The Festival of Troubadours

Very unexpected gem of a piece. Festival of Troubadours. You see a part of Turkey that is not the glitzy Istanbul or Bodrum or Izmir, etc. Some scenes reminded me of surreal locations in Gozu of Takashi Miike. It has a strange therapeutic feel to it this movie, gets you into a nihilistic mood, but still with a dash of hope somehow. Bare mountains and at times green valleys with half dried out river streams add to the melancholy. A slow, 90min ride of a son and a dying troubadour dad suddenly showing up after 25 years of disappearance. Lost love, lives and nothing but a subtle ode to Asik Veysel and maybe real Turkish spirit of innocence long lost these days.

In Netflix's coercive universe of puzzling, superficial and fast-paced, mostly duplicate movies and TV shows, this movie stands elsewhere. This cinematic language may seem a bit challenging for someone who is used to today's illusion of speed, but someone who leaves himself to that flow can find the courage to face many emotions he has suppressed. One of the strongest aspects of the film is that it is adapted from Kemal Varol's novel of the same name. In particular, a phrase that became the motto of the film and was constantly shared on social media was quite interesting: "Daddy (papa) is an unfinished word." Indeed, "pa" is one of the first syllables that babies say, when they repeat that syllable repeatedly, "papa" comes out, as if they are trying to say a word that starts with "pa".

A little bit melancolic but speed of the movie was like meditation. Also Congrats for Kivanc Tatlitug to his performance.

It is great that story is not in Isranbul but in Anatolia expressing a real cultural thema this timeunlike previous netflix Turkish movies. I find the intention of the movie good and really wanted to enjoy it. However there is a big lack of story telling and it was boring from the beginning to the end. It is kind of a road movie but you hardly get to know places they been to or peaple they met. Characters are all superficial. Kivanç and Settar are both great actors and their skills make the movie watchable, otherwise story was told in a boring way with serious issues on editing. I liked the cinematography though.

I'm not that much into turkish movies, but when I saw the trailer on Netflix, an old guy holding a Saz in his hands had to watch it, while my father was also Saz teacher. The movie is a nice reflection of anger and love combined, it touches you, while you sometimes feels the same feeling's against your loved ones. Definitely worth watching, the acting is GREAT, the cinematography is great!! Kivanc is really a great actor, it was beyond my expectations. A journey that also shows you the eastern parts of Turkey, the hospitality of the people living there, culture, traditions... the love for the Saz, which is really a big part of the culture, especially in the middle eastern part on turkey...

This movie on Netflix offers a refreshing departure from the realm of modern action films, bringing with it a deep emotional complexity and a sense of melancholy often missing in today's cinema. This story focuses on the relationship between a father and son, exploring the significance of intergenerational bonds and the internal struggles faced by the characters.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of Eastern music, which not only adds authenticity but also deepens the emotional tone of the narrative. This sonic landscape, inspired by the rich culture of the Turkish people, perfectly complements the development of the characters and their feelings. The melancholic tones of the music accompany the protagonists' journey through life's joys and sorrows, creating a profound connection with the audience.

While some viewers may find themselves disappointed by the lack of typical action sequences and thrilling chases, the movie focuses on the essence of relationships and internal conflicts. This film is not for those who measure a good movie merely by the number of smashed cars or dead characters; instead, it invites film lovers to linger on the simple yet profound moments that life offers.

In conclusion, it is a film that demands attention and an open mind. It is an artistic work that adds soul to a sea of meaningless action, inviting us to reflect on the complexity of human relationships and emotions. I recommend it to all film enthusiasts looking to enjoy something that transcends fleeting entertainment and leaves a lasting impression.