AYLA - TÜRKİYE'NİN OSCAR ADAYI FİLMİ (Ayla: The Daughter of War (2017))Submissions from Turkey to the Academy Awards to get an Oscar Nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film Category

Bir çocuğun yüreğinde iz bırakmak. Yıllarca süren hasret ve uğruna bir çok şeyi hatta sevdiği kızı bile feda eden bir adamla savaş mağduru küçük bir kızın hikayesi Ayla. Yıllar önce ana haber bülteninde kısacıkta olsa geçen bir haberdi. Tüylerim diken diken izlemiştim ve içimden geçirmiştim. Filmi yapılası bir hikaye diye. Nitekim bir iki sene içerisinde sanki iç sesimi duyan yönetmen Can Ulkay kolları sıvayıp muhteşem bir film ortaya koymuş. Profesyonel oyuncuların bu eşsiz hikayeyi ilik ilik işlemeleri de ayrı bir heyecan yaşatıyor.

Başrol oyuncusu İsmail Hacıoğlu oyunculuk kariyerinde bir çok eleştiri almasına rağmen bu filmde de gayet başarılı ve duyguyu seyirciye geçirebiliyor. Ayrıca İsmail Hacıoğlu'nun bir çok filmini izledim ve bence vasat bile denecek bir iş çıkardığını görmedim. Tüm filmlerinde canlandırdığı karakterin hakkını veriyor ve duyguyu seyirciye geçirebiliyor. Çetin Tekindor ise türk sinemasının belki de en önemli oyuncularından. Kendisinin sadece bakışları bile bir çok şeyi anlatabiliyor. Konuşmayıp sadece bakışlarıyla bile bir filmi baştan sona oynayabilecek bir duayen. Ayrıca Ali Atay'ında performansı ayakta alkışlanması gerekiyor. Murat Yıldırım, Altan Erkekli ve Meral Çetinkaya'nında filme katkısı yadsınamaz. Son zamanların beğenilen ve etkileyici oyunculuklarıyla dikkatleri üzerine çeken Büşra Develi ve Damla Sönmez'inde bu filmdeki başarılarından sonra onları daha bir çok projede görmemiz gerektiğinin sinyallerini vermiş oldular. 

Savaşta anne ve babasını yitiren bir kız çocuğunun acı dolu yaşama tutunma öyküsü. Bilmedikleri kültüre, tanımadıkları insanlara yardıma koşan Türk askerlerinin hazin dolu öyküsünden sadece bir kesit. Savaşta yaşanan bir gün, bir ömre bedeldir diye boşuna söylememişler. Belkide Süleyman gibi nice askerlerin anıları gizli oralarda. 

Ayla'yı canlandıran Kim Seol ise bakışıyla, duruşuyla resmen filme damga vurmuş. Filmin gerçek bir olay olması filme farklı bir havada katıyor. Bir çocuğa gerçek bir sevgi verebiliyorsanız, hissettirebiliyorsanız o sevgiyi, o çocuk hep o yaşta kalır ve sizi hep o yaşta hatırlar. 

Film Oscar'da yabancı filmler dalında Türkiye'yi temsil edecek. Başarılı olmasını çok isterim. Türk sineması, başarılı yapıtları seyirciyle buluşturuyor ve başarıyı en az Hollywood filmleri kadar hakkediyor. Filme 29 Ekim günü gitmem de milli duygularımın yoğunlaşmasına neden oldu. Dünya üzerinde barbar olarak tanımlanan Türk milletinin hem savaşta hem barışta insanlığa, insanlara verdiği önem bu film sayesinde biraz kırılır umarım. Filmdeki Amerikalı generalin Türk askerleri için söylediği söz de filmi aslında özetler nitelikteydi; '' Hiç birimiz hatırlanmayacağız.. Ama onlar (Türk askerleri) tarih yazacak''... Haksız değildi... Güney Koreliler hala minnettarlıklarını dile getiriyorlar. Ayla gibi suçsuz çocukların ve savaş mağduru çocukların yüzlerinin hep gülmesi dileklerimle..

