Synopsis

„Sunshine“ – that’s the name of a liquor and also the name of a Budapestian family, that gained wealth with its alcohol. The factory owner Emmanuel has two sons, one of them goes in for a career as a loyal judge, while the other one becomes a political opponent of the regime. To move up the social leader, both changes their surname into Sors. Emmanuels grandson Adam, who has been exposed to anti-Semitism from a very young age, takes it even one step further by converting to Christianity. Still, he is not able to escape the persecution of the Nazis.

This film is telling the story of a Jewish family in Hungary from 1848 to 1956. Ralph Fiennes represents the most important characters of each generation and is supported by a great cast. Lajos Kolatis outstanding camera work is both accurate and aesthetically pleasing. The brilliant narrative style of István Szabós makes the story transparent by focusing on the personal experiences of the main characters. The Taste of Sunshine does not simply describe the political changes at the time, but also focuses on (Jewish) identity and problematic love stories. Sunshine is a profoundly impressive film, that leaves the audience calm and thoughtful.

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2014 marks the 100th anniversary of World War I and the 75th anniversary of World War II. For this occasion, Branko Lustig has curated an anti-war film retrospective for the LET’S CEE Film Festival. The selected films are meant to both remind us of the crimes of the past as well as send a clear signal against violence, fascism, racism and discrimination.

In cooperation with:

Guests

István Szabó

Director Sunshine
Lecturer Master Class