1915 (2015) User Reviews

Sinks Under Its Own Self Importance

[Theo Robertson · 4/10 · 28 April 2015]

I had absolutely no idea what this movie was about before I watched it . Having a quick glance at the IMDb page I found out the titular name refers to the date of the Armenian genocide carried out in 1915 by Turkey and of a theatre director putting on a play one hundred years later , A weighty topic but one I had nailed down as a meta-fictional story within a story , a feeling reinforced by an actor called Simon Abkarian playing an obsessed director called Simon directing an actress called Angela who is played by an Armenian actress called Angela Sarafyan. Like I said possible meta-fiction but after seeing 1915 I'm really none the wiser after seeing the film than I was before I saw it

!!!!! SUGGESTIVE SPOILERS !!!!!

As expected the early part of the story revolves around the dictatorial obsession of a theatre bigwig of making a controversial play centered around the first genocide of the 20th Century . Simon demands the story is told and he's taking no prisoners with his cast or with the protesters outside . This isn't really the focus of the film and as it continues it gives a hint that there might be a curse upon the play with the occasional freak accident happening which suggested supernatural forces at play but then it's revealed that the truth behind the accidents are more humanist in nature . The film then takes a sharp turn with a kind of love triangle with Simon . Angela and an actor of Turkish descent who plays a Turkish officer which suggests it might be mutating in to a psychological horror of sorts along the lines of Aronofsky's BLACK SWAN but this as far as I know doesn't materialise ( I'll explain that in a second) and instead deliberately or unintentionally 1915 gives the impression of what a terrible life it is running a theatre company and being a thespian and no one out in the real world appreciates the blood , sweat and tears actors and directors endure in order to bring real life issues to the masses . Hmmm I wasn't aware the masses went to the theatre and they'd rather be in a multiplex cinema chain stuffing their faces with overpriced pizza and popcorn watching a film where the most important member in front of or behind the camera is the guy who does the CGI . Unfortunately by bringing up such a weighty , important topic of genocide 1915 seems to collapse under it's own importance and one wonders when Simon moans "Actors are really ghosts" if this is meant metaphorically or literally as the film ends in a confused ambiguous manner . I don't think I'll be seeing a film with a more confused message than 1915 in 2015

Not going to satisfy Armenians nor anyone looking to be educated

[ThomasJeff · 1/10 · 30 April 2015]

This movie is pretty politicized but more importantly it will not satisfy Armenians who thirst for information about 1915. It will not satisfy those who don't know much about the issue or history. It will definitely not satisfy any Turks, Kurds, Circassians, Assyrians, or anyone else involved in the 30-years of historical events.

It's basically a movie trying to profit by confusing the issue about a dark chapter in history and monetizing this sacred issue for Armenians.

The way that the film turns a play into a sort of historical event with unprofessional actors and ridiculous scenarios is just upsetting and a disgusting way of looking at a very SERIOUS issue.

Sam Page is probably the worst actor in the movie. It's just sort of strange and amateurish the whole way it's put together. It tries to dramatize it by watering it down and politicize something that should be seriously studied and remembered. Also I was a bit disturbed and felt weirded out with the way the movie describes as "a crime was invented" like as if extermination or mass murder is something new or like colonialism or conquest or extermination never happened before. The crime cannot be forgotten just because someone wants it to be but it surely wasn't invented in 1915.

I mean the movie has a line like "maybe the play should have a happy endings" and "you are destroying the Armenian people." Like it's hammering you over the head with its obvious message by saying how naive the audience is.

Never Again.

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[cekadah · 2/10 · 31 May 2015]

A mass of confusion for this viewer. The story seems to bounce around between - the horrible 1915 genocide of Armenians, a haunted theatre, a love triangle, political protesters, arguing actors, a frustrated director, police, how to sell tickets for a one night performance, a possible murder plot, and an actress that can channel the dead.

I got lost in this story. I was hoping for some insight into the 1915 massacre innocent people but nothing like that happens. The entire story is more about Simon's ego than bringing to the public knowledge a horror that happened 100 years ago.

A very odd movie.

People need to know about this

[deltoro-81589 · 9/10 · 18 June 2015]

This is history that needs to be told. This is history that people need to know. This is more than a global event. This is a human event. This is more than politics. This is about the treatment of a whole people. You might think you don't like history. You might think you don't care about global events. Or you might not think about history or global events at all. But hopefully you care about people and people's lives. Whether you agree with the politics or not, you need to know the story. See the movie. It's filmed in a style that will appeal to everyone. It's revealing, it's emotional, it's action, it's drama, it's suspense, it's about perseverance, it's about people.

