SADECE SEN FILM REVIEW
I have recently discovered the world of foreign films. The joy of watching a foreign film is that it exposes the viewer to countries and cultures much different than our own without ever needing to leave home.
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I have found many of these films to be of equal, sometimes better caliber than American films. One such example is the Turkish romantic drama Sadece Sen (English translation: Only You) a remake of the Korean film Always.
SUMMARY
Ali is a lonely former boxer with a tragic, violent past he would like to forget. When he meets Hazal, a beautiful, blind woman, he rejects her overtures of friendship. But he can only resist her for so long. Hazal’s unconditional acceptance of Ali and her cheerful optimism begin to break through the walls he has built to protect himself.
As their relationship develops, it changes and enriches both of their lives. But a shocking revelation and subsequent sacrifice will challenge everything they have known.
REVIEW
I have watched many exceptional films that emotionally impacted me, but none more so than Sadece San.
This gritty, romantic drama left me on the edge of my seat and totally invested in the outcome of Ali & Hazal’s story. I have rarely felt such an intense connection to a film, and this one packs quite the punch.
The story itself is a simple one of how love can change a life. But the unexpected twists and turns of this particular romance kept me engaged. It was refreshingly unpredictable, and a happy ending by no means guaranteed.
Although the romance and story of Sadece San are beautifully told, it is the acting that really elevates this film to another level.
Belcim Bilgin’s portrayal of Hazal is simply lovely. Her Hazal has suffered but has retained her independence and positive outlook despite the loss of her eyesight. Bilgin gives Hazal depth and nuance, creating a multi-dimensional character.
One wonders how Hazal is able to live so independently and remain so cheerful, but Bilgin makes it seem credible.
But the real revelation of Sadece Sen is Ibrahim Celikkol as Ali. His is a stunning performance of a tortured, reticent man whose relationship with Hazal makes him yearn for redemption. Celikkol uses his entire body and expressive face to portray Ali’s inner torment.
Before he meets Hazal, his posture is hunched, his face shows shame and hopelessness, and the grey hoodie he wears is a symbol that he is hiding from life. As love begins to change Ali, he is literally transformed. He walks differently, and his entire countenance brightens.
Of the two lead performances, Celikkol’s is the most challenging. He must portray deep and violent emotional responses without the use of much dialogue, and he succeeds.
Along with the intense romance and the brutal scenes of Ali’s criminal past and profession as a boxer, there are some lovely quiet moments as well.
When Hazal first introduces herself to Ali, she betrays her love of flowers and encourages him to take care of a potted impatiens. Towards the end of the film, Ali walks into her workplace to find that she has continued to care for the same impatiens as well as Ali’s miniature turtle.
Another moment occurs after the lovers have visited the lake. Hazal picks up two stones, holds them in her hands, and closes her eyes.
Finally, she hands one to Ali and says that the one she kept reminds her of him. She hopes that the other stone will remind him of her. (I recently saw this same concept of stones holding memories used in the Japanese film Departures).
Later, after a long separation, we see Ali holding his remembrance stone in his hand. Yet another scene shows Ali leaving their apartment, only to stop and look at Hazal standing by the front door, watching him leave.
He hesitates, then runs back up the stairs to grab her in his arms, unwilling to say goodbye. These are the simple moments that most couples have, which portray the depth of their connection.
I also really loved the use of light and darkness in this film. The scenes when Ali and Hazal are together are full of natural light and have a breezy feel.
A stark contrast is the dark, toneless scenes whenever Ali’s past makes an appearance. The use of light really enhances some of the more beautiful imagery of Sadece Sen.
It’s not just the use of light and dark that is a highlight of the cinematography. There are some very beautifully shot landscape scenes.
I also love the many closeups on the actors’ faces which act to highlight their connection, to draw the viewers’ focus, and to minimize distraction from their love story.
RECOMMENDATION
Although Sadece Sen is fairly clean, there are some graphically violent scenes pertaining to Ali’s profession as a former boxer. There are also scenes of implied physical intimacy which are fairly modest.