English Summary ( IMDB)
Ayla: The Daughter of War (2017)

In 1950, amidst the ravages of the Korean War, Sergeant Süleyman stumbles upon a a half-frozen little girl, with no parents and no help in sight. Frantic, scared and on the verge of death, this little girl captures the heart of Süleyman, who risks his own life to save her, smuggling her into his Army base and out of harms way. Not knowing her name and unable to communicate with her, Süleyman names her Ayla, in reminiscence of the moon on the fateful night during which they met. The two form an instantaneous and inseparable bond, and Ayla, almost effortlessly, brings an uncanny joy to the Turkish brigade in the grip of war. As the war comes to a close however, Süleyman's brigade is told that they will be returning home. Süleyman cannot bear abandoning Ayla, and does everything within his power to take her with him. After repeated failure, he is forced to give Ayla to an orphanage, but doesn't give up on the hope of one day reuniting with her. Will the two ever get back together?

INCREDIBLE PLACES YOU MUST EAT IN LONDON

BURGER & LOBSTER

40 ST JOHNS STREET, SMITHFIELD, LONDON, EC1M 4AY. Other locations are available

WHY:

Sometimes simplicity is best! Burger & Lobster take this to the extreme with only two options on the menu - Burger £20 or Lobster £20. Try it for yourself you won’t be disappointed!

HOW MUCH:

£20 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Farringdon 0.2 miles, 3 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Farringdon 0.2 miles, 3 minute walk

THE DOODLE BAR

33 Parkgate Road, London, SW11 4NP

WHY:

Feel like doodling the night away? This is the pace to do it. Set against the backdrop of Testbed1 a creative experimental art space, this bar serves delicious street food, hosts exciting events and gives everyone a chance to show their creative side through a little doodling!

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Battersea Park, 1.1 miles, 25 minute walk / 7 minutes by car

MINT LEAF RESTAURANT & BAR

Suffolk Place, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HX

WHY:

This stylish restaurant serves innovative Indian cuisine, if you're after a fine dining experience with a twist Mint Leaf is the place for you.

HOW MUCH:

£20 - £55 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Charing Cross Station, 0.3 miles, 7 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Charing Cross, 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk

DANS LE NOIR?

30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU, London

WHY:

Taking the dining experience to a new level. Dans le Noir serves surprise menus whilst the diners eat in complete darkness. Guided and served by blind people, this unique experience is not one you will easily forget.

HOW MUCH:

£50-£80 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Farringdon, 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Farringdon, 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk

GARLIC & SHOTS

14 Frith Street, London, W1D 4RD

WHY:

If you’re into garlic this is the place for you! No dishes are served without garlic, you can also choose from one of the 101 shots available including a selection of garlic shots! Make sure you bring your mints, this one’s going to be intense.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Charing Cross Station, 0.6 miles, 12 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Tottenham Court Road, 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk

INAMO

inamo restaurant, 134-136 Wardour St, London, W1F 8ZP

WHY:

Who doesn’t love a bit of unusual tech? inamo is an Oriental fusion restaurant where you can place your food order, set the mood and even order a taxi home from all from your table! Check this one out for fantastic food and a techy dining experience.

HOW MUCH:

£7 - £19 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Charing Cross Station, 0.7 miles, 15 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Picadily, 0.4 miles, 8 minute walk

BEHESHT

1082-1086 Harrow Road, London NW10 5NL

WHY:

Behesht is an Iranian restaurant which has an array of unique décor including Persian carpets, artefacts and not forgetting the pond with golden fishes and running water effect. Check out this one if you’re looking to be whisked away into a different culture!

HOW MUCH:

£6 - £8 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Kensal Green, 0.3 miles, 7 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Kensal Green, 0.3 miles, 7 minute walk

SCOOTERWORKS

Scooterworks Café, Waterloo, 132 Lower Marsh, London, UK SE1 7

WHY:

This old scooter workshop has been transformed into a little café with a good vibe and resident cat! Full of retro scooters and parts, this is a great place to sit back relax and grab a snack.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - London Waterloo Station, 0.3 miles, 6 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Lamberth North, 0.1 miles, 3 minute walk

KOYA

Koya, 49 Frith Street, London, W1D 4SG

WHY:

This small Japanese restaurant is in the heart of the city. Serving traditional Sanuki Udon with a dash of originality, you’ll be delighted with the honest Japanese cuisine on offer.

