Gülizar

Directed by Belkıs Bayrak, Gülizar follows Ecem Uzun’s title character as she attempts to get over a violent assault in the buildup to her wedding. Filmmaker Bayrak, armed with his own screenplay, delivers a seriously subdued drama that never becomes quite as searing or engaging as its subject matter might’ve indicated, and yet it’s equally apparent that Uzun’s stirring performance ensures that the movie remains quite watchable throughout – although, by that same token, Gülizar’s perpetually closed-off nature admittedly does make it difficult to wholeheartedly sympathize with her plight. There’s little doubt, however, that Gülizar has been suffused with attributes that go a long way towards sustaining the viewer’s interest throughout, with, especially, the intriguing behind-the-scenes portrait of an arranged marriage certainly enhancing the picture’s compelling vibe. (The relationship that develops between Gülizar and her fiancé is quite captivating, too.) By the time the thoroughly satisfying final stretch rolls around, Gülizar has confirmed its place as a solid piece of work that admittedly feels a little long even at 84 minutes.

**1/2 out of ****