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Where to Watch "The Sun Is Also a Star"

51%
52
5.9

Directed by

Ry Russo-Young

Lila Sommers
Lila Sommers
· 7 min read

Who's in it?

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi

Charles Melton

Charles Melton

Hill Harper

Hill Harper

Gbenga Akinnagbe

Gbenga Akinnagbe

Jake Choi

Jake Choi

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo

Anais Lee

Anais Lee

Miriam A. Hyman

Miriam A. Hyman

Jordan Williams

Jordan Williams

Keong Sim

Keong Sim

"The Sun Is Also a Star," a 2019 romantic drama, directed by Ry Russo-Young, is an adaptation of Nicola Yoon's best-selling novel. The film weaves a poignant narrative around love, destiny, and the impact of choices in the lives of two young individuals.

Release Date and Director:

The movie was released on May 17, 2019, and Ry Russo-Young took the directorial reins, skillfully translating the intricate emotions from the novel to the big screen.

Synopsis:

The plot revolves around Natasha Kingsley (Yara Shahidi), a pragmatic and scientifically-minded teenager, and Daniel Bae (Charles Melton), a poetic and romantic aspiring poet.

Natasha, facing deportation along with her family, meets Daniel on the day she is fighting to save her future in the United States. Despite their differences, Daniel convinces Natasha to spend a day with him as he believes in the power of destiny and the universe.

Set against the backdrop of New York City, the film delves into the blossoming connection between Natasha and Daniel. As they explore the city, their contrasting worldviews clash and harmonize, creating a beautiful yet fleeting romance.

The narrative grapples with the tension between fate and free will, love and practicality, and the impact of seemingly insignificant moments on the course of one's life.

Significance, Themes, and Why You Should Watch:

"The Sun Is Also a Star" explores themes of destiny, immigration, cultural identity, and the pursuit of dreams. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connections that can be forged in a short span of time. The film encourages viewers to contemplate the role of fate in their own lives and the transformative power of love.

This movie is a must-watch for those who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships. Its visually stunning cinematography and compelling performances by the lead actors contribute to an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Where to Stream

United States (US):

There are currently no streaming offers in the US.

  • Streaming Options: None
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand

Australia (AU):

There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.

  • Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Telstra TV

United Kingdom (GB):

There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.

  • Streaming Options: None
  • Buying Options: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV

Germany (DE):

There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.

  • Streaming Options: None
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, MagentaTV

Brazil (BR):

There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.

  • Streaming Options: None
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store

Spain (ES):

There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.

  • Streaming Options: None
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video

France (FR):

There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.

  • Streaming Options: MGM Amazon Channel
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, FILMO, Canal VOD, Rakuten TV, Universcine, Amazon Video

Canada (CA):

There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.

  • Streaming Options: MGM Amazon Channel
  • Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video

Production Details:

Ry Russo-Young skillfully directs the adaptation, bringing the pages of Nicola Yoon's novel to life. The screenplay adaptation is credited to Tracy Oliver, successfully capturing the essence of the source material.

Filming took place in various locations across New York City, adding an authentic and vibrant backdrop to the unfolding love story. The production faced the challenge of balancing the intimate moments between the characters with the grandeur of the cityscape.

The budget for "The Sun Is Also a Star" was modest, allowing the filmmakers to focus on the emotional depth of the story. Despite a restrained budget, the film performed well at the box office, resonating with audiences who appreciated its sincerity and emotional impact.

Reception and Awards:

Critical reception was mixed, with praise for the performances of Shahidi and Melton, as well as the film's visual appeal. Some critics highlighted the emotional resonance of the story, while others felt it adhered too closely to romantic drama conventions.

Audiences, particularly fans of the novel, appreciated the adaptation for its faithfulness to the source material and the chemistry between the lead actors. The film, however, faced criticism for its pacing and the suspension of disbelief required for certain plot elements.

"The Sun Is Also a Star" received nominations for its performances and the adaptation at various film festivals, acknowledging the film's merits despite not securing major awards.

Trivia and Fun Facts:

  • Author Nicola Yoon, known for her best-selling novels, also served as an executive producer on the film, ensuring the adaptation remained true to her vision.
  • The title of the film is inspired by a line from a poem by William Shakespeare, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the characters and their lives.
  • Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton underwent extensive research and training to authentically portray their characters, delving into the fields of science and poetry, respectively.

Controversies and Interesting Stories:

The film did not generate significant controversies, but it did spark discussions about the challenges and opportunities presented by book-to-film adaptations, particularly when dealing with themes as sensitive as immigration and cultural identity.

In conclusion, "The Sun Is Also a Star" stands as a visually captivating and emotionally resonant romantic drama that explores themes of love, destiny, and the impact of choices.

While it may not have achieved universal acclaim, its faithful adaptation of Nicola Yoon's novel and the genuine performances of the lead actors make it a compelling watch for fans of the romance genre.

Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

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