Despite a couple loose ends, this film is so well made and the story so compelling and powerful that it must be considered a masterpiece. This is especially true considering that it was made in one of the most difficult times in Turkish history to make a movie of any sort, especially one with such strong social and political commentary.
The story is a powerful and fascinating tale of several prisoners on temporary leave from a prison, and the crucial events that they face. Tragedy and sadness are prevalent, despite the fact that each character's leave has a very different outcome, and the film excellently and compellingly explores how the characters must face their difficult circumstances. It addresses a wide range of forces, political, social, familial, that impact the lives of the characters, and comments on all of these. The film's exploration of these issues ranges from blunt and harsh, to subtle and satirical and the actors are simply fabulous.
The result is a compelling, extremely moving, and thought-provoking film. However, people who watch it should avoid using it as a guide for what Turkey is like today, especially in certain aspects. They must remember that this film is over 20 years old and was made at one of the darkest periods in Turkish history.
The story is a powerful and fascinating tale of several prisoners on temporary leave from a prison, and the crucial events that they face. Tragedy and sadness are prevalent, despite the fact that each character's leave has a very different outcome, and the film excellently and compellingly explores how the characters must face their difficult circumstances. It addresses a wide range of forces, political, social, familial, that impact the lives of the characters, and comments on all of these. The film's exploration of these issues ranges from blunt and harsh, to subtle and satirical and the actors are simply fabulous.
The result is a compelling, extremely moving, and thought-provoking film. However, people who watch it should avoid using it as a guide for what Turkey is like today, especially in certain aspects. They must remember that this film is over 20 years old and was made at one of the darkest periods in Turkish history.