Ayla

Ayla is a heart-wrenching and beautifully filmed movie released in 2017, directed by Can Ulkay and featuring an impressive cast, including Ismail Hacioglu, Kim Seol, Kyung-jin Lee, Cetin Tekindor, Ali Atay, Taner Birsel, and more. The narratives are written by Yiğit Güralp, weaving a poignant tale of friendship, love, war, and humanity that will undoubtedly move audiences to tears. The film is based on the true story of a young Korean girl and a Turkish soldier during the Korean War, encapsulating a period drama of war and bond.

Ayla unfolds against the stark background of the Korean War's turmoil, depicting the bond of an unlikely pair: a Turkish sergeant named Süleyman Dilbirliği, portrayed by Ismail Hacioglu, and a 5-year-old Korean girl, Ayla, played by Kim Seol. The sagacity and humanity of Sergeant Süleyman shine through the film, demonstrating that even in the heart of conflict and chaos, compassion and friendship can thrive as a heartening beacon of hope.

Sergeant Süleyman is part of the United Nations peacekeeping troops sent to Korea from Turkey. His life takes a remarkable turn when he encounters a half-frozen young girl amidst the brutal battlefield. Despite communication barriers, Süleyman takes the girl under his wing, showing her kindness and caring, amid the harrowing backdrop of war. He names the girl Ayla - a name that is soon to become an embodiment of an unforgettable bond.

What sets Ayla apart from other war movies is its emphasis on the emotional journey of its central characters. Both the war itself and the era are authentically depicted, but the connection that blossoms between the soldier and the young girl takes center stage. The depth of their relationship transcends language and cultural barriers, reminding viewers of the universal language of love, kindness, and care. In an environment of violence and uncertainty, their story serves as a testament to the persistence of humanity.

Ismail Hacioglu delivers a brilliant performance, skillfully incorporating a range of emotions into his character, from a tough soldier faced with the harsh realities of war to a caring father figure to Ayla. His portrayal of strength in vulnerability is genuinely powerful. Kim Seol impressively portrays Ayla, capturing the character's fear, curiosity, and joy even at such a young age. The film allows the audience to experience their relationship grow and evolve as they navigate through the daily survival amidst the chaos of war.

The supporting cast, too, adds authenticity to the film. Actors like Kyung-jin Lee, Cetin Tekindor, Ali Atay, and Taner Birsel all contribute to creating a riveting narrative of friendship against the odds. The camaraderie of the soldiers, the despair of war, the innocence of the frightened child, and the love that grows beyond borders are all perfectly woven in the storyline and convincingly portrayed by the cast.

In Ayla, the filmmakers use beautiful cinematography to juxtapose the dark realities of war with the blossoming bond between two individuals from different worlds. The movie captures the stunning landscapes, the grim war-torn areas, and the intimate scenes between the characters effortlessly. Meticulous attention was given to details, from costume, props, locations to the overall set design, that adds to the film's historical veracity. The film softly integrates the cultural and scenic elements of both Turkey and Korea, further reiterating the cross-cultural bond at its heart.

The soundtrack of the movie plays a crucial role in setting the emotional tone of the film. The music by Fahir Atakoğlu weaves into the narrative seamlessly, eliciting feelings of despair, hope, joy, and longing, thus amplifying the emotional impact.

Ayla will undoubtedly inspire and move hearts with its poignant portrayal of an unparalleled friendship that grew in a time when humanity is pushed to its limits. The filmmakers’ admirable dedication to producing a historically accurate representation of this significant period is worth mentioning, as it truly serves to bring these characters and their story to life. It is a cinematic masterpiece that unpacks the power of human connection amidst the harsh realities of life.

For the viewers who appreciate an emotionally charging cinematic experience, Ayla is indeed a must-watch. Its tale of survival, hope, and love would stir emotions and linger long after the credits roll.