15) Film Analysis

 AYLA

(The Daughter of War)

Year of Release: 2017

Director: Can Ulkay

Genre: War, Drama, Biography

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:

1. Exposition – We are introduced to Süleyman and his army unit.

2. Rising Action – Süleyman finds Ayla and their bond grows.

3. Climax – Süleyman is told he must leave Ayla behind.

4. Falling Action – Süleyman returns home, heartbroken.

5. 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".