This new film by Faith Akin, "Auf der anderen Seite", is thematically very close to his excellent last film "Gegen die Wand". Again the story plays to some parts in Germany and to some parts in Turkey. There are two big plot lines that Akin in the end ties up. The first compliment that I have to make is that although his films are multicultural cinema, the films only consider religion as being one part to their whole (which is something special if you look at global discussions about ethnic problems). Many migrants fight a constant battle between their old and new home. In the end they don't really feel home anywhere. Main character Nejat Aksu, played by Baki Davrak, is a prime example for this ambivalence. He's not fully able and willing to leave the Turkish elements in him behind and for that is able to see the conflict between identities even clearer. Ayten Öztürk's character on the other hand lets us experience what freedom of opinion really means. Nurgül Yesilçay delivers a very fine performance in this role.
Review of The Edge of Heaven
