Is What a Sun Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1984)
Veronica is a high school student studying to be a glazier, although she dreams of being a theatre actress. The only thing that she finds joy in at school is the company of her friend, Klemen and writing the script for a theatre play in her spare time together with a retired actress whom she has befriended. Her parents find it difficult to understand her acting ambitions - or rather, they would probably find it difficult, if they would bother to take the time off their busy schedules to try. Nor does anyone else understand Veronica. When all her plans go awry, she ends up in a home for juvenile delinquents. When she is released into the custody of her parents again, she eludes their vigilant guard and runs away to the country, to Klemen. Only Klemen's father makes it abundantly clear to her when she gets there that Klemen will not stand by her side either. Veronica finds herself out on the street again, where everything is possible and the future is open to her...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then What a Sun offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1984 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 1984 release of What a Sun stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Veronica is a high school student studying to be a glazier, although she dreams of being a theatre actress. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Veronica is a high school student studying to be a glazier, although she dreams of being a theatre actress. The only thing that she finds joy in at school is the company of her friend, Klemen and writing the script for a theatre play in her spare time together with a retired actress whom she has befriended. Her parents find it difficult to understand her acting ambitions - or rather, they would probably find it difficult, if they would bother to take the time off their busy schedules to try. Nor does anyone else understand Veronica. When all her plans go awry, she ends up in a home for juvenile delinquents. When she is released into the custody of her parents again, she eludes their vigilant guard and runs away to the country, to Klemen. Only Klemen's father makes it abundantly clear to her when she gets there that Klemen will not stand by her side either. Veronica finds herself out on the street again, where everything is possible and the future is open to her..."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Matjaž Arsenjuk provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Jane Kavčič is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 80 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is What a Sun truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, What a Sun explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1984 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jane Kavčič respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, What a Sun is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Matjaž Arsenjuk or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, What a Sun is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.