Movies: Dormitory (2023) by Nehir Tuna: A Coming-of-Age Story of a Young Man Caught Between Two Worlds
- dailyentertainment95
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
General description: A Tale of Two Turkeys
Dormitory is a coming-of-age drama by director Nehir Tuna, inspired by his own life experiences. Set in the politically polarized atmosphere of 1990s Turkey, the film follows 14-year-old Ahmet, who is sent by his devout father to an all-boys religious dormitory, known as a "yurt." This change forces him to navigate two conflicting worlds: the strict, religious life of the yurt and his secular day school. The film is a co-production between Turkey, Germany, and France and has been recognized at several international film festivals.
Why to watch this movie: A Compelling Story of Identity and Friendship
A personal and powerful narrative: The director, Nehir Tuna, draws on his own experiences, lending the film an authentic and heartfelt quality. This personal connection makes the story of a young man caught between his father's expectations and his own desire for freedom all the more compelling.
Exploration of a universal struggle: The film explores the universal theme of a teenager's search for belonging and identity. Ahmet's struggle to reconcile the two parts of his life—religious and secular—is relatable and emotionally resonant, even for those unfamiliar with the specific cultural context.
A nuanced look at a complex sociopolitical climate: The film provides a subtle and nuanced look at the political polarization in 1990s Turkey. It avoids making a villain out of either side, instead focusing on the human impact of these ideological divides on an individual.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/dormitory (France)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20236042/
What Trend is followed?: The Autobiographical Filmmaking Trend
The autobiographical trend: Dormitory follows the increasing trend of filmmakers drawing directly from their personal lives and experiences to create a story. Director Nehir Tuna has openly stated that the film is based on his time attending a religious boarding school, which gives the narrative a layer of authenticity and deep emotional connection.
The film is a direct reflection of the director's personal history, transforming his lived experiences into a powerful cinematic narrative.
Director's Vision: The Nuanced Reality
Depicting shades of gray: Tuna's vision is to move beyond a simple black-and-white portrayal of the conflict between secularism and religiosity. He aims to show the complexities and nuances of human relationships and motivations. The father, for example, is not a simple antagonist but a man who believes he is doing what is best for his son.
Visual storytelling: The director uses black-and-white cinematography to initially symbolize the binary, rigid world the characters live in, where things are perceived as either good or bad. However, as the film progresses, the introduction of color suggests that life, and human experience, is full of complexities and shades of gray.
Themes: Isolation, Friendship, and the Search for Identity
Dichotomy and inner conflict: A central theme is the deep inner conflict Ahmet faces, torn between his family's expectations and his own desires. He feels isolated in both the yurt and at school, forced to hide a part of himself from each world.
Friendship as a lifeline: The friendship between Ahmet and Hakan, a street-smart kid from the yurt, is a crucial theme. Their bond provides Ahmet with solace and a sense of belonging, empowering him to question the systems he's forced to live within.
Loss of innocence: The film explores the harsh reality of a young person losing their innocence as they are forced to navigate a world of political and ideological conflicts beyond their control.
Key success factors: An Authentic and Emotionally Resonant Story
Authentic source material: The film's basis in the director's personal life is a key factor in its success. This authenticity allows for a deeply emotional and empathetic portrayal of the main character's struggles.
Powerful performances: The acting, particularly by Doğa Karakaş as Ahmet, is praised for its ability to convey the protagonist's internalized struggle with great nuance and depth.
Strong visual aesthetic: The black-and-white cinematography, used with purpose and an understanding of its symbolic meaning, adds a unique and powerful visual dimension to the film.
Awards and Nominations: A Critically Acclaimed Debut
Dormitory has been recognized at several international film festivals. It premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in the Orizzonti sidebar, where it won the Bisato d'Oro for Best Screenplay. The film also won Best Director and Critics' awards in Saint Jean De Luz, Best Film in Annonay, and Best Actor for Doğa Karakaş at the Marrakech International Film Festival.
Critics Reception: A Harrowing and Powerful Film
High On Films: The review from this site describes the film as a "harrowing" and "soul-stirring" account of a young person's innocence caught in the battle between faiths. It praises the script for its "delicate portrait" of two teens and the direction for its "emotionally charged and thematically potent" drama.
Cineuropa: This source highlights the film as a "compelling force" that delves into the nuances of a young man's "bad education." The review notes how the black-and-white cinematography and confined location create a sense of claustrophobia.
Venezia News: This site's review focuses on the director's intention to show "the color of things in between," emphasizing that the film avoids making villains and instead explores the delicate balance of human relationships.
Overall Summary: Critics have praised the film as a powerful, emotionally charged, and thematically rich drama that successfully tackles complex issues with a nuanced, personal touch. The strong performances and purposeful cinematography are also frequently highlighted as key strengths.
Reviews: Personal Stories and Cinematic Craft
ZIZ (ziz.news) YouTube Channel: A review on this channel describes the movie as a "powerful drama of a boy's struggle for belonging." The video review highlights the emotional core of the film and its impact on the audience.
High On Films: In addition to the critical reception, individual reviews on sites like High On Films praise the film for its emotional depth and how it resonates with viewers on a personal level. The black-and-white aesthetic is seen as a mood-depicting choice that starkly portrays the polarizing nature of the time.
Overall Summary: The reviews from different platforms highlight the film's emotional weight and its ability to connect with audiences. The personal nature of the story, combined with strong cinematic choices, makes it a memorable and affecting experience for viewers.
Movie Trend: The Social Realism Revival
Dormitory follows the trend of social realism in cinema. It uses a fictional narrative, based on real experiences, to explore pressing social and political issues. This trend often focuses on the struggles of ordinary people within specific historical or societal contexts, using an authentic and often unembellished approach.
Big Social Trend: Navigating Extremism and Polarization
The film directly addresses the social trend of navigating extremism and political polarization. Set in 1990s Turkey, a period of heightened tensions between religious and secular groups, the movie explores the human cost of these ideological battles on a personal level, a theme that remains highly relevant in today's global climate.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Masterpiece
Dormitory is a powerful, poignant, and deeply personal film that is a triumph for first-time feature director Nehir Tuna. Its success lies in its ability to take a specific, autobiographical story and transform it into a universally relatable and emotionally resonant exploration of identity, friendship, and the difficult search for belonging. The film's masterful use of cinematography and strong performances makes it a standout. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in thoughtful, character-driven dramas.
Comments