Is The Great Istanbul Depression Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Great Istanbul Depression, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Didem and Ayse aren't able to find a job even though it has been a while since they've graduated from the university. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama 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: "Didem and Ayse aren't able to find a job even though it has been a while since they've graduated from the university. In this time period in which these two young women step into adulthood and need to make money now - this period of time that is short for humanity, but lingering for them - the days are not much different from the previous ones. On the other hand, in order to able to stay in Istanbul, they must at least earn enough money to cover their rent, on the other hand, what they dream of, what want to do. They cannot find a way to earn money. On the edge of the metropolis, they are stuck in between the skyscrapers rising among the terrace of their home and the ruined apartment buildings."

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. Nazlı Bulum does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Zeynep Dilan Süren 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 20 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 The Great Istanbul Depression 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 Drama, 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 4.4/10 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, The Great Istanbul Depression explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Zeynep Dilan Süren 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, The Great Istanbul Depression 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 Nazlı Bulum or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Great Istanbul Depression is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.