The most amazing foreign language film I've ever seen (and one of the most heart touching films ever, period)! I didn't plan on watching it, my parents and I were looking through movies and happened to come across this one and my mum said we'll just watch the first 10-15 minutes or so. Ended up watching the whole thing and not regretting a single second.
86 Reviews
Absolutely a great movie!
Eminsmsk25 October 2017
In my opinion this movie one of the best Turkish movies. First of all, this movie has a real story. In the Korean War, the Turkish army did great things.So history lovers might enjoy this movie.Also,the movie was very impressive.The relationship between the Turkish soldier and the little Korean girl was very beautiful.In summary,I really recommend this movie to watch.
One of the best true story movie in this year.
piano1271 September 2018
This is the first time for me to watch a Turkish movie. Plot, scene, acting and the story are all great. I should try more Turkish.
Alsi, As a Korean, I must say Thank you to all Turkish veterans who risked their life to help my country which had nothing but ashes. Thank you so much. We couldn't be what we are now without your sacrifices.
I hope more people watch this movie.
Alsi, As a Korean, I must say Thank you to all Turkish veterans who risked their life to help my country which had nothing but ashes. Thank you so much. We couldn't be what we are now without your sacrifices.
I hope more people watch this movie.
Damn, Ninjas are Cutting Onions in this One!!!!
yadavanita-180935 October 2020
Definately deserving to be in imdb top 250 so that more and more people get to know about this epic journey of war, seperation and a heartfelt reunion will make your eyes watery feeling the grief and struggle of Suleyman. His hopeless efforts to survive the war and to take care of the little girl like his own daughter only to be seperated from her for 60 years will make you question the justice of the two nations towards Suleyman.
Definately a movie to be on your watchlists and to be seen by the whole world to enjoy this true story like both our characters enjoyed meeting each other like the stars aligned just to fulfill their promise to protagonist. A gem of Cinema and its power to tell a powerful story; not to be forgotten easily.
Very Good movie!
fernandojnfalmeida-672-22614623 May 2021
awesome movie
bozdmr29 October 2017
This movie is based on true story of a Turkish Sergeant Suleyman Dilbirligi's who went to Korean war in 1950. He found a little girl who lost her all family in the war and Suleyman cared this little girl until he left from Korea. However, they could meet again after 60 years. Actually, this is the best Turkish movie that I have ever watched till now. It is really pretty hard to explain my emotions that I've felt when watching the movie. From the beginning to the end, the movie made me locked. I strongly recommend you to watch this incredible and excellent movie, believe me, you will never regret and I am exactly sure that you will feel the pure love and innocence.
Great opening scene, wonderful closing scene
hasanaslannnnn4 November 2017
The trailer of movie talks about a lot of thing about it. But all scenes are completely warming up your blood. You are laughing at some scenes, crying at others or smiling like Ayla. There's war and demand of peace, there's hopelessness and hope, there's humanity and love in this movie. After theater there were a lot of people who were crying. :)
True bonding
sueharriz7 October 2019
Ayla
0U17 March 2020
Ayla: The Daughter of War All is fair in love & war... Even at war; the sense of human value reflects, Winsomeness has its effect, we all need love ... despite that I am responsible for every child either mine or not, they ought to be safe and happy... Love is beyond language & nationalism... the world needs love
Beautiful, touching, inspirational.
paulclaassen2 September 2020
I admit, 'Ayla: The Daughter of War' is not entirely what I expected. Part of me expected a war movie in the veins of 'Warsaw 44'. However, 'Ayla' is far more emotional, and not so much about war, but rather about humanitarian response to war situations. In this regard, it was truly exceptional.
If the little girl doesn't steal your heart, nothing will. If Suleyman doesn't win you over as a caring individual and father figure, chances are nothing will. Ismail Hacioglu was fantastic as Suleyman, a character I really cared about and rooted for. 'Ayla' is a beautiful, touching and heart wrenching story. The film revolves around Turkish soldiers being sent to Korea, who encounter a young girl - as the only survivor - during one of their field missions. What follows next is a beautiful story among the horrors of war.
Based on fact, this is an incredibly inspirational story. The film reminded me - to a certain extent - of the Chinese film 'Aftershock' and the Korean film 'Ode to my Father' - both exceptional films in its own right.
'Ayla' is by far one of the most endearing war films you will ever see. Despite the dramatic element, the film also delivers some very effective comedic moments. 'Ayla' is a one of a kind war film, but might not satisfy everyone's taste in a war movie.
If the little girl doesn't steal your heart, nothing will. If Suleyman doesn't win you over as a caring individual and father figure, chances are nothing will. Ismail Hacioglu was fantastic as Suleyman, a character I really cared about and rooted for. 'Ayla' is a beautiful, touching and heart wrenching story. The film revolves around Turkish soldiers being sent to Korea, who encounter a young girl - as the only survivor - during one of their field missions. What follows next is a beautiful story among the horrors of war.
Based on fact, this is an incredibly inspirational story. The film reminded me - to a certain extent - of the Chinese film 'Aftershock' and the Korean film 'Ode to my Father' - both exceptional films in its own right.
