Nefes - Der Atemzug

This movie is based on a an event of incursion of the small military stationery located at the top of the Mountains in Semdinli (Southeastern border of Turkey) by a PKK terrorist group in 1993. Despite of being a Azeri Turk, I tried to watch and discuss this movie objectively. Why this movie deserves to be watched? Because: This is a unique Turkish movie that incorporated humor, grief, reality, originality, art and most of all simplicity in performance.

The acting was pure and simple much like as an original Turkish soldier. A bunch of soldiers from different regions of Turkey connected in a quest. None of them actors were celebrities in real life. Made an impression that I would see and do the same things and have the same conversations if I were in military in some other place. I think nothing is exaggerated in the story and it has an objective opinion on the terrorism but explains it from the Turkish side of view. I've never seen such a pure and simple acting that made me feel in their shoes. The 'calling home' part of the movie is one of the greatest parts. In those couple of minutes I realized that it could be me, my friend (who is a doctor and made his military duty at the same region) or my relative. Don't know how other people would feel but every single Turk watching this movie will see a part of themselves in those soldiers' life. The director is very very successful in transmitting the atmosphere and he deserves a special mention for mastery in simplifying that movie which seems to be actually complicated in it's nature.

The artistic scenery especially from a photographic view is another thing that made me feel proud and happy as a photographer.

The music at the background successfully synchronized with the events and moods during the entire movie.

Finally, the movie is named as 'Nefes' which stands for 'the breath' and is explained in such a conversation that touched me deeply: 'In the fight what matters is breath: whether you 'take' it or 'give' at the end!'...

I'd advise anyone to watch this movie... You'll definitely like the cinematography, directing, acting and most of all this is one of the best achievements in Turkish cinema in my opinion...

Watch it!

This movie is absolutely the first Turkish movie regarding its topic. A film that tells the story of people doing their military service at a territory of terror has never been made before. The film reflects the psychology of soldiers very well. So, the film is quite important for its script. The script is based on a true story. Besides all these, the colors are used effectively and gives the atmosphere of the film to the audience in a good way. The music is also used more differently than any other Turkish movies and the music is appropriate with the dialogs and scenes.It is one of the most realistic films I have ever watched. Turkish people had already deserved such a movie for that they live in a country suffering from terror since 1980s.So it is a movie that should have shot much before.For only being the first for its script, it deserves 9 out of 10.

One of the most realistic war movies ever. It's all about humans and no politics or nationalistic messages are artificially included as seen even in the best American war movies. An objective look to a real drama. The characters and their relationships that are put into the story background are carefully created and fit into the story telling perfectly. You can feel they are not bulletproof, perfect fictional heroes but fragile people from real life like anybody else. The thrilling flow through calm atmosphere and gradually increasing tension makes this movie exceptional. Fight scenes are also very impressive. A must see! Excellent direction.

The Breath begins almost as a Turkish version of Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. A drill instructor berates a group of young soldiers; telling them that they will all die; especially if they sleep. He says that their mothers will cry when their bodies are sent home for burial. He asks one of the boys if he has a girlfriend. When he answers yes, the commander says, not anymore, and while you are fighting for your country, she will find a new boyfriend.

The platoon is sent to a dangerous mountain region at the Iraqi border to stop the radical Kurdistan Workers Party. The Turkish soldiers learn quickly that they are canon fodder for their government; a fairly universal theme everywhere. The battle scenes are well made and as military films go, The Breath is one of the better ones that I've seen. Director Levent Semerci make you really care what happens to the brave young men.

This movie is not about the war. don't think about the terrorism in Turkey that about the movie. Nor militarist neither anti-militarist. Not just about the terrorism. This movie is about the life. Lifes, which lives in 40 different souls. This is about the love. to love someone, poems, dreams, and to love mainland. Just to protect their land for to go their sweet home.This is not a fake bravery story. you will see the fear in their eyes. You'll see the tears. And you will consider what is the meaning of innocent soldier. Watch it, you will not lose anything. You 'll gain a life. And you will do anything to protect your life. This movie will tell you what is the meaning of love, under the threats of bullets.