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Stars: İsmail Hacıoğlu, Çetin Tekindor, Kim Seol, Ali Atay
Ayla feels emotionally heavy because it is based on a true story set during the Korean War. But when you look at the little details like how characters express emotions, how the music flows, and how the camera captures the moments the experience becomes deeply meaningful. The story is touching, and if you pause and reflect during key moments, it becomes easier to analyze and appreciate.
Direction
Can Ulkay directs this film with deep care. The scenes feel well-constructed and cohesive. The story flows clearly from the chaos of war to the quiet emotional moments between Ayla and Süleyman. The way the director balances war with human love is strong. One example is the scene where Süleyman hides Ayla in the army camp — the suspense is high, but the love in his eyes softens the moment.
Story
The story is powerful and emotional. It begins during the Korean War in 1950, where Turkish sergeant Süleyman finds a little orphaned Korean girl. He names her "Ayla" and raises her like his daughter. The story ends years later, when they are finally reunited. The moral is about love, humanity, and hope surviving even in times of violence. The plot structure moves from war to peace, from separation to reunion, making it feel like a complete circle.
Genre and Iconography
Ayla is clearly a war drama, but it also has deep biographical and emotional elements. The war scenes, soldiers' uniforms, and gunfire represent the war genre. The personal bond, soft music, and emotional moments make it a drama. These elements blend to tell a story that is not just about fighting, but about love.
Mise-en-Scène
The details in each scene support the emotions. For example, in the scene where Ayla sleeps next to Süleyman, the dim lighting, the small tent space, and the way she holds his hand show trust and comfort. Props like photographs, letters, and military tools help build the world around them. These elements make the world believable and touching.
Cinematography
The film uses close-up shots to show emotions, especially between Süleyman and Ayla. Long shots are used in war scenes to show the scale of destruction. One powerful camera angle is when Süleyman sees Ayla for the first time, hiding in the woods the camera moves slowly, letting us feel his shock and concern.
Lighting and Sound
Soft lighting is used in scenes between Ayla and Süleyman, creating warmth. Harsh lighting is used during war scenes to reflect fear and danger. Most sounds are diegetic like explosions, wind, and voices making the film feel real. The dubbed voices in Korean and Turkish help tell the story across languages, though the emotions come through even without words.
Editing
The film uses smooth cuts to maintain flow. Flashbacks are edited in a way that does not confuse the audience. For example, the older Süleyman’s scenes are mixed with his memories in Korea, helping us see how the past affects the present. The editing makes the timeline clear and emotional.
Score
The music fits the tone perfectly. Soft piano and string instruments are used during emotional scenes, like when Ayla and Süleyman are separated. The score helps build sadness, joy, and suspense — guiding the audience's feelings without being too loud.
Realism
The film feels realistic because of the real-life events it is based on, and also because of the detailed sets, natural acting, and emotional truth. For example, seeing soldiers writing letters or sitting around talking shows the human side of war, not just the fighting.
Signs and Codes
Signs like Ayla’s teddy bear or the army uniforms carry meaning — love and war side by side. The code of silence between Ayla and Süleyman (they don't speak the same language) becomes a symbol of how love goes beyond words.
Acting Performances
İsmail Hacıoğlu plays young Süleyman beautifully — we see a soft, kind man caught in the middle of war but still showing love. His facial expressions, especially when he first sees the lost Korean girl, Ayla, show deep empathy. Kim Seol as young Ayla is natural and heartwarming. Even without speaking the same language, their bond feels real, showing the strength of their acting. Çetin Tekindor plays the older Süleyman with quiet sadness and dignity, giving the story a strong emotional finish.
Character description
1. Süleyman Dilbirliği
(Played by İsmail Hacıoğlu as young Süleyman, and Çetin Tekindor as older Süleyman)
Role: Turkish soldier and main protagonist
Personality: Kind, brave, and emotional. He deeply cares about others, even during war.
Character traits: Fatherly, protective, loyal, loving
Story role: He finds Ayla during the Korean War and raises her like his own daughter. He faces many struggles trying to keep her safe and later tries to find her again after many years.
2. Ayla (the little girl)
(Played by Kim Seol)
Role: Korean war orphan, taken in by Süleyman
Personality: Quiet at first, then cheerful, playful, and deeply loving.
