The Breath

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.

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.

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 based on a an event of incursion of the small military stationery located at the top of the Mountains in Semdinli (Southeastern border of Turkey) by a PKK terrorist group in 1993. Despite of being a Azeri Turk, I tried to watch and discuss this movie objectively. Why this movie deserves to be watched? Because: This is a unique Turkish movie that incorporated humor, grief, reality, originality, art and most of all simplicity in performance.

The acting was pure and simple much like as an original Turkish soldier. A bunch of soldiers from different regions of Turkey connected in a quest. None of them actors were celebrities in real life. Made an impression that I would see and do the same things and have the same conversations if I were in military in some other place. I think nothing is exaggerated in the story and it has an objective opinion on the terrorism but explains it from the Turkish side of view. I've never seen such a pure and simple acting that made me feel in their shoes. The 'calling home' part of the movie is one of the greatest parts. In those couple of minutes I realized that it could be me, my friend (who is a doctor and made his military duty at the same region) or my relative. Don't know how other people would feel but every single Turk watching this movie will see a part of themselves in those soldiers' life. The director is very very successful in transmitting the atmosphere and he deserves a special mention for mastery in simplifying that movie which seems to be actually complicated in it's nature.

The artistic scenery especially from a photographic view is another thing that made me feel proud and happy as a photographer.

The music at the background successfully synchronized with the events and moods during the entire movie.

Finally, the movie is named as 'Nefes' which stands for 'the breath' and is explained in such a conversation that touched me deeply: 'In the fight what matters is breath: whether you 'take' it or 'give' at the end!'...

I'd advise anyone to watch this movie... You'll definitely like the cinematography, directing, acting and most of all this is one of the best achievements in Turkish cinema in my opinion...

Watch it!

Wow... I didn't know what to expect when I watched this film. I was completely blown away by the story and the experience. When I discovered that it was based upon a true story, it only kicked me that much harder.

I've actually had people make comments to me about how they would love to be American after seeing a film like Air Force One. I never understood their desire until I saw this film... It made me wish I could be a Turkish soldier! I'm biased - what can I say? I have the utmost respect for the Turkish Asker. So much that I would lay down my own life to protect Turkey and each and every brother that defends her.

That said - this picture is powerful and moving. Forget the attitudes experienced in main stream cinema. This movie pulls out the feelings and the pride from within, no matter what your nationality may be.

It hurts to face reality of war. But imagine how the soldiers felt.