The Edge of Heaven (2007)

"Auf der anderen Seite" was writer and director Faith Akin's next project after the very successful "Gegen die Wand" and this one here is once again about German-Turkish relationships, probably to an even bigger extent (in terms of the Turkish impact) than his previous work. Lead actor Baki Davrak is not even known here in Germany anymore really, but his film here still managed impressive success with awards bodies all over the world. The hype around Akin has decreased a bit in the last couple years, but here back in 2007, it was pretty much at its peak.The story is about a Turkish man living in Germany and about everything that happens to the people he encounters and most of it is not particularly pleasant. "Auf der anderen Seite"" or "On the other side" is a title that refers to Turkey/Germany, but also to the afterlife in terms of this film. One example would be the man accidentally killing his woman when he hits her to the head with something heavy, a story arc Akin included in a similar manner in "Gegen die Wand", something that changes everything for victim and offender.As a whole, I was missing moments of true greatness in this film here, moments that had my eyes glued to the screen, but the collection of stories and characters was nonetheless fairly interesting in my opinion. I enjoyed the watch, even if I am a bit baffled by all the awards attention this film and Hanna Schygulla got for her performance. The rest of the cast were at least as good. If you have an interest in foreign cultures and culture clash or just German films in general and are not scared by the bleakness of the film, these almost two hours here are certainly worth checking out. Good writing and good acting, overall a success.

This movie has some powerful scenes. Lotte running through the streets in the stark sunlight, chasing someone she does not know because she is so in love. Found that unforgettable. Had not seen the actress playing Lotte before; she has a great face for cinema. Great casting here, all the actors faces under the microscope, most actors faces showing depth and compassion. Especially Yeter and Lotte. Also, Susanne and Nejat, the ones who find mutually satisfying relationship in conclusion. My kind of movie, I must say. Believable, honest, emotional, driven by the longing of the human heart.PS. Also liked the scene where Nejat is driving through tunnels; the first one has light at the end. Then he enters one that is dark and the scene shifts. He is taking a risk to change his life away from the mundane, to find connections to his heart. He is a likable character, balanced and patient, but also brave. Also liked Yeter's deep dignity under her protective surface. Actress playing Yeter is superb on the bus when accosted by two #$$*oles. Memorable.

The Edge of Heaven, its English title, a film by Faith Akin, explores the difficulty of human connection beset by geographical, political, but mostly human voids acting in random fashion which at the end, dramatize the advice of the philosopher, follow your bliss. The central characters, an old man and his son and a pair of mothers and their daughters, stumble through their lives in a struggle to realize their bliss in our age of rootlessness and political chaos. The only center in this is affection and its tenuous nature. It is the sole verity. While the film seems loosely constructed, it nicely balances the characters with the daughters at the center and the others, despite the powerful presence of Hanna Schygulla, in a secondary role. Indeed it is the daughters Nurgül Yesilçay as Ayten and Patrycia Ziolkowska as Lotte that are at the emotional center of the film and it only becomes alive when they are on screen. Indeed their sulfurous embrace in a crowded, smoky club was breathtaking.

This is such a complex movie with very complex characters. It also involves the tests of cultural differences. In the little traveling I've done, I always find myself looking over my shoulder, not because of the regular kinds of danger, but those cultural things of which I am ignorant. This has to do with subtle differences in government and the oppression of citizens. It has to do with the reaction toward those who defy authority. Also, Islam plays a large part in all of this. Ultimately, however, this is about a realistic portrayal of some incredibly interesting people, not because of what they have done, but how they are portrayed and react. I guess that makes it stellar acting. All the characters move around in a broad circle, motivated by their pain. There is the constant tug of how one is able to maintain a political agenda when one is faced with human tragedy. How much of life is about making a point. I kept waiting for all the pieces to be put together. They never are; but it is no matter. It's an excellent film.