Selam (2013) User Reviews

A Timely Film Preaching the Virtues of Tolerance, Love and Spirituality

[l_rawjalaurence · 7/10 · 1 March 2014]

Based partly on the teachings of the preacher and writer Fetullah Gulen, SELAM tells the true story of three Turkish teachers who left their native lands to work in countries they have never heard of before - Afghanistan, Senegal and Bosnia. The film depicts their struggles both in their adopted countries and at home, as they have to overcome the objections expressed by family and close friends (why go abroad when you have so much to do at home?) The term "selam" has several meanings - it is not only a term of greeting, it is a means by which bridges can be established between cultures and peoples, proving the strength of one's faith, while at the same time understanding that there are many people worldwide who embrace the faith with equal fervor. SELAM is a timely film that reflects contemporary anxieties about the future of the world dominated by capitalism and individuality. Is there a means by which people across nations can reconnect with one another and hence work towards achieving a better life for themselves. The film offers an overwhelmingly positive answer - so long as individuals have love in their hearts, act kindly and are prepared to endure sacrifices, both physical as well as spiritual, then there is perhaps hope left in the world. In narrative terms, perhaps SELAM might have benefited from some judicious pruning; there are certain sequences where director Demirkale is too fond of the long, lingering close-up or the slow zoom into the protagonists' faces. On the whole, however, the film leaves you feeling uplifted: human beings are basically good-hearted, so long as they are prepared to listen to their inner voices.

'Selam' is not a simple word means Hello.It is also a mission.

[huseyinkulen · 10/10 · 13 April 2013]

'Selam' is not a simple word means Hello.It is also a mission Fethullah Gulen Movement has many contributions to the poor and weak all around the World.The movement also gives a high standard education by their teachers.The teachers dedicate themselves to their students. Watchers will cease Gulen Movement and Culture of Devotion in this film.Wathchers will leave the cinema with tears in your eyes and thoughts on their mind. God gives us everything we need to live and survive. Whatelse do we need more to be happy and to satisfy ourselves. You'll see what happiness means for the people living in a worthless land.The film gives a great lesson for a simple living and happiness.

A good first attempt

[mithatcanbey · 8/10 · 12 September 2013]

This movie is about the volunteers who moved to different parts of the world to invest in education. People inspired by Mr. Gulen went to abroad since early 90s to create opportunities for the poor countries. Mr. Gulen is known as Ghandi of Turkey or MLK of Turkey because of his ideas about education, human rights, and dialog between people of different religions/cultures. This movie tries to picture the story of these volunteers.

As far as I know, this is the first movie telling their story, and it is a good attempt. I think, there are a lot to tell about how people survived in different countries when they wanted to build schools, and adapt to the culture. The movie pictures it in three different continents and countries namely, Afghanistan, Senegal, and Bosnia.

Just awful

[timothyranger19 · 1/10 · 16 March 2015]

There's an illegal terrorist organization worldwide under control of charlatan Fethullah Gulen. He's trying to make only one religion with uniting Christianity, Islam and Judaism. He racketeers a lot of people under his control such as especially a lot of teachers. My friend is one of them in Turkey and Gulen terror organization is forcing him to take %40 of his salary, also threatens him with death. Gulen terror organization even tried to take Turkish government down because Turkish government showed Gulen's real ugly face to people. He's not a Muslim, not a Christian but Jew. Israel is using him and that's why our USA government cannot catch Gulen because of his illegal organization that killing people and forcing these teachers or any people to send different countries to get money. Movie is just a lie, I pity those teachers, they cannot get out of terrorist Gulen's control cause organization kills whoever gets out of the organization. Thanks to God, Turkish government is destroying his terrorist organization worldwide. I guess soon Antichrist (his followers think so) will be down soon

Not a movie, this is a saga dedicated to dedication souls

[cturkmen-72068 · 10/10 · 15 March 2015]

One of excellent movie that I watched in my entire life. This is the movie that tells us about how Gulen movement hug the people of other countries, how the movement stands against the ignorance and cruelty of other human beings. And also the story of movie is so perfectly following the idea of helping people whatever their belief and culture is not important. the important thing is just being human. One of the ideas that I figured out from the movie is if we solve the problems of humanity we solve every problem in the world. Whatever kind of it does not matter. Whatever complexities of it does not matter. Whatever difficulties of it does not matter.the only matter is look each other without judgment accept them with their own nature.

RETIRED IMAM's propaganda movie..

[constantine_uk · 2/10 · 16 March 2015]

Again again again, the supporters of a retired imam living in one of US states are here.. Typically, whatever movie is made for their ideology is good for them.. it is not about the movie. it is a about dedicated and non- thinking people. their mind is surrendered by the imam.. They do whatever he says.. Now using this story in the movie, they tried to brightness their dark popularity in Turkey but I don't think so that it will work... Anyway, do not waste your time and money for this poor movie. They used the same stars as in their TV series. Boring, not moving, very very awful propaganda movie..

Ciao, people..