Bliss (2007)

Because I have read the novel, comparing novel and the movie is inevitable. In Livaneli's book there are political messages with the stories. Political side become more concrete than happenings. In the novel without giving an importance to characters all three characters – Meryem, Irfan, Cemal- were depicted in detail. Contrary to the novel, in movie there is Meryem in the center of the story. Irfan and Cemal were stayed at the side. Political views were not mentioned in the movie as in the novel.

If we take into consideration the total Mutluluk can be valued as a successful movie. Photographic scenes, music's, players, story are suit each other in great harmony. Ozgu Namal is so naive and so talented, Murat Han acted well, Talat Bulut could be more supportive, Lale Mansur is seen very few. Other players played in middle range.

Abdullah Oguz did well by Mutluluk. I got some questions in my mind. The story is told about the traditions. In Turkey there are traditions and these traditions can hurt the people and change their lives entirely. If you make a film of such a situation which is against the Turkey, it is easy to find a capital/support for movie. I wonder why.

Fmovies: Mutluluk is an amazing movie. It is story of two countries. Rural Turkey which is still clinging to its old ways and traditions and Modern Turkey which is developed and educated and see the traditions as outdated. I guess it is the same for any big developing country.

The contrast between the two Turkeys is huge and I think stressed upon visually also in the movie. The acting was just amazing and the characters are given time to develop. The plot itself is heartbreaking and fascinating from the viewpoint of an outsider.

But beyond the dramatic payoff, what I couldn't believe was that how slick this movie was. Cinematography is dazzling and not even a single shot is wasted. Background score is very distinct and powerful but it never overpowers the narrative. It was so well made in technical department that I couldn't really believe that it was a Turkish film. Well, maybe it is my ignorance of Turkish cinema. I would definitely be checking more Turkish films from now on.

Bliss (2007)

Utterly gorgeous, and utterly deplorable for a Westerner to see the mistreatment of a girl in this way. I know I'm supposed to be open minded and accept that this Muslim Turkish culture is simply different than my own, but it's clear that the movie, made by Turks, is also a condemnation of the barbarity shown.

The movie is very sensitively done, very well filmed. I found it frankly slow, in terms of development, depending on a lyrical mood and terrific light to sustain ordinary moments as well as extraordinary ones. The contrast of utter modernity and utterly medieval ideas is fascinating, but also frustrating. But that's part of the point. It's quite a beautifully, tenderly made movie, with some very real types allowed to blossom.

In the end, by the end, it's so completely heartbreaking and heartwarming, you will fall in love with Turkey, and with what this film is saying about life so well, no matter what your beliefs.

Bliss fmovies. There are absolutely only two reasons why I loved this movie. First one is the way it was written. It is expected and unexpected at the same time. It takes so many different turns that it becomes hard to what to expect for the next second. The second one was of course the acting. Everyone played their parts extremely well. I felt like I was one of them and experiencing the same kind of emotions. I could not keep myself from crying and laughing at the same time. It really is hard to find movies like this. And of course what really impressed me was the ending. I have really found what I was looking for. It is kind of rare to find movies that have satisfying endings. I would also like to use this opportunity to recommend couple more movies for those who share the same kind of movie taste; Babam ve Oglum, Kabadayi

With fathers from different families, Meryem and Cemal are each other's country cousins. For Meryem has violated moral law of the village they live in, Cemal's father sends them to Istanbul for Meryem's execution. Despite everyone in the village indicts Meryem for adultery, she keeps telling that she's innocent. But the actual offender is hidden.

Cemal remains reluctant to kill Meryem, even when they came to Istanbul. So he visits his brothers, to ask for their advice. He finds his brothers are not aware of their moral law of the village; so that they can't help him make a decision. When he talked to his younger brother, he advises them to stay at a holiday camp near a fish farm. Cemal learns fishing from a native man. Away from the rules, punishments and cruelty of the world; anyhow Meryem waits for the day she'll be executed. She is in respect to her father, family, moral law and to Cemal; accordingly she obeys whatever Cemal says to do.

One night time fishing at the offshore, Cemal meets with an adventurer vessel master. Next day the adventurer invites Cemal and Meryem to his sailing boat. After a bit talking, he likes Cemal and hires him to work at his vessel, supposing that he's married to Meryem. That adventurer who is a former university professor, suddenly enters into their life; although their cultural background doesn't fit to each other at first.

From Elif Ayan's adaptation of Zülfü Livaneli's novel, covered with spectacular views of Aegean Sea coasts, Mutluluk offers an escape to the sea, and to search for candid friendship. Talat Bulut's excellent portrait of the adventurer leads the cruising. He, and only himself, saves this movie from ending up as a failure. He saved the film from Yesilcam clichés. Abdullah Oguz uses basic formula of starting with dragging up our emotions to end with rat race material. Oguz's plot manipulation works like a magic. We find ourselves in a moral dilemma first, then in a mystery and finally with a happy ending, in which mystery solved in a surprisingly successful way. Even though the main production is weak other than the cinematography, acting and plot manipulation saves the day.

'Mutluluk' is going to be an important step in the growing film industry of TurkeyÂ…

This is one of the most impressive movie since 'Eskiya'. I read the book and I can easily say that this is really very good adaptation of the book.The directing, acting and especially art directing is really successful. The score of the film was conducted bye the writer of the book 'Zulfu Livaneli'( who is also a great musician.) and gives the deep feeling of the book..This movie is about three characters escaping from their destiniesÂ… If you want to watch an amazing story go and watch the crashing stories of Meryem, Cemal and Irfan who is a professor who wants to escape from the lies and dirt of his fake life. Acting was very good. Although all of the cast is good 'Ozgu Namal' (Meryem) is one step beyond them.. She is fabulousÂ…..

All in all, whether you read the book or not , if you want to watch a good film go and watch this filmÂ…Â…