Piano Piano Bacaksiz

It is a great childhood story which is directed really good by one of the greatest Turkish directors(unfortunately there are not too many). When you start watching the movie,it seems like it is a little bit shallow in the way of showing a helpless poor community in the terrible conditions of World War 2. But after 15 minutes you understand that there is something special in the film. Probably it is about the reality in the story and characters. In reality, everything becomes so simple. Also directing becomes simple. Acting becomes simple. But inside this simplicity, sometimes greatness becomes simple. And this movie earns this greatness. Maybe it is not the very perfect movie ever made but it is one of the best movies which has been ever made in Turkish cinema.

As a new graduate filmmaker, my movie-watching frequency has decreased during these times, and I found myself rewatching the same movies due to a lack of time for new ones. The moment I discovered 'Piano Piano Kid' on YouTube, I told myself, 'The moment I get a chance to watch it, I will.' Today was my lucky day.

I won't spoil it for you, but a movie set in 1940s Istanbul that is not a war or history film? What could be better? The movie is portrayed from a kid's perspective, specifically Kemal's. It is so warm and emotional that everyone can find a piece from their childhood in it. It's not filled with melancholy or just cheap comedy; it is a masterpiece. Like a cake, everyone would find something from their past in every bite, but not something simple-something that will at least make them smile for a bit.

I don't want to use artsy words or technical terms, but the movie is as simple and warm as freshly baked bread from an oven you'd find at a bakery.

Thanks to everyone contributing whilst making of Piano Piano Kid, I and others who have pledged to walk on this path as aspiring filmmakers, I fervently wish for them to create films that will resonate with people without losing the similar sentiments, thus contributing to the development of Turkish cinema. In this life, more than anything else, I desire to see Turkish cinema flourish.

I was lucky enough to see this charming movie at the Istanbul Film Festival in 1991, and have looked for it ever since. I then saw it on Australian TV.

It is about surviving poverty with humour and dignity. The light airiness of the movie is lovely, the young boy simply delightful.

Highly recommended.