HOW MUCH:

£7 - £15 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - London Charing Cross, 0.6 miles, 12 minute walk / 5 minute taxi

Nearest tube station - Leicester Square, 0.3 miles, 2 minute walk

RULES

Rules, 35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7LB

WHY:

Rules is the oldest restaurant in London at over 200 years old! Serving traditional British food with exceptional history, this is one you can’t pass by!

HOW MUCH:

£20 – £40 per person

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest train station - Charing Cross Station, 0.2 miles, 5 minute walk

Nearest tube station - Leicester Square, 0.3 miles, 6 minute walk

Source : http://www.redspottedhanky.com/destination-guides/uk/london/25-incredible-places-you-must-eat-in-london/

The NYC Hit List: The Best New Restaurants In NYC

Wondering where you should be eating in New York City right now? You’re in the right place. The Infatuation Hit List is your guide to the city’s best new restaurants.

And when we say “best new restaurants,” we mean it. Because we’ve tried every single one of these places - and we’ve also left off countless spots that simply aren’t as worthy of your time and money.

The Hit List is our record of every restaurant that’s opened in the past year that we’d highly recommend you try. This guide is sorted chronologically, so at the top you’ll find our latest entries to this list (the newest spots), and as you keep scrolling you’ll find the places that are on the older side - but are great enough that we still haven’t stopped talking about them.

DON ANGIE

Greenwich Village / West Village 

Don Angie is a new West Village restaurant run by a husband and wife duo that spent time at Quality Italian and other restaurants with “Italian” in the title. The space sort of reminds us of The Eddy - slick and comfortable - and the food is a mix of refined, L’Artusi style pastas and and simple, rustic entrees that you might find at a place like Vinegar Hill House. We made our first visit on what happened to be day three of Don Angie’s existence, and even that early in the game, it’s pretty clear that this restaurant is going to do just fine. Get the garlic stuffed flatbread and the gnocchi.

OKA 

Murray Hill 

Right in the middle of Kips Bay is a casual new Japanese izakaya called Oka. It’s across the street from not just a 16 Handles, but also a Tasti D-Lite, and unlike those places, it’s one of the better eating options in the area. The low-key space is ideal for meeting someone after work, drinking sake, and ordering Japanese small plates until you’re stuffed. While the room itself is pretty simple, the food is really impressive - everything we tried, from the grilled baguette with kombu butter, to the tonkatsu (pork cutlet), to the grilled hamachi collar, was great. And also surprisingly affordable. Get this one in your rotation and stop eating subpar sushi rolls from Amber.

VINI E FRITTI Nomad 

Vini E Fritti is the third installment of the Danny Meyer-backed mini-empire in The Redbury Hotel, and this one specializes in wine and fried things. The first one is the pizza spot Marta, the second is a Roman-style coffee shop called Caffe Marchio, and now there’s this wine, cocktail, and Italian snack bar. Use it to meet someone in Nomad - it’s the perfect balance of upscale (it’s really nicely designed) and casual (you seat yourself, either at the bar or a high-top table). The menu is made up of stuff like fried artichokes and stracciatella cheese on focaccia, and if you’re hungry, or just too lazy to make a second stop, you could certainly eat a full dinner’s worth of food here.

THE LOYAL West Village 

The Loyal is a new restaurant in the West Village from the people behind Narcissa and Nix - although it feels a little more old-school than either of those two places. It’s dimly lit, there are booths with little lamps, and half the tables have white tablecloths. They also make some classic dishes like shrimp scampi, duck fat tater tots, and parker house rolls - alongside some lighter options as well. You might find this place useful if you’re looking for a place to eat with clients or family, and you don’t want anything too stuffy. Despite the white tablecloths, no one is wearing a suit here.

