sari_fil Reviews

Süt (2008)

Take a bite in and don't let go

[10/10 · 28 January 2009]

Second film in the Egg-Milk-Honey trilogy, whose main theme is the relationship between mother and son on the background of changing Turkish society, the generational and rural-urban conflicts. The symbolism of the film is mind-motivating but not incomprehensible, the camera is exquisite and sound underscores the atmosphere of the film. Süt is probably cinematographically more mature than Yumurta. Semih Kaplanoglu proves again that he is a very promising director with a defined auteur style. Basak Koklukaya gives a standard performance while the young actor, Melih Selcuk, presents a very good and for his debut film a mature screen presence - another big talent found by Kaplanoglu (Johnnie To, member of the 65th Venice Film Festival jury, listed Selcuk as one of his two main candidates for the best actor award). After watching Süt, the feeling that was steadily growing inside will not let you rest and the film will continue to resonate inside of your soul for days to come. Selected for the 65th Venice Film Festival Main Competition as the first Turkish film in 17 years, this film is yet another proof of how long a way Turkish cinema has walked from merely 15 years ago until now and how many promising Turkish artists the future might uncover for us.

Alone (2008)

Cheap and cheesy money maker

[1/10 · 25 January 2009]

A tasteless film with the most conventional plot, poor acting, poor camera and poor directing. You will quite vainly look for any deeper meanings or a message. For there is none. It might make some people cry but so do some low quality soap operas. It is quite obvious that the director comes from this background. There is nothing unexpected and the sex scene is one of the least erotic ones after Bodyguard. Fortunately, not the most typical Turkish feature film of our day but unfortunately the one that makes more money and attracts more audience than those worth your money. It would be a relief to know that the director does not have any higher aspirations than making a film for a particular audience that enjoys non-stimulating entertainment and cheap love stories if he had not been honestly puzzled why he was not selected for any, yes, ANY, film festival competition with this one.