Summary
Passion, secrets, and mystery, all build a dreamy romance with very real and dire consequences.
Netflix is becoming the streaming hotspot for international films, and this time it’s with the steamy and dreamy film Ashes, a Turkish romantic drama perfect for those looking for more intensity this Valentine’s season.
Wealthy and married Gökçe (Funda Eryigit) finds the excitement she’s lost in life within the story of Ashes, one of the books submitted to the publishing firm owned by her husband. Gökçe begins to fall in love with a mysterious carpenter, Metin Ali (Alperen Duymaz), and her life is turned upside down.
Ashes is a story of passion, self-discovery, and self-destruction as it explores family secrets and revelations. The film delves into the life of a housewife seeking excitement and learning more about herself and her family and how she deals with unearthed truths, unexpected emotions, and a love affair.
What I enjoy about the film is how well-shot it is, and the seamless transition from fantasy sequences to the harsh reality of the characters’ lives. Along with the cinematography, Ashes showcases the beauty of Turkish cinema. Through capturing the scenic beauty of Turkey the film is not just about a romantic story but an exploration of Turkish elegance and colorful culture.
The unpublished novel being the driving force behind the story does showcase the importance and impact of storytelling, and a little nod that some of the best stories aren’t published yet. It is beautiful in the way Gökçe imagines and immerses herself in the novel, as all readers love to do. There’s a beautiful shot of her lying under the water in the bathtub, softly drowning in loose pages, and it’s a beautiful metaphor for how she’s feeling inside.
The acting is compelling — the voice-over dub isn’t as awful as it has been in other films and doesn’t take anything away from the emotion we’re seeing on screen. There are some steamy sex scenes, which certainly will have your heart racing as a viewer.
We’re used to seeing men having breakdowns and having affairs, and it’s seen as something dirty, but this affair is hot, cheeky, and freeing for Gökçe. However, whilst the adventures of a passionate love are explored, we also see the consequences of a forbidden love. Gökçe is a cheating wife and neglects her family in the process of her wild romantic adventure.
The last 30 minutes of this film are the most compelling, with twists and turns I was not expecting. I won’t ruin it, but it’s not predictable, and it’s quite a clever and thought-provoking end.
Ashes is an elegant romance film, with unexpected twists and turns, and one that should be watched by all book lovers, film lovers, and romance fans. The film slows down a little during the middle, but then picks up dramatically towards the end, with an ending that might shock you.
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