White Sun (2016) Poster

(2016)

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8/10
Well-designed screenplay showing things may seem to have changed in Nepal, but the old caste system and former political differences still persist
JvH485 March 2017
Seen at the Rotterdam film festival 2017 (website: iffr.com/en). It was a well-designed story showcasing that things may seem to have changed in Nepal (e.g. a new constitution) but that old differences in caste's and political demarcation lines still exist, all of that despite peace being the new norm where everyone should live together as a new nation. Choices for or against a particular political party that someone made 10 years ago, are still held against you nowadays. This is best illustrated by the two brothers, who cannot help continuing to argue while carrying their father's body to his grave.

Nice icing on the cake is what we get to see about burying rituals as per ancient traditions. It takes a considerable part of the running time, yet it is interesting for us to watch and certainly not redundant.

A new constitution is underway. This is clearly hanging in the air throughout the story. We hear the announcement that it passed all legal procedures and now became effective near the end of the movie. Less pronounced but still a topic covered by the screenplay, is that the position of women did not change, despite everyone being considered equal under the new constitution. All such things are cleverly interwoven in the story without ever monopolizing the proceedings.

Last but not least, I cannot avoid a special mention for two children roles. They add an extra dimension to the story by asking pertinent questions at times, or just by providing assistance for Chandra, persistent in spite of being sent away several times.
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8/10
Treading a fine line between art and entertainment
bj-bijaya13 December 2016
During the People's War in Nepal, art and entertainment field took quite a toll. Nepali films from the past decade were marred by ripped off story-lines from B grade Indian films, dialogues were corny, and filmmakers made films just to make their hands and mouth meet.

The country is still torn apart by the war, but with films like "White Sun", attempts to heal the country with art and entertainment has been evidently apparent. The film shows a post-war scenario and tells the story of an ex-combatant trying to make his ends meet as the country is declared Republic.

Per se, actor Daya Hang Rai has portrayed that ex-combatant's character to an optimum best. From his personal dilemma to his familial and societal convulsions, each personification has been aptly enacted. Actor Rabindra Singh Baniya has aided Rai as a counter-hero, offering the role of an antagonist without obviously doing so. The children from this film deserve a bow - without them, this film would have been a linear story. Their story and dynamism has angled the film into two dimensions.

Director Deepak Rauniyar has been able to connect the three eras of Nepali political scene: the pre-war Monarchy, the war-torn people, and the country getting prepared for a Republic State. Bringing these three elements together was already a challenge, but Rauniyar has excelled to justify 'artistic' style of film making, all the while, making it entertaining to watch also.
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7/10
Good script give insight into the complexities of changing politics
tomdickson19 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This intergenerational movie gives us the kids eyes seeing the entrenched beliefs of adults and there aging peers brought together for the mayors funeral. Like his previous outing the director steadily unwinds his tale without rushing and for the observant a massive amount is revealed about Nepal's transition. It's an educated approach to film asking which satisfy our intelligence. Highly recommended.
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10/10
The Best Nepali Movie Till Date.
babu_babin5 August 2019
Go and watch White Sun. I don't know why is is only rated 7/10 . The movie is balance of emotions and humour. Movie portays condition of villages of Nepal in humorously and I think it's a great satire. Once you start watching the movie you will be living all the experience Dayahang Rai goes through in the movie. Every dialougues will hit you hard. It is the best Nepali movie I have ever watch. And I fell lucky for not missing this movie.
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9/10
But at the end, we die. What matters is what we leave to our legacy.
ridi-arahan6 February 2021
What worked: This movie has to be undoubtedly one of the best movies to come from Nepal in the last two decades. I have been a fan of Deepak from his starting phase in his filmmaking. I remember watching Pooja in Nepal international film festival and was blown away by the movie. This one shows his level of growth as a filmmaker, making it a very powerful and enjoyable watch. What stunned me is the right balance of all elements that make a great movie. It's a very beautifully written and executed piece of art. His strong aspect is the use of dialogues that are more humane and natural than most of his contemporaries in the Nepali movie industry.Cinematography is great and what adds to the authenticity is the simplicity and the natural acting by the supporting casts. Also, the movie is metaphorical and satirical, and depicts both the federal and revolutionary citizens of the nation with the layered meaning throughout the narrative. The use of child psychology is a very wise decision and I am hugely impressed by this.This symbolic movie cracks the Pandora box of what makes a great movie. What did not work: Probably the anti conclusive nature of the movie make it a less pessimistic rather than optimistic movie although our interpretation may symbol hope and happy ending. I would have been happier to see the movie had some positive perspective from the eye of the girl or even the boy despite the satirical and speechless scenes leading to the finale Final verdict: highly recommended, one of the few movies that can represent one of the many cultures from Nepal
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10/10
Nice
hahahihi-2128028 February 2022
NICE. Movie ahhahahshskakkakajahH Skskksksjsksussjsjs Sksjsyussjsys6 whwjshsysshshsysjssksjeus Ejsjshhs Sjsjjsjsiaua7aua8a77a Sjsi8a7aus8s7suhssjsjsjusysyeyehsbhsshsbhs Skjs.
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Worth to watch it
thorodinson-5013023 May 2021
One of the best movie with good content and story. Those who watch foreign movie may feel slow but as nepali movie i Ingnore it pace, I love its true and related story so much. Really you have to give time to watch this movie. IT Tried to show our problem in village area what people face during funeral. So please try to promote this type of movie.
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