
Ayse, a beautiful 19-year-old girl from the Turkish countryside, is chosen to be married to the handsome Hasan, son of formidable and house-proud mother Fatma, who resides in Vienna with her husband and six children. However, what soon becomes apparent is that Ayse is to be second wife to Fatma's husband. This tight-knit family go to great lengths to preserve traditional values and although polygamy is illegal in Austria, Ayse is welcomed with warmth. Yet, her presence in a c... (Full plot summary below)
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Ayse, a beautiful 19-year-old girl from the Turkish countryside, is chosen to be married to the handsome Hasan, son of formidable and house-proud mother Fatma, who resides in Vienna with her husband and six children. However, what soon becomes apparent is that Ayse is to be second wife to Fatma's husband. This tight-knit family go to great lengths to preserve traditional values and although polygamy is illegal in Austria, Ayse is welcomed with warmth. Yet, her presence in a country whose language and culture is entirely foreign to her immediately marks her as an outsider. As Western societal norms and Muslim religious beliefs draw closer together in an ever diversifying family unit, tensions arise, resulting in an explosive stroke of fate. Umut DaÄY's mature feature debut is a rich tapestry of swirling emotions, suppressed desires, unspoken words and uncomfortable yet pressing social and political questions.
Leave your thoughts about Kuma: The Second Wife.
| Total FilmTom DawsonA confident, vigorously acted debut, unsparing in its scrutiny of oppressive 'family values'. |
| ViewLondonKatherine McLaughlinAn engaging and touching drama about a young Turkish bride who moves to Austria as a second wife in a family who struggle to deal with her presence. |
| Daily Express (UK)Allan HunterKuma grows increasingly compelling as the complexity of the relationships become more apparent and we learn what is at stake for everyone. |
| Irish TimesTara BradyThe results are as intriguing as the subject is vexing. |
| Shadows on the WallRich ClineThe premise of this sensitive drama is so chilling that it's not easy to watch. But events unfold in such a naturalistic way that we are drawn in emotionally. |
| The SpectatorDeborah RossTells a supremely clever and involving story. Which is also moving. |
| Metro (UK)Larushka Ivan-ZadehThis is nicely accomplished migrant melodrama from debuting Kurdish-Austrian film-maker Umut Dağ, realised with humanity and tremendously touching performances (particularly from the women). |
| Empire MagazineDavid ParkinsonThe drama simmers gently, as Kurdish-Austrian director Umut Dag handles his debut feature with assurance. |
| Time OutTrevor JohnstonThe true-life subject matter makes for chewy drama while also exploring the issue of women's rights. |
| Daily Telegraph (UK)Tim RobeyThe film surmounts its limitations mainly through performance ... |