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Speak Sunlight

Play trailer 1:52 Poster for Speak Sunlight 2023 1h 34m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 9 Reviews Popcornmeter 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.

Critics Reviews

View All (9) Critics Reviews
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 Dallas King Flick Feast The warmth between the lead characters is reflected in the cinematography by José Luis Alcaine... Whilst this makes for a charming cinematic tale, the summer haze results in certain aspects losing some of their impact. Rated: 3/5 Dec 1, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (11) audience reviews
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 Pier Andrea M It's common to have a movie you wish to watch as many times as you can because it makes you feel well, a sort of a "comfort movie". Well, I found mine: "Speak Sunlight" is my comfort movie, a movie made of good sentiments and of very good people. A movie that helps you making peace with the bad moments. A wonderful movie with a fantastic direction. A must-see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review Theodore W Heart warming coming of age story in a beautiful historic depiction of Spain. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review Eduardo M Speak Sunlight" is a captivating coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1960s Spain. The film follows a young boy, Alanito, as he returns with his femme de menage to her homeland, Spain, after a long exile in Paris. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the vibrant colors and sun-drenched landscapes of Spain. The performances are equally impressive, with Carmen Machi delivering a particularly moving portrayal of Maruja, a complex and fascinating character. This film is ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting tale of family, love, and personal growth. "Speak Sunlight" is a must-see for fans of foreign language cinema and anyone looking for a beautiful and thought-provoking film. Carol Polakoff's directorial work is a testament to her exceptional talent and artistic vision. She masterfully crafts a poignant and visually stunning coming-of-age story, skillfully weaving together themes of family, love, and self-discovery. Polakoff's keen eye for detail and her ability to evoke strong emotions through her cinematic choices elevate "Speak Sunlight" to a truly remarkable cinematic experience. Her sensitive direction brings out the best in her talented cast, creating authentic and memorable performances. With "Speak Sunlight," Carol Polakoff once again does her mis-en-scene as a bold voice in filmmaking, captivating audiences with her storytelling prowess and artistic flair. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Speak Sunlight

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Movie Info

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