Four Suns
Four Suns

Movie spotlight

Four Suns

2012
Movie
105 min
Czech

Fogi is enjoying his never ending puberty. But simultaneously Fogi is also trying to live up to his family duties and bring up Véna, his son from the first marriage. He did not get married again but lives with Jana, a post office employee. Together they have little Anicka and they all live in a flat in a small town. At first, Jana is trying to tolerate Fogi's moods, but her patience is running out. Fogi loses his job. On top of that he starts to see himself in his adolescent son and realizes with horror that Véna repeats his own mistakes. The first fights, bans and mutual misunderstandings are approaching.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Eva MulvadGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Four Suns is a compelling documentary that offers an intimate look into the lives of four Russian teenagers as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a state-run orphanage. The film follows their hopes, dreams, and struggles within the institution's confines, highlighting their yearning for a normal life and a family. It explores their friendships, their budding independence, and the difficult transition they face as they approach adulthood and the prospect of leaving the only home they've ever known.

Critical Reception

Four Suns received critical acclaim for its sensitive and unflinching portrayal of institutionalized youth. Reviewers praised Eva Mulvad's empathetic direction and the access she gained to the boys' lives, noting the film's emotional depth and thought-provoking nature. Audiences were moved by the boys' resilience and the poignant questions raised about care systems for vulnerable children.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and intimate portrait of young lives within an orphanage.

  • Praised for its empathetic and non-judgmental directorial approach.

  • Highlights the universal themes of hope, friendship, and the desire for belonging.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available, general audience reception suggests the film resonated deeply with viewers who were moved by the boys' stories and the powerful social commentary.

Awards & Accolades

Award for Best Documentary at the Göteborg Film Festival; Special Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Eva Mulvad spent over three years filming with the boys, allowing for a rare level of intimacy and trust to be established, which is evident in the final documentary.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review