This blog entry is part of my "movie recommendation site suggestions". Read more about that here.
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
This is often argued to be the greatest silent film ever made and sometimes even to be the greatest film ever made altogether (most likely by those who think that silent film is a more pure form of cinema). The film certainly is impressive in the way it is shot and constructed. It's hard to think of any silent film that does much better. But I have a few qualms with the story and characters.
*SPOILERS* At first it is hard to feel sympathetic for an adulterer, especially when there is nothing apparently wrong at home or with his wife. In fact she seems like a wonderful woman. Then when he is convinced by his mistress to kill his wife and pretend she has drowned so that they can get married and move to the city, it is shocking to see him accept. Even though it is clear he is reluctant and this is such a heavy burden, it's very confusing. Then when he actually begins to approach his wife in the boat to try to throw her overboard and she realizes his intent, it takes her a long time to not be afraid of him and then to actually even start to trust and fall in love with him again. But for me as a viewer, it takes me even longer than her to trust him. And then at the end when he attempts to strangle the mistress to death, I'm not sure if he will ever be able to restrain his violence or take responsibility for his own actions.
And also, what the heck was that scene with the pig all about??
*END SPOILER*
Despite these criticisms it still is a must see movie for the striking visuals and construction, especially for a silent film. I won't go too much into the details of what makes that so good. It's largely apparent, and if you haven't seen it you should watch it and find out for yourself.
Rating: 8/10