The Breath

Nefes is first of its kind in Turkey. Through the eyes of a small brigade of soldiers stationed at the border, the film examines the armed conflict that has been going on for more than 30 years in south-eastern Turkey.

Filmed on the high mountains of southern Turkey, the landscape provides a stunning and poetic backdrop. The seclusion, hardship and the tragedy these people had to endure is central to the story.

The film has its minor flaws but nevertheless it is effective in putting the audience in the shoes of these soldiers. And it is specifically significant to the Turkish citizens; for they will have a chance to truly empathize with those who rendered services in the region.

This movie is absolutely the first Turkish movie regarding its topic. A film that tells the story of people doing their military service at a territory of terror has never been made before. The film reflects the psychology of soldiers very well. So, the film is quite important for its script. The script is based on a true story. Besides all these, the colors are used effectively and gives the atmosphere of the film to the audience in a good way. The music is also used more differently than any other Turkish movies and the music is appropriate with the dialogs and scenes.It is one of the most realistic films I have ever watched. Turkish people had already deserved such a movie for that they live in a country suffering from terror since 1980s.So it is a movie that should have shot much before.For only being the first for its script, it deserves 9 out of 10.

One of the most realistic war movies ever. It's all about humans and no politics or nationalistic messages are artificially included as seen even in the best American war movies. An objective look to a real drama. The characters and their relationships that are put into the story background are carefully created and fit into the story telling perfectly. You can feel they are not bulletproof, perfect fictional heroes but fragile people from real life like anybody else. The thrilling flow through calm atmosphere and gradually increasing tension makes this movie exceptional. Fight scenes are also very impressive. A must see! Excellent direction.

The Breath begins almost as a Turkish version of Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. A drill instructor berates a group of young soldiers; telling them that they will all die; especially if they sleep. He says that their mothers will cry when their bodies are sent home for burial. He asks one of the boys if he has a girlfriend. When he answers yes, the commander says, not anymore, and while you are fighting for your country, she will find a new boyfriend.

The platoon is sent to a dangerous mountain region at the Iraqi border to stop the radical Kurdistan Workers Party. The Turkish soldiers learn quickly that they are canon fodder for their government; a fairly universal theme everywhere. The battle scenes are well made and as military films go, The Breath is one of the better ones that I've seen. Director Levent Semerci make you really care what happens to the brave young men.

The only fake part of film was the geography of the mountain.And we could disregard that because there is an ongoing war in its original geography. Cast was made of cinematography students, but they were playing themselves. Turkish people are much likely to enjoy the drama than others but the film has its own war atmosphere. Not like other wars, this war has much hide and seek tactics and ambush mechanics. Director himself is a soldier. He had duty on same mountains as well as characters. But its not a war film. Its a peace film. True dialog, true characters, true film. I wish i could see the war ended. This movie is not about the war. don't think about the terrorism in Turkey that about the movie. Nor militarist neither anti-militarist. Not just about the terrorism. This movie is about the life. Lifes, which lives in 40 different souls. This is about the love. to love someone, poems, dreams, and to love mainland. Just to protect their land for to go their sweet home.This is not a fake bravery story. you will see the fear in their eyes. You'll see the tears. And you will consider what is the meaning of innocent soldier. Watch it, you will not lose anything. You 'll gain a life. And you will do anything to protect your life. This movie will tell you what is the meaning of love, under the threats of bullets.