by Cookie N Screen
Winning the Palme D’or award is a coveted triumph, indeed. Especially if you are a fan of global and independent cinema. After all, the Oscars have come something of a sell-out; we all know who is going to win and why. Every year films are screened under that tense genre “Oscar Bait” and pull at people’s heart-strings in such an overblown way it affects the story. With Cannes, there is something more poignant and whilst most of the Western World will not see these films, the breadth of talent on show is simply divine (just ask our Gloria Daniels-Moss, whose Crossroads film, where she was AD, is going to be screened this year.)
Last year, the grand winner was Winter Sleep. Now the Turkish film is available on DVD & Blu-ray, and trust me, you’ll not want to miss this highly acclaimed film.
Winning the Palme D’or award is a coveted triumph, indeed. Especially if you are a fan of global and independent cinema. After all, the Oscars have come something of a sell-out; we all know who is going to win and why. Every year films are screened under that tense genre “Oscar Bait” and pull at people’s heart-strings in such an overblown way it affects the story. With Cannes, there is something more poignant and whilst most of the Western World will not see these films, the breadth of talent on show is simply divine (just ask our Gloria Daniels-Moss, whose Crossroads film, where she was AD, is going to be screened this year.)
Last year, the grand winner was Winter Sleep. Now the Turkish film is available on DVD & Blu-ray, and trust me, you’ll not want to miss this highly acclaimed film.
Winter Sleep revolves around a former actor who runs a small hotel in Anatolia. Alongside his wife Nihal and his sister Necla, the trio suffer from a stormy relationship not just between each other but with their neighbours and villagers. Unfortunately, a storm is coming that covers the landscape with thick snow. In the mountains, however, the snow becomes a trap and the three are caught in the inescapable hotel where the only fuel they have is the fuel of anger for each other. Can the three survive and see the winter through?
The isolated hotel that is covered in frost and snow makes Winter Sleep a beautiful and emotive film. Unravelling our basic humanity in the face of the trials, the film is a visual treat whose cinematography is used to enhance the story rather than overshadow it. Deep in the aesthetic, that is simply sublime, lives this stirring screenwriting that is divine. Whilst there are times where it plods, it certainly is a difficult film to plod through at the beginning, when the drama and tension over points the narrative simply melts into this highly evocative piece that is engaging and full of unbridled rage. Clever and beautifully set up, Winter Sleep is an undeniable tour de force in unravelling the story with intelligence and emotion.
The isolated hotel that is covered in frost and snow makes Winter Sleep a beautiful and emotive film. Unravelling our basic humanity in the face of the trials, the film is a visual treat whose cinematography is used to enhance the story rather than overshadow it. Deep in the aesthetic, that is simply sublime, lives this stirring screenwriting that is divine. Whilst there are times where it plods, it certainly is a difficult film to plod through at the beginning, when the drama and tension over points the narrative simply melts into this highly evocative piece that is engaging and full of unbridled rage. Clever and beautifully set up, Winter Sleep is an undeniable tour de force in unravelling the story with intelligence and emotion.
This story is helped with some truly enthralling performances. All the main players tackle their characters feelings and personal journey with courage. Haluk Bilinger as the owner Aydin is wonderful. Gifted with impressive dialogue that falls naturally on his tongue, he is able to truly power the character's sentiments with great levels of passion. Perceptive, Bilinger’s performance is met by the talented actresses around him. Melisa Sozen as his wife Nihal and Demet Akbag as sister Necla match the strain and woes of humanities affecting struggle. They each strip parts of their soul with ferocious that flows from them and electrifies the air with graceful beguiling power.
Winter Sleep is an unforgettable drama that comes with rightful high praise. Director Nri Bilge Ceylan traps the drama in this icy lair and brings with it stirring themes of Chekov (which the film is somewhat based on) and the spirit of stage dramas. The setting becomes its own character that pushes the others to breaking point and therefore, makes the film evocative. The whole sense of resentment that is forced to the head and the conflicts that follow are gorgeously lapped up by the audience. It's played off almost like a study on humans traped under our gaze as we note down each reaction. Though there is a long run-time that might make you woozy (it’s over three hours and nearly all in one setting) it is not once overtly boring and instead, is an enchanting atmospheric look at humanity trapped. Astute and unforgettable, Winter Sleep is truly captivating film-making.
Winter Sleep is an unforgettable drama that comes with rightful high praise. Director Nri Bilge Ceylan traps the drama in this icy lair and brings with it stirring themes of Chekov (which the film is somewhat based on) and the spirit of stage dramas. The setting becomes its own character that pushes the others to breaking point and therefore, makes the film evocative. The whole sense of resentment that is forced to the head and the conflicts that follow are gorgeously lapped up by the audience. It's played off almost like a study on humans traped under our gaze as we note down each reaction. Though there is a long run-time that might make you woozy (it’s over three hours and nearly all in one setting) it is not once overtly boring and instead, is an enchanting atmospheric look at humanity trapped. Astute and unforgettable, Winter Sleep is truly captivating film-making.
Want To Win The DVD?
Don't miss your chance to win this DVD, just comment with the following answer to this question:
Which coveted prize did Winter Sleep win last year?
A) Academy Award for Best Foreign Film
B) BAFTA For Best Foreign Film
C) Cannes Palme D'or
The competition ends Monday 30th of March. Good luck!
Which coveted prize did Winter Sleep win last year?
A) Academy Award for Best Foreign Film
B) BAFTA For Best Foreign Film
C) Cannes Palme D'or
The competition ends Monday 30th of March. Good luck!
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