Bliss

Because I have read the novel, comparing novel and the movie is inevitable. In Livaneli's book there are political messages with the stories. Political side become more concrete than happenings. In the novel without giving an importance to characters all three characters – Meryem, Irfan, Cemal- were depicted in detail. Contrary to the novel, in movie there is Meryem in the center of the story. Irfan and Cemal were stayed at the side. Political views were not mentioned in the movie as in the novel.

If we take into consideration the total Mutluluk can be valued as a successful movie. Photographic scenes, music's, players, story are suit each other in great harmony. Ozgu Namal is so naive and so talented, Murat Han acted well, Talat Bulut could be more supportive, Lale Mansur is seen very few. Other players played in middle range.

Abdullah Oguz did well by Mutluluk. I got some questions in my mind. The story is told about the traditions. In Turkey there are traditions and these traditions can hurt the people and change their lives entirely. If you make a film of such a situation which is against the Turkey, it is easy to find a capital/support for movie. I wonder why.

Bliss (2007)

Utterly gorgeous, and utterly deplorable for a Westerner to see the mistreatment of a girl in this way. I know I'm supposed to be open minded and accept that this Muslim Turkish culture is simply different than my own, but it's clear that the movie, made by Turks, is also a condemnation of the barbarity shown.

The movie is very sensitively done, very well filmed. I found it frankly slow, in terms of development, depending on a lyrical mood and terrific light to sustain ordinary moments as well as extraordinary ones. The contrast of utter modernity and utterly medieval ideas is fascinating, but also frustrating. But that's part of the point. It's quite a beautifully, tenderly made movie, with some very real types allowed to blossom.

In the end, by the end, it's so completely heartbreaking and heartwarming, you will fall in love with Turkey, and with what this film is saying about life so well, no matter what your beliefs.

Turkey, the exotic land of two continents. The westernized, colorful country in the large urban areas, and conservative, almost different century living in the remote, rural parts. Hence, the encounter between the jaded professor and the two lost young souls entangled in the madness of old traditions and beliefs. This beautifully filmed movie, slowly unravel these troubled lives. They touch upon each other, spend some time together and leave changed and perhaps a bit happier. Gentle, thoughtful film, acted with subtle passion and clarity, and above all, the stunning camera work.The breathtaking beauty of Turkish landscape tells the story of its own.

'Mutluluk' is going to be an important step in the growing film industry of Turkey…

This is one of the most impressive movie since 'Eskiya'. I read the book and I can easily say that this is really very good adaptation of the book.The directing, acting and especially art directing is really successful. The score of the film was conducted bye the writer of the book 'Zulfu Livaneli'( who is also a great musician.) and gives the deep feeling of the book..This movie is about three characters escaping from their destinies… If you want to watch an amazing story go and watch the crashing stories of Meryem, Cemal and Irfan who is a professor who wants to escape from the lies and dirt of his fake life. Acting was very good. Although all of the cast is good 'Ozgu Namal' (Meryem) is one step beyond them.. She is fabulous…..

All in all, whether you read the book or not , if you want to watch a good film go and watch this film

There are absolutely only two reasons why I loved this movie. First one is the way it was written. It is expected and unexpected at the same time. It takes so many different turns that it becomes hard to what to expect for the next second. The second one was of course the acting. Everyone played their parts extremely well. I felt like I was one of them and experiencing the same kind of emotions. I could not keep myself from crying and laughing at the same time. It really is hard to find movies like this. And of course what really impressed me was the ending. I have really found what I was looking for. It is kind of rare to find movies that have satisfying endings. I would also like to use this opportunity to recommend couple more movies for those who share the same kind of movie taste; Babam ve Oglum, Kabadayi