Ayla: The Daughter of War
Director: Can Ulkay
Genre: War Drama, Biography
Country: Turkey
Release Year: 2017
Language: Turkish, Korean
Introduction
Ayla: The Daughter of War is a heart-rending Turkish film based on a true story from the Korean War. It chronicles the deep bond between a Turkish sergeant and a young Korean orphan girl he finds on the battlefield. The movie explores themes of war, humanity, compassion, and enduring love beyond borders and bloodlines. The name "Ayla" means "halo" or "moonlight" in Turkish, symbolizing hope and purity amid the destruction of war.
Plot Summary
The film begins in 1950, during the Korean War. Süleyman Dilbirliği, a Turkish sergeant, and his unit are sent to Korea as part of the United Nations forces aiding South Korea. During one mission, Süleyman comes across a traumatized, orphaned Korean girl wandering alone in the cold night. Her parents have been killed by North Korean forces.
Moved by compassion, he takes her in and names her Ayla, due to the crescent moon on the night he found her. Despite the language barrier, Süleyman and Ayla form a powerful emotional connection, resembling that of a father and daughter. He cares for her, feeds her, and protects her amid the chaos of war.
However, when the war ends, Süleyman is ordered to return to Turkey. Military bureaucracy and international adoption laws prevent him from taking Ayla with him. This separation is painful and heartbreaking. The rest of the film follows their separate lives, with scenes switching between past and present, culminating in an emotional reunion after more than 60 years.
Character Analysis
Süleyman Dilbirliği
- A brave, disciplined, and compassionate soldier.
- His character demonstrates how empathy can exist even in war.
- His love for Ayla transforms him from a soldier into a father figure.
- His struggle to adopt Ayla and his sorrow over leaving her reflect the bureaucratic inhumanity that often overrides personal bonds.
Ayla
- A symbol of innocence lost in war.
- Despite her trauma, she grows into a cheerful, strong-willed child thanks to Süleyman’s love.
- Her silence at first shows the psychological scars of war, but her eventual bonding with Süleyman represents healing.
Supporting Characters
- The other soldiers in Süleyman’s unit provide moments of humor, humanity, and support.
- Turkish and Korean characters alike portray how shared suffering during war creates bonds between people of different nations and languages.
Themes
1. War and Its Human Cost
- The film doesn't glorify war but shows its devastating effects on soldiers and civilians alike.
- Ayla’s orphanhood, the destruction of families, and Süleyman’s emotional trauma all highlight the brutality of war.
2. Love Beyond Blood
- The heart of the story is the unbreakable bond between a man and a girl who share no biological connection.
- Their relationship is based on love, not legality, showing that true family goes beyond paperwork.
3. Cross-Cultural Compassion
- The Turkish soldier and the Korean girl speak different languages, but their emotions and mutual care bridge that gap.
- This reinforces the universal language of love and humanity.
4. Hope and Resilience
- Even in the darkest of times, hope can flourish through human connections.
- Ayla survives because of Süleyman’s kindness. He, in turn, finds a lifelong purpose in caring for her.
Cinematography and Direction
Can Ulkay skillfully uses contrasting scenes of war and tenderness. The harsh visuals of battles, ruined villages, and wounded soldiers are juxtaposed with quiet, intimate scenes between Süleyman and Ayla. This contrast heightens the emotional impact. The film’s pacing is tight, moving smoothly between past and present, building toward the climactic reunion.
The cinematography often highlights facial expressions, emphasizing the silent but powerful emotional communication between characters. Close-ups, warm lighting in scenes with Ayla, and cold, muted colors in war sequences serve the emotional narrative effectively.
Historical and Cultural Context
Turkey was one of the nations that sent troops to Korea during the Korean War under the UN coalition. This lesser-known chapter of Turkish military history gains prominence through the film. It also highlights the generosity and humanity of Turkish soldiers in helping civilians during wartime.
The real-life Süleyman and Ayla’s story, documented with actual footage at the end, adds authenticity. It reflects how real history can be more touching and inspiring than fiction.
Emotional Impact and Reception
Ayla is a deeply emotional movie that brought many audiences to tears. It resonated both in Turkey and internationally due to its universal message of love, sacrifice, and reunion. It was Turkey’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards and received numerous awards and nominations.
Conclusion
Ayla: The Daughter of War is not just a war movie; it’s a poignant story about the resilience of human connection in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It is a reminder that amid violence and separation, compassion can create bonds that last a lifetime. With strong performances, especially from İsmail Hacıoğlu (young Süleyman), and a heartfelt narrative, the film leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
It teaches that even when nations go to war, individual acts of kindness can heal hearts and build bridges across cultures and generations.
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