This is a very ambitiously made film trying to give the audience an accurate account of the life of famous Turkish preacher Said Nursi, a.k.a. Said Kurdi (Said the Kurd) or his nickname Bediuzzaman (the wonder of the age). In this the film succeeds. His main teachings of scientific progress without abandoning religion and brotherly love and unity between Turks and Kurds are also wonderfully told.
The main criticisms I have for this film are three fold. The movie was made by a fan for other fans,and as such is less accessible for people who do not know anything about Said Nursi. As a fan I would have wanted it to be more accessible to the general public. The second point is the length and breadth of the film. At 3 hours, it's far too long and the story becomes unnecessarily convoluted. The third is the lack of characterful actors and story arcs. Except for Mursid Aga Bag who plays Said Nursi, the only memorable supporting actor is Ahmet Yenilmez, who only plays a small roll as the guard, but shines at it.
The main criticisms I have for this film are three fold. The movie was made by a fan for other fans,and as such is less accessible for people who do not know anything about Said Nursi. As a fan I would have wanted it to be more accessible to the general public. The second point is the length and breadth of the film. At 3 hours, it's far too long and the story becomes unnecessarily convoluted. The third is the lack of characterful actors and story arcs. Except for Mursid Aga Bag who plays Said Nursi, the only memorable supporting actor is Ahmet Yenilmez, who only plays a small roll as the guard, but shines at it.