The Vertical Ray of the Sun

Rating: Very Good

Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Running Length: 1 hour, 52 minutes
Release Date: July 6th, 2001 (limited)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Foreign
In Vietnamese with English Subtitles
Director: Tran Anh Hung
Cast: Tran Nu Yen-Khe, Nguyen Nhu Guynh, Le Khanh, Ngo Quang Hai, Tran Manh Cuong, Chu Ngoc Hung, Le Tuan Anh, and Le Van Loc.

Plot: In Hanoi, Vietman, the lives of three sisters, Suong, Khanh, Lien and a brother Hai, are explored. Suong, is married to a photographer, Khanh is married to a writer, and Lien is single and living with her brother, Hai. Suong's husband, the photographer is having an affair and feels uncomfortable with domestic life. After the other married sister, Khanh has a miscarriage her marriage suffers. The youngest sister, Lien is infatuated with her brother, Hai. He sees her attraction and does not feel the same way. More importantly, he realizes Lien's infatuation is very inappropriate. Suong and Khanh are very wise, and teach Lien about life.

                          Critique: The Vertical Ray of the Sun is a beautifully filmed motion picture, that contains a fascinating depiction of life in Vietnam. It is a poignant drama, and it is aided immeasurably by the best cinematography of 2001. Indeed, Mark Lee Ping-Bin's gorgeous cinematography is unforgettable. Director Tran An Hung creates a beautifully surreal world, and his direction is very smooth and flowing. The acting is strong throughout the film, and the screenplay is often very intelligent and sensitive. The film is a tender collage of modern life. It is an artfully assembled story, and it portrays realistic characters put in believable situations.
                     The Vertical Ray of the Sun is a melodic film that moves at a consistent tempo. The film is very organized, it is a carefully constructed motion picture. One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to maintain a well composed story under its ambitious visuals. Furthermore, the film moves to a stunning climax with complete control. The Vertical Ray of the Sun is a haunting piece of art. The filmmakers are in complete control of their film.
                   The Vertical Ray of the Sun has extraordinary cinematography. It is an assured, artful film. I highly recommend The Vertical Ray of the Sun, a visually astonishing motion picture.

                                    review by supernothingman

1/2