UNCLE BOONS SISTER Nolita 

Uncle Boons Sister is the takeout version of Uncle Boons (one of our favorite Thai restaurants in NYC), and it’s in the space that used to be Mr. Donahue’s. The menu here is smaller than the one at Uncle Boons, however, and most things are under $15. They do stuff like fried chicken laarb, pork shank over rice, and a Thai-style hot dog covered in papaya salad - and, if you need a quick lunch or dinner in Nolita, this is an excellent option. There are a few tables inside where you can hang out and eat, although the space is tiny, and you shouldn’t count on finding a seat.

OLD ROSE West Village 

Old Rose, in the bottom of The Jane Hotel, is in the space that used to house Cafe Gitane. It’s from the people behind The Smile and a chef who used to work at Lighthouse, which happens to be one of our favorite places in Brooklyn. For now, Old Rose just has a small menu of light Italian things like fried squid, nectarine with prosciutto, and a few pizzas - but everything we’ve tried has been good. The clam pizza, for example, comes with a cream sauce and chili oil, and is one of the better ways to cure a hangover. So stop by Old Rose for a casual meal with friends in the West Village. They’re open all day, and the food is pretty affordable.

Camperdown Elm

Park Slope 

Camperdown Elm serves what we call the Cool New Stuff - things like squid-ink rice crackers with mackerel pate and scallops with corn foam and grapes. It might not be on the same level as Wildair or Olmsted, but it’s significantly less busy, and we like the neighborhood feel of the place. It’s in a little space on a corner in south Park Slope, and it’s pretty laid-back despite the somewhat fancy food. Also, nothing costs more than $30, and, if you sit at the bar, you can eat a burger. It’s great for a weekend night when you have a last-minute desire to try something new. The steak tartare is solid, and you will almost definitely want several orders of the fried muffins.

UGLY BABY Carroll Gardens 

Ugly Baby is a little restaurant in Carroll Gardens with maybe eight tables, but it’s serving some of the best Thai food we’ve eaten in NYC. This is the new place from the people behind Kao Soy, the popular Red Hook Thai restaurant that made everyone sad when it closed. Ugly Baby serves traditional foods from four different regions in Thailand, which means that a lot of the food is very spicy - but not in the way that makes you feel like your tongue is being burned off for no reason besides pain. The spiciness just intensifies the flavors here, all of which are already impressive. This place is worth traveling for.

SHUKA Greenwich Village / SoHo 

The spot that used to be Hundred Acres in Soho is now Shuka, a Middle Eastern restaurant with very solid food. It’s still owned by the people behind Cookshop and Vic’s, and this is sort of like a Middle Eastern version of either of those restaurants. You’ll find a selection of kebabs and dips and mezze plates, all suitable for sharing. There’s plenty of room for big groups, so definitely keep it in mind for that 10-person dinner you have to plan last minute. It won’t win any “best new restaurant” awards, but it’s worth knowing about for utility’s sake.

CLARO Brooklyn / Gowanus 

Claro is a new Mexican restaurant in Gowanus, specializing in food from Oaxaca. The tlayudas and memelas, both of which are sort of like oversized tostadas and come topped with everything from bacon to heirloom tomatoes, are the highlights of the menu, and you can watch them being made at a big grill in the backyard. If it’s warm enough, you should definitely sit back there, and you should do your best to bring a date. It’s a very nice little area that feels like an escape, and another bonus is the fact that most of the dishes cost less than $20. Claro is a fun time, and there’s nothing else in the city quite like it right now.

POPINA Brooklyn / Carroll Gardens 

Popina is a little restaurant on the Brooklyn waterfront near Carroll Gardens. The food is a Southern and Italian, and it turns out these two genres of food work really well together. The chicken Milanese is done like Nashville-style hot chicken, the arancini come with honey and butter, and you can get a plate of pasta with ham hock and okra. And all of it is quite good. The only catch is that the dining room is tiny, and they only take reservations for large parties. But feel free to stop in last-minute for a very good, casual meal with one or two other people. If there’s a wait, you can hang out back, where they serve drinks.

