We first saw this wonderful film last year when it first came out, but didn't comment on it. The first indication about its excellence was this was the work of director Faith Akin, a man that keeps surprising with every new film he makes. (For some reason the IMDb program likes to misspell the director's given name and turns into Faith) Mr. Akin, who wrote the screenplay, takes us to a fantastic trip interspersed with pain, regrets,and finally redemption. The film is divided into three sections. Bear in mind that the lives examined in the film interconnect in mysterious ways. Each vignette has a theme, and although not related, they bear similarities and even there is a connection between the characters. "The Edge of the World" is a character study of two cultures that are so incredibly different, and yet, they have a lot in common.
Basically, the film tackles the relationship between parents and children. In the case of Ali and Nejat, their easy camaraderie is shattered with the arrival of Yeter, a prostitute that comes to live with the old man. Yeter, is also connected with a daughter, Ayten, who she helps support, but the young woman, living in Turkey doesn't have a clue as to what her mother really does in Germany in order to send her money. The last relationship is between Lotte, a young woman and her mother, Susanne. Each of these set of parents and children are at odds within themselves.
The action, that starts in Germany, ends up in Turkey, as all the six main characters come back to renew their ties with their past, or find their roots, or just out of despair because of a loss. This is a story about people trying to reach out to connect to others they love, or because they want to right the wrongs committed earlier. And yes, it is a tale of redemption as the film comes to a close.
Mr. Akin has woven a complicated tapestry in which delicate colors are added as the situations develop. The director has done a magnificent job in guiding the actors in this surprising movie. Nurgul Yesilcay appears as Ayten, the young woman with revolutionary ideas. Patrycia Ziolkowska is Lotte, who befriends Ayten and proves she is more than a friend. The excellent Baki Davrak makes a wonderful contribution with his take on Nejat. Hanna Schygulla, the star in a class by herself, is at her best with her Susanne. Nursel Kose and Tuncel Kurtiz play Yeter and Ali, respectively.
Rainer Klausmann's brilliant cinematography enhances every aspect of the film. The soundtrack was provided by Shantel, who mixes surprising sounds that add a dimension to the film. Ultimately, Faith Akin is to be congratulated for his vision in this satisfying film.
Basically, the film tackles the relationship between parents and children. In the case of Ali and Nejat, their easy camaraderie is shattered with the arrival of Yeter, a prostitute that comes to live with the old man. Yeter, is also connected with a daughter, Ayten, who she helps support, but the young woman, living in Turkey doesn't have a clue as to what her mother really does in Germany in order to send her money. The last relationship is between Lotte, a young woman and her mother, Susanne. Each of these set of parents and children are at odds within themselves.
The action, that starts in Germany, ends up in Turkey, as all the six main characters come back to renew their ties with their past, or find their roots, or just out of despair because of a loss. This is a story about people trying to reach out to connect to others they love, or because they want to right the wrongs committed earlier. And yes, it is a tale of redemption as the film comes to a close.
Mr. Akin has woven a complicated tapestry in which delicate colors are added as the situations develop. The director has done a magnificent job in guiding the actors in this surprising movie. Nurgul Yesilcay appears as Ayten, the young woman with revolutionary ideas. Patrycia Ziolkowska is Lotte, who befriends Ayten and proves she is more than a friend. The excellent Baki Davrak makes a wonderful contribution with his take on Nejat. Hanna Schygulla, the star in a class by herself, is at her best with her Susanne. Nursel Kose and Tuncel Kurtiz play Yeter and Ali, respectively.
Rainer Klausmann's brilliant cinematography enhances every aspect of the film. The soundtrack was provided by Shantel, who mixes surprising sounds that add a dimension to the film. Ultimately, Faith Akin is to be congratulated for his vision in this satisfying film.