Sila: Prisioneira do Amor

At first glance this Turkish telenovela may seem just another love story routine, but it is later on much more than that. As some reviewer before me already nicely explained, the main plot actually shows how liberal-oriented Sila is fighting the old conservative dogmatic traditions, which are still often used to suppress the unguilty by those in charge. The plot condemns unwillingness to send children to schools, honour killings, meaningless patriarchy, discrimination of women, and so on. While it seemed to me that acting was somehow stiff, it still doesn't deserve such a low rating, especially considering how daring the whole crew who made this piece was. This is an important and advanced work of art for the Turkish culture.

I started watching out of curiosity merely because it was a "turkish soap opera". It was therefore with great surprise that I found myself taking great interest in the program. Far from being the traditional sentimental cliché, the show convincingly presents a reality of confrontation between traditional culture and the contemporary world of rationality and minority rights. The story unfolds with many everyday situations (kind of Iranian films insights), consistent characters with convincing dialogue and a love story that profoundly turns the characters and their world views. A special note is needed to the "Boran"character, magnified by the remarkable charisma and interpretation of the actor Mehmet Akif Alakurt. Finally, an unexpected good surprise.

There's something magical about this series. It's an old classic that you can rewatch with amazing landscape and sceneries, a timeless romance and beautiful music. It also tackles the issues of gender inequalities, cruelty against women, cultural and religious differences. However, it's a bit slow and the viewer may want to be patient as the events slowly unfolds and repeat themselves. There are quite a number of repetitive flashbacks too. Some characters are very cruel and they can stay on for all the episodes. So, it can be rather tiresome for the viewer. But all in all, the series is very well executed and mesmerizing enough to keep the viewer interested. The developments of some events may not be to my liking but then they for the entire package. So, just watch it slowly.

I love this movie very much. This is one of the best movies I've seen so far. Story line and the cast are wonderful. I love it. I wish it would never go off air. Please have it go on for another year. I don't know what I will do once it's done. Cansu and Mehmet are a great couple in Sila, excellent. Beautiful people there is no one who could of done it better in Sila than them two. I wish Sila could go on forever. The cast are doing a great job in making the story so real even the new cast members. I wish I was a part of the movie. I love Boran also love Sila, but Boran is my favorite. He is an handsome man. Boran and Sila forever. I wish the ending is a happy ending for them. Sila is number one. Forever and ever.

This rather long and sometimes, too long TV series is actually very well done and gives insight to some of the aspects of Turkish society torn between modernism and ancient tribal traditions. Beautiful photography in equally magnificent scenery make this series a must see.

The complicated relationship between Sila and Boran is well interpreted by two good professional actors and obviously well directed. The plot is sometimes exaggerated and melodramatic but obviously the producers had to find ways to add episodes in order to sell them. In spite of this, the director managed to assemble something which has captured the attention of millions of households, making it one of the best episode TV movies of the past decade.