Sunset
Sunset

Movie spotlight

Sunset

2016
Movie
35 min
Russian

Lyudmila is a successful realtor in the capital. Pictures from the past pop up in her memory, and the viewer learns at what cost a single mother from the province managed to cherish Moscow's well-being. Lyudmila's story is typical, it reflects, like in a mirror, the pain points of modern life, forcing us to make our hourly choices. Is it worth a deal with the conscience of material comfort? Is it possible to achieve success in a megalopolis today and remain an honest person? Won't a "bright future" built on betrayal of one's own ideals lead to the decline of genuine human values?

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes53%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users65%
Director: László NemesGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

In 1913 Budapest, Irisz Leiter, an orphaned young woman, arrives seeking employment at the hat shop once owned by her parents. She discovers her father died years ago and her brother, who she never knew existed, is alive and involved in dangerous circles. As Irisz delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers a conspiracy threatening the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Critical Reception

Sunset received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious scope, stunning cinematography, and lead performance. However, some found the narrative dense and challenging to follow, and the film's historical and political themes were seen as complex and occasionally opaque. It was noted for its immersive atmosphere and Nemes's distinctive visual style, building on the success of his previous film, Son of Saul.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking and ambitious, creating an immersive historical atmosphere.

  • Features a compelling lead performance from Juli Jakab.

  • Some critics found the plot overly complex and difficult to engage with.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's visual artistry and historical setting, with many noting the strong performance by the lead actress. However, a significant portion of viewers found the storyline convoluted and the pacing slow, making it a challenging watch.

Awards & Accolades

Screened in competition for the Golden Lion at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival. Also screened at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director László Nemes deliberately chose to shoot the film in the grand, decaying, and historically significant locations of Budapest to recreate the atmosphere of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the brink of collapse.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review