The Vertical Ray of the Sun

Plot

Hanoi comes across almost picture-perfect in director Tran Anh Hung's beautiful, elegiac tale about the lives and loves of three Vietnamese sisters. A mood characteristic of Hung's films is set early on with the vivid sounds of birds, insects and water and the way the lighting enhances the subtle use of color. They all combine to gem-like effect here.

Why watch

"The Vertical Ray of the Sun" invites viewers into a mesmerizing tapestry of family life, where love and loss intertwine amidst the backdrop of Hanoi. Trần Anh Hùng’s exquisite visual storytelling captures the ephemeral beauty of everyday moments, creating an intimate journey through memory and longing.

Talking points

• the significance of family ties
• the role of memory in shaping identity
• the aesthetics of everyday life
• cultural nuances in storytelling

Cultural context

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