User reviews

Sensitive and moving coming of age film in a world where you wouldn't expect such an in depth story. Great work all around by cast, writer and director.

"Staring at the Sun" is a captivating film that takes you on a gripping journey with two teenage Brooklyn Hasidic schoolgirls who dare to defy the stringent rules of their community. In a bold quest for freedom, they take the family car and embark on an adventurous cross-country escape, seeking a life beyond their insular world. What they find, however, is that navigating a world where they don't know the rules can be even more perilous than living under too many.

This film is meticulously researched, offering a deeply immersive perspective into the daily lives within the Hasidic community. Harry Greenberger's sensitive and insightful direction provides viewers with a profound understanding of the motivations behind these young women's desperate bid for freedom. The narrative adeptly highlights the contrast between their familiar, rule-bound world and the unpredictable, often dangerous new contexts they encounter.

Greenberger's skillful storytelling and character development draw you in, creating a strong connection with the protagonists. You can feel their struggles and triumphs as they navigate their "fish out of water" scenario. Despite the inevitable troubles they face, there's a resonant message of resilience and self-discovery that mirrors our own life journeys.

"Staring at the Sun" is not just a film about escape but about finding one's path and identity in a world full of uncertainties. It's a compelling story of courage, transformation, and the universal quest for freedom, sure to leave a lasting impact on its audience.