Is Mendilim Kekik Kokuyor Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Mendilim Kekik Kokuyor, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the War landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Hasan, who lives in a town in Anatolia, and his cousin Yusuf fall in love with a woman named Elif. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of War are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Hasan, who lives in a town in Anatolia, and his cousin Yusuf fall in love with a woman named Elif. Elif also falls in love with one of the two men, but she does not reveal to anyone which one it is. Just then, all men capable of bearing arms are called to the Çanakkale Front. Before leaving for the front, Yusuf decides to confess his feelings to Elif, telling her that Hasan loves someone else, and secretly takes the thyme-scented handkerchief Elif made for Hasan. Yusuf, Hasan, and the other volunteers set off for the front and encounter Karagöz Puppeteer Rüstem Çavuş, who is on an expedition with Istanbul-born Eftal. During this time, some of the volunteers are killed in an attack at Anzac, while Hasan, Yusuf, Çopur, Rüstem Çavuş, and Istanbul-born Eftal are taken to a prisoner-of-war camp."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Wilma Elles provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Hüseyin Özden is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Mendilim Kekik Kokuyor truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of War, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Mendilim Kekik Kokuyor explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Hüseyin Özden respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Mendilim Kekik Kokuyor is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Wilma Elles or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Mendilim Kekik Kokuyor is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.