Review of Turkish Delight (1973) by Tonypolito — 20 Nov 2010

Wow! A gorgeous and moving coming-of-age epic. And that's just not me talking. According to online sources, "Turkish Delight" was voted by the Dutch as their favorite film of the 20th Century.

There's far more here for the viewer than its ubiquitous full frontal content. A starving artist (Hauer) fantasizes revenge upon his lost love (Van de Ven) & pursues meaningless trysts, demeaning his partners. The romance that has led Hauer to this low point is then retold in such detail that the viewer is totally immersed within it. Then - when the two meet again comes his redemption - and yet that meeting also brings an even greater sadness. And what a climax when the viewer finally sees the scene from whence the film's title is drawn.

The result is a transfixing coming-of-age character study, where Hauer slowly morphs from immature, socially awkward and emotionally shallow into an individual who truly understands the emotion and responsibilities of compassion & love, changed forever by the spell that Van de Ven's innocence and desire cast over him.

And in 'real-life" her performance cast such a spell, a performance so compelling, that the film's cinematographer wed the 19-year-old actress at its completion.

The viewer is also rewarded with a number of extraordinary screen compositions along the journey; one striking example is Van de Ven as a posed nude across red satin sheets & surrounded by candles - and doppelled in the tilted mirror over their bed.

RECOMMENDATION: Though it is nearly impossible to find the DVD, "Turkish Delight" is a dramatic, erotic romance not to be missed.