Distant
Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan writes and directs the taciturn drama Uzak (Distant). Following a major economic crisis, the young dreamer Yusuf (Mehmet Emin Toprak) leaves his small village in search of employment on a ship. He arrives in Istanbul to stay with his relative Mahmut (Muzaffer
Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Starring: Muzaffer Ozdemir, Mehmet Emin Toprak, Zuhal Gencer Erkaya, Nazan Kirilmis, Feridun Koc
Ceylan, who also served as cinematographer, frames the affecting, unstudied performances in gorgeously chosen shots and nonevents that sometimes teeter on the edge of comedy before knocking us breathless with their emotional power.
A Chekhovian tale of major artistic power.
Mood, atmosphere, and character are more important than story twists in this unassuming, acutely observant drama.
A beautifully made, unapologetically artistic piece of work.
The compositions are masterful, especially the snow-covered scenes in Istanbul and, most memorably, the spectacle of an overturned ship in the wintry harbor.
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Ankara International Film Festival (2002)
Best Director
Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival (2002)
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Brothers Manaki International Film Festival (2003)
Foreign Cineaste of the Year
Cannes Film Festival (2004)
Special Jury Prize
Chicago International Film Festival (2003)
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