Character traits: Innocent, strong, sweet, and brave
Story role: Ayla loses her family in the war. Süleyman finds her and becomes her protector. She forms a strong emotional bond with him and becomes the heart of the story.
3. Ali Astsubay (Ali the Sergeant)
(Played by Ali Atay)
Role: Süleyman’s friend and fellow soldier
Personality: Supportive, friendly, and loyal
Character traits: Funny, smart, and dependable
Story role: He provides help to Süleyman and brings a bit of humor and lightness to the heavy story. He also supports the bond between Süleyman and Ayla.
4. Süleyman’s Wife (Nimet)
(Played by Meral Çetinkaya as older Nimet)
Role: Süleyman’s wife in later life
Personality: Understanding and caring
Character traits: Supportive, wise, patient
Story role: She supports Süleyman’s search for Ayla years after the war and respects the deep emotional connection they shared.
Elements of movie
Nature of the protagonist
The protagonist is Süleyman Dilbirliği, a Turkish soldier.
He is kind-hearted, responsible, and brave.
Though he’s trained to fight in war, he is deeply compassionate, especially toward children.
Example: When he finds Ayla in the forest after her family is killed, instead of leaving her behind, he risks his position in the army to protect her and treat her like his own daughter.
He shows not only physical bravery in battle but emotional strength in caring for a vulnerable child.
Nature of the antagonist
he antagonist is not a person — it's war and separation.
The Korean War itself acts as the major obstacle.
It creates destruction, death, and emotional trauma.
Military laws also become an antagonist. Süleyman is not allowed to take Ayla with him when his service ends, even though they’ve formed a deep bond.
Example: When Süleyman is forced to leave Ayla behind due to military rules, we see how systems and war overpower personal love and choice.
Shape of the Dramatic Action
The dramatic structure follows a classic shape:
Exposition – We are introduced to Süleyman and his army unit.
Rising Action – Süleyman finds Ayla and their bond grows.
Climax – Süleyman is told he must leave Ayla behind.
Falling Action – Süleyman returns home, heartbroken.
Resolution – Decades later, Süleyman and Ayla are finally reunited.
This structure builds tension, emotional investment, and finally gives a satisfying resolution.
The Catalytic Event (Turning Point)
The turning point of the film happens when Süleyman finds the little orphaned girl (Ayla) after a massacre.
This moment changes his life.
He could have left her, but instead he chooses to protect her — even if it means breaking military rules.
This decision shapes the rest of the story: his bond with her, the conflict of keeping her, and the pain of separation.
Resolution
The resolution comes at the end of the film, when Süleyman and Ayla reunite after more than 60 years.
It’s deeply emotional and heartwarming.
They hug, cry, and finally fulfill the promise they made years ago — to never forget each other.
Example: The real-life footage at the end, showing the actual Süleyman and Ayla meeting in real life, adds to the emotional power of this resolution.
Narrative Style
The film uses a mixed narrative style:
Flashbacks: Most of the film takes place in the past, showing Süleyman’s time in Korea.
Framing device: The story begins and ends in the present day, where an older Süleyman is being interviewed.
This gives the story emotional depth, showing how past memories continue to shape present lives.
Narrative Shape
The story has a circular narrative:
It starts with an older Süleyman remembering his time in Korea.
The main story unfolds in the past.
Then it returns to the present with the reunion.
This structure emphasizes how certain relationships, like the one between Süleyman and Ayla, remain strong across time and space.
The Tone
The tone of the film is:
Emotional – Many scenes make the viewer feel sadness, warmth, and hope.
Heartwarming – Despite the tragic background of war, the story is centered on love and care.
Bittersweet – There are happy moments, but also heartbreaking ones.
Inspirational – It shows the power of love, even in the most difficult conditions.
Example: The tone is especially touching in scenes like when Ayla tries to stay awake so she doesn’t miss a moment with Süleyman, or when they part with tears in their eyes.
This is a small video clip made by inserting some scenes from the movie "ayla".
Communication is how we share thoughts, ideas, feelings, and information. It happens in every part of life in classrooms, offices, homes, or even on stage. But communication is more than just words.
There are two main types:
Verbal Communication – the use of spoken or written words.
Non-Verbal Communication – the use of facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, body posture, and eye contact.
Both are essential. In fact, studies show that most of our message is delivered non-verbally!
Verbal communication involves the use of spoken or written language to convey thoughts, ideas, or emotions. It includes words, grammar, tone, and structure.
