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Genres
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CastAustin ArnoldTyler MauroFrancesca Galassi
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DirectorWilliam Kirkley
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Release Date2016
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MPAA RatingNR
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Runtime1 hr 32 min
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LanguageEnglish
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IMDB Rating7.3 (633)
Orange Sunshine is a phenomenal film that narrates the journey of a group of hippies who become the largest distributors of LSD throughout the United States in the 1960s. The movie is a docudrama that relives the story of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, an organization that was born in California during the counterculture revolution and that was committed to spreading love and peace throughout the world.
The film starts with an introduction of the main characters, showing how they became part of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love. The Brotherhood was founded by a group of people who believed in spiritualism and psychedelic drugs as a means of enlightenment. The group lived together in a community nestled in the Laguna Canyon in California, where they grew their own food and shared everything they had.
The story takes a turn when one of the members, John Griggs (Austin Arnold), is arrested for possession of LSD. This event marks the beginning of the group's transformation from a utopian community to one of the largest distributors of LSD in the United States. The Brotherhood started manufacturing acid and distributing it throughout the country, causing a wave of widespread hallucinogenic experiences throughout the states.
The film does an incredible job of depicting the social and cultural context of the United States during the 1960s, showing the way in which the counterculture movement was changing the way people thought and behaved. Through archival footage and reenactments, the movie portrays the ironies and paradoxes of the era, where both love and violence were ever-present.
The film also showcase the consequences of the Brotherhood's actions, namely, the crackdown by law enforcement agencies, which led to the organization's eventual downfall. The government labeled the group as a criminal organization, and its members became outcasts from society. The film shows the imprisonment of some of its members and their eventual trials, which shone a spotlight on the counterculture movement's darker side.
The cinematography of the film is stunning, capturing the beauty of California's coastlines and forests, the atmosphere of coffee shops and music festivals, and the psychedelic experience of the drug culture as well. The music also plays a significant role in the film, as it encapsulates the sounds of the time and the cultural movement.
Overall, the movie is a brilliant account of one of the most important subcultures in American history, capturing the essence of the 1960s and the counterculture revolution. It not only entertains but also educates, providing the viewer with an in-depth view of an era that influenced a whole generation of Americans. The movie beautifully presents the ideals of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love and their struggle to achieve it. The performances by the cast members, especially Austin Arnold, Tyler Mauro, and Francesca Galassi, are exceptional, truly embracing the spirit of the counterculture movement.
In conclusion, Orange Sunshine is a film that is sure to captivate and inspire its viewers. The film offers a unique perspective on the history of America, highlighting the significance of the counterculture revolution and the impactful legacy it left. It delivers a powerful message about the importance of love and harmony, reminding us all that we should always strive to embrace these values.
Orange Sunshine is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.