Bana Masal Anlatma

Bana Masal Anlatma is a Turkish romantic-comedy film released in 2015, directed by Burak Aksak and featuring a stellar cast including the likes of Hande Dogandemir, Fatih Artman, and Cengiz Bozkurt. This movie beautifully explores the roots of friendship, love, and the essence of storytelling, within the context of societal customs and urban life in Istanbul.

The charming city of Istanbul constitutes the backdrop of this movie, portraying an array of vibrant characters, each with their unique personalities and way of life. This comedic adventure is infused with elements of fantasy, romantic entanglements, and the intricate patterns of human dynamics, creating a captivating fusion of humor, drama, and a warm sense of authenticity.

Hande Dogandemir, a rising Turkish actress, plays Ayperi, a beautiful, hard-working woman who runs her father's business, a gas station on the outskirts of Istanbul. She drapes herself in a layer of no-nonsense pragmatism while dealing with the pressures of a patriarchal society and trying to keep her business afloat. Ayperi hides a soft heart behind her hardened exterior that unfolds as the movie progresses.

The talented actor Fatih Artman portrays the character of Riza, a minibus driver who is a well-known neighborhood rascal. He is fearlessly devoted to his friends and their 'minibus cooperative'. Riza is infatuated with Ayperi, who persistently rejects his advances. Despite his roguish characteristics, Riza has a heart of gold, which underlies his complicated yet endearing personality.

Cengiz Bozkurt takes up the role of Salih, a retired, over-dramatic theater artist, who becomes an unexpected link between Ayperi and Riza. Salih plays a crucial role in crafting a world of stories that powerfully influence the lives of these individuals.

In Bana Masal Anlatma, an intricate tapestry of fantasy and reality is woven through Salih's colorful stories that often tend to blur the line between the two. His tales, replete with monsters, princes, misunderstood criminals, and inanimate objects having deep conversations, weave magic into an otherwise mundane life of Istanbul's urban spaces.

Bana Masal Anlatma explores the theme of love using the classic trope of a 'reluctant maiden-faithful suitor' narrative. While the premise hints at predictable plotline, the movie twists these clichéd concepts through intelligent storytelling and character development, presenting a refreshing perspective on love and persistence.

The ensemble cast, including Devrim Yakut, Erdal Tosun, and Ercan Kesal, add another layer of humor and conflict to the story. Themes such as friendship, petty rivalries, dreams, and the struggle to survive in the city's competitive environment are depicted subtly, creating an interesting narrative.

Moreover, through this film, the director, Burak Aksak, has skillfully navigated the everyday life and quirks of street life in Istanbul. He has created a perfect synergy between a realist depiction of Turkish urbanism and the unpredictability of fantastical stories. He also successfully uses comedy as a vehicle to address societal norms, expectations, and the charm of human relationships.

Despite its fair share of dramatic situations, the film maintains a light-hearted tone. The comedic elements scattered throughout the dialogue and the colorful cast of characters keep the audience engaged and entertained. There are plenty of laughs that make it enjoyable, but it's the film's heart and sincerity that stays with the viewer after the credits roll.

Bana Masal Anlatma, as a film, strikes a perfect balance between romance, comedy, and drama, all enclosed within an enchanting framework of magical tales. Aksak weaves an unpredictable tale where the ordinary and extraordinary seamlessly intertwine. This movie is a must-watch for those who enjoy a hearty mix of urban realism and fantastical stories, encompassed in a shroud of humor, love, and life’s stark realities.