Bliss
By Og˘uz, Abdullah
Turkey, 105’. Turkish with English subtitles. First Run Features, http://firstrunfeatures.com/bliss_educational.html. $24.95 individual, $395 institutional/education (available January 2010).
Reviewed on October 1, 2009
Set against the impressive backdrop of Turkey’s natural wonders, an ex-soldier/would-be executioner in an honor killing and his wrongly accused victim make a journey of self-discovery in which they confront the demons of their past. This unconventional road movie takes an unexpected turn when they meet an academic who is also looking for a second chance in life. Adapted from internationally acclaimed author and folk musician Zülfü Livaneli’s novel Bliss, the film is a tale about choosing between society’s harsh, traditional dictates and finding one’s own path.