ATLA NOHO 

On our last Hit List update, we had Atla on wait-and-see status. But after trying it again during the day, we’re confident in telling you it’s worth checking out - provided you do not go expecting to have your life changed in the same way that you would at Cosme (the very serious restaurant run by the same chef). This is a sleek little space that’s ideal for daytime occasions when the sun shines in and you can eat somehow light-tasting huevos rancheros or a very good avocado (excuse us, guacamole) toast. We’d recommend it for a weekday breakfast or lunch, especially if you’re with the type of people who work in fashion or art or are friends with celebrities (or think they are).

SUSHI KATSUEI West Village 

For a while, we’ve been fans of the Park Slope location of Sushi Katsuei, which does the best sushi in Brooklyn and one of the best not-insanely priced omakase deals. Now, they’ve taken over the old Soto space in the West Village, and we’re pleased to report that the fish there is excellent. You’ll get nine pieces and a handroll for $57, which isn’t bad for the quality. If you’re ready to spend more, you’ll get to try some pretty unusual fish. As with any sushi omakase situation, be sure to sit at the bar.

abcV Flatiron / Union Square 

Vegetarians, rev your engines. The new meat-free restaurant in everyone’s favorite carpet store and home to restaurants is officially open through dinner now. The food is very tasty, and worth trying even if you’re not a dedicated vegetarian - it’s more than just a plant-based version of ABC Kitchen or ABC Cocina. You’ll especially like it if you care what your restaurants look like. Unsurprisingly, everything here is bright and pretty.

HANOI HOUSE East Village 

This is a new Vietnamese restaurant on St. Marks between 1st and Avenue A, which is a block that truly has so many restaurants and bars. This is a casual little spot, and almost everyone here will have a bowl of pho in front of them - it comes with a bit of filet mignon and brisket, and you can add bone marrow too. All that said, it’s actually a very simple, straightforward, and delicious soup. The menu has a lot of other stuff to try as well, and there’s a solid craft beer list, with options from all over New York state as well as a few bottles from Vietnam and Laos.

UNION SQUARE CAFE Union Square 

There was nothing trendy about the original Union Square Cafe, and there is nothing trendy about the new Union Square Cafe. And that’s exactly why we like it here - this is just a nice, classic-feeling, excellent restaurant. If you’ve eaten at the bar at Gramercy Tavern, know that the new Union Square Cafe kind of feels like that throughout the entire (huge) space. Reservations are hard to come by, but we had luck walking right in around 6pm. Save room for the insane desserts.

4 CHARLES PRIME RIB West Village 

If you’re hearing about 4 Charles Prime Rib, it’s likely because you’ve heard about their burger: this place is run by the guys behind Au Cheval, one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago and home to one of America’s greatest burgers. It’s worth coming to try the similar (but not exactly the same) burger, and the other very-good-but-bad-for-your-health items like prime rib and a pasta that is somehow both carbonara and cacio e pepe. But we think the real draw here is the vibe: there are oil paintings on the dark wood walls, there’s jazz playing in the background, and you feel kind of like you’re in an underground hideout from the 1940s.

Source : https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-new-new-york-restaurants-hit-list

By Bryan Kim, Katherine Lewin, and Hillary Reinsberg

Top 10 winter destinations in Europe

Winter comes in many guises in Europe, in the polar north there’s serious snow and sunless weeks, while you’ll find lingering sunshine in the mild Mediterranean, and cosy cafe culture and Christmas spirit in the centre. It's an inspiring time to visit grand metropolises and charming villages: with fewer queues you can fit more into your itinerary, and low off-season accommodation prices make travel wallet-friendly. Via Europe’s train network you can explore countries at your leisure, meeting locals going about their daily business away from the often-frenetic summer tourist season.

1. Rovaniemi, Finland

Fistfuls of Christmas clichés characterise Rovaniemi, the 'official' terrestrial residence of Santa Claus. Everyone's favourite bearded man hangs out in an atmospheric Arctic Circle grotto, and it's free to visit him (but photos are another story). Snow and reindeer add festive spirit, while the Arktikum museum gives insights into life at these latitudes.