However, if you don’t mind the gritty scenes, then I wholeheartedly urge you to watch Sadece San. You will rarely have the opportunity to watch a more deeply romantic and touching film.
Where to Watch: Sadece San is currently available to rent or buy digitally (Google Play, YouTube, Apple TV).
Content: While this film does not come with a rating, I would say the few violent scenes would garner it an R rating. However, the rest of the movie is clean, with no foul language, no nudity, and only implied sensuality.
Have you seen Sadece San? Do you have a favorite foreign film? Let me know in the comments.
All photos are credited to Boyut Films.
A Turkish remake of the Korean movie, Always!? OMG. This is a must watch for me. Always is my all time favorite Korean film! How exciting to read there’s another version! Thank you for putting this one on my radar!!
You’re welcome. I would love to hear how the two films compare.
I really enjoyed this film. I had seen both leads in the Turkish tv series Kördügüm (Intersection.) Ibrahim Celikkol is excellent in both, as is Belcim Bilgin. His visual and physical expressions are outstanding.
I actually just started that series precisely because he’s in it.
Oh how I do love your review of this outstanding movie, I have watched it many , many many times and bought it on DVD. The very first time I have watched this movie in the cinema and even TWO TIMES in a row on th same evening, because I was so immensely fascinated. I have never been touched by a movie that way. I agree completely with every single word to your wonderful review, you have written down exactly what I felt about this extraordinary movie. Although it’s a remake from the Asian version , it’s much much much much much deeper and more expressive , thanks to the outstanding performance and expression Ibrahim Celikkol gives. Amazing, so incredibly touching and simply breathtaking. He reflects the torture of this man so incredibly and unbelievably perfect, this movie really has blown me away and does it every time I watch it again. Thank you so much for giving such a remarkable review of this Turkish masterpiece.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for telling me. It is definitely one of my all time favorite films and I’m glad I discovered it. But I’m a bit jealous taht you got the experience of watching it on the big screen in the theater…twice!
Lovely review.I really enjoyed this movie too, and Ibrahim is a magnetic actor. Have you seen him in the current series Siyah Beyaz Ask? I’m convinced ,after watching his portrayal in the series, he is the best Turkish actor and possibly one of the best actors I’ve seen on screen.
I have not, but I am interested in watching more of his work. I agree with you about his acting skills.
How do you believe the Turkish culture influenced this film?
To be honest, I’m not sure how much the Turkish culture impacted this film. Although I’ve watched a few films and series from Turkey, I’m still learning. One thing I have appreciated in the shows I’ve seen is that it seems that Turkish men are more open to expressing emotions, at least on screen. You rarely see American films where men show true emotion.
I really loved this film. He is my man. This film and Intersection killed me. I really feel this is one of the best I ever saw
It has definitely become one of my favorite movie stories. I’ve watched it many times now and it still gets me every time!
If you are interested in him , there are more fascinated series he has played in such as siyah beyaz ask and merhamat
Ah! I LOVED this movie! I discovered it shortly after stumbling onto Kurt Seyit ve Sura on Netflix.
Turkish Drama has so much more depth than American shows. The plots are also much more layered, and they are MUCH more romantic without all the graphic bedroom scenes in American TV.
If you are up for a series (and their series are LONG) try Erkenci Kus. It’s a Romantic comedy that’s been sweeping the world, mostly because the chemistry between the lead actor/actress is off the charts. It’s on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skWaL8L4x74&list=PLncjH2Gd0T0nIjkilfHwr3ErNLSFCTlWU
Another one captivating the world is Hercai. About a guy who takes revenge on a girl to shame her family and ends up falling in love with her. That couple also has fantastic chemistry and the plot is full of twists and turns. First three episodes are on Vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/atvdistribution (Message me thru my website if you want more–GingerMonette.com)
Enjoy! I haven’t gone back to American TV since discovering Turkish Drama!
I wholeheartedly agree with your views on Turkish dramas. I felt the same way after watching a few. Thanks for sharing these links!
