Sivas

Let me begin by saying that this movie hit close to home for me, as I discovered in the end that the dog's real name was the same as my late grandfather's last dog (Cakir)-they have both passed away. The narrative portrays the arduous life of a rural child, a common experience in those regions.

Aslan (Dogan Izci) delivers a remarkable performance at a tender age, presenting a coming-of-age story overshadowed by an Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Kangal). This is not your typical human-dog friendship like the sweet and cozy Lassie; rather, it is far more profound, somber, and poignant.

Anatolia has a long history of human-animal bonds, particularly with cats and dogs, which are regarded as family members. The director immerses us in this reality from a unique perspective. The movie is dedicated to the singer of the end credits music, which transports your soul to distant lands and immerses you in deep contemplation. If you're encountering this genre for the first time, I'm certain you'll be compelled to research both the artist and the instrument. From this perspective also, the film is truly captivating.

If you seek an indie film set in a remote and culturally distinct land, this is your pick. Do not miss it!

Many can find this movie boring and meaningless. This is not a Hollywood film nor it includes Americanesque elements. So I don't expect an ordinary American viewer will find it interesting. But I found it super interesting on the contrary. To me, it touches the life itself. The life of millions in the rural part of Turkey. I found it so real. That teacher who wants to return back to city and who watch porn with his big satellite is so real. That "foulmouthed schoolboy figure" is so real. Aslan is so real. We see the inner forces acting in him and conflicts between those forces. We are witnessing his first steps outside of innocent childhood. He starts to feel a semiconscious sexual awakening. He has mercy but he feel the desire to be powerful and fierce. He is selected as one of the dwarfs but he wants to be the prince of his princess Ayse. He tries to find something to attach and be valuable with it; liked by others with it, especially by his love Ayese. I found the fate of the dog and Aslan is similar. They born into a world which they have to fight and be brutal in order to survive. I think every male feels that forces in himself, the desire to be successful to beat all your opponents,, this is your only way to be accepted and liked by females, it is part of nature. It's same the for the dog Sivas and for protagonist Aslan.

This movie could be watched at three times speed and nothing would be missed – even then it stands the chance of boring the discerning viewer with its labored sparse treatment. The script could be read over one cup of coffee but might then put you off your breakfast. How this overrated quickie found its way into festivals tells us much about:- whats being made, the organizers, and their followers. Shoddy hand-held photography is no help (regardless of its so-called 'modernity') it's simply cheaper and faster to work this way.

The director/writer/producer Kaan Mujdeci and his cameraman Armin Dierolf wander aimlessly about the unattractive landscape - following the equally unattractive human elements of the 'plot'. The stories main characters are an 11yr old foulmouthed schoolboy, his foulmouthed pals and his uninteresting foulmouthed family. The unfortunate viewer is expected to follow them as they engage in their soulless plans to participate in as many repugnant, and highly illegal, dog fights as they can hide from the police. There are no high aims here, just low-life humans turning good sheep dogs into their equal within the animal kingdom. The movie claimed no animals were harmed - sparking jeers from many of the educated members of the audience at Venice in '14 but, the jury had already cast their vote beforehand (also quite telling).

Variety's review was reasonably accurate but rather obviously stopped short of being fully honest. If you can tolerate fly-on-the-wall, ultra suspect el cheapies then join the festival crowd and suffer this obnoxious work as it meanders along its inhumane path.

Very little to recommend it. In fact, almost makes you wonder why even make it? - Not a good look for the Doha Institute or the German/Turkish movie industry.