“Not Knowing” (Bilmemek) is a drama that is made in Turkey in the year 2019, directed by Leyla Yılmaz. It tells the story of developing and evolving family relationship along the expectations of society and experience of being a teenager in the most touching manner focusing on quest for identity and the sense of belonging.
Synopsis
The plot follows Umut, who is in his last year at high school and is passionate about water polo. Both his parents — Selma and Sinan – are in a strained union that has left them unfulfilled individually. While unfounded sexual rumors about Umut begin to circulate, the family is made to look deeper and examine both, their bigotry and society’s expectations of them.
Cast and Key Performances
- Emir Özden, for the role of Umut: Özden focuses on the character of a boy that faces the challenges of teenage precociously and rather too well.
- Senan Kara, in the role of Selma: As a mother, Kara develops a range of emotions and actions that stem from societal pressure against the love she has for her son.
- Yurdaer Okur as Sinan: Okur personifies the father character grappling with his own principles and the changes occurring under his roof in the film.
Aesthetic Style
Yilmaz takes a frank and personal stance, shot in natural light and close ups so viewers are drawn into the emotional world of peoples’ faces. Editing the film Marwan fails to restrict the characters’ external appearances within the core societal issues inherent in modern Turkey.
Critical Reception
“Not Knowing” has received warm reviews regarding sensitive complex themes and great cast performance. Some journalists indicated that the film challenges and stimulates discussion on stereotypes and the concept of self.
Availability
“Not Knowing” has been featured on such streaming platforms as Amazon Prime Video and Dekkoo starting from November 22, 2024. For the audience of Delhi, India, the movie will be available on these resources depending on regional access.
Recommendations for Similar Films
Suggest people who have watched “not knowing” the names of these films not only that explore the ideas of who we are and what society expects from us, but also the relations within families:
- “My Child” (Benim Çocuğum, 2013): A Turkish documentary which documents the families of those who are parents of LGBTQ+ people.
- “Mustang” (2015): A Turkish-French drama focus on five sisters and their troubles in a seemingly conservative world.
- “Auf der anderen Seite” “The Edge of Heaven” (2007): German-Turkish film with meaning multiple stories about love, loss and reunion.
These films are valuable in the sense that they concentrate on such family issues and individual problems, while deepening the cultural and family comprehension.