A Viagem da Esperança

"Journey of Hope" tells of a poor Turkish family and their odyssey of hope which spirals downward into despair as they travel to Switzerland in search of prosperity. Although this Oscar winning film is fairly well crafted, it is lacking in substance and has many implausibilities. Much of the film's 1.7 hour run time is get on the bus, get off the bus, get on the boat, get off the boat, get in the van, get out of the van, etc.; time which could have been better spent or left out completely. The story has a predictable conclusion, especially for those who have an awareness of the common crime of trafficking in illegal immigrants. A worthwhile and reasonably entertaining watch but over-rated.

As in Argentina, France, Italy, Spain and United States, among other, they suffer of the illegal immigration. This movie transports us toward Switzerland, country recognized by its neutrality and hospitality toward the rest of the world. The main characters are a family of Turks that they yearn to be able to go to the earth of their dreams: Switzerland, to feel well, since Turkey is not very economically and labor. All clever one so that Haydar and their wife can carry out their dream, carried out passports, passages... but they will have a complication, they will take to one of their children: Mehmet Ali. Of a supposition trip of pleasure toward the "earth of their dream" will go by unexpected situations, as to travel in an export craft or to try to enter to Switzerland in hidden truck, since Mehmet Ali doesn't possess neither passage neither passport. They will be in the same situation that other immigrants that want to enter there; they will go by the Alps, a beautiful place but at the same time cold and where they will happen totally unexpected situations. Xavier Koller obtains with "Journey of Hope" an astonishing realization that makes us see that each one has the dream of being able to go to the place that offers them peace, but that they will also go by unexpected moments, with an end that could be unexpected for the spectator. Deserved of the Oscar like Best Foreign Language Film 1990/1991. My opinion: Wonderful, Human, One of the Best Foreign Film Oscar winner. Don't get lost it.

"Journey of Hope" (Turkish, 1991): A strong, clear, direct, honest, and sad film, without a hint of schmaltz. Join a contemporary Kurd family trying to leave Turkey for the perceived "paradise" of Switzerland (based on a postcard they get from a family member). Their journey is not spectacular, it is common, and in its commonness, we see its power. It is easy to forget you are watching actors that are not actually caught in these circumstances. "Journey of Hope" was given the Academy Award for Best Foreign film – and it was deserved. You'll probably have some things to discuss with your kids after-wards, if you watch it together…and I think you should.

Frustrating to watch because of one man's stubbornness to leave his native country for the dream land in Switzerland and what he does to achieve that creates heartache for all those involved. Along the journey he encounters scumbags who take advantage of other human suffering and desperation.

"Die Reise der Hofnung" is one of the best movies ever made in switzerland.Maybe only the director comes from switzerland,but I know him personally,and he told me that the whole movie was shot in switzerland.The story is about a turkish family,that leaves their country to come to switzerland.But they have to solve a lot of problems and some other stuff.(Some times the movie is a bit of irrational,for example why didn't they ask for help when they finally arrived in switzerland?)Xavier Koller,the director show us how difficult life is in the balcan. Great movie! 9/10