The Encounter

Kursilasma (Encounter) starts off very quietly in a clinic where patients are getting chemotherapy treatments. Sinan, an architect who has lost his son in a motorcycle accident, starts talking to Mahmut about life. Mahmut runs a casino where the cheaters get treated very roughly indeed. His cynicism contrasts strongly with the more idealistic values of Sinan. Gradually, we come to understand that Mahmut wants to die, and has chosen Sinan as the instrument. The rest of the film develops some characters from the pasts of the two men.

I found this film to be a tense thriller as well as an evocation of past love and failed opportunity. The actors played very well, and Omer Kavur directed with a sure hand. The island scenery was very appealing.