Non-verbal communication refers to the use of facial expressions, gestures, body posture, eye contact, and vocal tone to send messages without using words.
📝 Example: "Verbal communication involves the use of language to share ideas, while non-verbal communication includes all other forms of expression such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone."
verbal communication
Verbal communication involves the exchange of thoughts, feelings and ideas using spoken words. Its effectiveness depends upon various aspects, including the choice of words, tone and clarity of speech.
It is a two-way process in which the speaker transmits information while the listener comprehends and interprets the message.
The teacher used clear, simple language suitable for the students’ grade level. She explained the concept step-by-step using real-life examples like “how plants in your garden grow using sunlight.” Her tone was friendly and enthusiastic, especially when asking questions. The teacher repeated key terms like “sunlight,” “water,” and “energy” to reinforce learning. Her sentences were structured logically to build up understanding.
📝 Example: "The teacher used clear, simple words and repeated key points to ensure understanding. Her tone was encouraging and calm."
Why Are Verbal Communication Skills Important in the Workplace?
A lack of verbal communication skills can prevent you from having positive and meaningful interactions with others in the workplace. This is because effective verbal communication guarantees everyone is on the same page. It eliminates confusion and misunderstanding.
And remember, it’s a two-way process. So, you and the person receiving your message must understand each other.
Five Types of Verbal Communication
The type of verbal communication used refers to where and with whom we communicate. Here are five examples:
1. Intrapersonal Verbal Communication
Intrapersonal communication is our internal dialogue. We all do this. Often, without realising it, we talk to ourselves or have conversations with others in our head. This type of verbal communication is also referred to as inner speech, self-talk, internal discourse and inner experience.
2. Interpersonal Verbal Communication
Interpersonal verbal communication involves two parties like speaking one-on-one with a friend or colleague. Each party listens when the other person is talking to understand what’s being said and respond accordingly.
3. Group Verbal Communication
This is where more than three people are involved in a conversation. There may be more people this time but the same rules apply as with interpersonal communication. Each person has a chance to speak, while others listen and respond at the right time.
4. Public Verbal Communication
Public verbal communication can be anything from speaking aloud at a school assembly to being a keynote speaker at a conference. It’s communicating to an audience of people who have come to hear what you have to say. This form of verbal communication takes some people completely out of their comfort zone. But, developing this communication skill can also open new opportunities.
5. Mass Verbal Communication
This is all about talking to the masses. So, think about a TV show with a panel of experts or a podcast where thousands of listeners tune in at the same time. Mass verbal communication involves a small group of speakers who work as a team to share views and ideas with their audience.
Five Ways to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills
You can start improving your verbal communication skills today by using one, some or all of these tips
1. Be Clear on What You Want to Say
If you have a big meeting, presentation, interview or a complex subject to discuss with someone, it helps to know what you want to say in advance. Grab a pen and paper and write down the topics, keywords and ideas you want to discuss. You may even find brainstorming useful.
If you’re unsure that you have the right tone, ask a friend or colleague to review things.
2. Take Your Audience into Consideration
We adapt how we communicate with others for a variety of reasons. Our opening communication, which is basically the first impression we give to the other party, needs to be on point. Considering our audience allows us to pitch the conversation at the right level.
Who are you verbally communicating with?
Is it a colleague?
Are they on the same level as you?
Are they an employee of yours?
Do they manage you?
Are they older or younger than you?
It also helps to decide on the right tone and even the environment for the discussion.
Before a conversation, consider the receiver and how best they’ll receive your words.
3. Don't Forget About Nonverbal Communication
Body language is just as powerful, if not more so, than our words. While our mouths may say one thing, our bodies may say something completely different.
Folded arms, fidgeting and not maintaining eye contact can show we may lack confidence in our words. It can portray nervousness, boredom and even aggression.
Maintaining eye contact and a neutral posture, smiling when greeting someone and being mindful of your facial expressions are all ways to make the receiver feel comfortable in your presence.
4. Breathe
Verbal communication and public speaking can make people feel anxious. If this is you, it’s perfectly normal. Not everyone is comfortable speaking to an audience. But, it may sometimes be necessary, especially in our professional lives.
