Seventeen-year-old Meryem is found unconscious and dishevelled by the side of a lake after she was raped. Brought home by a shepherd, her family believes that her chastity is now lost. As a result, they refer to an old custom according to which a young woman who has been tainted is condemned to death. Cemal, a distant cousin, is ordered to carry out the task. Instead, Meryem and Cemal embark on a surprising journey across Turkey.
"A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession," said Albert Camus. In the case of "Bliss," the confession is major. The film exposes outdated customs in a contemporary world, the cowardice of some men and women's position in Turkey – and many other countries where ancient traditions still play a major role. Cemal (Murat Han) must make choices that could get him banished from the village where he and Meryem (Özgü Namal) were born.
The name "Meryem" is a Turkish form of the ancient female Hebrew name "Miriam" – or "Mary" in English. Many equate its meaning with "sea of bitterness/sorrow," "rebellion," "wished-for child," and "mistress/lady of the sea." Water is a symbol of purification where Meryem is violated and cleansed at the same time. She is deeply loved by her father who cannot stand the idea of her being killed and called a sinner. Finally, she is also rebellious, refusing to kill herself with the rope that her stepmother gives her at the beginning and standing her ground when the world of men demands her sacrifice.
"Bliss" is a beautiful tale about love, honor, freedom, redemption and forgiveness. The solid story slowly builds towards a climactic ending, served by an excellent cast of actors and gorgeous landscapes. This educational masterpiece should be watched by those who take life and human rights for granted.
"Bliss" was directed by Abdullah Oguz and released in 2007. Cast: Özgü Namal, Talat Bulut, Murat Han, Mustafa Avkiran, Emin Gursoy. The movie is based on "Mutluluk" (2002), the novel by Zülfü Livaneli.
"Bliss" is available in the foreign section of your local video store in Winnipeg. You can also purchase the DVD at Amazon.ca
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Cendrine Marrouat is a writer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
Comments
Have you read the book? It sounds very interesting of a storyline. I'll check it out :)
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