This short film was included on the DVD for Uzak (2002) [aka: Distant], and wisely so. In that film (Uzak) we plainly see the director honor one of his major influences by putting The Mirror (1975) and Stalker (1979) on the TV in a couple of scenes. Seeing Koza (1995) absolutely seals the deal for showing just how much Nuri was influenced by Tarkovsky early in his career. But even though he visually emulates Tarkovsky (and uses the same music) in his earliest film, Nuri cannot help but emphasize the relationships between characters in his own unique way. While Tarkovsky always rode a near mystical connection between characters that often required no words culminating in some cosmic violence; Nuri shows a great gulf between them, a struggle between isolation and the desire to connect, and their near futile efforts to communicate. Certainly recommended for fans of Nuri Bilge Ceylan, but perhaps a delicious footnote - rather than an introduction to his work. (Side note: The one image that stopped me in Koza, involved a kitten that at first appeared to be dead with ants crawling in it's mouth, but upon closer inspection can clearly be seen breathing and is only napping.)

Nuri Bilge Ceylan's first film. We'd better say a short film. Because it's only 20 minutes. What can one say about 20 minutes when you think about it? It can say. I couldn't figure it out. You feel something. There are fine details such as being black and white, raining, death of living things. This kind of thing really leaves you with a feeling of despair. Maybe it's in a message. The shoot is quite successful. You definitely feel that you are in a depressive environment. It gives a distinct flavor to the sounds and music used. I wouldn't want to rate this movie because it could tell a lot of things. I recommend you find a dark room and watch this movie. Just watch for 20 minutes. This film will pump you into a feeling. Just feel it!

⭐ 100/66

As many people know, Nuri Bilge Ceylan is one of the most successful Turkish directors. In this movie, we are seeing his apprenticeship work. I did not fall for this short movie, however, it is an expectable and acceptable performance for the first movie of a director.

Ceylan who known for his photographic usage for the movie's cinematographic construction used this technique so much in Koza. He started to use more narrative techniques after this movie.