If verbal communication makes you break out in a cold sweat, try a breathing exercise before you have to speak. Breathwork does the following:
Balances blood pressure
Increases mental focus
Reduces feelings of anxiety
Regulates the heart rate
Releases stress hormones from the body
5. Engage in Active Listening
Active listening is crucial to being an excellent verbal communicator. After all, how do you know how best to respond to someone if you don’t listen to them?
Active listening means giving full attention to the person or people speaking to you. You need to digest and process what they say before you answer. This may involve taking a few seconds to compute things before responding.
Suppose you need clarification on what they have said. In that case, asking them to repeat or explain something will help you verbally communicate your answer better.
Nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is the exchange of information through gestures, posture, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other unspoken signals. Renowned researcher Albert Mehrabian quantified its impact, revealing that communication is composed of 55% body language, 38% vocal elements like tone and inflection, and only 7% words. This ratio underscores that how we say something often matters more than what we say.
The importance of nonverbal signals lies in their ability to convey emotions and attitudes that may not be explicitly verbalized. For instance, a person’s tone of voice can signal enthusiasm, frustration, or empathy, adding depth to their spoken words.
Similarly, eye contact can establish trust or signal discomfort, depending on cultural norms and context. These nonverbal communication signals often operate unconsciously, influencing how we perceive others and how they perceive us.
Consider the workplace. A leader addressing a team with slouched shoulders and a hesitant voice may fail to inspire confidence, regardless of their words. On the other hand, a confident posture and intentional gestures can elevate the same message, fostering trust and motivation.
Nonverbal skills are thus essential for achieving effective communication across personal and professional contexts.
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Scientific research on nonverbal communication and behavior began with the 1872 publication of Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Since that time, a wealth of research has been devoted to the types, effects, and expressions of unspoken communication and behavior.
While these signals can be so subtle that we are not consciously aware of them, research has identified nine types of nonverbal communication. These nonverbal communication types are:
Facial expressions
Gestures
Body language
Proxemics or personal space
Eye gaze, haptics (touch)
Appearance
Artifacts (objects and images)
Paralinguistics (such as loudness or tone of voice)
Facial Expressions
It's amazing how much you can say with your face without ever uttering a word. Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication.3 Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. The look on a person's face is often the first thing we see, even before hearing what they say. Sometimes, a raised brow or slight smirk can say more than a whole conversation.
While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar worldwide.
Gestures
Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning without words.Common gestures include waving, pointing, and giving a "thumbs up" sign. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture.
For example, in the U.S., putting the index and middle finger in the shape of a "V" with your palm facing out is often considered to be a sign of peace or victory. Yet, in Britain, Australia, and other parts of the world, this gesture can be considered an insult.
Nonverbal communication via gestures is so powerful and influential that some judges place limits on which ones are allowed in the courtroom, where they can sway juror opinions. An attorney might glance at their watch to suggest that the opposing lawyer's argument is tedious, for instance. Or they may roll their eyes during a witness's testimony in an attempt to undermine that person's credibility.
Body Language
Body language encompasses your posture, movements, and gestures. Standing tall with your shoulders back exudes confidence and authority, essential traits for engaging your audience. Conversely, slouching or crossing your arms can signal defensiveness or a lack of confidence, potentially disengaging your listeners.
Picture a TED Talk speaker: their open stance and deliberate movements help to establish credibility and keep the audience enthralled. A presenter who stands upright and uses their physical presence effectively can create a sense of trust and authority, much like a seasoned news anchor.
Proxemics
People often refer to their need for “personal space,” which is also an important type of
nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we
perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of factors including social norms,
situational factors, personality characteristics, and level of familiarity. For example, the amount
of personal space needed when having a casual conversation with another person usually
varies between 18 inches to four feet. On the other hand, the personal distance needed when
speaking to a crowd of people is around 10 to 12 feet.
Eye contact
Eye contact is a critical element in establishing a connection with your audience. It shows confidence and engagement. Making eye contact with various audience members can make them feel involved and valued. Imagine listening to someone who avoids eye contact—it's hard to trust or connect with them. In contrast, a speaker who makes regular, meaningful eye contact can create a sense of dialogue and rapport, even in a large room. This nonverbal cue can also help you gauge the audience’s reactions and adjust your delivery accordingly.
Comparison of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Aspect
Verbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
Definition
Use of spoken or written words to convey messages
Use of gestures, facial expressions, posture, and other body language
Medium
Spoken (face-to-face, phone) or written (emails, texts)
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