Once Upon a Time in Anatolia 2012
Directed by
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Made by
Cinema Guild
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A group of men traverse the dimly lit rural landscape of Keskin in search of the buried remains of the murder victim, Yasar Toprak. Among them, the criminal Kenan reflects on the night he buried Yasar near a water fountain alongside his mentally challenged brother. However, his inebriation during the act and the consistent, disorienting scenery complicate his memory. As the night unfolds, prosecutor Nusret shares a chilling case with doctor Cemal about a woman who ominously informed her husband of her impending death shortly after childbirth. He recounts how she tragically passed away from a heart attack, yet Cemal provocatively suggests that she could have intentionally induced it through medication.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Naci intervenes, preventing Cemal from giving Kenan a cigarette, asserting that Kenan must earn it. Their search takes them to a nearby village where the mayor pleads with Nusret for financial aid to establish a morgue, underscoring that many in his community are elderly and their families wish to see them after death. A sudden gust triggers a power outage, and the mayor’s daughter offers the group tea. Enchanted by her beauty illuminated by the lamplight, Kenan unexpectedly finds himself in tears as he confides in Naci about his revelation to Yasar regarding the paternity of Yasar’s son Adem. This revelation ignited a violent confrontation that led to Yasar’s tragic demise, prompting Naci to finally grant Kenan that coveted cigarette.
As dawn breaks, Kenan uncovers the long-hidden body, and the authorities quickly observe that it has been tied up. When they attempt to untie it, they realize its position was arranged to fit snugly into the trunk of Kenan’s vehicle. In the absence of a body bag, they awkwardly stuff it into the trunk and head back to Keskin. There, Adem and his mother Gülnaz witness Kenan’s return. In an act of raw emotion, Adem hurls a small stone at Kenan, striking him on the head and evoking tears from the distraught perpetrator.
During a private conversation with Nusret, Cemal highlights a particular drug that could facilitate a heart attack—something Nusret acknowledges knowing about due to his father-in-law’s health issues. Nusret speculates that the woman might have taken her life in response to her husband’s infidelity, waiting until after the child was born to act. His words seem to allude to his own wife. Later, Gülnaz confirms that the body is indeed Yasar’s, and an autopsy reveals grim details; dirt found in his lungs indicates he was buried alive. Crucially, Cemal decides to withhold this information from the official report. As the technician conducts the autopsy, Cemal quietly observes the remaining Toprak family depart with Yasar’s possessions, a poignant reminder of the tragedy that has unfolded.
Timeline
Track the key events of Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Search for Remains
A group of men embarks on a difficult journey through the dimly lit rural landscape of Keskin. They are in search of the buried remains of the murder victim, Yasar Toprak, spurred on by their troubled past and the haunting memories of the crime.
Kenan's Reflection
Amidst the search, Kenan, the criminal, reflects on the troubling night he buried Yasar. His memories are muddled by his drinking and the disorienting surroundings of the rural area, making it difficult for him to recall the exact details of the event.
Chilling Case Discussion
Prosecutor Nusret shares a dark story with Doctor Cemal about a woman who forewarned her husband of her demise following childbirth. This conversation veers into unsettling territory as they discuss whether her death was accidental or potentially a calculated act on her part.
Intervention by Commissioner Naci
Commissioner Naci steps in to prevent Cemal from giving Kenan a cigarette, hinting that Kenan must earn the privilege. This interaction adds tension among the group, highlighting the complex dynamics between law enforcement and the criminals they investigate.
Visit to the Nearby Village
The search party arrives at a nearby village where they encounter the mayor. He implores Nusret for financial assistance to open a morgue, as the community grapples with high mortality and the need for an appropriate facility for the deceased.
Power Outage
Suddenly, the group experiences a power outage triggered by a gust of wind. The mayor's daughter graciously offers them tea, and amidst the dim lights, Kenan becomes emotional and confides in Naci about a pivotal moment related to Yasar’s son, Adem.
Kenan's Emotional Confession
While sharing tea, Kenan recalls revealing to Yasar that he is Adem's biological father. This shocking revelation led to a violent confrontation that culminated in Yasar's tragic death, marking a turning point in Kenan's life.
