Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3893 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-08-27
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 107 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
You can never accuse director Danny Boyle of lacking ambition. Sunshine sees one of Britain’s most successful directors switching genre once more, as he tackles this gripping science fiction flick about a quest to re-ignite the dying sun. And he nails it, too, adding another plus to a CV that’s already covered a kids' film (Millions), a big Hollywood blockbuster (The Beach), horror (28 Days Later), and a pair of British classics (Trainspotting and Shallow Grave).

Bursting out of the gate at a terrific pace, Sunshine then doesn’t take its foot off the accelerator for much of its near-two hour running time. Set around the crew of the Icarus II who find themselves on a life-saving mission, things soon start going awry, and while you’ll find no plot spoilers here, Boyle proves a dab hand at ratcheting up tension on the way to the big finale.

If anything, it’s the finale to Sunshine that does let the side down, not quite living up to the standard of what preceded it. But such is the strength of the ride to that point that it’s hard to complain. Especially when the cast, led by the always-magnetic Cillian Murphy, put in believable performances and get heavily into the spirit of the film.

Topped off with cracking effects that belie its modest budget, Sunshine is a real treat, not just for sci-fi fans, but for anyone who likes a strong, tense, thrilling night in front of a movie. --Jon Foster

Synopsis
Set in the not too distant future, SUNSHINE follows eight astronauts on a mission to save the dying Sun by delivering their payload of a nuclear bomb into the star's core. In the year 2057, the Sun no longer produces the amount of energy needed to sustain the human race. The international community decides to send a combination of astronauts and scientists on a mission to the Sun in the hope that they can successfully fire a bomb the size of Manhattan into the star in order to reignite it and save mankind. The multinational crew are comprised of Captain Kaneda (Hiroyuki Sanada, THE TWILIGHT SAMURI), physicist Capa (Cillian Murphy, THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY), biologist Corazon (Michelle Yeoh, TOMORROW NEVER DIES), engineer Mace (Chris Evans, FANTASTIC FOUR), pilot Cassie (Rose Byrne, TROY), physician Searle (Cliff Curtis, WHALE RIDER), communications officer Harvey (Troy Garity, BARBERSHOP), and navigator Trey (Benedict Wong, GROW YOUR OWN). As they journey towards the Sun, the crew discover the Icarus I spaceship, which was sent on the same mission as them seven years ago but mysteriously disappeared.
Director Danny Boyle reunites with screenwriter Alex Garland and producer Andrew MacDonald (THE BEACH, 28 DAYS LATER) for the science-fiction thriller SUNSHINE and creates a visually astounding film that, like its influences SOLARIS and 2001 – A SPACE ODYSSEY, is a sci-fi film that is grounded in reality, making for an intense examination of the human psyche and the strain brought upon people who are engaged in space travel. The international cast produce engaging performances and, while looking visually spectacular, SUNSHINE contains a lot more depth and intelligence than the average space travel film.

Customer Reviews

Amazing
A lot of people have given this negative reviews on here. I've read their reviews and the main criticisms seem to be:

1. It's boring. That's true, if you're the kind of person who can't sit through any film that doesn't have gunfire and explosions through 90% of the movie.

2. It's not a good Sci-Fi movie like Armageddon. Well, the fact that these people think Armageddon is great tells us something about their taste.

3. It's scientifically inaccurate. I find it hilarious that these critics think they know more about physics than Dr Cox, the scientific advisor who provides a commentary on the DVD. Of course there is artistic licence, but there's nothing wrong with that.

4. The end doesn't make sense. No, the end is confusing - there's a big difference.

5. The characters are paper thin. Again, not true. There is so much depth to the characters, but you need to actually think about it. Like any good script, this shows us the depth to the characters, rather than telling us. Look especially at Chris Evans' character.

This is an amazing film, and is easily the best of 2007 (so far). There are plenty of films for the people who didn't like this, but there are only a few movies with the perfect mix of style and substance that Sunshine achieves.

A top sci-fi
I've never written a review on here before- but i just had to disagree with the review that was already here! Sunshine is one of the best films i've seen in years.

The set is beautiful- and actually constructed for a change. Danny Boyle really pulls off the clostrophobia of alien and the romance and sterility of 2001 all in one. and i for one loved all the exterior shots! I really don't think boyle went overboard on the CGI. having an on-board physist really made for an interesting (and different) ship.

The performances are wonderful without exception. But Hiroyuki Sanada and Cillian Murphy really shine. Everything is subtle and underplayed- just the way a big sci-fi should be.

The underworld score is just fantastic. Giving a feel of unease and hyperactivity all the way through. The direction is mindblowing (especially the end sequence)... I just loved this film.

and remember- when you buy this fantastic film- you're supporting the british film industry!

Finally a good old-fashioned science fiction film
I detest the term "Sci-fi". Sci-fi is not just an abbreviation of "science fiction". Sci-fi has come to mean women with implausible breasts in skimpy Lycra, extraterrestrials sporting American accents and plotlines revolving around the romantic involvements of the Captain and some wafty alien bird in a short skirt.

Sci-fi is just a way of making "Space-Opera" sound better.

Sunshine surprised me. I was expecting a good old cheesy job like Event Horizon - which I note it has already been compared to. However, in my opinion Sunshine has a LOT more substance, and is one of the most hardcore science fiction films I have seen in a long time.

The average popcorn-munching cinema goer will be bored and disappointed. This film requires concentration and a high level of emotional involvement for it to be enjoyed.

Reading the other reviews - the person who compared it to 2001: A Space Odyssey was about right. If you're into sci-fi, this film isn't for you. Science fiction fans only!

I thank you.