Mustang

Dir: Deniz Gamze Ergüven

2015

*****

Deniz Gamze Ergüven's semi-autobiographical film Mustang is an awesome display of power and defiance. Based in a small Turkish town but not meant to be representative of typical Turkish life, Mustang sees five orphaned sisters living together under the care of their strict and conservative Grandmother. Their Grandmother still keeps age old traditions alive, although it seems that this is mainly for appearances rather than due to any strong belief. As the sisters grow and become more and more rebellious, their Grandmother enlists the assistance of the girl's uncle who runs the house with an iron fist. Soon, the house becomes more like a prison to the girls with iron bars added to the windows and doors each time the girls escape or break the rules. The comradely between the girls is a key factor in the film's success. Their situation may be true of many people in the world but there are moments in the film where I think Deniz Gamze Ergüven takes the film too far and certain plot twists becomes unnecessary. That said, certain issues such as arranged marriage of young girls, sexual abuse and misogynistic societies do exist and Mustang certainly has a place and isn't a pointless exercise in rebellion, far from it, it is an excellent reminder of the importance of revolution, integrity and solidarity. It is very telling that the girl's teacher, an educator, is seen as a person who can give refuge. It's a drama packed full of symbolism and a much higher message. At first you may think it is a new world vs the old sort of tale but it really isn't, it just highlights the hypocrisy that many people around the world suffer unnecessarily. The slight moments of melodrama are forgivable, the five young actresses all give amazing and utterly convincing performances (Gunes Sensoy in particular) and it's not often you see such a subtle film with so much power behind it. The beautiful soundtrack from Bad Seed Warren Ellis is the cherry on top.