Sarmasik

Things are happening. Suspense is building. Then some loose ends unfold and the credits roll. Thanks for nothing. There are films that leave the viewer to fill in some blanks, I get it... but this movie didn't guide us toward anything less than a million possible conclusions.

I believe every movie should be judged from its best side first. Even though ''Ivy'' ends with an open-ended ending, it is a movie that should be given a chance because of the actors' acting as if you were watching from there, and a real sense of tension that gradually builds up.

"Sarmaşık" is a little surprise, a gripping and twisting story about six men that have to stay on board a ship when the owner of the cargo ship goes bankrupt. Till the owner is found and things can be resolved, the six men will try to keep the ship clean and in good condition. The group includes the captain, an experienced sailor, a guy that works in the kitchen, a silent and very very tall guy and a couple of pot smokers... Pretty soon things turn sour.

The film is a study about solitude, the purposeless of life, the power fights between men... And it does a great job in delivering in all of those topics. The focus is clear, the direction tight and the acting helps. The characters are a little bit archetype (you know who is going to be trouble from second one) and it plays its cards with too much ambiguity (it tries to leave options open to the viewer, but sometimes it backfires). But those are minor problems, and the slow-burning pace and amazing atmosphere are the cherry on the top of a great movie, really worth checking.

This is the second Turkish movie i watch. (First one was ONCE UPON A TIME IN ANATOLIA, by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, 2011. My rating was exactly the same, 7.2/10). I should probably watch other Turkish movies as well, seems that neighboring country has a lot to offer in World's cinema.

This is a good psychological drama/thriller. Increasingly intense as it is progressing. The biggest quality here is acting, great actors, each one of them. The whole premise overall is not that convincing/realistic but those actors made it work. You might guess a thing or two, i mean, don't expect mindblowing twists and turns. But if you like this genre, you'll like this too. Claustrophobic, good pace, well directed. There is a nice "surreal/fantasy" element but it is still a psychological thriller, with real people and their struggles. I would have rated it even higher if it had a proper ending, this was too abrupt and open for interpretation. Still, i was not disappointed. I think i know what's gonna happen after the final scene.

Who would have thought that I would type my first review for a Turkish movie? One of the best pieces I've seen amongst Turkish movies. While it is a philosophical,metaphorical movie it's on the other hand actually really interesting and enjoyable to watch. Acting is phenomenal and cinematography is unexpectedly fine. Can't believe this movie made in 2015 and never heard of it before. I think it definetely deserves a chance to watch. Let's make people watch the Turkish goldies.

And from now on Deniz Ustu Kopurur song by Cem Karaca is something different for me. Oh dear god, why this movie had to end?