Reha Erdem's fourth feature invites us once again to a slice of life in Turkey, his homeland. Playing a distinguished part in the 50th annual London Film Festival (the 52nd begins in little over a month) it may be true it has taken a while to get general release here in the UK, but it's been well worth the wait. It’s one of those films where you wonder how film critics actually manage to sum them up after only one viewing. Jason Solomons for one said only this week how he would like to see it again. For me personally, it wasn’t a choice, I had to.
As its title suggests, the passing of time is a central theme. Focusing mainly but not solely upon the maturing period of three prepubescent protagonists, the narrative is incredibly intricate. A prominent plot line illustrates a child’s shifting sentiments from yearning a father’s affection to scheming his eternal demise. Split into five sections (based on the Iman's calls to prayer) these three characters interact with themselves and their surroundings effortlessly.
Yet whilst the narrative is incredibly strong it is in other areas that this film excels. The (supposedly untrained) child actors leave our very own prodigal son Mr. Turgoose behind, making this, along with equally talented cinematographer Florent Henry, a stunning example of why modern Turkish cinema is fast becoming a prominent force in Eurasian cinema.
Times and Winds is currently showing at the Curzon Mayfair and Renoir Cinema.
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