Parents' Guide to

From Core to Sun

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Inspiring docu about runner's bid for world record.

Movie NR 2018 90 minutes
From Core to Sun Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

FROM CORE TO SUN follows Ecuadorian runner Millán Ludeña as he embarks on an attempt to set a Guinness World Record in running. In one continuous trip, he wants to travel to South Africa, where he'll run a half marathon in the world's deepest mine, about 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) below the earth's surface. From there he'll immediately travel back to Ecuador to summit Mt. Chimborazo's elevation of over 6,000 meters (19,000+ feet). Months of intense training, preparation, equipment, and logistics are needed if Millán is going to achieve his goal. We follow his triumphs and setbacks as we get to know Millán and the reasons why he wants to undertake this incredible challenge.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Viewer's will be amazed and inspired by this man's attempt to run from the deepest depths to the highest heights, and while it's emotionally moving at times, it's a bit unsatisfying in the end. From Core to Sun spends a lot of time listening to Millán talk about how taking on challenges and facing fears is the way to grow and evolve as a human being, but a lack of follow-up after it's all over means we don't get to learn how he himself grew or changed after this experience. Some of the moments feel forced and manipulative, like when he's fist-pumping at the top of the lighthouse, or soul-searching in the woods.

That being said, Millán Ludeña is a terrific role model for a wide range of ages for perseverance, endurance, and pushing boundaries while you strive to meet life's challenges. Aside from a couple of uses of "crap," which kids who aren't reading carefully and/or don't speak Spanish won't notice, there's no content of concern, but the gentle pace and mature perspective make it best for patient tweens and up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how From Core to Sun portrays Millán. What are his character strengths or weaknesses? Does he inspire you? How?

  • Is there something you'd like to do, or a goal you'd like to achieve, but have been afraid to try? How could you overcome your fear?

  • Who are some other athletes or competitors who inspire you? What do you admire about them? What can you learn from them?

Movie Details

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