Two thumbs up!!!

[guitarfreak-67008 · 10/10 · 30 April 2015]

I really enjoyed the movie. Definitely worth the watch! --- Rumor has it that some people wanted a harsher movie, but as an unbiased opinion, I believe this was perfect. It actually left me wanting to know more about the tragedy.

I also appreciated the theme of looking forward and overcoming. Never forget the past, but come together, and overcome. That really stood out to me.

Definitely a powerful movie. If you are considering watching this right now, don't expect to be playing on your phone. You will be glued to your seat and you won't be able to take your eyes off the screen!

Wonderful Little Gem

[twelve-house-books · 6/10 · 21 July 2018]

I lived in the Armenian neighborhood just south of Melrose Avenue in East Hollywood during the Summer of 1988, and don't remember ever being around a more gentle and friendly ethnic group. This film is complex and wonderful and quite different from most films--and I have a super soft spot for old theatres, ghosts or no ghosts. If you care about the human plight and condition, see this film.

Thought provoking-Not the 1915 movie I expected!

[anoush_jebejian · 8/10 · 19 June 2015]

This was definitely not the 1915 movie I expected! It did challenge me on what I expected from a 1915 movie.

I found the movie quite arty but well-made. It took me a while to understand the metaphors throughout the movie but that's what I liked about it. It was not as straightforward as many Hollywood movies. It makes you think and reflect about your own feelings about the Armenian Genocide. The movie delved into the topic of denial in a metaphorical way and brings to the audience's attention that the Armenians in the diaspora are still somewhat lost due to this denial of the Armenian Genocide.

A great, challenging movie with great actors and real feeling.The characters were meant to be the current generation of Armenians. The 2 leads where very convincing in their roles. They showed a great depth in characters.

Definitely recommend watching it. Great movie for a debate!

Complex like a good wine

[shahane · 8/10 · 21 June 2015]

A complicated film about the echoing effects of the 1915 Armenian Genocide in the descendants of survivors today. There are many poignant moments in this film which will touch the heart of any survivor of genocide, however it tries to cover such a complex issue in a short amount of time that it becomes convoluted. But films which require you to think are the best ones. I'll be watching it a 2nd time. Even Siamanto says this story cannot be told.

Don't expect a historical film about the events of 1915 nor the current day politics on the issue. Anyone in these comments who give it 1 star are clearly DENIALIST TURKS. If you suggest this is a political film you obviously haven't seen it and have another agenda. If anything this film suggests Armenians and Turks should get past their differences.

Love, life, betrayal, drama, history - all in one!

[marabramyan · 10/10 · 4 November 2020]

It's still hard to process that this actually happened in real life. This movie perfectly describes those events and the story of the main character. Very interesting to watch, this movie will definitely make you think about life, love, death, faith. I encourage you to watch this movie!

Excellent Historical Movie

[janpolad · 10/10 · 3 November 2020]

A wonderful movie about love, courage, and friendship in a world torn up by bloodthirsty barbarians. A true gem and classic!

True history

[tatevavetikyan-49167 · 10/10 · 3 November 2020]

Beautiful movie on the suffering of Armenian Nation from first Genocide Turkey did in 1915. International audience should educate himself through movies like this !

The 100 year survival -- a truly need for justice

[princessa_jan · 10/10 · 19 April 2015]

I'm thankful to the whole team of "1915 The Movie" film. The film examines, not only the land where 2 millions Armenians lived 100 years ago, but also the state of soul/mind of today's Armenians as well as the psychological influence of 100 years survival (the dramatic change). The film is breathtaking, which shows the complete essence of Armenian people the importance of facing your real truth, the fight for justice in our souls; even though, we sometimes deny it in order to not feel the pain of our nation. The BEST PART of this film is the deep passion, not only of the filmmaker, but of the whole team of 1915--this makes film beautiful with its psychologically tragic elements.Another BEST PART of the film is the element about the truly need of justice. Thank you for this important MOVING STORY FILM, THE 1915 THE MOVIE

A deep physiological thriller

[keuhnelian-47743 · 10/10 · 29 April 2015]

I downloaded the movie in HD through the official website, expecting a historical drama about the Armenian genocide. Instead, what I watched was a a thrilling psychological movie with a message and intended for a wide audience, be it Turk, Armenian or other. It was beautiful to watch a movie that could break boundaries and make you think deep.

I agree it's not for everybody, everyone can have their own perception but I understand the importance of such movies. The Armenian genocide of 1915 affected real people and their ancestors, the movie talks about real experience in a contemporary world. watch it. I also recommend the soundtrack, it was beautiful and I found out that Serj Tankian was the musical director. The music played a good role in putting me in the vibe and I felt something very strong at the end of it all.

