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Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul (Unrated)





Release Date: June 9th, 2006 (Angelika Film Center) by Strand Releasing.
Directed by Fatih Akin.

BASIC PREMISE: A documentary about Turkish music from Istanbul through the journey of German musician Alexander Hacke.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: From start to finish, Crossing the Bridge has lively music from Istanbul. Director Fatih Akin follows musician Alexander Hacke through the streets of Istanbul to record street music and finds other talented musicians who are also recorded. Much like American music, Turkish music comes in many different forms including hip-hop, rap, and rock music. Each musician’s performance brings out the best of the underrated yet important culture of Turkish music. Reading the subtitled translation of the lyrics can be distracting at times, so it’s best to listen and get absorbed into the music and images which speak for themselves. The most fascinating music is the Turkish rap music, which, as one musician’s father admits, comes as a shock at first—nor does it sound like music to him. However, after listening to it more often, the father claims he got used to it and fell in love with it. Interviews with the musicians provide a fascinating glimpse of the social context of their music. Director Fatih Akin fills Crossing the Bridge with picturesque scenery of Istanbul which celebrates its intrinsic beauty and perfectly matches the equally beautiful music. Fans of cultural music and culture itself will not only want to buy the soundtrack, but visit Istanbul as well.

SPIRITUAL VALUE: In many ways, modern Turkish music reflects, the evolution Turkish music which adapts to the Western culture of music yet still maintains an authentic feeling. Just by listening to the wide variety of music, you can feel its spirit and soul from deep in the heart of Istanbul.

INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None.

NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0

IN A NUTSHELL: Fascinating! An awe-inspiring, lively celebration of Turkish music!

RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater (1st Run)


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