Dervis Zaim unlike many Turkish directors has yet only four movies made, which all four are totally different projects, but this one "Cenneti Beklerken" ( Waiting for Heaven ) is a masterpiece in every description.
The movie tells about a fictional story in the 17th century Ottoman Empire which emphasizes the conflicts between the eastern & western cultures as well as the naive situations of the empire.
Since drawing pictures are almost prohibited in the Muslim tradition and only simplistic figurative miniatures are permitted to describe the events of the era, the main character Eflatun struggles in between having a western origin but an Ottoman education and the hard realities of life.
The long term studied story & scenario also written by Dervis Zaim reflects to the silver screen with a beautiful graphic work combining the story & the scenes. The art work is supported by mirror reflections of flashbacks and a totally carefully captured historical background.
The casting is superb where you cannot imagine they're fictional characters but the original elements of the story. The oriental taste of soundtrack is also something you'll enjoy.
Almost a four-five years' work is simply put into a screen for your joy & sorrow without any hesitation.
I hope the movie gets a remarkable attention of cinema lovers and I'm sure it'll be a classic for the next generations.
Thanks, Dervis Zaim...