Released: 11th March 2021 (Netflix)
Length: 96 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Director: Can Ulkay
Starring: Çağatay Ulusoy, Emir Ali Doğrul as Ali, Ersin Arıcı, Turgay Tanülkü and Selen Öztürk
Films about the castaways of modern society have become more prevalent in recent years; following the enormous success of Parasite, other entries look to tackle the subject matter. Paper Lives, (Known as Kağıttan Hayatlar) is a release from Turkey that generates a strong sense of pathos.
In modern day Istanbul we follow Mehmet (Çagatay Ulusoy), the leader of a rubbish collecting group. He and his wider community scrape out a living by collecting trash and selling it on for a measly amount. On a seemingly ordinary day, the protagonist finds Ali (Emir Ali Dogrul) in his collection trolley. Feeling responsibility for the young boy, Mehmet resolves to take care of him, only to find himself confronting some nasty childhood trauma. Through changing tones and a gradual reveal of information, Paper Lives is a tale heavily rooted in the struggles of the downtrodden. It’s a simple story, but many of the film’s creative choices are used to sell a wider facade; the smoking gun unfolds in the opening and from here a set of subtle reactions from the other characters ensues. You’ll certainly get a gut-wrenching feeling from the ending, which brings the truth to light in a suitably grim fashion. However, while the conclusion is effective, it’s laid out onto the viewer in one quick burst which may feel very abrupt for some. Paper Lives could have been inventive with its build-up to make its final twist more impactful.
The film places its focus squarely on its two leading characters who form the heart of the piece. Both actors do a great job of conveying their emotions with Mehmet being street-smart at first, but finds himself possessing a paternal instinct over time. On the other hand, Ali’s innocence is constantly on display, the boy having been scarred by domestic violence from his father. Where the film really works is how it shows the fragility in Mehmit and Ali’s lives; you believe the connection that forms and the ups and downs they both go through. On the other hand, the side characters don’t fare as well, most notably with Mehmit’s closest friend Gonzales (played by Ersin Arici). Often times, Mehmet’s closest friends are off-screen which does create somewhat of a disconnect. They’re kept at a distance for a reason, but there needed to be stronger ties between them. For example, Mehmed’s Uncle Tashid (Turgay Tanülkü) attempts to be the voice of reason; but because he doesn’t make many appearances, the character isn’t a cohesive part of the wider narrative.
From the moment Paper Lives begins, it plants the audience into the grotty and downtrodden side of Istanbul and never leaves that perspective. From the moment the camera pans away from a ritzy party at the film’s opening, the crushing sense of poverty is immediately apparent. Dirty back alleys, piles of unused waste and the shack-like nature of the neighbourhood makes for a gruelling backdrop. The film also makes great use of its setting with locations like a public bathhouse and outdoor party with traditional instruments really getting across the finer details of life in the city. One area that does stick out a bit is the music; making use of both modern rap and more ambient pieces, the ways it shifts the tone can also feel forced at times. The pacing of the soundtrack could have used some tuning up.
The sombre and emotional Paper Lives is well told and acted, while also absorbing the audience into the lives of the characters. It could have done a better job by playing with the protagonist’s perception and the side characters are fairly weak, but it still succeeds at delivering a poignant punch.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Good)
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