Special Classic Really Long Films
Really Long Films, Volume 2

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2011)

Hoezo in KINO

There is only one way to see Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s contemplative masterpiece and that is on the largest screen possible. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the vast Anatolian landscape through expansive shots bathed in natural light, which adds to the meditative atmosphere. At its heart, the film is a psychological exploration of human behavior, guilt, and morality. Rather than being just a police procedural, it’s a deep character study. Through its dialogue-driven scenes, it examines themes of isolation, regret, and how people face their inner struggles. It’s one of our favorites in his oeuvre and we think he should’ve won a Palme d’Or for this one, though it did win the Grand Prix.

Credits

Regie
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Cast
Muhammet Uzune, Yılmaz Erdoğan, Taner Birsel, Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan
Genre
drama, misdaad
Speelduur
163 minuten
Land
Turkije
Taal
Turks
Ondertiteling
Engels

Storyline

A group of men lead a search for a victim of a murder to whom a suspect named Kenan and his mentally challenged brother confessed. However, the search is proving more difficult than expected as Kenan is fuzzy as to the body’s location. As the group continues looking, its members can’t help but chat among themselves about everyday life, which ultimately leads to conversations about their deepest existential concerns and secrets.