Is Beginner Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Beginner represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Retired taxi driver Faruk is still working into his 60s. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Retired taxi driver Faruk is still working into his 60s. Having lost his wife ten years earlier, he leads a monotonous life. His only wish is to learn English, for which he is sometimes ridiculed and sometimes appreciated. His life will change a lot as he meets people throughout that difficult process, as learning a new language brings new experiences."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Güven Kıraç ensure that the emotional beats of Beginner always land with sufficient weight. Güven Kıraç provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Burçak Üzen is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 85 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Beginner truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Beginner explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Burçak Üzen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Beginner serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Güven Kıraç or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Beginner is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.