Journey of Hope

Journey of Hope

Year: 1990

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: German

Director: Xavier Koller

Drama

In an eastern Turkish village, Haydar hears of Turks thriving in Switzerland and urges his wife Meryem to emigrate. He sells his livestock and a small plot to secure passage for two, planning to leave their seven children with his parents. His father advises taking one son to be educated in Europe, wondering if anyone will reach the promised land.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Journey of Hope yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Journey of Hope (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Journey of Hope (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century

The film presents a contemporary setting marked by economic hardship and political tension that push families to seek a better life abroad. It portrays the dangers of modern migration, including treacherous border crossings and smuggling networks. The narrative centers on a real-world issue of transnational movement rather than a distant historical era.

Location

Eastern Turkey, Greece, Alps, Switzerland

The story begins in a remote, impoverished village in Eastern Turkey. The family then crosses into Greece and makes their perilous journey across the Alpine passes into Switzerland. The landscapes shift from rural villages to borderlands and snowy mountains, highlighting the varied environments refugees traverse.

🏞️ Rural setting 🧭 Dangerous journey 🛂 Border crossing

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Main Characters – Journey of Hope (1990)

Meet the key characters of Journey of Hope (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Haydar Sener (Necmettin Çobanoğlu)

A hardworking, determined father who bears the weight of providing for his family. He undertakes the dangerous journey with hope for a better future, showing resilience in the face of physical danger and uncertainty.

💪 Determined 👨‍👩‍👦 Family-focused 🧭 Resourceful

Meryem Sener (Nur Sürer)

A protective mother whose strength keeps the family together during the perilous voyage. She endures hardship, supports her husband and children, and faces the trauma of separation and injury with courage.

❤️ Family-centered 🧭 Strong 🛡️ Protective

Mehmet Ali Sener (Emin Sivas)

The young son whose innocence is overwhelmed by the journey's brutality. He embodies the vulnerability of refugees, and his fate underlines the high personal costs of seeking a better life.

💔 Innocence 🧒 Vulnerable 🧭 Perilous journey

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Major Themes – Journey of Hope (1990)

Explore the central themes of Journey of Hope (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌍 Migration

Migration drives the plot as a family's desperate search for a safer, prosperous life leads them to undertake a perilous journey from Turkey to Switzerland. The journey exposes the risks refugees face, including harsh weather, exploitation by smugglers, and separation. The film portrays resilience in the face of uncertainty as hope competes with danger.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family

The Öztürk family is at the center, and their cohesion is tested at every setback. Haydar's determination to protect his wife and son drives decisions that shape the route and fate of the family. The emotional bonds provide strength even when plans crumble and tragedy strikes.

⚖️ Borders

The border becomes a barrier and a source of risk, forcing the family to navigate restrictive checkpoints and perilous terrain. Smugglers' betrayal and the harsh Alpen crossing highlight the precarious balance between survival and exploitation. Deportation and detention scenes underscore the political dimension of migration.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Journey of Hope

Don't stop at just watching — explore Journey of Hope in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Journey of Hope is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Journey of Hope Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Journey of Hope, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Journey of Hope Summary

Journey of Hope Timeline

Track the full timeline of Journey of Hope with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Journey of Hope Timeline

More About Journey of Hope

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Journey of Hope: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Journey of Hope

Similar Movies to Journey of Hope

Discover movies like Journey of Hope that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.