'Ayla' is by far one of the most endearing war films you will ever see. Despite the dramatic element, the film also delivers some very effective comedic moments. 'Ayla' is a one of a kind war film, but might not satisfy everyone's taste in a war movie.
Mükemmel
sercanst28 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In 1950, amidst the ravages of the Korean War, Sergeant Süleyman stumbles upon a a half-frozen little girl, with no parents and no help in sight. Frantic, scared and on the verge of death, this little girl captures the heart of Süleyman, who risks his own life to save her, smuggling her into his Army base and out of harms way. Not knowing her name and unable to communicate with her, Süleyman names her Ayla, in reminiscence of the moon on the fateful night during which they met. The two form an instantaneous and inseparable bond, and Ayla, almost effortlessly, brings an uncanny joy to the Turkish brigade in the grip of war. As the war comes to a close however, Süleyman's brigade is told that they will be returning home. Süleyman cannot bear abandoning Ayla, and does everything within his power to take her with him. After repeated failure, he is forced to give Ayla to an orphanage, but doesn't give up on the hope of one day reuniting with her. Will the two ever get back together?
Very emotional but a missed opportunity
ahmetaa-131 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie with previous knowledge of the Turkish Brigade in Korean war and the actual story of Ayla and Süleyman. I thought the subject is interesting and it would be successful especially for Turkish viewers. However at the end I had mixed feelings about it. It was quite emotional, for a father to watch. There were quite funny parts as well. However, I think it was a mistake to use the identities of the original people in the movie as it probably portrayed characters quite differently. Süleyman in the movie was down right obsessive and too irrational when it comes to leave her in Korea. Behavior of his actual daughter against him later in the movie was also unusual. From what I know, actual events did not unfold that way. Actual events were emotional and dramatic enough, why put unnecessary agitation?
During the war, Turkish soldiers were known as fierce fighters and not to retreat without a good fight. Indeed during the battle of Wawon (Kunuri) they fight against overwhelming Chinese troops for their life. When their ammunition depleted they fought with knives rocks and fists. In the movie they try to insert this with little success IMO. Perhaps portraying actual events more realistically would be much better (watch Tae Guk Ki for the contrast in battle parts). I think with more side stories and less deliberate emotional push, this movie could be very good. I would give a 6, but for the effort, it deserves a 7.
During the war, Turkish soldiers were known as fierce fighters and not to retreat without a good fight. Indeed during the battle of Wawon (Kunuri) they fight against overwhelming Chinese troops for their life. When their ammunition depleted they fought with knives rocks and fists. In the movie they try to insert this with little success IMO. Perhaps portraying actual events more realistically would be much better (watch Tae Guk Ki for the contrast in battle parts). I think with more side stories and less deliberate emotional push, this movie could be very good. I would give a 6, but for the effort, it deserves a 7.
A Missed Opportunity To Memorialize Forgotten Heroes.
turkerc1 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Firstly, "Oscar nominee of Turkey" was a tag to attract Turkish audience. And i think it worked.
Turkish soldiers who went on a mission for the Korean war were dramatic piece of history. None of us give enough credit for those spared for securing Turkey's position in modern Western World and NATO. But we know these soldiers proved both fearless and humanitarian during their duty. Was it a wise choice to send them and how it resulted? Here is not the place to answer. But we can say this movie was quite numb to the politics of 1950s and took just what it needed from those days.
Based on a real story that we heard on TV before, scenario was the strong point of the movie. But instead of giving it the depth and character development it deserved, script plunged into silly sentimentality at all. Ismail Hacioglu, Ali Atay and even Cetin Tekindor failed to deliver something special from their selves. To make things worse like TV series seen on TRT TV like "Diriliş: Ertugrul" there were absurd and unrealistic fight scenes, Turkish Airlines and Hyundai ads. There was an irrelevant jump to the 1999 earthquake and scenario felt disconnected.
Cinematography was not bad, there were beautiful shots and high quality. The real footage at the end was charming.
Overall; another extravagant and shallow Turkish blockbuster film made a lot of fuss but nothing gained.
Turkish soldiers who went on a mission for the Korean war were dramatic piece of history. None of us give enough credit for those spared for securing Turkey's position in modern Western World and NATO. But we know these soldiers proved both fearless and humanitarian during their duty. Was it a wise choice to send them and how it resulted? Here is not the place to answer. But we can say this movie was quite numb to the politics of 1950s and took just what it needed from those days.
Based on a real story that we heard on TV before, scenario was the strong point of the movie. But instead of giving it the depth and character development it deserved, script plunged into silly sentimentality at all. Ismail Hacioglu, Ali Atay and even Cetin Tekindor failed to deliver something special from their selves. To make things worse like TV series seen on TRT TV like "Diriliş: Ertugrul" there were absurd and unrealistic fight scenes, Turkish Airlines and Hyundai ads. There was an irrelevant jump to the 1999 earthquake and scenario felt disconnected.
Cinematography was not bad, there were beautiful shots and high quality. The real footage at the end was charming.