Tip: Finnish thermometers have more numbers below 0°C than above, so pack serious winter clothing.

2. Christmas markets, Germany & Austria

December sees these romantic historic markets pop up all over Germany and other Central European nations. Expect cute stalls selling everything from gingerbread to sleigh bells and plenty of good cheer, toasted with a glass of warming glühwein.

Tip: Famous markets in Cologne, Vienna and Munich draw the tourist crowds, but seeking out ones in smaller towns is rewarding.

Decorations, European Christmas Market. Image by Richard Nebesky/Getty Images.

3. Abisko, Sweden

Almost as far north as you can get in Europe on a train, Abisko in Lapland is for lovers of serious winter. The sun doesn't rise for several weeks in December and January but that darkness makes it one of the world's best places to view the majestic aurora borealis. Other attractions include cross-country skiing along national park trails and husky mushing.

Tip: Stop off at nearby Kiruna to see the famous Icehotel.

4. Athens, Greece

It's a real downer trying to Photoshop 500 people out of your would-be-prizewinning Parthenon photo, but in winter it's not an issue. All summer stresses – crowding, tourist pricing, intense heat, queues, air pollution – more or less disappear. It's the best time to explore the country's ancient heritage and get to experience local culture.

Tip: By all means do some island-hopping, but most accommodations close in winter.

Acropolis, Athens. Image by John Elk III/Getty Images.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

For fairytale European winter, it's hard to beat the home of Hans Christian Andersen. Forget the over-hyped Little Mermaid and head to the city's cosy bars and cafes to watch snow flurrying outside. In the heart of town, the 19th-century Tivoli amusement park is a romantic, kitsch delight around Christmastime, with heartwarming illuminations and body-warming mugs of glögg.

Tip: Splash out on a meal at Noma, considered by many to be the world's best restaurant (reservations can fill quickly, so try to book several months in advance).

6. Budapest, Hungary

Couples skating hand-in-hand, breath cloudy in the frosty air – there’s nowhere better for it than the Hungarian capital’s picturesque central park Városligeti Műjégpálya, with its enormous outdoor rink. Feeling chilly afterwards? Budapest is famous for its ornate thermal baths.

Tip: At night seek out a ‘ruin pub’ – an atmospheric drinking venue artfully created in a once-abandoned building.

7. Jasná, Slovakia

Slovakia offers high-quality skiing at affordable prices. Accommodation and food are reasonable too, and there's a friendliness that’s missing from some of the snootier Alpine slopes. Jasná is the best Slovakian resort, with long descents flanked by snow-laden spruce trees, set in the ruggedly lovely Tatras Mountains.

Tip: Flights direct to Slovakia can be pricey, so don't make this your entry point to Europe.

8. Andalucía, Spain

Parts of Andalucía are further south than the African coast so expect mild temperatures in winter. Accommodation is cheap, and crowds are smaller at standout attractions like Granada's Alhambra or Seville's cathedral. Plus tapas and nightlife in the cities are as enticing as ever.

Tip: Head to the Sierra Nevada near Granada if you want snowsport action.

Seville street, Andalucía, Spain. Image by Oliver Strewe/Getty Images.

9. Transylvania, Romania

You can’t visit Dracula’s lair on a sunny day with lambs bleating in the fields, right? Try steel-grey skies, bare trees and a smattering of snow. Braşov and Sighişoara, two hours apart by rail, are gorgeous medieval towns with various connections to Vlad Ţepeş, the historical Dracula, though it’s doubtful that he ever set foot in his so-called castle.

Tip: Bram Stoker never visited Romania, so don’t expect many parallels with the book or films.

10. Venice, Italy

Hauntingly beautiful and rather weird, Venice's Carnevale in February is a European highlight. Elaborate costumes and spooky masks bring the canal city's colourful history to life. Costumed dances are pricey affairs, but you can have a ball enjoying the free events with a mask bought on the street, but be prepared for epic crowding.

Written by : ANDY SYMINGTON Lonely Planet Writer

Source : https://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/travel-tips-and-articles/top-10-winter-destinations-in-europe/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d2778e6d