Uncovering the Body
As dawn arrives, Kenan finally uncovers the long-buried body of Yasar. The authorities make a grim discovery; the body is tied up, revealing a sinister aspect of the murder and raising serious questions about its burial.
Transporting the Body
With no body bag available, the authorities awkwardly stuff Yasar's body into the trunk of Kenan's vehicle. This act reflects both the logistical challenges of their grim task and the emotions running high among the group.
Confrontation with Adem
Upon Kenan's return to Keskin, he is confronted by Adem and his mother, Gülnaz. In a surge of grief and anger, Adem throws a stone at Kenan, hitting him on the head, illustrating the profound pain caused by Kenan's actions.
Cemal’s Controversial Suggestion
In a private discussion, Cemal brings up a drug that can induce a heart attack, suggesting a darker motive behind the earlier woman's death. Nusret shows awareness of this drug, and the conversation hints at his ties to personal loss and infidelity.
Gülnaz Identifies the Body
Gülnaz confirms that the body unearthed is indeed Yasar's. The heartbreaking validation of her loss calls attention to the tragic consequences of the violence that ensued, which has now deeply affected the entire community.
Autopsy Revelations
During the autopsy, it is revealed that dirt found in Yasar's lungs indicates he was buried alive. This horrifying fact adds another layer of tragedy to the situation, showcasing the brutality of the crime.
Cemal's Decision
Despite the grim revelations from the autopsy, Cemal decides to omit the details from the official report. This decision reflects the moral dilemmas faced by those within the medical and judicial systems as they navigate the ramifications of the case.
Final Observations
As the technician finalizes the autopsy, Cemal watches as the remaining Toprak family collects Yasar's possessions. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedy and familial losses that underlie the investigation and the events that unfolded.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kenan
Kenan is the troubled criminal grappling with guilt and memories of his violent actions. His character is marked by deep emotional conflict, as he reflects on his relationship with Yasar and his role in the tragic events that ensued. His vulnerability becomes evident as he interacts with others and reveals his internal struggles.
Nusret
Nusret serves as the prosecutor, tasked with uncovering the truth behind Yasar's death. He is portrayed as pragmatic yet deeply affected by the moral implications of the case. His conversations frequently allude to personal experiences, revealing layers to his character beyond his professional facade.
Cemal
Cemal is a doctor caught in the web of unsettling secrets and moral dilemmas. His provocative insights into the nature of life and death challenge the other characters and provoke thought about the ethical boundaries of his profession. His character embodies the struggle between scientific inquiry and human compassion.
Adem
Adem, the son of Yasar, represents the innocent bystander affected by his father's tragic demise. His raw emotional response to Kenan signifies the deep impact of familial loss and the harboring of unresolved rage. Through Adem, the film explores the theme of vengeance and the cyclical nature of violence.
Gülnaz
Gülnaz, Yasar's mother, embodies the raw pain of losing a loved one under tragic circumstances. Her character highlights the familial bonds and the collective mourning experienced by those left behind, serving as a poignant reminder of the impact of grief and loss.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie takes place during a tense nighttime scenario, where the darkness symbolizes both the physical search for a body and the metaphorical search for truth and understanding among the characters. This setting enhances the themes of loss, regret, and the complexities of human emotion.
Location
Keskin, nearby village
Keskin is a dimly lit rural area where the film's events unfold, steeped in a sense of isolation and melancholy. The nearby village features a close-knit community grappling with the mortality of their elders, emphasizing the timeless nature of human struggles and relationships.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates through the narrative as characters grapple with the aftermath of Yasar's death and its impact on those left behind. Each character reflects on personal grief and the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of mortality and sorrow.
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Truth
Truth is a central theme as the characters search for both the physical remains of the murder victim and the unspoken truths lying within their relationships. The unfolding events challenge them to confront their pasts and the darker aspects of human nature, revealing the complexities of morality and justice.
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Memory
Memory plays a significant role in the film as Kenan struggles to recall the events of the night he buried Yasar. His intoxication and the shifting scenery blur his recollection, illustrating how memories can be both elusive and haunting, and how they shape our understanding of reality.
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