Sunday (V) (2014) User Reviews (9)

Love and imminent parenthood across the ditch

[Chase_Witherspoon · 7/10 · 6 November 2016]

Unorthodox romance tells the story of an estranged couple, who briefly reconnect following an overseas fling that results in pregnancy, with the door left open for a more enduring reconciliation after a weekend spent rediscovering their mutual affection. The two leads really carry the entire story which is surprisingly effective despite having really very little actual plot. It's somewhat unconventional in that the story begins several months post an intense holiday romance, with the characters now at their lowest ebb in the relationship, re-building trust and forging bonds as prospective parents sober following their torrid affair.

NZ location work showcases the multi-textured city of Christchurch, it's picturesque beaches, parks and gardens contrasting the demolition of modern ruins, a reminder of the earthquake devastation inflicted only a few short years ago. There's an occasional misfire in the situations (i.e. the dial-a-rap song and Gondala strip both seem a little unnatural even allowing for their context) but otherwise, the story seems very sincere.

Probably could've developed a couple more characters and scenarios to pad out the 70 minute run time (e.g. perhaps some more meat in the flashbacks which are relayed like silent memories), but overall if you can appreciate a well acted independent movie in which character is gradually revealed at a deliberate pace, then this sensitive, atypical romance should keep you engaged.

potentially unique.

[M85ALIVE · 2/10 · 8 March 2019]

Nice enough set up, where Charlie has 24hours to convince the love of his life to get back with him. It had some nice tunes, locations too were pretty nice. It had a few nice dream like sequences, but came off a little pretentious, like its trying to be A Terrence Mallick film.

Unfortunately the film didn't execute on any of the levels I was hoping for. For instance showing me just how unbelievably perfect these 2 could be if they got together again, or just how deeply these 2 need each other to function in life, love or even just survive day to day in a deeply compelling way, or really get behind this man Charlie, show me just how hard it hit him and why when things ended how much his life went downhill and show me just how much of a struggle it is to get her back that I'm 100% behind this guy... ....but the whole film is just very tame, slow paced but not in an interesting way, there wasn't anything that grabbed me in terms of any of the scenes, events in the film, the chemistry between the 2 was not believable.

On a technical note the opening scene in the airport, the audio wasn't synced right to their lips moving, really? come on, it's not that hard to fix. A few of the outdoor shots are quite over exposed to where it was pretty distracting. In this day and age even with DSLR's that can be avoided.

One of the most beautiful films ever made!!

[warthogjump · 10/10 · 31 December 2015]

I was literally in tears this entire film. The love story between the two leads is so simple, real and poignant!

The acting is superb - the script is flawless - the cinematography is amazing.

It is such a shame nobody has viewed this film!! I caught it by a chance screening on TV when I was supposed to be watching the big lebowski (for the 100th time) on DVD but my DVD player broke down so I turned to the TV and this extraordinary movie was playing - how lucky I was!

Sunday is a very sad, depressing movie, but it is filled with so much hope, passion and love that it manages to make you uneasy in the stomach for both positive and negative reasons.

One of the most touching films of my life - I don't give a 10/10 rating lightly, but given the vast array of deep emotion I felt by this chance encounter I rate it my perfect romantic afternoon!! Highly recommended for anyone with a big heart!

Lovely

[irithfelegund · 10/10 · 3 December 2016]

I loved this sweet and realistic romance. The leads give out mesmerizing performances that tug at the heart strings. the city of Christchurch is the third character and beautifully shot in a style inspired by Richard Linkletter, it is not just a film but art in every sense of the word. The challenges facing the characters are realistic and the true shame is that this was not widely distributed because society as a whole could definitely benefit from a seeing this. The genuine emotions touched on here will have you laughing and crying in the same breath. You'll be rooting for Charlie and Eve up until the end and even then you'll be asking for more. If you have the chance do NOT pass it up!

Most realistic love story around

[jcattleco · 10/10 · 29 July 2018]

Great movie. So simple but explains the story so well. The best part is the on screen chemistry but it helps that the main stars are married in real life. You can really relate to the story.

Gentle romantic drama - is part time love enough?

[bruce-samuelson · 8/10 · 23 September 2017]

8 stars. A lady living in Christchurch, NZ after the earthquake has tentatively started a new relationship. She also invites her ex-boyfriend back for a day to see whether they can resolve the conflict that caused their breakup. Although they're still in love, she won't have him unless he will give up his job driving trucks in Afghanistan to be with her full time along with his baby whom she's carrying. The job pays well, and he needs the money to cover mortgage payments for his house in Melbourne, Australia. Will he sacrifice his chosen livelihood to meet her needs? Does she love him enough to only see him one quarter of the time? They'd like to marry if they can find a way. Many couples grapple with these questions. I appreciated the simple story line with stark choices, the realistic script, the natural acting, and writers' confidence to convey the story without violence, sex, or dysfunction. The two lead actors wrote the script, along with the director.

What love really looks like...

[ScoobySnacks66 · 10/10 · 20 November 2019]

So this handsome Australian guy and beautiful Kiwi woman spend a summer together in Melbourne and she ends up pregnant. Fast forward 5 months after he's been away working as a truck driver in Afghanistan; they reconnect for 24 hours to explore what it means to be together, to be parents, to bring a new life into this world and to be in love. Heavily inspired by Linklater's Before Trilogy, this is a study on the traditional roles of man and woman and how we bring our uniquely special qualities into a loving and caring relationship. Man the protector and provider - raw, fierce and oblivious to the need for him to be present and determined. Once he's shown the way, he's unwaveringly committed. The ultimate protector. Woman the nurturer and pragmatist, the visionary for home and happiness - holding all the responsibility and bravery but wanting, needing a partner to build a life together in an uncertain and hostile world. As Charlie and Eve become reacquainted for the duration of their weekend together they explore not only a devastated (and somewhat symbolic to their own relationship) Christchurch but also a beautiful spectrum of emotions: fear, uncertainty, doubt, vulnerability, protectiveness, jealousy, hopefulness and ultimately love. Real love. The love that gives us much needed meaning in a universe of unlimited and uncertain possibilities. Fleeting, fragile and beyond any measurable value. A stunningly beautiful film that quickly cuts through to the most important reasons for why being together is significantly and heart breakingly greater than being apart.

Beautiful film

[lyndz7581 · 9/10 · 16 January 2021]

Beautiful setting, with a lovely heart warming story line. Just shows that good films don't necessarily need glitz and glamour and action scenes. This is a hidden gem

Is love enough?

[JustOneOpinion · 8/10 · 26 July 2022]

Great movie from these pair. Essentially it's a question about wether love really is enough to sustain a relationship. It also goes into the subject of one person having a career the other may not necessarily agree with or support at all points in the relationship. Is love enough to ignore the impacts of the career on the couple/family? Is it reasonable or unreasonable to expect or think that the person's career will change if the relationship changes, particularly regarding children? The film doesn't give an answer to Eve and Charlie's situation but makes you consider the points of view each of them hold.

Some bits are a tad slow, but they serve a purpose and really give a feeling of the depth of the relationship. I found the message worth the wait, as it where.