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It’s easy to see how filmmaker Bilge Ceylan weaved his Turkish masterpiece into the top slot for Cannes’ prestigious Palme d’or award. The cinematography alone immediately sets the tone for a stone-cold reality check in the dead of winter. With its picturesque view of Istanbul’s snowcapped mountains, followed by a perfect architectural setting, this film unravels your heart strings while at the same time building a solid defense of self-preservation.
In the beginning, the artsy theme from a writer’s perspective fools us into thinking this is a film about Aydin, a writer who relies on his simple relationships with family and tenants to provide story ideas that are free from controversy. We are soon challenged, though, by a series of events that exposes the foundation of each set of relationships that thrive on simplicity and chaos in order to survive. With a culture of values strongly represented, several generations of characters are forced to reconcile with the fact that who they are and what they do may be in stark contrast at any given moment.
Each of the characters seems to harbor a flaw that is carefully hidden until just the right argument or conversation brings it to light. These flaws are carefully designed to make them vulnerable targets that force us to beg for their mercy or increase their suffering just to keep the tension mounting. Several incredible twists and turns lead us through a winter of emotions that includes forgiveness, tolerance, acceptance and redemption.
“Winter Sleep” forces you to wake up and analyze your own behavior and its impact on those you are near and dear to. The film shows both compassion and restraint in order to expose human frailty and the necessity of self-discovery. Don’t miss it!
“Winter Sleep” opens Friday, January 16 at the Angelika Dallas & Angelika Plano