True story

[eleonora-84569 · 10/10 · 4 November 2020]

All of us have family members survived that genocide, and no one can erase it, thank you for speaking up and for the movie, I have 3 grandparents who escaped from that hell

Armenian Genocide committed within Ottoman Empire

[ritavardanyan-99808 · 10/10 · 3 November 2020]

The film explores many themes, especially that of denial-referring not only to the supposedly 100-year denial of the alleged Armenian Genocide by the Republic of Turkey, but also the many forms of individual denial among the characters in the story.

Historical fact

[dihakobian · 10/10 · 4 November 2020]

Touching movie based on historical facts. Recommend to watch without popcorn

One of the Best Movies with historical background

[armineharamian · 10/10 · 4 November 2020]

This is one of the best movies with historical background. Without showing the details reflects the unbearable pain of whole nation and unfair silence of the whole world.

10+ for the filmmakers and actors!

Genocide of Armenian people

[routsik · 10/10 · 4 November 2020]

The world needs to know the history of Armenian people,how 1,5 mln Armenians were masacred.If today the world doesn't recognize it new ones will happen.Like Turkey not being punished for the first one in 1915 is committing the second Genocide in Artsakh Armenia NOW.

Profound movie

[manukyansusanna · 10/10 · 16 March 2016]

How do you make a movie about the Genocide without showing blood? How do you present a crime of the century without boring the audience with a pile of historical facts? How do you 100 years later make a movie with which the spectator can identify with? It has been done. It has been done in this movie called 1915. A profound movie for those who appreciate fine art. This movie is for those who think of a film not only as a form of entertainment but as art in motion. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

I watched it with my family members. The movie sparked a long discussion in our family. Most of us thought it was an awesome movie.

An interesting movie that can be read differently

[davitmelkum · 8/10 · 20 June 2015]

The movie 1915 may just look like a movie alerting its viewers of the horrors of the Armenian Genocide and how they impact the lives of modern-day Armenians (which is a totally applicable and reasonable way of viewing the movie), the movie can also be read as the personal struggle and repent of Simon, as he attempts to remedy his wife's doomed condition. But before I can elaborate on this, there are some negatives that the movie holds. For example, the movie was a little too slow, with many scenes staying for longer than they should. Although this can signify the realism of the characters, due to there being long silences in many real-life dramatic scenarios, it still lowered the attraction of the movie, but not by a serious amount. Now, for the story itself, it can be read as a review on the genocide and how it affects everyone, but I believe that it can be viewed with more psychological analysis. I view the movie as being about Simon and his struggles in life, and not about the Armenian Genocide. The film shows that (to my understanding) Simon is a very patriotic man, as he believes that if you stand for something, you must give it 110% of your dedication. This explains his focus on respecting the ghosts of the dead, the ignoring of the protesters, and even the abandonment of his relative, who he deemed as not as dedicated as him. This is also very evident in the fact that he thinks that he can cure his wife's depression after losing their son, and uses the Armenian Genocide as both a tool to help her cope, and a tool to keep him going. But just like radiation, after using this to attempt to cure his wife, he also becomes convinced of his ideals, and because of his attitude to life, he has no intention of self-evaluation, until the start of the movie. Here, he sees how he has psychologically damaged his wife and thusly doomed her, and seeks of a way of redemption. He settles that the only way that he can fix the problem is by cutting him from her life, as shown by him desperately wanting his wife to take the soldier's hand in the play. Once she finally does, his conscious is cleared, or so he thinks, and he attempts to leave for good. However, he still hasn't d cured himself of his self-delusions, and finds himself back in 1915. Sadly, his wife was never truly changed for the better, as although in the play she has a new family, she still hears the lullaby Simon sang to her when they were together. This interpretation might be right, or totally wrong, but the fact that it can exist means that this is a story well-done, which greatly contributes to the movie's quality.

The act of cinematographing a date

[mishellemasri-189-253699 · 8/10 · 2 May 2015]

1915, 1917, 1922, 1933, 1949, 1961, 1975, 1994. Dates. Numbers. The act of naming: a date and nothing more. This dates sum up a number of 993,000,000 million people murdered, slaughtered, and killed, thrashed, beaten, slayed, executed. -For what? - We may ask – Why? – we all inquire with both, disgrace and sorrow. An all we overhear when we ask, when we think of it, when we try to swallow all of this, when we even consider asking, is silence, stillness, muteness. These dates, these marks of history, are inviting, welcoming us to speak. These inscriptions, in which lives, stories, deaths, lies, moments, times, instants, people, are hidden and where we storage every inch of history in dates, so that we may allow ourselves to dismiss them from our memories; something marks a date, and that 'something' is that which we attempt so hard to let go, but will haunt us every time we mark a mark again, it will take us back to it, with all the disgrace and humiliation that encompasses, every moment in the history of men. Because, every script comes or happens for the first and last time, every time.

