igor-lid

Perhaps a quarter into the movie I started noticing that the movie, perhaps, is more interested in the beauty and aesthetics more than anything else. Even when the protagonist sits on the toilet he is picture perfect... So, I decided to look up who the director was and - to no surprise, really - it was Tom Ford.

I kept on watching but it is style, picture over substance at any time. Yes, there is a plot, yes, there is a tragedy at the core of it, but it is approached from the superficial point of view that is the world of fashion where in the best case scenario outer appearance is a match to the inner substance, but more often than not, a substitute for one.

It actually gets funny at some point. It does not mean though that it is not a good movie. I just didn't like it personally for the reasons stated above.

If you like a slow movie that portrays life as it is, real-life characters and an actual drama (though nothing flashy), then go for it.

The movie may not have the most original script but it was a very enjoyable watch, not often do I get to experience the rural life in Turkey. And the actors did a great job portraying their respective characters. Especially the main character - he is quite sleazy, dishonest and egotistical, and it was interesting to watch how he fared in such a highly traditional society. I too come from a rural area albeit in another country but our society wasn't that much different. So, it was a flashback in a way to the way things were where I come from as well.

Don't expect anything flashy from this movie but if you enjoy a slow film that portrays a simple life then I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I haven't seen the first Top Gun, but having seen good reviews for this movie, decided to give it a try although I'm not a big fan of Tom Cruise movies. And he didn't let me down because it felt like I was a watching a long commercial of... not sure... US Army I guess with characters very stereotypical and cartoonish. Couldn't make it past even half of the movie. The beach scene made me puke almost. Anyway, if you like fancy pictures, pseudo-sharp characters and primitive plots, go for it, good time guaranteed. If you like movies that have at least some depth to them, you might want to skip this one.