The Gist:
French/Turkish filmmaker Deniz Gamze Erguven makes an arresting debut feature in Mustang, the tale of five Turkish girls, valued only on their potential as future wives, and are placed under virtual house arrest by their grandmother as plans are made to find them husbands.
The Review:
Erguven’s provoking debut is seems tailor made to rile the western, liberal, moral compass. Tales of sexual repression are often fascinating to cultures that exist in a constant state of sexualisation.
The five sisters are played sublimely by a group of relatively inexperienced actresses. They are bright and full of energy in the face of their repressive grandmother, who increasing relies on isolation do preserve their purity at the expense of their freedom.
Mustang provides deep and timely insight into the issue of female sexuality within Islamic culture. At times it veers towards the melodramatic but always returns to its sincere core – not relying on shocks to keep you outraged.
Nominated for an Oscar and honoured at Cannes and the Cesars, Mustang is compelling, thought provoking and uplifting.
The Verdict:
Directed and acted beautifully, Erguven captures the burgeoning sensuality of the five sisters and the ultimately futile attempts to extinguish it.
Running Time: 97 minutes
Release Date: 13th May 2016
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