Overall; another extravagant and shallow Turkish blockbuster film made a lot of fuss but nothing gained.
Nothing is impossible in a movie
MovieIQTest7 January 2021
That could be served as a candy bar to forge the diplomatic relationship between two totally different countries. The good gesture offered by the goodwill Turkey movie maker was quite recommendable. There's no harm to do so that would show the people of the world that Turkey is a nation with great heart and profound humanitarian goodwill. Both of the North and South Korean governments and their people would fall in love with Turkey, especially their soldiers.
Excellent movie
sss_durak6 November 2017
It was the best Turkish film I watched.All benevolent people around the world should watch this movie. I hope that children will not be victims in battle.Everyone was crying after watching this movie. I was about to cry but I did not cry. It's a controversial film.The battle scenes were also very beautiful.Film is also a positive feature inspired by a real achievement. I recommend you watch this movie.
One of the best well made true story
mosquitocyn11 September 2021
You will enjoy this well made movie which takes you from Turkey to Korea spanning a period from around 1950 to around 2010. It very touching, there are scenes of war, scenes of pure joy and tears of separation and joy of unification. All these scenes are acted very well, movie is well paced, does not drag itself, does not get political as it mainly focuses on the strong bonding of father daughter relationship between the Turkish man and the Korean child he found and protected for more than a year. There is no boring scene and you may shed some tears. Watch it.
this review tells the movie's outline
eserin-3654228 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It's a great movie. Based on a true story.That makes me so emotional and I cried when I watched. Turkey's Oscar nominee. This movie to deserve it. If you like drama movies you must watch Ayla. The cast is very good. The acting is very good. Korea's only brother country is Turkey. So this movie is telling our history.
Deserved Oscar Nominee for Turkey
misiribrahim102 November 2017
This movie was coming with it's own unique aura. We had knew that, the movie will be good from it's trailers, TV advertisements and etc. I'm proud that, this movie is our Oscar nominee. Also I'm very thankful to those whom worked for this movie, to bring us a masterpiece. The movie is so emotional that me, I consider myself as a non-emotional person, even I wasn't able to hold myself to not to cry. Being based on a true story makes it even better on my opinion. You can hold yourself to not to cry on the whole movie but just wait for the credits. When you watch the movie you'll understand what I'm talking about right now. Again, thanks to everyone who involved in this piece of art and show us real facts lived on battle zones. "MUST WATCH IN THEATHERS"
Please don't forget the children's of war
drssever5 November 2017
May be it's not objective to write something about my nation. But i think there is not much examples like Ayla in human history. While living in the rage of war thinking different when you see a little helpless girl in battlefield is so hard. Film based on a real story. Real good action scenes bundled with a strong emotion of humanism. Great acting . Also soundtrack have a great impact in the quality of film. Ayla was a lucky one when you look at the numbers in human history. We host more than 1 million children of war in our country while in deep sorrow while thinking the ones we cant rescue... And a strong message to politicians : Who can explain the cause of tears shed by a children of war ?
Has a big potential , but wastes it
mustafascorsese5 November 2017
This movie has a big potential. But unfortunately,movie waste this potential. First of all, this movie is far from war psychology. The motivations of the characters are not told to us correctly. I think the emotions of the characters in a good war movie is so important. But in this movie , characters inside are too empty. They say nothing about war.At the same time, movie uses unnecessary scenes to make audience cry.The second half of the movie is completely different than first half.İts like watching two different movie.There is a big problem about time jumps.The older part of the main character is longer than necessary.In addition, the film contains propaganda than necessary. Also in movie war has not been shown to be painful on both sides. So the war in the film is not neutral and realistic.
But on the other side Ayla has great acting. Every actors and actresses perform flawless.Production is beautiful. War scenes are exaggerated, but pleasant and realistic.As a result Ayla is an average movie.Not bad,but not that good.
But on the other side Ayla has great acting. Every actors and actresses perform flawless.Production is beautiful. War scenes are exaggerated, but pleasant and realistic.As a result Ayla is an average movie.Not bad,but not that good.
One of the best turkey movie..
takumi-mitsui24 October 2020
Great story ruined by a bad director
hazarbuyukculhaci5 February 2019
A heart-aching "based on true events" story. Could have been better without Ali Atay -playing himself as always-. I wish a remake of this movie with a better Turkish director and an editing team would be possible. Commercials of the movie introducing it as "The Turkish candidate for Academy Awards candidates" is also problematic.
3 points for the story, 3 points for the little girl, and 1 point for the sake of development of Turkish film industry.
3 points for the story, 3 points for the little girl, and 1 point for the sake of development of Turkish film industry.
historical errors
armonieksperlik19 November 2017
Perfect real story. The story is in the year 1950 and 1951 but unfortunately almost every detail in the movie is from late fifties or even sixties... almost none of the cars, jeeps, radios, anti aircraft guns, choppers used in movie does not exist in 1950. let alone the details as terrible M4 Shermans or plastic water tanks, you may easily see a 55 Chevy around... there are only two cars to exist in the year 1950 as I noticed in the movie.
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