Steam: The Turkish Bath
by Ferzan Ozpetek
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alessandro Gassman, Carlo Cecchi, Francesca d'Aloja, Halil Ergün, Serif SezerDirector: Ferzan Ozpetek
Writer: Ferzan Ozpetek
Producer: Aldo Sambrell
Writer: Aldo Sambrell
Producer: Cengiz Ergun
Producer: Marco Risi
Producer: Maurizio Tedesco
Writer: Stefano Tummolini
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Subtitled); Turkish (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, Letterboxed, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 94 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2000-07-05
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Strand Releasing
Movie Reviews of Steam: The Turkish Bath
Movie Review: A Turkish bathhouse impacts a modern Italian couple
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1997 Italian film has an interesting theme. It's about a successful young Italian architect who inherits some property in Turkey from his aunt. He and his wife have a brittle, caustic marriage and it is obvious that they are unhappy.
Turkey isn't that far from Italy but yet it is a world away. Here the pace of life is quiet and the people are friendly. He's soon living with the family who has run his aunt's property for many years. He absorbs some of the culture and visits a Turkish bath. This is something new for him and he soon understands the joys of this ancient custom of steam baths that is gradually disappearing in modern Turkey.
When he discovers that his aunt's property is indeed a Turkish bath, he decides to restore it to its former grandeur and soon is totally involved in his project. Suddenly, his Italian wife comes for a visit. She has a hidden agenda, which is to end their marriage and have him sign divorce papers. But in a interesting twist to the story, including a secret she discovers about her husband, we see her gradually change her personality.
Then tragedy strikes. The ending is sad but satisfactory.
The best part of this film is the way it depicted Turkey. It brought me right there and gave me insights into the ancient culture and traditions. Acting was fine as well, especially Francesca d'Aloja cast as the wife. She is a striking beauty which has not been tampered with by an American-style nose job or silicone curves. Whenever she was on-screen however, her presence dominated every scene. The plot was interesting, but some of the details remained confused throughout, especially when it came to the deceased-aunt's background. I think this was by design however. It added to the sense of mystery surrounding the central story.
Those who are interesting in exploring the contrasting cultures in Turkey today will especially enjoy this film. Recommended.
Summary of Steam: The Turkish Bath
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