Directed by:
Andreas DresenScreenplay:
Laila StielerCinematography:
Andreas HöferComposer:
Johannes RepkaCast:
Meltem Kaptan, Alexander Scheer, Charly Hübner, Nazmî Kirik, Sevda Polat, Samir Fuchs, Harvey Friedman, Martin Stange, Alexander Hörbe, Mike Davies (more)Plots(1)
Rabiye Kurnaz's son Murat is falsely accused of terrorism and, as one of the first, is sent to the American prison on Guantanamo shortly after the events of September 11, 2001. In an endeavour to secure his release, the Turkish-German mother of three begins a quixotic struggle against an opaque judicial system, bureaucracy, and international politics. She finds help from the attorney Bernhard Docke, who eventually becomes more than the determined Rabiye’s legal counsel; he becomes her close friend. Based on true events, this sensitive comedy about human indomitability, belief in justice, and undying hope won Berlin's Silver Bear for Best Screenplay and Best Leading Performance. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)
(more)Reviews (1)
A difficult story that Rabiye Kurnaz and her son had to experience. It could have been a very demanding drama if it had not been lightened up by the comedic art of the main actress Meltem Kaptan, who gave the character true life and this is exactly how I would imagine a Turkish mother, whose mission is to take care of her family. At the same time, the creators managed to find a harmonious balance between drama and comedy. The only thing that was slightly lacking for me was a greater depth in the relationship between the mother and the eldest imprisoned son, and also the pace, which started to slow down after the first hour of the film, to the point where I thought about cutting it in the editing room and nothing would happen. It deserves a better 3 stars. I really enjoyed the story and portrayal of the characters, but the execution was rough in some places.
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