I strongly recommend the Turkish series Kiralik Ask (60 episodes in total) – romantic comedy/
The chemistry between the main actors (Baris Arduc & Elcin Sangu) is fantastic.
After finishing this serie they made a movie (1h 40 min) Mutluluk Zamani – worth watching – it will made your day. I became a big fun of ElBar
I completely agree about the depth of Turkish love films. Last Fall I watched ‘Love, Loves Coincidences” which is the English translation of the Turkish title. It also stars Belcim Bilgin and was available on Netflix. I never thought I’d see another movie that was as touching and romantically gripping as it was. Like Sadece Send, it is unpredictable and had a heart wrenching twist at the end. (Tissues required). If you liked Sadece Sen, you’ll like Love, Loves Coincidences, as well.
I’m a little late to the party, but…..What a great review! I LOVE foreign films for the same reasons you described.
I also recently discovered Turkish series and agree with everyone about how compl ex and layered the plots are – very character-driven without gratuitous sex, yet deeply romantic and well-written (except for season 3 of Intersection…what happened?!! Maybe the leads had other film commitments, sheesh.)
. I hardly watch American series these days.
Black Money Love ((Kara Para Ask) is AMAZING. Love love love – almost at the end, don’t want it to be over.
I recommend this series on Netflix from Colombia, – Queen of Flow- for the same reasons I love the Turkish series.
I Just started All for Love (Colombia) on Netflix with the male antagonist of Queen of Flow as the romantic heroic lead…so far so good! It’s my back up to when Black ,Money Love ends.
Keep up the good reviews!
I loved this movie. The acting and storyline was superb. I saw intersection and I felt they failed in the ending, not bringing the two main characters together at the end. Winter Sun is brilliant. I hope they redeem Intersection since those two actors have s much chemistry. Sadece Sen was warm and touching, have seen it over and over again. I skip the boxing but the movie is wonderful.
i loved loved loved this movie and these two actors. he is gorgeous and she is lovely. i did watch intersection and i agree whole hardly about the ending. it was incomplete and very dissatisfying to me. to learn that their father wasn’t their father, ali didn’t seem to know who was or did leak the stories about him and Kaan’s mom disdem. or maybe i missed it. Murat was an antagonist for sure but it would also seem that the fake father was most definetly. However despite this it was still great acting. Another great series is Sen Alat Karadeniz . You can watch it on youtube. if you have a computer, you can get it to auto translate into english. The very first episode is translated. It is fascintating compelling and a beautiful story of a woman named Nefes and her struggle from being sold by her father into a abusive captive relationship to being rescued by a tiger from the black sea. Its not corny and it shows how strong we as humans can be especially women. It does highlight turkish culture in terms of islam but i thought it was very informative .. It was very real and not fairytale in some respects. If you love family in a collective sense which i do , then you will love this series. It ran for 3 years. i hope you get to check it out. The Turkish men were very expressive emotionally in this one as well.Turkish people remind me of Greek people and Italian in that they can be very excitable and loud.(lol) I worked around Greek people like this. I am black and my culture of people here in the south are definetly excitable or loud like this as well.LOL
I watched the korean version of this movie and i would love to watch it with english subtitles . i think it would be easier to appreciate. i definitely think that i would enjoy as much. however, the emotions that i get from watching the Turkish version is so enveloping , that i couldn’t ever imagine not having seen this version. It puts you there in that place and time . Ibrahim did an outstanding job of conveying his broken spirit . Belcim did an outstanding job conveying her optimism and acceptance of being blind as a punishment for her parents death. I will have to watch this movie at least 15 times to savor and unpeel the layers of gems in this movie.
It really is an underrated gem!
Hello,
Since you are out searching for love stories, have you ever watched the series “The girl named Feriha” ? It is a soppy cliche series but irresistible to watch. The chemistry between Emir & Feriha is simply unbelievable. Hazal Kaya (Feriha) is now a famous star in Turkey and Cagatay Ulusoy is the Protector guy in Netflix.
The acting, especially Zehra (Feriha’s mother) is phenomenal.
Here is the first episode if you want to start watching:
Thanks!