Customer Reviews

Journey of Hope [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the story of a simple, ill educated, impoverished Kurdish family, who live in Turkey, where Kurds are a disenfranchised people. This family has a cousin who lives and works in Switzerland, and, upon hearing from him via a postcard, are led to believe that he is doing very well, indeed. Seeking to better their circumstances and those of their many children, they decide to leave Turkey and look to Switzerland for a new beginning. The husband and wife, who head up the family, decide to leave all their children behind, except for one, a son, whom they will take with them on this arduous journey to Switzerland, where they hope to be able to make a new and better life that will allow them to send for their other children.

Unfortunately, they must resort to illegal means to gain entry to Switzerland and are forced to trust in smugglers, whom they have paid to get them to their destination. The husband is totally at sea outside his known environment, a trusting and naive soul, at the mercy of scoundrels. After a trip by rail and truck, the smugglers, knowing that the elements are against them, abandon these three unfortunate souls, along with others also seeking to enter Switzerland, in the Alps. Giving them vague directions, they abandon them knowing that they are possible sentencing them to death in so doing. Ill dressed for the mountain weather, ill prepared for such a journey, essentially mountain climbing, encumbered with luggage containing their few remaining, meager belongings, these poor, desperate people continue on a journey for which they had not bargained. Along the way, they encounter freezing cold, loss of property, Swiss border guards, and death.

What happens to the Kurdish family, in particular, is heartbreaking and will forever consign them to a lifetime of infinite despair. Beautifully acted with well felt pathos and superbly directed, this is a wonderful film of hope. As so often happens in real life, however, that hope clashes with reality. This is a remarkable and moving film.

"Journey of Hope" is one of the most moving, life affirming, and life changing films I've ever seen. After I first saw this movie, I was devastated for days afterwards and it still lingers on even today. The amount of love and heartbreak are enormous so be prepared to be emotionally impacted in a way that few movies can even come close to. Despite the tragedy, this IS an uplifting film. The subtitles certainly do not get in the way and the visuals are so incredibly stunning that it wouldn't matter if they did really. In addition, I dare you not to be greatly affected by the ending of this extraordinary film.

Being Swiss and remembering the day when the story happened and was broadcasted in all newspaper, this movie captures all what I felt at that time. It tells the story with care and insight, and does not try to be too emotional. This movie was brilliant in story telling (of a TRUE story).

An absolutely beautiful, moving story, and a gem of a film. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates foreign film and quality film-making.

Ever think the grass is greener on the other side; think again. This foreign film truly makes you respect the people who migrated to other countries with the hopes of a better life. Some found it, others did not, many went the way of the lead characters in this one. When you're feeling sad, don't watch this movie or you're gonna be tempted to order a shot of prozac behind your eyeball.

This is by far, the best film that I have ever seen. And no this is not the first film that I have ever seen. In fact, I have seen more than the average person. I doubt that Hollywood could ever spend enough money to create a film that comes even close to this. I am repulsed, by the fact that some people complain about the subtitles of this film and dismiss, the talents and the creativity that went into this masterpiece. If you are one of the intellegent movie-going public, this film will touch you in ways that you never thought possible. I give it 5 stars and the infamouse two thumbs UP.

Most Americans (and otherWesterners in their own nations) see immigration as a huge problem and would prefer to keep people OUT. This film gives insight into the issues that forces one to go out in search of a better life, albeit beyond their own village. Although this film is almost a decade old already, the issues are still relevant.

If only films like this reached a wider audience, I believe it would help everyone get a better, more compassionate veiw of others in their stuggle for what the US Declaration of Independence called "inaliable rights". Namely, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Combat any xenophobic urges. See it and recommend it to others before we build more walls to keep people out.

Although it is an older movie, I think "Journey Of Hope" is one of my favorite Turkish movies. It is a tear-jerker!! You really learn how to appreciate the Turkish culture and people in this movie-I know I did. This is very appropiate for families, but need I remind you, you will be watching subtitles(unless you are Turkish). Too bad there are not many Turkish movies that make it into the video stores.

The swiss director Xaver Koller made one of the ten best film of the last eighties with this tragic saga , through the meticulous description of the Odyssey of a family of Kurds who attempt to leave their Turkish seeking the promised land of Switzerland . Gripping picture not recommended for children due its subject matter extremely harsh.

Absorbing , poignant and brutal movie ; a superb and mature film with all the possible realism and even more .

Oscar winning as Best Foreign picture .

I expect its immediat release in DVD format .

Journey of Hope is a sensational movie that all should see. The story, cinematography, acting, and directing are superb. The movie is definitely worthy of its Oscar. I wouldn't let any mindless criticism deter anyone from watching one of the most powerful movies of recent history. Were it dubbed into English, it could not have had nearly the same impact (as is the case with most movies); many filmmakers refuse to allow their movies to be dubbed because of the distraction it causes (how many of you make fun of the old, dubbed Japanese films?). Journey of Hope is well worth your time and attention.