'Aşk, Büyü, Vs.' - 'Love, Spells and All That' is a captivating Turkish film that beautifully blends the themes of love and magic. Directed by Ümit Ünal, the narrative unfolds in Büyükada and offers an intricate exploration of societal norms, personal hardships, and an enchanting love story that transcends time.
The two leading roles are taken up by Eren (Ece Dizdar) and Reyhan (Selen Uçer), two women who fell in love during their adolescence. Eren, the daughter of a politician, and Reyhan, a gardener's daughter, come from significantly different backgrounds but find a common ground in their shared affection. Their relationship transcends societal class and gender, making them captivating characters.
The film presents a powerful commentary on societal norms and personal hardships, carefully layered within the narrative of a love story. The initial stages of the film delve into the characters' internal conflict and the emotional aftermath of their forced separation. The audience is inevitably drawn into Reyhan's plight, having been held hostage by a cruel man's whims. Eren's apparent indifference towards Reyhan's suffering adds a layer of complexity to her character.
The second half of the film introduces elements of magic or 'Büyü,' adding a layer of enchantment to the narrative. The unfolding journey of the two women attempting to undo a long-ago curse brings forth themes of life's simplicity, loneliness, and its own inherent magic.
'Love, Spells and All That' is a masterful blend of love, magic, and societal critique. The narrative is engaging and rich, with compelling performances by the main cast. The film beautifully captures the duality of life's simplicity and complexity, all while unraveling a powerful love story. The elements of magic add an intriguing touch to the narrative, creating an enchanting atmosphere that sets the film apart.
'Love, Spells and All That' has received significant recognition in a variety of prestigious awards and festivals. The accolades the film has earned are a testament to its quality and the impact it has had on audiences and critics alike. The following are some of the major awards and honours the film has received:
2021: At the 54th Cinema Writers Association Awards, it bagged the award for the Best Film and Best Screenplay, both won by Ümit Ünal. Selen Uçer was also honoured as the Best Actress.
2021: The film was well received internationally and won the Audience Award at the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival. Furthermore, it won the Best Screenplay in the International Narrative Feature category at Outfest: Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
2020: The 39th International Istanbul Film Festival recognized the film with the Golden Tulip Award for Best Film, again awarded to Ümit Ünal. The award for Best Actress was shared by Selen Uçer and Ece Dizdar, and Ümit Ünal received another award for Best Screenplay.
2020: At the Başka Cinema Ayvalik Film Festival, Ümit Ünal was awarded the Director of the Year.
2019: The film was recognized at the 56th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, where it won the Dr. Avni Tolunay Jury Special Award. Selen Uçer once again took home the Best Actress award, and the film won the Best Film Award from the Cinema Writers Association (SİYAD).
These accolades further underscore the film's exceptional storytelling, character development, and its powerful portrayal of love and magic. The universal themes and high-quality production have allowed it to transcend national boundaries and be recognized at both domestic and international platforms.