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| 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.
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