Have you ever watched a film that just stayed with you, even after the end credits?
For me that film is The Sun is Also a Star.
Based on New York times bestselling Author Nicola Yoon’s book, and directed by Ry Russo-Young, The Sun is Also a Star, tells the story of two young kids, college-bound romantic Daniel Bae (Charles Melton) and Jamaica-born pragmatist Natasha Kingsley (Yara Shahidi) who meet and fall for each other—over one magical day amidst the fervor and flurry of New York City. Sparks immediately fly between these two strangers, who might never have met had fate not given them a little push. But will fate be enough to take these teens from star-crossed to lucky in love? With just hours left on the clock in what looks to be her last day in the U.S., Natasha is fighting against her family’s deportation as fiercely as she’s fighting her budding feelings for Daniel, who is working just as hard to convince her they are destined to be together.
It’s been a week since I watched the film and I still can’t get over it.
Here are all the reasons why I loved it so much.
Race is not an issue
Although there were a couple moments when race came into play, it was not the conflict of the story. This film was just two young people spending the day together in New York without anyone judging them. They just got to be. It’s rare to watch a movie with an interracial couple and have it not focus solely on the color of their skin.
Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton
These two are just perfect. Their onscreen chemistry was a delight to watch. From the sweet funny moments to the ugly cry inducing moments, these two stole my heart.
During their final moment at the airport before Natasha returns to Jamaica, they just hold hands and look into each other’s eyes. That really got me, I’m talking tears running down my face/need to blow my nose type of crying folks.
Then the last scene, when they see each other again after 5 years, gave me the biggest butterflies and warm fuzzies of my life. This girl could not stop smiling and yes, there were more tears.
It is possible to spend the day without technology
One thing that really stuck out with me while watching this film was the fact that both Natasha and Daniel basically spent the day without technology. Aside from the occasional call, text, or appointment reminder, they did not waste time staring at screens. The two of them spent the day walking around New York and just soaking up the time they had together.
The most incredible moment was the beginning when Daniel first saw Natasha.
They were inside Grand Central station, and as people were hustling through so focused on rushing to get to their destinations, Natasha stopped in the middle of it all. She didn’t do what most of us do and pull out a cellphone. She just stood there and looked up to take in the designs on the ceiling. Daniel even comments on it when he says, “Nobody ever looks up.”
Watching that really made me think about how we don’t take the time to just stop and look up anymore. We are so focused on looking down at our screens that we don’t take the time to bask in the beauty around us.
Beautiful cinematography
One thing you should know about me when it comes to movies is, I am a huge cinematography freak. Shot on location in New York City, there were some amazing shots throughout. From the hustle and bustle of the city, to the quiet peacefulness of the park, this film was full of beautiful shots.
The relevance of the story
Although the book was published in 2016, it is extremely relevant to everything happening now. With issues like being an undocumented immigrant and the risk of deportation, this story is so relatable. It doesn’t just deal with this though. It focuses on what it’s like being a teenager, trying to figure out what they want in their future. Daniel’s parents have always wanted him to be a doctor. He wants to go his own way and be a poet. I’m sure there are lots of people out there who would be able to relate to either his or Natasha’s story.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this film. You don’t need to read the book before you see it. I will say this though, after watching it, I want to read the book even more now. The cast was wonderful and the story is one that reminds us just how fleeting time can be.
Agree? Disagree? Share with us in the comments below!
The Sun is Also a Star is in theaters now.
