A Visionary’s Struggle and His Triumph

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Ori Yardeni
Writer(s): Izhar Harlev, Oren Safdie
Cast: Martin Delaney, Leo Hatton, Steven William Moore, Troy Hewitt, Michael Curran-Dorsano, Sophie Hopkins
Where To Watch: embarking on its global film festival run

RAVING REVIEW: Ori Yardeni's THE MAN WHO SAVED THE INTERNET WITH A SUNFLOWER takes you on an unexpected journey through the technological trenches of the '90s, all while weaving a compelling narrative that's informative and entertaining. It's a rare feat—a film that tackles the heady themes of innovation, ethics, technology, and the personal trials of a tech titan without losing the audience to jargon or abstraction.

The film showcases Yardeni's knack for merging high-tech storytelling with heart. The audience is teleported back to the neon glow of the '90s tech boom, experiencing the thrill and anxiety of the digital age's dawn. The film creates this world that you likely experienced if you were alive in the 90s, but one that you never really knew what went into it. Bioflicks are all the rage now; this is a unique testament to the genre. Offering a tale with heart but one that many likely never knew about.

In his role as Rob Ryan, Martin Delaney embodies the spirit of the tech visionary. His performance brilliantly captures the complexity of Ryan's character—a mix of raw intellect and bold daring that drove the real-life figure to the heights of success. The cast around Delaney enriches the narrative, drawing us into the interconnected web of relationships that propelled Ryan's journey from a New York upstart to a Silicon Valley legend.

The narrative, with ambitions of being the first of a trilogy of films, sometimes races through pivotal moments in Ryan's career, leaving audiences craving a deeper dive into the emotional and professional battles he faced. Additionally, exploring digital age pitfalls like cyberbullying and fake news, while ambitious, only skims the surface; I would say that these would have to be my most significant knocks, but I don’t know how the rest of the films will be handled, so I may well change my opinion.

Despite these minor hiccups, THE MAN WHO SAVED THE INTERNET WITH A SUNFLOWER distinguishes itself with its narrative choices. The writing team eschews the traditional biopic format for a more nuanced discussion on the intersection of technology and morality. The film's spotlight on the darker aspects of the internet calls for ethical leadership within the tech industry, making the tale of Rob Ryan more than just a piece of history—it's a lesson for the digital age.

At the heart of the film lies the Sunflower Code, symbolizing a tool for personal and professional growth and the potential of technology to effect positive change. Ryan's mentorship of the next generation of entrepreneurs underscores the film's optimistic assertion: With the proper guidance, the tech world can forge a future that's innovative, ethical, and inclusive.

As THE MAN WHO SAVED THE INTERNET WITH A SUNFLOWER tours the festival circuit, it will become evident that this film does more than chronicle the life of a tech mogul. It sparks a conversation about the legacy of innovation, resilience, and the indelible impact one individual can have on the fabric of society. This isn't just a tribute to Rob Ryan's legacy; it's a motivational call to arms for the guardians of tomorrow's tech, urging them to lead with foresight, ethics, and unwavering ambition.

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[photo courtesy of ORI YARDENI]

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