Watch Hamam

Hamam is an Italian movie that tells the story of Francesco, a young and successful architect who lives in Rome, but who is originally from Italy's South. At the beginning of the movie, we see him attending one of his events in Istanbul, where he is supposed to build a luxurious hotel. However, he doesn't know anyone in this foreign country, so he feels alone and disoriented.

During his stay, he meets Mehmet, a handsome and charismatic man who offers to show him around the city. Mehmet is a Turkish man who, like Francesco, is also dealing with cultural differences, but in reverse - he has lived his whole life in Istanbul, but feels closer to his Kurdish roots.

As the movie progresses, we see the two men becoming closer and sharing their personal stories. Francesco, who is still grieving the loss of his girlfriend, finds himself drawn to Mehmet's warmth and sensitivity, as well as to the beautiful Turkish culture that he discovers through him. On the other hand, Mehmet is charmed by Francesco's sophistication and intellect, which contrast with his own down-to-earth simplicity.

The two men eventually end up in a traditional Turkish bathhouse - or hamam - where they are bathed by a group of Muslim women. This is a beautiful and sensual scene that reflects the movie's main themes of love, acceptance, and cultural exchange. Through the ritual of bathing, the men not only experience a physical connection with the women, but also a deeper spiritual one.

Throughout the movie, we see the contrast between the busy and modern life in Rome and the slower and more traditional one in Istanbul. This reflects the characters' personal journeys towards self-discovery and understanding of others. Francesco, who is used to living in a fast-paced environment where superficiality reigns, finds in Turkey a place where he can slow down and connect with people. Similarly, Mehmet, who has always taken his culture for granted, sees in Francesco an opportunity to appreciate and learn more about his own roots.

Aside from the two protagonists, the movie also features a cast of interesting and colorful supporting characters, such as an eccentric hotel owner, a Kurdish family who gets caught up in a conflict with the Turkish police, and a fellow Italian architect who is jealous of Francesco's success. These characters add depth and complexity to the story, making it a multifaceted and layered experience.

Overall, Hamam is a beautiful and poetic movie that celebrates diversity and human connection. It's a story about finding oneself in a foreign place, about overcoming prejudices and stereotypes, and about embracing unfamiliar experiences in order to grow and evolve. The acting is excellent, particularly from the two main leads, who deliver performances that are both nuanced and heartfelt. The cinematography is also stunning, capturing the beauty and vibrancy of Istanbul in a way that is both realistic and romantic. Hamam is a movie that will stay with you long after you've watched it, a true masterpiece of contemporary Italian cinema.