10 Underrated Movies By Great Directors

The British film industry underwent something of a revival in the 1990s as increased investment coupled with the 'cool Britannia' cultural movement brought films ranging from Four Weddings And A Funeral to The Full Monty to the fore. One of the beneficiaries of this was Manchester director Danny Boyle, who rose to prominence with Shallow Grave and the iconic Trainspotting.

2007's Sunshine was his first venture into the realms of science fiction, showcasing an ensemble of international actors on a mission to reignite the dying Sun. The science is admittedly sketchy (even though the now-esteemed Professor Brian Cox served as one of the main advisors), but the drama and interactions between the cast as they navigate their bleak and claustrophobic environment more than make up for this.

The third act is something of a misstep as it descends into slasher film territory, but the survival horror element makes it an edge-of-your-seat affair as it becomes unclear as to whether the rapidly diminishing crew can complete their mission, even if its success would now result in their deaths.

Of particular note throughout is composer John Murphy's score. The chilling main track, 'Surface Of The Sun' seems to have joined Clint Mansell's iconic piece from Requiem For A Dream in a group of tunes that are frequently borrowed for other purposes (such as trailers).

Boyle would win his Oscar a year later for Slumdog Millionaire, but Sunshine should definitely be included in any conversation about his career.