The Festival of Troubadours (2022) - Movie Review: A Heart-Wrenching Drama

The Festival of Troubadours is a drama directed by Özcan Alper, starring Kivanç Tatlitug and Settar Tanriogen.

Premise

The reunion between the elderly traveling musician and his son opens old wounds as the two set out on a long journey to a troubadour festival.

Review

If your are expecting a Turkish soap opera, this movie will not provide you with that. The Festival of Troubadours tells the depressing story of a son who has to come to terms with his father’s terminal illness.

Undeniably, it is well produced, and counts on a good cast. Kivanç Tatlitug is good in his role as Yusuf, the son. His acting is convincing, and has the authenticity to give the character credibility.

The cinematography is proper of a drama, without special effects, other than the subtle sound effects and score to emphasize the sadness of the story. True to its title, there are scenes with music, with actual troubadours playing Turkish folk – but it is not a musical. This is a true drama, at times even melodramatic in the heaviness of the suffering of its characters, and how it digs in to it.

Our opinion

This is a genuine drama that does not hold back on emphasizing the sadness of the story. Perhaps melodramatic, it will have an audience. If you need a good cry, watch this movie.