Watch The Colonel's Stray Dogs

The Colonel's Stray Dogs is a powerful drama that explores the themes of war, trauma, and redemption. The movie is directed by Tolga Karaçelik, and it was released in 2021. The story takes place in a small mountain village in Turkey, where a retired colonel named Ali (played by Haluk Bilginer) lives alone with his three dogs. Ali is a proud and stubborn man who has a troubled past. He fought in several wars, and he carries the scars of his experiences with him.

One day, a group of refugees from Syria arrives in the village. They are trying to cross the border into Greece, but they are stuck in the mountains. The villagers are reluctant to help them, but Ali agrees to take them in. He sees something of himself in the refugees, and he feels a sense of duty to protect them. However, his decision to help them puts him at odds with the other villagers, who see the refugees as a burden.

As the days pass, Ali becomes increasingly invested in the refugees' plight. He helps them with their basic needs and even teaches them how to hunt. Along the way, he forms a bond with a young Syrian boy named Omar (played by Ali Seçkiner Alıcı). Omar is traumatized by the war he has experienced, and he struggles to adjust to his new life in Turkey. But Ali sees potential in Omar, and he tries to mentor him.

Meanwhile, tensions in the village are growing. The mayor and his cronies are angry with Ali for helping the refugees, and they try to sabotage his efforts. The refugees themselves are also facing challenges. They are scared and uncertain about their future, and they are constantly on the lookout for the Turkish border guards, who are trying to stop them from crossing the border.

The movie is a masterful exploration of the human condition. It shows how war and trauma can leave lasting scars on people, and how those scars can affect their behavior. It also shows the strength of the human spirit, and how even in the darkest of times, people can find hope and redemption.

The acting in the movie is superb, particularly Haluk Bilginer's performance as Ali. He brings a gravitas and depth to the role that makes Ali a fully realized character. He is both sympathetic and flawed, and the audience is able to see him as a real person with real struggles.

The cinematography in the movie is also stunning. The rugged mountains of Turkey provide a dazzling backdrop for the action, and the camera work captures the beauty and danger of the landscape. The music in the movie is also notable. It is haunting and evocative, and it perfectly captures the mood of the story.

Overall, The Colonel's Stray Dogs is a must-see movie. It is a powerful and moving drama that will stay with you long after you have seen it. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

The Colonel's Stray Dogs is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.