A Sun (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
A Sun is a 2020 crime drama directed by Mong-Hong Chung, starring Kuan-Ting Liu as Radish, Chih-Ju Lin and Greg Han Hsu. It runs 2 hours 36 minutes. Critics gave it 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 36m (156 min)
- Director
- Mong-Hong Chung
- Original language
-
Chinese
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is A Sun About?
The premise of A Sun without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
As family ties fray beneath the surface, a devastating loss shatters the facade of perfection, revealing the cracks in their carefully constructed lives.
A Sun Themes & Keywords
· 41 tags- suicide
- father son relationship
- jail
- pregnancy
- coercion
- prison
- prison marriage
- dead son
- loss of a brother
- brother
- vengeance
- protection
+29 more Show fewer
- family protection
- paternal figure
- sun
- metaphor
- solitude
- sadness
- mother in law
- hand cut
- bad friendship
- bullying
- run over
- father figure
- family of four
- china
- taiwan
- mandarin
- mourning
- driving classes
- driving instructor
- pay debt
- amend making
- resentment
- discipline
- riding a bicycle
- poetry animation
- path
- sentence
- family relationships
- tradition
A Sun Cast & Characters
Kuan-Ting Liu leads the cast as Radish, with Chih-Ju Lin as Oden Senior and Greg Han Hsu as A-Hao. Directed by Mong-Hong Chung; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Mong-Hong Chung
- Kuan-Ting Liu as Radish
- Chih-Ju Lin as Oden Senior
- Greg Han Hsu as A-Hao
- Ivy Yin as Miss Yin
Also Starring in A Sun
· 6 more- Chen-Ling Wen Xiao-Zhen
- Apple Wu Xiao-Yu
- Chien-Ho Wu A-Ho
- Samantha Shu-Chin Ko Miss Qin
- Shao-hua Lung
- Yiwen Chen
More from Mong-Hong Chung
One more film directed by Mong-Hong Chung: The Falls.
A Sun Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave A Sun 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).
A Sun Echo Score Breakdown
A Sun is a compelling family drama that excels in visual presentation while navigating complex emotional terrain. Critics highlight its richly composed cinematography and nuanced performances, and users frequently note the film’s striking color palette and dramatic weight. However, the extended runtime and deliberate pacing create occasional lulls in engagement. The narrative balances tragedy and reconciliation through a deliberate rhythm that may challenge some viewers. Overall, the film’s strong craft and emotional ambition deliver a rewarding yet occasionally demanding experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
Art & Craft shines through its meticulously framed visuals and refined production design. In terms of cinematography, the film employs a controlled color palette and striking contrast that critics and users alike praise. The direction captures intimate moments with precision, though measured editing contributes to the film’s deliberate pacing. The visual execution remains a standout element.
- Character & Emotion 80
Character & Emotion are anchored by nuanced performances that infuse the narrative with depth. In terms of acting, reviewers commend the lead cast’s ability to convey unspoken tension and familial bonds. Some viewers, however, report intermittent difficulty in establishing emotional connection. Overall, the portrayals successfully ground the film in authentic relational dynamics.
- Story & Flow 75
Story & Flow deliver a nuanced exploration of familial fault lines but unfold at a deliberate pace. Plot coherence remains strong, with incidents that reinforce themes of tragedy and reconciliation. Critics note measured pacing enhances intimacy, while some viewers find the runtime dilutes narrative momentum. The film’s structure balances thematic depth with sporadic pacing challenges.
- Sensory Experience 88
Sensory Experience is marked by a cohesive visual style and restrained sound design. The score underscores emotional beats without overwhelming subtle tonal shifts, and the cinematographic clarity extends to evocative framing. While most praise the film’s atmospheric cohesion, the understatement occasionally sacrifices auditory prominence. Overall, the sensory elements reinforce the film’s immersive quality.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch Factor presents a mixed proposition, combining lasting thematic resonance with deliberate pacing. Some viewers find fresh emotional insight on repeat viewings, while others report waning narrative momentum and diminished impact of dramatic beats. The film’s thoughtful construction invites reconsideration of character arcs, but its extended runtime may limit frequent revisits for certain audiences.
-
IMDb 7.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 94% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 89%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 77% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.9 /5
440 ratings
See on Letterboxd
A Sun Plot Summary
What happens in A Sun from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the year 2013, set against the backdrop of Taipei, a troubled teenager named Chen Jian-ho finds himself entangled in a series of harrowing events alongside his friend, Radish. One fateful night, they approach a young man named Oden at a local restaurant, leading to a shocking incident where Radish violently cuts off Oden’s hand with a machete. This brutal act results in Ho being sentenced to juvenile detention, while Radish receives an even harsher punishment. Amidst this turmoil, Ho’s father, Wen, completely disowns him, choosing instead to focus on his more reserved older brother, A-Hao, who is diligently preparing for medical school at a cram school.
Full summary
The whole story of A Sun, scene by scene
A Sun Trailers & Videos
The trailer of A Sun.
How Well Do You Know A Sun?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the crime committed by Radish against Oden?
A Sun Also Known As
13 alternative titles, including “아호” and “나의 아들”.
- Also known as
-
- 아호
- 나의 아들
- Yang guang pu zhao
- Sun's Sunshine
- 阳光普照
- Un Soleil
- Слънцето грее
- Солнце
- Ηλιαχτίδα
- Dương Quang Phổ Chiếu
- Сонце
- ひとつの太陽
+1 more Show fewer
- Słońce
Seen A Sun?
Movies Like A Sun
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including A Sun, Sunflower and Sun.
A Sun FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of A Sun, each answered in a sentence.
How long is A Sun?
A Sun runs 2 hours 36 minutes (156 minutes).
When was A Sun released?
A Sun was released on January 24, 2020.
Who directed A Sun?
A Sun was directed by Mong-Hong Chung.
More films by Mong-Hong Chung Who is in the cast of A Sun?
A Sun stars Kuan-Ting Liu as Radish, Chih-Ju Lin as Oden Senior and Greg Han Hsu as A-Hao, among 10 credited actors.
How is A Sun rated?
A Sun has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.
Does A Sun have a post-credit scene?
No. A Sun has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is A Sun in?
The original language of A Sun is Chinese.
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