Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Billy Wonka (A) on November 13, 2013 at 22:00:16

Bliss is the story of a young teen (Meryem) who is found unconscious and raped. She is brought home by a village shepherd where she is held until her fate can be determined. The village leader decides that she must die for her sins so as to stop the gossip and embarrassment brought onto the village. Not having a male of her family willing to do the deed they wait for her cousin (Cemal) to return home from the army so he can do the deed.

Off they go to Istanbul where her cousin finds he cannot do what is required and they end up on the run only to meet a wise and worldly Turk (Ali Riza) who invites them upon his yacht. The story progresses revealing feelings that grow between them all that leads to the ultimate resolution of the situation.

This presents an interesting contrast between the rural and secular urban cultures of modern day Turkey. It is frightening to witness the murderous intent towards women that still lives in the world today. The standouts of the film were the young girl and the yacht owner who was excellent as a world weary professor escaping the "good life" of Istanbul.

Interestingly, the film starts out in a washed color scheme that is almost black and white that slowly changes into color as the girl and her cousin escape the darkness of their village. (Very subtle.)

Edits: 11/13/13