Metacritic reviews

Sensitive, gritty and courageous, this film gathers a power and focus not foreshadowed in its deliberately rambling earlier sequences.

Ustaoglu has pulled off a rare feat in this film, enlightening us about a horrible situation while never losing sight of his central tale of friendship and loyalty.

An incisive drama about a waking nightmare.

A remarkably vivid portrait of a teeming third-world metropolis

This is only Ustaoglu's second film, but smart performances and expressive camera work mark her as a talent to watch in the future.

A remarkable second feature from writer-director Yesim Ustaoglu.

Though the final journey drags at times, the early expository scenes in the shadows of Saint Sophia and assorted mosques are impressive and quite moving.

Fictional but frighteningly realistic.

Takes you on a fascinating and picturesque journey into a relatively unfamiliar culture.

Ustaoglu has made Mehmet unbelievably naive -- and the hardships piled upon him unintentionally evoke "The Perils of Pauline." That dilutes what should be a powerful protest film, and robs it of the emotional impact it aims for.