I loved this for what I saw it as

Rating: 8/10 (4 March 2018)

I had this film come to my attention via Netflix. I'd shown an interest in all things Turkish having been an affectionate traveller there and enjoying the diverse people - most of whom (I met) adore the secular anti-Ottoman Kemal Ataturk's legacy, Many of my country-persons feel similarly since what we know as the ANZAC invasion (under Britain) in 1915. That is another story.
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I viewed the film in a non-nerdy fashions, loved it as I happened to anticipate a bit of escapism and romanticism. The leading man and the 'triangle' love-story helped this!
To my dismay many of the reviews latch immediately onto contemporary political points-scoring. I don't know why this engaging relationship in a scenically beautiful film can't be accepted for what it is. It is in the same genre as countless other 'good man in amongst awful war priorities and complexities' Casablanca, From Here to Eternity, numerous Brit films let alone US's frequent stereotyped heroics and Australia's Gallipoli.. A local 'hero' is permissible surely? Someone who is initially obedient but comes fo question his inherited professional career. How does that thread make this film an anti-Armenian propaganda piece?
And to dump the actress for her 'appalling American accent". Really? Her gentle voice-over added to the narrative - for me.
Overall I've found in my choices of Islam-based films that the innate 'let the woman choose' aspect of the passion such as the leads shared works fine in a piece of fiction.
I replayed this to catch another look at the heavily criticised aspects. I stand by my first enjoyment!