Un Soleil

Brilliant writing, direction, and acting in a heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful narrative. Very impressive film from Taiwan.

This is the story about a family with some issues that initially threaten to tear them apart but ultimately bring them together with a bond that's stronger than they'd ever had. At the center of it all is A-Ho, the youngest and least favored of two sons, the "black sheep", outcast and ne'er-do-well, and how he comes of age in spite of some really bad and life-altering decisions. The acting throughout is top-notch. The story is entirely credible and emotionally intense. Every scene in this over 2 hour movie held me captive and, at times, had me near tears. What a treat!

This one was tremendous. Everything about it-- The acting. The story. The cinematography. Absolutely Brilliant.

Very interesting story line with very simple dialogues with great impact. All the characters have done excellent job. Father is the real hero, followed by his second son. Each played their role with total commitment. There is no acting in this movie everyone just lived their role.

Shining a light on the demanding, unforgiving side of Taiwanese life, director/writer Mong-Hong Chung weaves multiple layers of a family's tribulations while slowly pulling you in, even if you're not sure you want to.

Unremitting in its unsmiling grimness, this is not easy-going entertainment. Rather, it provides us with a glimpse into the souls of its characters, rarely dressing them up in the sentimentality and superficiality that permeate most films today. The payoff comes with just a smile or a warm gesture but those moments are too far between. Some wonderful animation, too. A nice touch is the convict son's name, - the humorously descriptive "A-Ho."