Aydin (Haluk Bilginer) is a wealthy man, a former actor who now runs a hotel in Cappadocia. He also writes a column for the local newspaper, and is researching for his planned book about the history of Turkish theater. Nihal (Melisa Sözen) is his beautiful and much younger wife. Necla (Demet Akbag) is his divorced sister.
Also involved the family of Aydin's poor tenants who could not pay their rent for several months already. The friendly and gregarious Hamdi appeals for compassion, while his older brother, the impetuous jobless ex-con Ismail and his sullen young son Illyas, could not hide their contempt for their landlord.
This film is about the various conversations and confrontations between these people. These may begin as abstract debates about not resisting evil or boredom or donations, yet they all end up being very personal. There is no real plot, just a lot of seemingly random dialogue. Although, there are arguments that seemed endless and repetitive, these confrontations were eloquently written with very meaningful words for both sides of the issue. These long talky scenes were riveting despite their length and you hang on to every word they were saying as they drip with wisdom, wit, bitterness and sarcasm. The performances of these fine actors of these flawed characters were faultless and so natural in the delivery of their complex lines.
The cinematography of this film is so amazingly beautiful as it magically captured the unique topography of Cappadocia during the wintertime. There were several picture-perfect and haunting scenes throughout, specially those about the Anatolian horse, the cemetery, the train tracks, the tree with the birds, the rabbit in the brush, the town, the hotel -- all covered with pristine snow. The close-ups of the actors were all so perfectly framed to achieve maximal drama. The use of mirrors to vary the camera shots were very good.
I admit that the 3-hour and 16-minute length of this film can be felt. However, you do not really mind this time running as you listen to intellectually-stimulating emotionally-rich conversation. This film is a masterpiece of world cinema by acclaimed Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, truly worthy of its Palme d'Or during the Cannes Film Festival this summer. This should be a shoo-in to at least be nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language film. 9/10.
Nice review and the film seems a good one to watch. But 3 hour+ is quite a long run. Nevertheless, seeing the beauty of Cappadocia on screen is a relief.
ReplyDeleteInteresting movie to watch. i would think that people will learn to consider that there are always two sides to an issue.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I hope that people will not use their circumstances as an excuse to be a burden to society, if you know what I mean. I haven't watched the movie yet, though, so that's just me jumping off from what you blogged about.
Sounds like a really interesting movie. This review made me really curious and I'm thinking of watching it soon. Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. It now has me wanting to go watch it:)
ReplyDeleteI like films with a lot of dialogue because it is the dialogue that renders people's emotions and the different types of personalities stand out during confrontations so the repercussion between the characters is really impressive.
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect, i'm looking for a movie to watch tonight (: This sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love to watch movies whenever I found any free time,so you just added one into my list.
ReplyDeleteOk, I was just going to research for this when you said that it's a foreign language film. What language would that be?
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany. It is in Turkish.
Deletei thought it still sounded pretty good, especially when you spoke of the cinematography being awesome, but "There is no real plot, just a lot of seemingly random dialogue." totally put me off.
ReplyDeleteplotless movie is a big no no for me.
The title seems mysterious of something, but it needs to have a clear story-line to entice me. I don't even care about the effects or cinematography so long as it tells a good message. Without it, such movie is no good to me...
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't watch a movie which seemingly has no storyline to it tho . thank you for th honest review :)
ReplyDeleteToo bad the plot is not as good as the cinematography. A good plot is definitely more important than effects.
ReplyDeleteThree hours of repetitive arguments.. that would be too much for me too handle.. I for one prefer cinema which is not too realistic and is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteNice review, as always. So, intellectual conversations and winterscapes.. Almost too comfy setting. I may like this.
ReplyDeleteI think the film has a lot of realism in it. A lot of people of different status can relate to the conversations.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an interesting movie but a long movie with no plot is not something I would spend my time in. Though, maybe its nice to watch something different once in a while especially if it could teach you something like for this movie, it would teach you to hear the different sides of the story. However, if it's repetitive, it could bring boredom for some.
ReplyDeleteI love films like this - seeing all the different relationships and connections pan out. At over 3 hours it does seem as if it could drag slightly but definitely a film I would like to see. Fab review as always. Simone x
ReplyDeleteThe name and photograph alone evokes thoughts of an interesting and involved storyline. I might just check this one out..
ReplyDeleteA Turkish movie. I might need to find a version with subtitles on.
ReplyDeleteThe print making rounds of film festivals internationally have excellent English subs.
DeleteNuri Bilge Ceylan is an acclaimed director and so I expect to see this one when I can get my hands on it. 3 hours flies by when watching a richly made film.
ReplyDeleteit sounds interesting but i think over 3 hours is a bit too much for me
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good one, but I think it's for a select few only, to be able to appreciate the intelligent dialogue. I am interested though, so if I get to spare 3 hours and 16 minutes of my time, I'll be able to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI guess you have to be focused in watching a movie like this so that you will be able to get the story. But it does look interesting.
ReplyDelete