Ayla: The Daughter of War – A Story of Humanity Amid Conflict
Ayla: The Daughter of War – A Heartfelt True Story of Love and Sacrifice
Ayla: The Daughter of War is a heart-wrenching 2017 Turkish film that showcases the profound bond between a Turkish soldier and a young Korean girl during the Korean War. Directed by Can Ulkay and written by Yigit Güralp, the movie is based on the true story of Süleyman Dilbirliği, a sergeant in the Turkish Brigade, and Ayla, an orphaned Korean girl he saves and cares for during the war.
Plot Summary
The story begins in 1950, during the Korean War, when Sergeant Süleyman and his brigade are deployed to South Korea as part of the United Nations forces. Amidst the devastation of war, Süleyman discovers a little girl, alone and terrified, after her parents are killed in the conflict. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Süleyman decides to protect and care for the child, naming her Ayla due to her radiant, moon-like face.
Their bond grows as they navigate the harsh realities of war together. Ayla becomes a symbol of hope and innocence, bringing joy to the Turkish soldiers. However, as the war comes to an end, bureaucratic hurdles and cultural barriers make it impossible for Süleyman to take Ayla back to Turkey. Their eventual separation is heartbreaking, but the story doesn’t end there. Decades later, Süleyman and Ayla are reunited in an emotional moment that highlights the enduring power of love and humanity.
Themes and Reception
Ayla: The Daughter of War explores universal themes of compassion, love, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of war. The film captures the human cost of conflict while highlighting the strength of the human spirit to find connection and hope amidst despair.
The movie received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, cinematography, and performances. It was Turkey’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards and won numerous awards at international film festivals.
Cast and Production Details
| Role | Actor/Actress | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sergeant Süleyman Dilbirliği | İsmail Hacıoğlu | The Turkish soldier who saves Ayla. |
| Ayla | Kim Seol | The young Korean girl Süleyman cares for. |
| Young Süleyman | Çetin Tekindor | Süleyman in his older years. |
| Ali | Ali Atay | Fellow soldier and friend to Süleyman. |
| Nuran Dilbirliği | Damla Sönmez | Süleyman’s wife in Turkey. |
| Lieutenant Mesut | Murat Yıldırım | Turkish officer in the brigade. |
| Colonel Celal | Altan Erkekli | Commanding officer of the brigade. |
| Production Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Can Ulkay |
| Writer | Yigit Güralp |
| Producers | Mustafa Uslu, Ismail Kurtulmus |
| Music | Fahir Atakoğlu |
| Cinematography | Jean-Paul Seresin |
| Production Company | Dijital Sanatlar Production |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Runtime | 124 minutes |
| Language | Turkish, Korean |
Why Watch Ayla: The Daughter of War?
This film is a poignant reminder of the power of love and human connection, even in the darkest times. Ayla: The Daughter of War is not just a war drama; it is a celebration of humanity’s ability to find hope, form bonds, and persevere despite unimaginable hardships. Its deeply emotional narrative, combined with stellar performances, makes it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and compassion.
