A Viagem da Esperança

This film takes you on one family's impossible journey, and makes you feel every step of their odyssey. Beautifully acted and photographed, heartbreakingly real. Its last line, with its wistful hope, is one of the more powerful in memory.

How many Turkish movies have you seen? This was my first. I found this movie a little better than "fair." The story was a bit depressing but the cinematography was very good. There was some beautiful night-time photography.

It's the story of a Kurdish man and his wife making a trip, with one of their seven children, to Switzerland in order to find a better life. Hardships abound, thanks to unscrupulous "sympathizers" and they wind up having to travel on foot with other people over the long journey. That journey includes walking up and over snowy mountains.

A tough but inspiring story, which is what it was meant to me.

Everyday we can watch a great number of film, soap... on tv. Sometimes a miracle happens. A great film, with real feelings, with great actors, with a great realisator-director. For me there are two films that everyone needs to see : the first is the Pacula ? "Sophie 's choice" with Meryl Streep. The second is "Journey of Hope". As human beings, we need to learn about humility, about love of the others, about acceptation of other civilisation, other way of living. We also have to struggle against racism and fascim. We must avoid judging, criticize; we only have to love our earth companion. This wonderful film, helps us reaching John (Lennon) his dream : Imagine all the people living live in peace. These two films are difficult to see : watch these, but sure you will be hurt, but better. Great film, great actors, terrible story, pain and cry guarantee, but also better understanding of the others. Enjoy 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.

This is as powerful as a drama can possibly get! It's a story that in real life has probably repeated itself over and over again. The origin of the people may have changed. The location of their treacherous journey may have changed. But essentially, the drama remains the same, be it 20 years ago in the Swiss Alps, or today somewhere in the Mediterranean between Northern Africa and Italy.

Those fleeing from Political turmoil, from war or simply from poverty, will do anything to find a better life, and hope is what is driving them. And along the way they are more than likely to come across scrupulous criminals whose sole interest is to make money out of the misery of those poor souls trying to find "paradise".

I cannot think of a movie that would portray this better than "Journey Of Hope". It's extremely powerful and comes across as very believable all the way. No wonder, as the story repeats itself in reality time and time again. Only the outcome may vary.

I can only recommend this film!