Speak Sunlight

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1:52

Speak Sunlight

2023

1h 34m

Comedy

Drama

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100%

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10 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

After 30 years in exile, a couple return to their homeland. Manolo and Maruja work as butler and cook/nanny at the Jolis diplomatic residence in Paris. Alanito, 15, considers the kitchen his spiritual home, where he can laugh, misbehave, get a shot of port or a puff of a Gauloise from Maruja. She adores and spoils him while his parents entertain scores of guests, paying him little attention. Maruja receives life-altering news that leads to a return to Spain after 30 years. In the blink of an eye, they are on a train to Pamplona. It's the time of De Gaulle, Franco, and the Beatles. Secrets are uncovered, courage summoned, and at the end of the summer everyone is changed.

Romey Norton

Film Focus Online

At its heart, Speak Sunlight is a coming-of-age- story about forgiveness, redemption and living for the now. It teaches you not to wait to tell someone you love them, and make sure you’re true to yourself - a total comfort film.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 28, 2024

Full Review

Pramit Chatterjee

Digital Mafia Talkies

Speak Sunlight is a solid coming-of-age drama that balances the naivete and energy of one’s youth with the existential thoughts that cross one’s mind during their twilight years really, really well.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 22, 2024

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Speak Sunlight doesn't necessarily tell us a story we haven't seen before on the big screen, though its inspiration in real life feels authentic and themes of coming-of-age, legacy, life, and regrets will all resonate universally.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Dec 21, 2024

Full Review

Emilie Black

Cinema Crazed

Carmen Machi as Maruja and the cinematography shine here, making the film their own and making a watch that is oddly fascinating and mesmerizing.

Dec 17, 2024

Full Review

Federico Furzan

Movie-Blogger.com

Speak Sunlight is a very compelling drama that tells a universal story, all in the hands of veteran Carmen Machi.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2024

Full Review

Alejandro Turdó

Hoy Sale Cine

Speak Sunlight's delightful sensitivity puts together a story about the wieght of nostalgia, about rediscovering our roots, reconnecting and making amends before it is too late.

Dec 6, 2024

Full Review

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Caron D

Speak Sunlight is one of the best movies I’ve seen in ages. The heartfelt screenplay, outstanding acting, beautiful cinematography, and excellent directing, make this coming-of-age story stand out among the rest. With Franco’s Spain as the backdrop, we learn that in facing our mortality we identify what is most important to us - and we are taken on this journey throughout the movie. The audience laughed together and shed tears together. This movie is a must see. I can’t wait to see it again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/31/24

Full Review

Steven Z

Speak Sunlight tells a story that stays with you long after the show ends. Parts are heartening and parts are heartbreaking, and it all fits with perfection. While the story is the heart of the film, the scenary is beautiful and ads to the factors that create the memorability of Speak Sunlight. It has to be seen and experienced.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Speak Sunlight is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. Director Carol Polakoff delicately explores themes of nostalgia, love, regret, forgiveness, and the power of family. It is the story of a woman grappling with the weight of her past and the fragility of time. The stunning cinematography is bathed in warm sunlight of Spain and captures the poetic beauty of the landscape. Speak Sunlight shines like a gem and is a must-see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

Full Review

Bruno V

From the beginning to the end, Speak Sunlight brings joy to the movie screen. Both lead actors have amazing performances and navigate from drama to laughter in seconds. The beautiful photography from different parts of Spain are also a must see. Nevertheless the choice of a new actor for the roll of the young kid shows sensitivity Carol Polakoff has for her characters. It's a great adventure that it will warm your heart and soul.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

Full Review

David F

A heartwarming film that affirms our common humanity. You will not be disappointed!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

Full Review

Nicholas S

This film has the touch of a filmmaker who knows how to create catharsis in the audience. It reminded me of the mastery of Ang Lee in Brokeback Mountain and Aronofsky in The Whale. I watched the film enjoying it, and all of a sudden at the end I’m sobbing uncontrollably and left with that magical haunted feeling only certain films and filmmakers are able to achieve. I saw this film in a full theater and witnessed everyone around me also sobbing. This is a sweet charming film, but its overall effect is impressive and powerful. Bravo!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

Full Review

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Carol Polakoff

Director

Carmen Machi

Maruja

Karra Elejalde

Manolo

Alicia Lobo

Señora Jolis

Laura G

Madre Tren

Javier Perdiguero

Churrero

Speak Sunlight: Trailer 1

1:52

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Synopsis

After 30 years in exile, a couple return to their homeland. Manolo and Maruja work as butler and cook/nanny at the Jolis diplomatic residence in Paris. Alanito, 15, considers the kitchen his spiritual home, where he can laugh, misbehave, get a shot of port or a puff of a Gauloise from Maruja. She adores and spoils him while his parents entertain scores of guests, paying him little attention. Maruja receives life-altering news that leads to a return to Spain after 30 years. In the blink of an eye, they are on a train to Pamplona. It's the time of De Gaulle, Franco, and the Beatles. Secrets are uncovered, courage summoned, and at the end of the summer everyone is changed.

Director: Carol Polakoff
Producer: Carol Polakoff
Screenwriter: Natxo López, Carol Polakoff, John Milarky
Production Co: Babieka Films, Viewfinder Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: European Spanish
Runtime: 1h 34m