Watch The Lark Farm

The Lark Farm is a 2007 historical drama film directed by Paolo Taviani and Vittorio Taviani. Set in the early 20th century, the film tells the story of an Armenian family living in Turkey who is caught up in the turmoil of the 1915 Armenian genocide. The film begins with the arrival of the Avakian family at their summer home, known as the Lark Farm. The family consists of father Dikran, mother Armineh, and their five children, all of whom are excited to spend their summer holidays in the countryside.

However, their idyllic vacation is soon interrupted by the outbreak of World War I and the rise of Turkish nationalism. The Turkish government orders the deportation and extermination of the Armenian people, and the Avakians are forced to pack up their belongings and leave their home.

The family embarks on a perilous journey, facing numerous dangers along the way, including starvation, thirst, and attacks by Turkish soldiers and bandits. Along the way, they meet other Armenian families who have also been forced from their homes and are making the same perilous journey.

Throughout the film, we see the Avakians and the other families struggle to survive in a hostile and unpredictable environment. We also witness the atrocities of the genocide, as the Turkish military carries out brutal attacks on the Armenian population.

The film is notable for its stark portrayal of the Armenian genocide, which is often overlooked in history books and rarely depicted in mainstream films. The Taviani brothers have been praised for their sensitive portrayal of the events, which avoids sensationalism and instead focuses on the human stories of the people affected by the tragedy.

The performances in the film are also notable. Paz Vega delivers a powerful performance as Armineh, conveying the pain and anguish of a mother who is forced to watch helplessly as her family is torn apart. Moritz Bleibtreu and Alessandro Preziosi are also excellent as Dikran and Aram, respectively, two young men who are forced to make harrowing decisions in order to protect their families.

Overall, The Lark Farm is a moving and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an often-overlooked chapter in history. Through its powerful portrayal of the Armenian genocide, the film reminds us of the importance of standing up to hatred and injustice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.