Turtles Can Fly

Turtles Can Fly

Year: 2005

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Kurdish

Director: Bahman Ghobadi

DramaWar

Amidst the looming shadow of the Iraq War, this drama portrays the lives of children in Kurdistan facing displacement and hardship. They navigate a world shaped by conflict, where hope is scarce and the impact of war weighs heavily on their young lives. The film offers a poignant look at resilience and the enduring spirit of those affected by devastating circumstances.

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Timeline – Turtles Can Fly (2005)

Trace every key event in Turtles Can Fly (2005) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Setting the Scene

The story begins in a Kurdish refugee camp located on the Iraq–Turkey border, a place bustling with life just before the US invasion of Iraq. This backdrop highlights the tension and uncertainty facing the refugees as they navigate their precarious existence.

Just before the US invasion of Iraq Kurdish refugee camp
2

Introduction of Kak Satellite

Thirteen-year-old Soran Ebrahim is introduced as Kak Satellite, a nickname earned for his skills in installing satellite dishes. He becomes a central figure in the camp, eagerly connecting local villages to news updates about Saddam Hussein.

Kurdish refugee camp
3

Kak Satellite's Leadership

Kak Satellite emerges as a dynamic yet manipulative leader among the local children. His leadership is showcased in their dangerous task of sweeping and clearing minefields, where they remain remarkably spirited amidst the risks.

Kurdish refugee camp
4

Introduction of Agrin

Agrin, a girl from Halabja, arrives at the camp and captures Kak Satellite's attention. Her presence brings both hope and emotional turmoil as she grapples with her trauma and responsibilities for her disabled brother, Hengov.

Kurdish refugee camp
5

Hengov's Burden

Hengov, Agrin's disabled brother, struggles with his clairvoyant abilities that have caused shame and hardship. Their family life is further complicated by the care of a blind toddler named Riga, whom they consider family despite the painful memories he represents.

Kurdish refugee camp
6

Agrin's Past Trauma

Agrin's backstory reveals a haunting past involving a violent encounter with Ba'ath soldiers, resulting in the birth of Riga. This trauma continues to overshadow her existence, as she battles feelings of anger and guilt towards the child.

7

Agrin's Struggle with Maternal Instincts

In her desperation, Agrin contemplates abandoning Riga and considers taking her life as a means of escape. Her mental state deteriorates further when she attempts to drown herself in a nearby lake, highlighting her emotional turmoil.

Nearby lake
8

Riga's Dangerous Wander

While tied to a tree to alleviate her burden, Riga wanders into a minefield, setting the stage for a dramatic rescue. Kak Satellite bravely ventures to save him but is injured by an explosive during the chaotic attempt.

Minefield
9

Agrin's Desperate Act

In a tragic turn of events, Agrin ties Riga to a rock and throws him into the lake as a final act of despair. She then chooses to leap off a cliff, believing it to be the only way to escape her pain.

Cliff
10

Hengov's Grief

After perceiving a foreboding vision, Hengov rushes from their tent only to find too late that both Agrin and Riga are gone. His disability renders him unable to retrieve his nephew's body from the lake, deepening his grief.

Lake
11

Hengov's Lament

Hengov mourns on the cliff's edge, where Agrin ended her life. This moment captures the power of unresolved trauma and the weight of familial connections as he grapples with the loss.

Cliff
12

Kak Satellite's Disillusionment

With severe injuries and a heart filled with sorrow, Kak Satellite watches the American soldiers pass by. The hope that once accompanied their arrival is replaced by a grim realization of lost innocence and shattered dreams.

Kurdish refugee camp
13

The Camp's Ongoing Struggles

Despite the tragedies that unfold, the refugee camp continues to operate under the looming threat of danger. The resilience of the children and their pursuit for communication contrasts sharply with the violent reality surrounding them.

Kurdish refugee camp
14

A Glimpse of Hope

As the children of the camp look for ways to connect with the world outside, there remains a flicker of hope for a better future. Their resourcefulness and desire for information symbolize a deeper yearning for freedom and stability.

Kurdish refugee camp
15

The Aftermath of War

In the aftermath of the events, the camp is forever changed, with its inhabitants marked by both loss and survival. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent lives.

Kurdish refugee camp

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:16

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Turtles Can Fly

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