An elegy for both the end of childhood and the loss of innocence, writer-director Reha Erdem's striking Turkish movie—winner of the Best Film prize at the Istanbul Film Festival—presents an earthy, cruelly honest dreamlike odyssey through the physical and emotional awakenings of three young teenagers whose lives are shaped and constrained by the rural rhythms of their remote mountain village. Young teen Omer (Özkan Özen) struggles with feelings of cold contempt for his Muslim-cleric father. Omer's best friend Yakup (Ali Bey Kayali) fancies himself in love with their pretty schoolteacher. And Yildiz (Elit Iscan) views the impending approach of womanhood with a kind of horror. Almost a silent film for long stretches, the dramatic power here blossoms from the remarkable performances of the young unknown cast, who share calm companionable moments and face solitary terrors with the same equanimity. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)
Times and Winds
Kino, 111 min., in Turkish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95, July 15 Volume 23, Issue 5
Times and Winds
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