The Hanging Sun (2022) User Reviews

Beautiful landscape, poor script and direction

[curzi_g · 6/10 · 13 December 2022]

The Hanging Sun is a noir thriller set in the Norwegian fjords that revolves around the complex, and often conflicting, relationship between fathers and children and the latter's desire for emancipation. The interpretations of Alessandro Borghi and the rest of the cast are convincing, it is a pity that the actors have to move in a narration devoid of bite and often predictable.

The screenplay of The Hanging Sun seems to take the viewer's empathy with the characters for granted, especially with the one played by Borghi, whose background leaves rather indifferent. The choice of the flashback structure, with the editing juxtaposing moments from the man's past with sequences set in the village that tell the present of Lea and her son Caleb, should convey a tension that however does not arrive. A listless direction, and a somewhat clumsy management of emotional climaxes - including the one that leads to the final confrontation between the protagonist and his father - does not help to enter the story; at the end of the vision, of The Hanging Sun remains only the charm of a location on the edge of the world immortalized with a visual taste that does not find its equivalent in a solid story capable of involving. The result, unfortunately, is poor in substance and emotion.

Solid one time watch

[LordCommandar · 4/10 · 18 December 2022]

Nothing to write home about but from start to finish, it's watchable. A family hit man who wants out from his father and brother and killing, seeks refuge in a small town where he finds solace in an abused wife and her son. The father send his other son to bring back his brother and the widowed abused wife wants out of that small town but her dead husband's brother who's also abusive wants her for himself and there you have the whole story in its unfolding. Not much there on premise but there is a flow from beginning to end. The cinematography great as well. If you're looking for something to pass the time, you will not be disappointed. This is a solid one time watch.

Not enough

[MattWillow · 4/10 · 10 June 2023]

This grazed the bar but didn't do enough to go over it. The cinematography is quite alright, and the gloomy norwegian landscape fits the feel of the film nicely. But that's about all the good this movie can muster. The elements of a good film are present but they are either too poorly executed or lacking conviction. The story is wafer thin. You never get involved in the characters to the point that you would care what happens to them. The dialogue at most times is wooden and unconvincing. Flashbacks are used at numerous times but they do nothing to move the story forward, but instead confuse you even more. I got myself to the end which wasn't evident watching, but alas at the end the payoff wasn't there. A dud sadly since this probably could have been better in the hands of a more seasoned director.

Slow but entertaining enough

[fluffchop · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

I think the wife murdered her husband who was drunk and didn't realise the boat had the little drainage holes open. She did that.

I didn't like her father one bit. Such a creepy priest character.

The young girl was super intelligent and had the most dialog in the film.

I don't know what the symbology of the wolves meant but I'm sure there was something to that. Maybe that it was the pup still needing it's father or mother to raise it. I really don't know what that was about. Very pretty to see them though.

The constant subdued daylight reflects the perfect mood for this film.

I found it quite watchable knowing nothing about it before I saw it. That can be hit and miss but I think it was ok.

Mesmerising cast, superb editing and cinematography

[onepict · 9/10 · 21 January 2023]

I could have watched every cast member for twice the amount of time they were onscreen. Perfect casting, perfect pitch, and oh my god the constant sense of menace and moody set pieces. Loved every moment of it, and I'd love to see a follow up with the surviving cast members. The camera loved every angle of every shot in this film and it was a true pleasure to view. Thanks to everyone who made this intelligent and beautiful film possible. Apparently I have to write more in order for this review to be submitted, so shout outs to Peter Mullan and Charles Dance though I have to say I loved the two leads and hope to see them act together again.