Turkish Cinema: A Guide to the Best Films from the Golden Age

05.05.2023 - 14:22

Turkish cinema is a vibrant and diverse industry that has produced some of the most memorable films of the last century. From sweeping epics to intimate dramas, Turkish cinema has captivated audiences both at home and abroad with its unique blend of cultural and social themes. In this blog post, we will explore the Golden Age of Turkish cinema, a period that lasted from the 1950s to the 1970s and produced some of the country's most beloved films. We'll take a closer look at the history of Turkish cinema, the defining characteristics of the Golden Age, and some of the best films from this era.

History:

The history of Turkish cinema can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first short films were produced in the Ottoman Empire. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that Turkish cinema truly began to flourish. The period between the 1950s and 1970s is often referred to as the Golden Age of Turkish cinema, and it is during this time that many of the country's most famous and beloved films were made.

During the Golden Age, Turkish cinema experienced a surge in popularity both at home and abroad. Many of the films from this era were marked by their strong social and political themes, exploring issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. They also featured some of the country's most talented actors and directors, including the legendary Yılmaz Güney and Şerif Gören.

Characteristics:

The Golden Age of Turkish cinema was marked by several defining characteristics. Perhaps the most notable was the use of melodrama, which became a hallmark of Turkish cinema during this period. Many of the films were highly emotional and featured dramatic plot twists, often accompanied by sweeping musical scores.

Another defining characteristic of the Golden Age was the use of realist and naturalistic storytelling. Many of the films from this era explored the lives of ordinary people and the struggles they faced, often highlighting social and economic issues.

There are many great films from the Golden Age of Turkish cinema, but some of the most iconic include:

1. Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar (Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite, 1989

Directed by Tunç Başaran, this film tells the story of a young boy growing up in a poor neighborhood in Istanbul. The film explores issues such as poverty, social inequality, and corruption, and is widely regarded as one of the best films of the Golden Age.

2. Yol (The Road, 1982):

Directed by Yılmaz Güney and Şerif Gören, this film follows the journey of five prisoners who are granted a one-week leave from prison. The film explores issues such as family, love, and political oppression, and won the Palme d'Or at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival.

3. Muhsin Bey (Mr. Muhsin, 1987):

Directed by Yavuz Turgul, this film tells the story of an aging actor struggling to find work in Istanbul's film industry. The film explores issues such as aging, friendship, and artistic integrity, and features an incredible performance by the legendary Şener Şen.

4. Duvar (The Wall, 1983):

Directed by Yılmaz Güney, this film follows the story of a young woman living in a remote village who is forced to marry against her will. The film explores issues such as patriarchy, gender inequality, and the clash between traditional and modern values.

5. Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım (The Girl with the Red Scarf, 1978):

Directed by Atıf Yılmaz, this film is based on a novel by the famous Turkish writer Chingiz Aitmatov. The film tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a woman wearing a red scarf, and explores issues such as love, tradition, and the clash between urban and rural lifestyles.

6. Sürü (The Herd, 1978):

Directed by Zeki Ökten, this film tells the story of a family of migrant workers who move from the countryside to Istanbul in search of a better life. The film explores issues such as poverty, social injustice, and the plight of migrant workers, and is widely regarded as a classic of Turkish cinema.

7. Bir Yudum Sevgi (A Sip of Love, 1984):

Directed by Atıf Yılmaz, this film tells the story of a young couple who fall in love despite the disapproval of their families. The film explores issues such as tradition, family values, and the struggle for individual freedom.