Enigmatically enchanting...

Rating: 10/10 (23 March 2004)

After two viewings of the film, I still can't pinpoint what exactly it is that makes it so amazing. I'll try to piece something together here...
First of all, there's nothing I hated. None of the characters feel out of place, are poorly acted, or deliver lines that make me cringe. There are NO wasted lines of dialogue here. There are no ridiculous or distracting jokes, but the movie is definitely funny in places. The story manages to be somewhat twisted (and in parts downright vague) without ever becoming confusing (although the ending isn't spoonfed - the movie leaves room for interpretation).
Jim Carrey gives a "serious" performance that isn't just some version of his comic roles without the liveliness; his Joel Barish is dark, subtle, but, at times, very heartfelt (especially in the last 30 minutes or so). Kate Winslet's performance is very cool: she came across a less-suicidal, more comedic version of Marla Singer (it must be the faux-American accent!) and the entire supporting cast is wonderful. The acting in this film is, basically, spotless.
So, why is it that this film (at the time of writing this) is #130 on the IMDB Top 250? Well, it's one of those heady, somewhat trippy, but definitely intellectually stimulating films that is impossible to walk away from. Like 'Memento', 'Sunshine' will stick with you for days after you've watched it. That's not to say that the films are at all alike, although both explore the idea of memory. Where 'Memento' ultimately paints a dark picture of humanity, 'Sunshine' decides that love is somehow deeper than neural activity. This, combined with fantastic cinematography, writing, and acting makes 'Sunshine' a movie that will find a place on many a top ten list - and, I'm calling it right now - it will hold steady in the top 50 of IMDB for some time.