Thushi: AYLA- Film Analysis

AYLA

Ayla: The Daughter of War

Directed by: Can Ulkay | Country: Turkey | Release: 2017

Ayla: The Daughter of War is a heart-wrenching Turkish drama based on the true story of an unlikely bond formed during the Korean War between a Turkish sergeant and a little Korean orphan girl. This film serves as both a historical reflection and an emotional exploration of love, loss, and the power of human connection beyond borders.

Plot Overview

Set in 1950 during the Korean War, the story follows Süleyman Dilbirliği, a Turkish soldier who finds a five-year-old girl among the corpses after a brutal battle. Orphaned and traumatized, the girl doesn’t speak and doesn’t remember her name. Süleyman names her "Ayla" after the moonlight under which he found her. Despite war regulations, he takes care of her secretly within the military camp, and they develop a deep father-daughter bond. When the war ends, Süleyman is forced to return to Turkey, but taking Ayla with him is not allowed. The story then traces their painful separation and eventual reunion many years later.

Themes

War and Humanity
The film depicts the horrors of war not just through battlefield scenes, but through the emotional toll it takes on soldiers and civilians alike. Despite the violence, the narrative is deeply human, showing how compassion can flourish even in the darkest times.
Father-Daughter Bond
At the heart of Ayla is a tender and powerful portrayal of love. Süleyman’s relationship with Ayla becomes the emotional anchor of the film. Their bond defies language and culture, reminding viewers that love is a universal language.
Loss and Separation
One of the most painful parts of the story is Süleyman’s forced separation from Ayla. The bureaucratic and political realities of war clash with the personal need for connection, and this tension is central to the film’s emotional weight.
Memory and Time
The film spans decades, showing how the memory of Ayla remains with Süleyman throughout his life. It explores how some relationships leave an indelible mark, even after long periods of silence and absence

Character Analysis

Süleyman Dilbirliği (played by İsmail Hacıoğlu and Çetin Tekindor)
As a soldier, Süleyman is brave and dutiful. As a man, he is compassionate and deeply emotional. His dual role as protector and soldier creates a compelling internal conflict, especially when duty demands he leave Ayla behind. The dual performance by younger and older actors adds depth to his character’s development.

Ayla (played by Kim Seol and later by different actors)
Though silent for much of the film, Ayla’s character is expressive and resilient. Her transformation from a terrified orphan to a smiling child under Süleyman’s care symbolizes hope amidst devastation.

Cinematography and Direction

Director Can Ulkay employs a mix of sweeping war cinematography and intimate close-ups to create both grandeur and emotional intensity. The contrast between war-torn Korea and post-war Turkey visually emphasizes the changes time brings and the persistent nature of emotional wounds. The use of real historical footage at the end of the film enhances its authenticity and emotional impact.

Cultural and Historical Context

Turkey’s involvement in the Korean War is not widely known internationally. Ayla shines a light on the contributions of Turkish soldiers and presents a side of the war not often depicted in mainstream cinema. It also subtly touches on the cultural connections between Turkey and South Korea, fostering a sense of shared history.

Emotional Impact and Legacy

What makes Ayla truly unforgettable is its emotional sincerity. The real footage of Süleyman and Ayla’s reunion decades later brings the fictionalized story full circle, reminding the audience that these were real people who lived through real suffering and love. The film received widespread acclaim in Turkey and was selected as the country’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, showing its cultural significance.

Conclusion

Ayla: The Daughter of War is more than just a war drama—it is a tribute to the enduring power of love in the face of cruelty and conflict. Through its powerful performances, historical grounding, and emotional storytelling, the film captures the essence of what it means to be human. It’s a story of unlikely bonds, unwavering hope, and the profound impact a single relationship can have across a lifetime.