Review of Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2011) by Alejandro S — 22 Oct 2012

I saw Uzak, Nuri Bilge Ceylan's breaktrough-film, recently and I enjoyed it a lot so I had to give this one a try as well. This film was sooo slow. I have nothing against slow films, but this one is half an hour too long as well. At least fifteen minutes. Anyhow, enough of my negativity.

This is a film that will grow on me. I will remember it scene by scene, but I don't now why. Probably because of the fantastic capturing. There are some AMAZING scenes here. That apple scene was so effectful and very impressive, and the long shots of the characters from behind in the dark fields was also both frightening and very pretty - the focus pulling in this film was fantastic! A well acted film with a nice chemistry. It felt realistic and never boring. Always a bit tense, sometimes creepy and very atmospheric the entire playtime. It went on and on and I was waiting for something constantly. I don't know if I got what I hoped for, though. I also loved the pretty locations and the realistic feel.