Movie Review: Sunshine

Story: This is a sweeping epic film with big ideas and certainly is not for everyone on this list. But if you like history (I do), good acting (who doesn't clamor for this), can't get enough of Ralph Fiennes (this film could be a good test for this item) and can sit through three hours of incredible highs and some squirming lows then you will enjoy this film. The story charts the history of a Hungarian Jewish family (the Sonnenscheims or Sunshine) from 1869 to the present. The family elixir, Sunshine, makes them wealthy and we follow their progress through three generations of European history. Yes, there is a narrator, but I am forgiving in this case, because without the narrator the film might have been six hours long. We are treated to all of the isms of the 20th Century, including Imperial Liberalism, Nationalism, Socialism, Nazism, Fascism, Communism, of course, anti-Semitism and Zionism. Thrown into the mix is assimilation (is it really possible)? and conversion. Directed and co-written by Hungarian film maker Istvan Szabo (Mephisto) and co-written by American Israel Horowitz this is a long, but triumphant overview of much of our known history. A noble attempt indeed.

Acting: Ralph Fiennes plays the three generations of Sonnenscheim men and is powerful. He is naked, full on masterful in his performance. He is at his best. The entire supporting cast is brilliant. Rosemary Harris (Tom and Viv), her real life daughter Jennifer Ehle (this year's Tony winner for The Real Thing), William Hurt (where has he been)? James Frain (Shadowland, Hillary and Jackie, Elizabeth) and Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) are all terrific.

Pets: Some game animals. Most get shot. Yuck.

Visual Art: Lots of early photography

Soundtrack: Big

Theater Audience: Most of the audience were members of AARP. And almost everyone had to leave at least once to visit the restroom. We didn't.

Quirky Meter: 4

Tissue Usage: 1

Oscar Worthy: The performances were brilliant and I can see several deserving Oscar nods.

Length: OY! Three hours. Points are definitely deducted for this category. Way over the 2 hour rule.

LOBO HOWLS: 7.5