A 3.5 hour visual feast. Like Nuri Bilge Ceylan's previous films, this film, although quite long, contains plenty of dialogue that is not boring. Although the action part takes place in the countryside, there are visually fairy-tale environments. However, life is not easy at all in this deserted geography of Anatolia. The film greets the audience with snowy landscapes. In the beginning, we follow teacher Samet. Samet proceeds on the road surrounded by a white and endless horizon in the snow. This powerful scene provides clear clues about the film.
From the first moments of the film, director NBC establishes a fascinating and desolate atmosphere. It repeatedly tells us (as in the movie Winter Sleep) that loneliness is not only a result of external conditions, but also the result of our own emotional moves and selfish attitudes. Master cinematographer Gökhan Tiryaki did not take part in this movie, but the movie is still very successful. Cold colors and gray tones convey the isolation and depression of the characters in a balanced way. It allows us to feel the coldness on the characters' faces and the warmth of a glass of tea.
The deep scenario forces you to consider fundamental issues of the human condition in the context of good and evil, individualism and collectivism. NBC shows us that these dilemmas exist in all societies and force us to question our own beliefs and behaviors.
Again a Masterpiece!
(But USA's Oscars and the Golden Globe will again ignore the master director.)
