Cici Story:-
Cici, a Turkish tragi-drama available on Netflix, paints a poignant picture of a family’s journey from a small village to the bustling cityscape, all in the wake of a tragic loss. The story revolves around the aftermath of an abusive father’s death and the profound impact it has on his surviving family members.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 27 October 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Duration | 2h 31min |
| Cast | Ayça Bingöl, Fatih Artman, Funda Eryiğit, İncinur Daşdemir, Nur Sürer, Okan Yalabık, Olgun Simsek, Yılmaz Erdoğan, Şevval Balkan |
| Director | Berkun Oya |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Turkey, the film introduces us to the oppressive patriarch, Mr. Bekir, who rules his household with an iron fist. His wife, Havva, bears the brunt of his cruelty, resenting him for his mistreatment of their children and his infidelity. Their eldest son, Kadir, faces relentless abuse from his father, while their daughter, Saliha, seeks solace in a forbidden romance with Cemil, a boy who works on their property.
However, the family’s dynamics shift dramatically with Bekir’s sudden illness and subsequent demise. Havva, now the matriarch of the family, takes charge and makes the bold decision to leave their village behind in search of a brighter future in the city. For Kadir, who endured the most hardship under his father’s tyranny, filmmaking becomes a means of catharsis—a way to express the suppressed emotions that have long plagued him.
Despite its title suggesting notions of beauty and pleasure, Cici delves into the darker realms of grief, remorse, and nostalgia. The film unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the emotional journey of the characters. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Turkish landscape, while the haunting folk music sets the tone for the melancholic narrative.
While the performances in Cici are commendable, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles, the film’s pacing leaves much to be desired. Some scenes feel stagnant, lacking the momentum needed to drive the narrative forward. Additionally, the dialogue at times falls flat, failing to fully explore the complexities of the relationships between the siblings.
One of the film’s main shortcomings lies in its secondary characters, who often feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Characters like Cemil and Saliha’s son, Naz, seem to serve as mere plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. As a result, their contributions to the story feel hollow and inconsequential.
Furthermore, Cici struggles to delve deeper into the protagonists’ traumas, leaving viewers feeling disconnected from their experiences. Despite addressing sensitive issues like trauma and guilt, the film fails to fully explore the psychological depths of its characters, resulting in a somewhat superficial portrayal of their struggles.
In conclusion, while Cici offers a poignant exploration of familial bonds and the enduring legacy of trauma, its execution falls short of its ambitious goals. The film’s slow pacing, lack of character development, and missed opportunities to delve into the psychological complexities of its characters ultimately hinder its ability to leave a lasting impact on audiences. Despite its flaws, Cici remains a thought-provoking meditation on the enduring power of family and the human spirit.
