DIRECTOR: Zeki Demirkubuz
STARRING: Miray Daner, Burak Dakak, Cem Davran, Umut Kurt
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 40 minutes
LANGUAGE: Turkish
Hicran runs away from home when she is forced into an engagement with Riza. Riza, who thinks that Hicran doesn't want to be with him, doesn't care at first. But when it begins to bother him, he decides to confront the situation and embarks on a long search for her in Istanbul.
***
Life is the latest film from acclaimed director Zeki Demirkubuz, who is also a screenwriter, producer and film editor. The film made its worldwide debut at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in November 2023, and it's been chosen as one of the top European films of the year by the European Film Academy.
The General Directorate of Cinema under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced Turkey's submission for the Best International Film category at the Oscars: Life, directed by Zeki Demirkubuz. In a statement, they expressed their support, saying, "We wish success to our film, which is also supported by our Ministry, on its Oscar journey."
The film is produced by Mavi Film.
Life is a drama and it was filmed in Sinop, Turkey.
To check out all previous submissions for Turkey, click HERE.
STARRING: Miray Daner, Burak Dakak, Cem Davran, Umut Kurt
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 40 minutes
LANGUAGE: Turkish
Hicran runs away from home when she is forced into an engagement with Riza. Riza, who thinks that Hicran doesn't want to be with him, doesn't care at first. But when it begins to bother him, he decides to confront the situation and embarks on a long search for her in Istanbul.
***
Life is the latest film from acclaimed director Zeki Demirkubuz, who is also a screenwriter, producer and film editor. The film made its worldwide debut at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in November 2023, and it's been chosen as one of the top European films of the year by the European Film Academy.
The General Directorate of Cinema under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced Turkey's submission for the Best International Film category at the Oscars: Life, directed by Zeki Demirkubuz. In a statement, they expressed their support, saying, "We wish success to our film, which is also supported by our Ministry, on its Oscar journey."
The film is produced by Mavi Film.
Life is a drama and it was filmed in Sinop, Turkey.
To check out all previous submissions for Turkey, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Everything is a reason for some other thing in life.”
Zeki Demirkubuz’s Life is a masterful cinematic meditation on the complexities of human relationships, tradition, and the quest for self-discovery. With its sprawling runtime of 193 minutes, the film offers a deeply immersive experience that rewards patient viewers with profound emotional and intellectual insights. Through the lives of its two protagonists, Riza and Hicran, Demirkubuz crafts a narrative that is as intricate as it is universal, delving into themes of love, obsession, and the societal structures that shape us.
The performances are a standout feature of Life, with Burak Dakak delivering a career-defining portrayal of Riza. He masterfully conveys the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his insecurities and societal expectations. Miray Daner, as the enigmatic Hicran, brings depth and mystery to her role, making her both a symbol of defiance and a fully fleshed-out character. Their interactions, though sparse, carry an emotional weight that lingers long after the credits roll. The supporting cast, particularly Riza’s grandfather and Hicran’s father, add layers of complexity to the story, embodying the tension between tradition and personal freedom.
Demirkubuz’s storytelling is bold and unconventional, using an elliptical narrative style that challenges traditional pacing. The film’s long takes and fragmented timeline create a dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between memory, reality, and imagination. This approach invites viewers to become active participants in deciphering the characters’ motivations and the story’s deeper meanings. The occasional dream sequences and poetic imagery further enrich the narrative, providing moments of visual and emotional transcendence.
Life embraces a restrained, naturalistic style that perfectly aligns with its intimate exploration of character and emotion. Its understated cinematography highlights the subtle power of the performances and the intricate layers of the story. The dialogue is equally compelling, brimming with moments of profound introspection and tinged with dark humor, providing a delicate balance to the film’s otherwise somber atmosphere.
Life is a triumph of storytelling and character study, a film that delves deeply into the human condition while maintaining an air of mystery and ambiguity. Demirkubuz avoids easy answers, instead offering a nuanced portrait of flawed individuals navigating a world defined by rigid expectations and fleeting moments of grace. For those willing to invest their time and attention, Life is a deeply rewarding cinematic experience that lingers in the mind and heart long after the screen fades to black.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Everything is a reason for some other thing in life.”
Zeki Demirkubuz’s Life is a masterful cinematic meditation on the complexities of human relationships, tradition, and the quest for self-discovery. With its sprawling runtime of 193 minutes, the film offers a deeply immersive experience that rewards patient viewers with profound emotional and intellectual insights. Through the lives of its two protagonists, Riza and Hicran, Demirkubuz crafts a narrative that is as intricate as it is universal, delving into themes of love, obsession, and the societal structures that shape us.
The performances are a standout feature of Life, with Burak Dakak delivering a career-defining portrayal of Riza. He masterfully conveys the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his insecurities and societal expectations. Miray Daner, as the enigmatic Hicran, brings depth and mystery to her role, making her both a symbol of defiance and a fully fleshed-out character. Their interactions, though sparse, carry an emotional weight that lingers long after the credits roll. The supporting cast, particularly Riza’s grandfather and Hicran’s father, add layers of complexity to the story, embodying the tension between tradition and personal freedom.
Demirkubuz’s storytelling is bold and unconventional, using an elliptical narrative style that challenges traditional pacing. The film’s long takes and fragmented timeline create a dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between memory, reality, and imagination. This approach invites viewers to become active participants in deciphering the characters’ motivations and the story’s deeper meanings. The occasional dream sequences and poetic imagery further enrich the narrative, providing moments of visual and emotional transcendence.
Life embraces a restrained, naturalistic style that perfectly aligns with its intimate exploration of character and emotion. Its understated cinematography highlights the subtle power of the performances and the intricate layers of the story. The dialogue is equally compelling, brimming with moments of profound introspection and tinged with dark humor, providing a delicate balance to the film’s otherwise somber atmosphere.
Life is a triumph of storytelling and character study, a film that delves deeply into the human condition while maintaining an air of mystery and ambiguity. Demirkubuz avoids easy answers, instead offering a nuanced portrait of flawed individuals navigating a world defined by rigid expectations and fleeting moments of grace. For those willing to invest their time and attention, Life is a deeply rewarding cinematic experience that lingers in the mind and heart long after the screen fades to black.
