Synopsis: Adapted from internationally acclaimed author Zulfu Livaneli's novel, BLISS is an unconventional road movie in which the executioner of an honor killing and his victim go on a journey of self-discovery.

When 17-year-old Meryem (Ozgu Namal) is found disheveled and unconscious by the side of a lake, her family believes the worst - that her chastity has been lost and that she has been a willing accomplice in its disposal. They turn to the ancient principle of "tore," a strict moral code governing the rules of sexual practice, which condemns Meryem to death. The duty of defending the family's honor is given to distant cousin Cemal (Murat Han), who must take Meryem to Istanbul and kill her along the way.

The two begin to fall for each other and their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet Irfan (Talat Bulut), an academic escaping his big city angst, who is also looking for a second chance in life. Set against the impressive backdrop of Turkey's natural wonders, BLISS pits tradition against modernity, urban against rural and East against West, all the while refusing to settle for easy answers.


Review: Bliss is the most emotional movie I've seen in years.  I cannot stress enough that you need to be ready to be impacted in very profound way when you put this movie in.  I don't recommend this for children under the age of 13, either.  The subject matter is very intense.

Bliss takes us on the emotional ride of immersing us into other cultures to experience things, such as honor killings, and really puts us outside of our box in a most painful way.  The clash of cultures and paths that the characters' lives take is a ride that you cannot miss.

This is a DVD you need.  You think 'Precious' is emotional?  It looks like Sesame Street next to Bliss!


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars