The Vertical Ray of the Sun
by Anh Hung Tran
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Chu Hung, Le Khanh, Nhu Quynh Nguyen, Quang Hai Ngo, Tran Nu Y?n-Kh?Director: Anh Hung Tran
DVD: Region Code 99
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; Vietnamese (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Subtitled); English (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 112 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-12-18
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures
Movie Reviews of The Vertical Ray of the Sun
Movie Review: hypnotic and compelling.......
Summary: 4 Stars
THE VERTICAL RAY OF THE SUN (made in 2001) was my official introduction to Vietnamese cinema, and, I must say this is a very beautiful and evocative piece. Set in modern day Hanoi, Vietnam, it examines the lives of a group of brothers and sisters (in law) living together, following the death of their parents. The deceptively placid atmosphere thinly veils the thick and complicated family dynamics (as well as secrets) that eventually threaten to tear this closely knit family unit apart. What's more, all of this drama features the crooning of Velvet Underground vocalist Lou Reed, as part of the haunting (and slightly sinister) soundtrack and musical backdrop, as well as gorgeous cinematography. Every scene appears illuminated and drips with bold color (rich greens, strong reds). This offsets beautiful shots of flora and fauna, as well as the actors' faces.
This film conveys so much, visually, that oftentimes dialogue isn't even necessary. I forgot that this was in Vietnamese, many times, while I watched the interactions between the actors. It truly is like a beautiful moving painting. I can almost smell the lemongrass and the tea, and I felt the rain on my cheeks as I watched it cascade around the house where much of the story takes place. THE VERTICAL RAY OF THE SUN truly whet my appetite for Vietnamese cinema, and I can't wait to watch more films from this beautiful country.
Summary of The Vertical Ray of the Sun
The lush, super-chic ambience of Tran Anh Hung's third feature, The Vertical Ray of the Sun, presents a beckoning, irresistible vision of Vietnam. The film opens with a sexy brother and sister waking up to the sound of Lou Reed's laconic voice on the stereo. They stretch, practice tai chi, meander toward a late breakfast, and playfully flirt with each other. This morning ritual--slightly disturbing but mostly alluring--recurs as a quietly resistant motif to the disappointment that awaits each character introduced. Shot on location in an impossibly hued Hanoi (lime green and chartreuse abound), the film trails after three beautiful sisters during the month that separates the anniversaries of the deaths of their mother and father. Attempting to protect the ideal memory of their parents' recently assailed love, the sisters recount kindnesses and joke with each other just as the serene charm of the caf? they run is to be overturned by an unexpected pregnancy and marital infidelities. Tran's lustrous style of collage is unique, pulling the viewer's attention away from imminent conflict and revelation to completely tactile and isolated moments. As with the titular subject of Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes," the sensual tension lingers on. --Fionn MeadeArt House & International DVD Video
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