Times and Winds (Bes Vakit) - A Review

A lyrical magical experience

If you ever wanted to be one with the environment, this film offers you a chance. Aptly titled, it embraces all the elements of nature during its 4 segments spread between 5 holy calls to prayer (Azaan). A veritably gorgeous movie, it captures the doubts of childhood and images of splendid Anatolia all at once in several of its many resplendent moments. It unsettles you and leaves your hungry. Hungry for an arc, an ending, some sort of completion. But it offers none. It steadfastly remains a view into the early teen lives of 3 friends bustling with energy amidst adult brutality omnipresent all around them as they go about their daily chores and ends without a definitive confirmation. That absence of sermonizing is the magical, mystical aura of the film. It leaves things unsaid and open to interpretation. That does not mean it does not make a statement. In fact, it packs a punch on difficult social issues as varied as gender roles, generational gap and morality. Although it presents children's hardships and troubles, it is not a pitiful sob story. Instead, it peppers the struggles with bewitching background score, enticing photography and light fun moments from the children's daily sojourns around this remote mountain community.

The shots of children lying dispirited but in unison with their environment are haunting and the comprehensive 360 degree shot from and of the Minarat during Azaan will linger with audience forever.

Disclaimer: 

• If you are infected by fast paced Hollywood cinema bug, this slow meditation on life may not be your cup of tea.
• If you haven't traveled to Turkey, watching this film will make you want to go at once. If you have visited, it is sure to stir desire for yet another soiree. 

A feel good tale that cheers - Viva Cuba - A Review

Children will find this gem as a gentle introduction to social issues like class difference and identity

Do we fleetingly remember the first glimpses of rebellion from our childhood? Have we become too old to give up on our curiosity and wild ideas? If yes, Viva Cuba will take us right back to that time and gently nudges us out of slumber to elicit a quiet chuckle. With a running time of only 80 mins, the film's biggest success is that it remains within itself. On the flip side, it is not a landmark film mostly due to director's reluctance to delve deeper into social issues and bring them to the forefront of a feel good film. Malu and Jorgito, two children on a road adventure allows us access to Cuba's gorgeous landscape from hot and exhausting Havana to a coastal lighthouse at the far end of the tiny country. Both friends have a mutinous streak but on closer observation, one can also notice their class stereotypes demonstrated in various behaviors. Bourgeois lady and daughter more obsessed with vanity than books and industrious Proletariat father more preoccupied with thrashing his child. All in all, the film serves as a lovely introduction to cultural and economic fissures in Cuban society while going on a fun ride with two naughty children played superbly by both actors.

As of June 7th, 2014, film is available on HULU Here