What is the sun is also a star movie about?

“The Sun Is Also a Star”: More Than Just a Teen Romance

Okay, so “The Sun Is Also a Star,” the 2019 movie based on Nicola Yoon’s YA novel, might seem like just another teen romance flick at first glance. But trust me, there’s way more to it than meets the eye. Directed by Ry Russo-Young and starring Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton, this isn’t your typical boy-meets-girl story. Instead, it’s a poignant look at love, fate, and identity, all wrapped up in a single, crazy day in New York City.

At its heart, the movie follows Natasha, a science-minded Jamaican-born teen fighting tooth and nail to stay in the U.S. i. After living in the Big Apple for nine years, she’s basically a New Yorker through and through, so the thought of being deported back to Jamaica is, understandably, devastating. The film opens with Natasha on a desperate mission: a last-ditch attempt to find a lawyer who can stop her family’s deportation.

Enter Daniel, a Korean-American dreamer with a poet’s soul, who’s being relentlessly pushed by his parents to become a doctor. He’s got a Dartmouth interview looming over his head, but all he really wants to do is write poetry, a passion his parents just don’t get. Sound familiar to anyone?

Then, BAM! Fate steps in (or at least, that’s what Daniel believes). He spots Natasha at Grand Central, saves her from an oncoming car, and becomes convinced that their meeting is written in the stars. He decides to take it upon himself to prove to Natasha, a self-proclaimed non-believer in love, that fate is real. His proposition? Give him one day to change her mind.

What follows is a whirlwind tour of NYC, as these two challenge each other’s worldviews and, against all odds, start falling for each other. They hit up a planetarium, belt out tunes at a Korean karaoke bar (I’ve been there, it’s a blast!), and share those vulnerable, late-night conversations where you reveal your deepest dreams and fears. But, of course, there’s a catch: Natasha’s deportation is hanging over them like a dark cloud, and time is running out.

As Natasha’s legal options dwindle and Daniel struggles with his family’s expectations, they’re forced to confront some tough questions. Can love conquer all? What does it mean to belong? And do we really have control over our own destinies? The movie fast-forwards five years, showing Natasha’s return to New York and a hopeful reunion with Daniel. It’s a feel-good ending, but it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of their situation.

“The Sun Is Also a Star” juggles some heavy themes:

• Fate vs. Free Will: Are we just puppets dancing to the tune of destiny, or do we actually have the power to write our own stories? It’s a classic debate, and the film explores it through Natasha’s skepticism and Daniel’s unwavering belief in fate.
• The Power of Connection: Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, Natasha and Daniel find something special in each other. It’s a reminder that love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
• Identity Crisis: As a first-generation immigrant, I can relate to the struggle of figuring out where you belong. Natasha and Daniel grapple with their heritage and their place in America, a feeling that many can identify with.
• Immigration Realities: Natasha’s deportation battle shines a light on the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants. It’s a stark reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and the broken promises of the American Dream.
• Passion and Reason: The movie suggests that passion and reason don’t have to be enemies. Natasha and Daniel learn from each other and add more meaning and fulfillment to their lives.
• Human Interconnectedness: The film suggests that all humans are connected to one another, which is a beautiful sentiment.

Now, if you’ve read the book, you’ll notice a few differences:

• Time Crunch: Natasha has 24 hours in the film, while in the book she only has 12 hours i.
• The Ending: The movie gives us a reunion after five years, while the book makes us wait a whole decade!
• Missing Characters: Irene, a security guard who plays a significant role in the book, is nowhere to be seen in the movie.
• The Meet-Cute: The book gives Daniel and Natasha a conversation in a record store before the “saving” incident, whereas in the movie, they don’t speak until Daniel saves Natasha i.

“The Sun Is Also a Star” got a mixed bag of reviews. Some critics praised the acting and the film’s handling of important issues, while others found the plot a bit cheesy. But hey, who cares what the critics say? The movie resonated with audiences, especially young adults, who connected with its heartfelt story and diverse cast. So, if you’re looking for a teen romance with a bit more substance, give this one a shot. You might just be surprised.