Ayla: The Daughter of War (2017)

Director: Can Ulkay

Starring: Çetin Tekindor, Ismail Hacioglu, Kyung-jin Lee

In 1950, amid-st the ravages of the Korean War, Sergeant Süleyman stumbles upon a half-frozen little girl, with no parents and no help in sight. Frantic, scared and on the verge of death, this little girl captures the heart of Süleyman, who risks his own life to save her, smuggling her into his Army base and out of harms way.

I admit, ‘Ayla: The Daughter of War’ is not entirely what I expected. Part of me expected a war movie in the veins of ‘Warsaw 44’. However, ‘Ayla’ is far more emotional, and not so much about war, but rather about humanitarian response to war situations. In this regard, it was truly exceptional.

If the little girl doesn’t steal your heart, nothing will. If Suleyman doesn’t win you over as a caring individual and father figure, chances are nothing will. Ismail Hacioglu was fantastic as Suleyman, a character I really cared about and rooted for. ‘Ayla’ is a beautiful, touching and heart wrenching story. The film revolves around Turkish soldiers being sent to Korea, who encounter a young girl – as the only survivor – during one of their field missions. What follows next is a beautiful story among the horrors of war.

Based on fact, this is an incredibly inspirational story. The film reminded me – to a certain extent – of the Chinese film ‘Aftershock’ and the Korean film ‘Ode to my Father’ – both exceptional films in its own right.

‘Ayla’ is by far one of the most endearing war films you will ever see. Despite the dramatic element, the film also delivers some very effective comedic moments. ‘Ayla’ is a one of a kind war film, but might not satisfy everyone’s taste in a war movie.

‘Ayla: The Daughter of War’ received several nominations, winning – among others – Best Film, Best Editing, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Music, Best Foreign Language Film, and even received the Best Movie of All Time nomination.

In Turkish.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.