Last Harem ( Harem suaré ) ( Le dernier harem (To teleftaio haremi) )

Last Harem (DVD) (*)

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Original Title: Harem suaré
Alternate Title: Le dernier harem (To teleftaio haremi)
Screened, competed or awarded at:
Other Film Festival Awards

Language Selections:
English ( Subtitles )
French ( Subtitles )
Italian ( Dolby Digital 5.1 )
Italian ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Italy ( PAL/Region 2 )

Running Time:
105 min

Aspect Ratio:
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)

Special Features:
Anamorphic Widescreen
Commentary
Interactive Menu
Photo Gallery
Scene Access
Trailer(s)

Movie filmed in 1999 and produced in:
France ( France, Benelux )
Italy ( Italy, Greece )
Turkey ( Africa, Middle East )

Directed By:
Ferzan Ozpetek

Written By:
Ferzan Ozpetek
Gianni Romoli

Actors:
Marie Gillain ..... Safiye
Alex Descas ..... Nadir
Lucia Bosé ..... Old Safiye
Valeria Golino ..... Anita
Malick Bowens ..... Midhat
Christophe Aquillon ..... Sumbul
Serra Yilmaz ..... Gulfidan
Haluk Bilginer ..... Abdulhamit
Pelin Batu ..... Cerkez Cariye
Ayla Algan ..... Valide
Nilüfer Açikalin ..... Selma
Meriç Benlioglu ..... Journaliste
Cansel Elcin ..... Gulbahar
Basak Köklükaya ..... Aliye
Gaia Narcisi

Synopsis:

At the end of the Ottoman Empire, young Safiye (Marie Gillain) becomes a concubine in a Turkish harem. Nadir (Alex Descas), a eunuch in the household, works to consolidate Safiye's position as the Sultan's favorite, until the two become entangled in a secret, forbidden relationship. Traversing times as an older Safiye tells the story of her turbulent youth, director Ferzan Ozpetek's second feature is a heady exploration of a half-forgotten world.

Following the success of Hamam, Turkey-born, Italy-based Ferzan Ozpetek delivers another exotic film that delves into the traditions of his origin. Once again, the exotic city of Istanbul is the place of intrigue. But, unlike Hamam, which was a contemporary story, Harem Suare takes place at the turn of the century in the last days of the Ottoman Empire. The locale of this ornate story of love, power, and fear is the magnificent Yildiz Palace, where Sultan Abdulhamit whiles away the time listening to the finale of La Traviata as rebellions rage all over the country. The Sultan cannot stand unhappy endings, so he has asked Safiye, his favorite concubine, who is Italian, to rewrite the libretto so that Violetta does not die. Nadir, one of the black eunuchs, has plans for Safiye, whom he thinks should become the official wife. Nadir's plans take a different turn when he and Safiye fall in love. In the harem, which is isolated from the rest of the world, life goes on with its plots and subplots, loyalties and betrayals, happiness and tragedies as if time did not exist. The story is told from the point of view of Safiye, concentrating more on human relations than on palace politics. The director plays with mirror images to reflect the two faces of personalities and the complexities of intercultural relations. Mythology is blended with sexuality, emphasizing the delicate nuances of language. The exotic element is not abused and historical details are used sparingly and only when necessary. Acting by young French actress Marie Gillain, who plays Safiye, and Lucia Bose, who plays her in old age, as well as Alex Descas as the eunuch Nadir and famous Turkish actor Haluk Bilginer as Sultan Abdulhamid are all commendable. 52nd Cannes Film Festival, 1999.

As the Ottoman Empire comes to an end, an old servant spins a tale to keep the women in the Sultan's harem distracted. The story is about Safiye, who first becomes the Sultan's favorite concubine, and later the official wife. As she gains power and influence, she engages in a tryst with Nadir, the black eunuch. When the Empire falls, the Sultan escapes to Europe, leaving all the concubines behind. Safiye fights for their rights under the new order...

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 18 December, 2011.

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