While many Americans might be able to make a considerable list of films that deal with the complexities of the Christian faith, they would be hard-pressed to name the titles of those that have a comparable view of Islamic beliefs. Fortunately, the fascinating Commitment Hasan from veteran Turkish multi-hyphenate Semih Kaplanoglu belongs in the latter category. Exemplifying the conflict between tradition and modernity, it centers on an Anatolian farmer, Hasan, and his wife Emin, who are preparing for their upcoming pilgrimage to Mecca. But pilgrims can only make their way to this sacred place once they have obtained the blessing of all those they have wronged. And for Hasan this will prove a particularly onerous task. Over the course of the film, we see that our protagonist isn’t quite the virtuous man he first seemed and who he believes himself to be. Winner, Best Film, Critics’ Prize, São Paulo.
Director Biography
Originally a copywriter for major advertising firms, Semih Kaplanoglu is now one of Turkey’s most acclaimed filmmakers. He is the director of the features Away from Home (2003), Angel’s Fall (2004), Egg (2007), Milk (2008), Honey (2010), Grain (2017), and the first two films in his “Commitment” trilogy: Commitment (2019) and Commitment Hasan (2021)?.
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