Those dates are something that we do not yet really know how to identify, regulate, recognize, distinguish… we have not yet found a way to name them, and we circumspect them with a number, around a number, along a cipher, a code, an encryption. Nevertheless, that dates tell us that they should endure from here on unforgettable: an ineffaceable event in the shared archive of a universal calendar, a worldwide experience of time, a schedule for humanity's memoirs. But they also cry to us, telling and recalling us that we are unable to reconcile with history, that we cannot make amends with time, we are incapable of mooring those deaths, they tell us that they haunted by its own time, a time that is much less its own than impossibly inherited in the unsituatable experience of their moment. Shall we try to write what happened in those dates in past tense? Or is present tense more suitable to announce us what enclosures those marks? Is the past already gone, removed, erased, or is the past happening every time we consign ourselves to oblivion? Is present tense, is the word "now", a word that opens, unlocks, and answers; a tense as faltering as it is urgent, a tense that inaugurates the event of writing and marking, as once an unfulfillable anticipation of what is to come, what is ahead of or in the work, and an all too precipitate (therefore "improper") decision about the past as, to choose from now on, the "proper" tense?

This is what makes the film 1915 a way to resurrect old ghosts, merging past experiences with present ones. 1915 is a way to let a date happen, once and for all, as the way it should have happened long ago: it is way to allow 1915, as a date, as a calendar script, to escape its own fate. A way to let it happen. A way to assume a date. A way to assume the deaths. Assume that we allow those dates to happen. And it lets us know that when we forget, we kill the deaths again, we take the knives of our guilt and with remorse we stab them to their graves once and twice, repeatedly. Although I believe that knowing what happened and how it happened, isn't an emergency exit from guilt, at least it make us conscious that we are facing, and we will eternally face our impossibility to mourn, to grief them. And that even if we'd like to held one minute of silence for every victim of these crimes, we wouldn't have enough time, because we would have to be silent for 189 years. We have not enough time to mourn, we have not enough time to narrate each of the stories of the ones that were killed, we cannot even tell each name, write each name, know each name. 1915, as a movie, as a date, as an event, as a moment, as a genocide, externalizes us that there are gaps that we are unable, and we are powerless to fill; the gap—which makes as much as it breaks—is therefore where 1915, 1917, 1922, 1933, 1949, 1961, 1975, 1994 starts, and re-starts time and does it once more.

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[mshoushan · 10/10 · 3 November 2020]

Never again! Stop turkey agression, Turkey try again make a genocide. Stop turkey.

Unexpectedly bold, deep, and brilliant in it's storytelling.

[avettiicreations · 10/10 · 26 April 2016]

I'm a young Armenian man. I heard of this film because Serj Tankian did the score. Didn't know what to expect. I wanted to expect a live-action movie which reenacted the genocide, much like Schindler's List...however, this told a powerful, unexpected story through a bold parallel which delved deep into the psychology of what took place, how we feel about it as Armenians, and offered a gut-wrenching, heart- breaking yet hopeful path toward letting go, and possibly, moving on. The ending brought me to tears in an emotional crescendo. I felt the pain of the characters and what they faced. It's what we all face in our own way as Armenians. Live in the past, or move forward. Neither is without sacrifice.

Best movie I watched this year.

[claudio-abitante · 10/10 · 27 May 2016]

The movie is great.

The music is amazing.

The story is deep.

It makes you understand how difficult it is to make decisions in complicated situations (not that the Armenian genocide was just a complicated situation: it has been an horrible atrocity).

At the end the movie left me with a conflict inside.

The actors did a great job.

Amazing job by the directors.

I hope in a sequel.

I love the movie.

[nune-hayrapetyan · 10/10 · 14 March 2016]

I thought the movie was very interesting and out of standards. I think the directors had done an excellent job in making a 100 year story be so relevant to our lives today. People who are thinkers would enjoy this movie very much. However, you do need to watch the movie carefully because every word spoken is important and if you are not paying attention you can miss a great symbolism. The actors are very good, I especially enjoyed Simon Apkarian. I also liked where the movie was filmed. The LA theater is so old and beautiful. It seemed that it has stayed opened all these years just for this movie.

My advice: Watch this movie carefully and you will love it.