Kagittan Hayatlar (Paper Lives)Review: An unrestrained drama that leaves you teary-eyed

As heartbreaking as the climax is, Ulusoy forces the viewer to look at the story in a new light, one could even prod you to watch this film again, especially

Stark and raw best describes the Turkish film Kagittan Hayatlar (Paper Lives) currently showing on Netflix. In ‘Struggle Alley in Istanbul, Mehmet (Cagatay Ulusoy), an ailing middle-aged man, runs a solid waste warehouse. One night, he finds a young boy, Ali (Emir Ali Dogrul) – a runaway looking for shelter.

Having suffered a similar fate and grown up alongside castaways and orphans, Mehmet decides to take the boy in while waiting for the mother to be found. The relationship between the two transports Mehmet back to his own childhood days. A simple story that guarantees to touch your core, the narration has a profound respect for the realities of life.

Director: Can Ulkay

Cast: Çağatay Ulusoy, Emir Ali Dogrul, Ersin Arici

Streaming on: Netflix

The existence of Mehmet, his brother (Ersin Arici), and other child workers at the warehouse are as fragile as paper. They have only each other for support, and what others deem garbage is their source of livelihood.

As Ali and Mehmet’s friendship deepen, the director treats us to some…

Read the full review here:

https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/english/2021/mar/21/kagittan-hayatlar-paper-livesmovie-review-an-unrestrained-dramathat-leaves-you-teary-eyed-23495.html