The Last Stop [Son Istasyon]

My first experience with Turkish drama was a poetic one, The Last Stop [Son Istasyon].  This beautiful film was intimately shot on location in Istanbul and Usak, Turkey by cinematographer Tolga Cetin.


The Last Stop is the first full length feature for writer/director Ogulcan Kirca.  His father, Levent Kirca, stars as the retiring railroad worker Ruhi. He is a steady, hardworking man whose simple dreams include a house that has a roof that doesn't leak and a vegetable garden.

His children wish for more.  Turgay (Gokcer Genc) has established himself as a conductor, Esra (Basak Dasman) tries to elevate her lifestyle through fame, Onder (Korel Cezayirli) decides to forego traditional employment and education to make his way on the streets of Istanbul.  

I don't pretend to understand Turkish culture, and watching it through this vehicle offered a disconcerning look at what happens when old traditions come into conflict with the modern age.  The conflicts between the generations, and between the sexes, leave one wondering what life in Turkey has to offer for the next generation.