Watch Autumn

Autumn, also known as Sonbahar, is a Turkish drama film that tells the story of an ex-convict named Yusuf who seeks to start a new life after serving his sentence, but struggles to escape his past. The movie begins with Yusuf's release from prison and his return to his hometown. However, he is greeted with suspicion and hostility, as the townspeople have not forgotten his past crimes. Yusuf finds a job as a janitor in a school where he befriends a young Georgian girl named Eka. Eka is a deeply introspective and creative child who has a difficult home life, and Yusuf becomes a sort of mentor to her, encouraging her artistic pursuits and helping her navigate her difficult emotions.

As Yusuf and Eka's friendship grows, Yusuf also tries to reconnect with his own family, but finds that his parents have disowned him and his brother resents him. Yusuf's attempts to redeem himself are further complicated by the presence of a local gangster who tries to lure Yusuf into joining his criminal activities.

Throughout the film, the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery are explored in a poignant and thought-provoking way. The story is told with a slow, steady pace that allows the characters' relationships and emotions to develop organically. The muted color palette and stark landscapes also add to the film's contemplative and melancholic mood.

The acting in Autumn is exceptional, particularly from A. Onur Saylak as Yusuf and Megi Kobaladze as Eka. Saylak gives a nuanced and understated performance as a man struggling to escape his past and reconcile with his mistakes. Kobaladze is equally impressive, giving a deeply affecting portrayal of a young girl dealing with trauma and the complexities of growing up.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of different cultural identities and the tensions that arise from them. Yusuf's struggles as a Turkish ex-convict in a Georgian community highlight the complexities of living in a region marked by political and social conflict. The film also touches upon themes of immigrant experiences, family dynamics, and the bittersweet passage of time.

Overall, Autumn is a moving and thoughtful film that is sure to resonate with audiences who appreciate character-driven dramas. The film's depiction of human fallibility and the quest for redemption is both poignant and hopeful, leaving viewers with much to reflect upon.

Autumn is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.