it
You’re one of the only people to review this gem, can’t wait to see what other underrated films you recommend. ☑️Subscribed
The movie is really heartbreaking. Really love it.
This movie was beautiful. It is so underrated
Have not seen this one, sounds good, thank you for the review, have added it to my queue.
It is a wonderful movie. Some slow parts are of the best with excellent music along. It is poetic and tragic and violent at the same time. But above all it is true art. The roles of the mother and the father are played beautifully. You think the characters are in front of you. So real.
I know it's been 2 years but I've just watched this heartwarming gem of a movie and I gotta say Chris your review is just spot on! It's definitely a slow burn but the final act is truly rewarding after we've invested 2h 36m of our time in this well crafted movie. Highly recommended! 👍🏻👍🏻
i didn't feel like the movie felt long, id prefer to call it a beautiful slow burn. if you enjoyed the film, you should check out 'burning' a Korean movie that's similar in pacing and tone.
Although I did feel the movie was a bit too long, I did enjoy it. The ending really touched me & I couldn't help but cry. Overall a great movie.
Stunning! Not sure whether I enjoyed the Taipei scenery more or the father revealing the ending.
Would you happen to know if this film, which is not a Netflix original, but is simply hosted by them, will get a DVD and BluRay release? I would love to use in my Advanced Film studies course, but streaming doesn't really work the best for course work. Any info, even your educated opinion would be great! Thanks! Great review!
a beautifully heartbreaking movie...one of the best I've seen
You know. As a Taiwanese, this film is like a mirror that reflects the families in Taiwan. It reflects many REAL problem that we're facing right now, the tension between father and son, the problems which is caused by exam-oriented education...
Just out of curiosity
, Is there anybody who is not Taiwanese but you can relate yourself to any character in this film, or you're facing the same problems? It's my pleasure if you reply and have a conversation with me. THX
Me , yeah can relate a lot .most asian can relate these.. Btw frm india
@@devipriya495 Thanks for replying! Wish you the best luck!
One of the best movie I have watched it. The story and acting and everything else is speechless. Is any other movie like this, please recommend me!!
I hope it will get nomination for best foreign language film in the upcoming Oscars
It didnt :(
Oooh! Thank you so much! I'm so going to watch this. Thanks! Thanks! This is so up my alley!
Let me know what you thought of it!
great review, drives me nuts when people just lay out the plot in “reviews”
Can someone explain to me why the older brother committed suicide? From my understanding, it is because of the pressure from the parents that always expect him to be the perfect son. This is from the text that he sent his girl friend which said that the sun always shine at him and he has no shade to hide under.
In my subjective, the older brother shine his family as a sun, but no one can illuminate his darkness. He let himself deep into the eternal darkness, and he return the original sunshine to his younger brother who deserves.
Another Taiwanese movie Dear Ex on Netflix is also good. Humorous and moving.
Cool. Thanks!
!! Spoiler alert !!
I did not understand the meaning of the sun in this movie and why the elder son suicided. This ambiguous poem about the sun being the most beautiful thing and the transitions of the clouds covering the sun had a hidden meaning that i think I haven't catched. It's a slow movie and everything has hidden meanings, no one speaks aloud their feelings and we have to guess everything. I found it a little difficult to understand.
Maybe the sun is an analogy to "the son" (two homophonic words) or maybe the sun is the happiness that everyone lacks in the movie.
Just watched finished this film but was left in confusion. I was unable to grasp the message of the movie though. Can someone explain to me? Like why did the elder brother has to die?
Because the film had to manipulate things to get where it wanted to go. It's a very moving film, but a very contrived and manipulative one.
@Astro Mars when? i dont get it
MAJOR SPOILER!!!!!
A SUN -A SON
Get it because the father last word is 'now i only have one son'
Prepared to view with patience. Thanks for sharing.🌺💗
A SUN this movie makes me cry!!!!!
I am fan of Korean films, but this one is as good as many Korean blockbusters. Are there more Taiwanese films good as this one?
Ang Lee all movies and The Great Buddha+ and A one and a two
an incredible family drama movie. It really captures the difficult but loving relationship of a father and son in a Chinese family. A relationship that many chinese people can relate to (even if they didn't do the things the characters did in the movie)
This is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my life. Probably Top 5.
Thanks for the review!
I love this movie. One thing. Aho is trying so hard to rebuild his life yet he steals a bicycle just for a joy ride and the mother just watches him do it and rides with him? Did I miss something?
He represents the middle ground, not all good and not all evil. It ends poorly for his older brother (all good) and radish (all evil). He manages to survive and live life because he walks the middle path.
I read most of the reviews, but I didn't see anyone talking about the hidden agenda of the playwright had to say. I would like to recommend anyone interested to watch again. Listen to A-Ho's mom recall how she ride A-Ho on the back of her bike for many HOURS ........ and the last scene - A-Ho steal the bike and ride his mom on the back. Mom didn't stop him. Do you think this two scenes has nothing to tell ? My opinion is, the playwright is advising everyone. The mom's insensitive to right and wrong has harmful effect on a child for the whole life.
Mom didn't want to ride on the stolen bike until the son insisted and persuaded.
@Astro Mars Yes, a realistic scene of how a mother would act.
My thought is,The mom didn't know about her son as much as she thought，She only has the impression of her son as a child
3.5 is unfair… I rate it at least 4.5. Emotional are so real 😭
Detention is another good movie to compete with "A Sun" in 2019. It was based on a popular video game. I am curious to see your review if you haven't yet.
Great movie. Beautifully made.
Do anyone know the song they sang after he was released from prison
jennychennnnnnnnnn thank you so muchhh
Just listened to it, with subtitles, everything about this song is Amazing. Thank you for replying Kanekare.
@@clarajackson7079can u link the song pls
Yes, it is super slow
Just watched it yesterday, very good movie
I love this movie too!!
Loved this movie. Did anyone know where i can find the soundtrack?
Same here.
5/5 for me.
'Little Man Tate' is one I particularly like.
That's a really good one!!
One of my tops.
this is to show that traditional chinese fathers has so much pride to the point that they dosent realise that they are being selfish
it made me cry a lot
The ROCK OF PEACE!
Muito bonito, emocionante..retrada a vida de uma maneira sem igual.
THANKS
Great movie
Parasite has another good family dynamics.
Yes it does! That film is so wonderfully made and the message is so powerful. Absolutely loved it!!
La vi llore demasiadoooo
I like this movie
I just needed reason for death of elder brother 🤔
same.. why did he commit suicide though...
Inability to continue to have to live up to expectations - to be the sun that had to always shine on everyone.
@@davidd7042 Ohhhhhhhh... dammm the reason is just so simple but yet i fail to see it.
I feel like the gangs killed him. There was no reason for him to die until you get to the last 45 mins of the movie where you see just how fucking scary one kid can be. How even scarier the people behind that kid can be. When the son A-Ho gets thrown into the van, it is like meeting with chithulu.
@@godemperormeow8591 no. he's depressed ever since the start of the movie. you can see him spacing out and even gave a metaphor on how he feels by talking to the girl. he doesn't need to exaggerate it tho since it is really hard to notice someone depressed, just like how it is in real life. suicide is always unexpected.
it was an average movie.