Takva - fear of God
Until the age of 45 Muharrem (Erkan Can) practiced modestly. As the storekeeper of a sack-dealer, he leads a simple life strictly following the faith of a Muslim order, which takes place exclusively at work, in the convent and at home. In his small world, he hardly ever encounters strangers - let alone women - nor does he come into contact with the western way of life that takes place in other parts of Istanbul. He lives solely for being a good Muslim. Only in his dreams he is confronted with worldly needs: time and again he is subject to the seductive arts of the same woman.
Dream or reality?
Due to his modest and good-natured character, the head of the order becomes aware of Muharrem and sees him as the suitable man for the "secular business" of the faith community. Equipped with a chic car, a driver, noble men's suits, a mobile phone and an expensive wristwatch, Muharrem, as the representative of the Order, will in future rent the numerous possessions of the monastery - and will inevitably be confronted with a strange world.
Through his new job Muharrem is confronted with situations that he can not reconcile with his beliefs. Greed for money, alcoholism, violence: what he once clearly divided into dream world and reality, mixes rapidly - and his world threatens to collapse.
From the outside to the inside
"Takva - Gottesfurcht" by director "Özer Kiziltan" is a disturbing drama that takes on the controversy of the clash of Western culture and Muslim faith. The film, co-produced by Fatih Akin ("On the Other Side"), depicts the story of a devout Muslim who does not really come to grips with the real world and eventually breaks apart from his inner turmoil.
With intuition, the director returns an extremely explosive topic to the inside, showing it in the form of a human collapse, which gives the audience thoughtful and deeply touched. The film is always restrained, he points to without evaluating. Thus, the film was received in Turkey as well by religious as well as religious critical circles positive.
Conclusion: "Takva - God Fear" is a touching and thought-provoking film. It gives an insight into the world of a conservative, Muslim order. In an impressively subtle way, the story of Muharrem is shown, who gives up any individuality for his belief, but does not find his way in modern society. Whether one can blame for his failure of religion, the order leaders or his unstable character, each decides for himself. But the question is worth it anyway.
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TEXT: Cécile Blaser PICTURES: Rif movie
