Bilmemek

This film was very uneven, and I really place the lion's share of the blame at the feet of the lead actor, who I felt was very unconvincing. The story is good, and the way the homophobia and prejudice tears the family apart is very effective, but I hit such a wall with the acting, unfortunately. I'm delighted this Turkish film exists, though. If you want to see a GREAT queer Turkish film, however, run don't walk to Love, Spells, and All That!

Yes human kind is the worst species in the world.

Umut is successful young man who is bullied (for being gay) by his classmates, name calling, emotional and mental abuse that leads casting him out of the water polo team (we dont know and movie doesnt really reveal his identity) he tries to resist as he can but... Yet movie finished and we dont know whereabouts of him. We dont know whether hes is alive or not. And of course media labeling him as a Gay even though nobody really knows if he is/was a gay or not.

The question the swimming coach should have asked the leader of the bullies who want Umut banned from showering and undressing with them is "Isn't the problem really that you yourself can't cope with the feelings the sight of his naked body arouse in you? Isn't that why you want him out of your sight?" As to the other team members who side with the leader, they are just scared of being accused of being gay themselves if they don't go along with wanting the ban. Being gay is still that difficult to accept.... This said, I'm not sure Umut's total silence is justified by the plot - at least, even, where his mother is concerned. But apart from that it's a well-made film, it's Turkish setting is a refreshing change, and Umut is beautiful.

Powerful (and cathartic) movie on the classic topic of bullying.

It's also an audacious critique of social norms and hypocrisy in contemporary Turkish society. Not much happens with the plot but what matters is the rendition of an atmosphere of suffocation. The film is also very brave for its treatment of sexual minorities in a homophobic country. We need more parents to watch movies like Not Knowing. They have the best intentions but add too much pressure when support and empathy are urgently needed.

The movie reminded me of The Swimmer (Adam Kalderon, 2021) for the omnipresence of the swimming pool and the brutal dynamics between the athletes.

Why are we so harsh to the others? why are we bullying, discriminating, insulting others who are different? Why are we such bad creatures? Are we born filled with hatred or just do the majority at work, home, school etc intervene the others life in order to destroy and find something to hate? A great movie with adorable acting and scenario that makes you feel uncomfortable. I do suggest every turkish parents to watch it, so they could understand how do they dream?