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About Dry Grasses
Turkish Palme d’Or-winner Nuri Bilge Ceylan returns with an icy portrait of a teacher whose life unravels following an accusation of inappropriate behaviour.
Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Overview
The latest work from the Turkish auteur behind Once Upon a Time in Anatolia and Winter Sleep is an arresting, character-driven study of loneliness and self-interest. Samet, an art teacher assigned to a small school in Eastern Anatolia, is weary of his remote surroundings and tedious village life, and longs to be reposted to his native Istanbul. He finds distraction in his favourite student and protégée Sevim, who receives special attention from him. However, this leads to an accusation of inappropriate behaviour. As the arrogant and nihilistic Samet unravels when faced with the charges, Ceylan delves into the man’s self-absorption and bitterness.
A philosophical and novelistic drama, set against the striking and beautifully framed landscapes of Anatolia, About Dry Grasses once again features Ceylan’s signature verbal sparring between characters. A magnificent Merve Dizdar, who plays a fellow teacher tackling existential questions with Samet, took home the Best Actress prize from Cannes for her captivating performance.
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