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Paper Lives

2021 1h 36m Drama List
60% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Mehmet runs a solid waste warehouse in an impoverished Istanbul neighborhood, where he helps everyone in need, especially homeless children and teenagers. One day, Mehmet meets a homeless 8-year-old boy who changes his life.
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Paper Lives

Critics Reviews

View All (5) Critics Reviews
Joshua Polanski Boston Hassle Çağatay Ulusoy’s performance sets the standard to beat for the best performing categories in awards season. Jul 19, 2024 Full Review Jennifer Green Common Sense Media This melodrama from Turkey features some great performances, a moving storyline with a surprise ending, and intriguing glimpses of life in Istanbul. Rated: 3/5 Mar 26, 2021 Full Review Austin Burke Austin Burke/Flick Fan Nation While it gets far too overdramatic at times, the characters do enough to make you care. Rated: 6/10 Mar 22, 2021 Full Review Roger Moore Movie Nation The hero's histrionics and the fact that the viewer can guess the solution to the "mystery" too soon lessen its impact. But the attention to detail, taking us into this world of Artful Istanbul Dumpster Divers, holds one's interest throughout. Rated: 2/4 Mar 14, 2021 Full Review John Serba Decider Paper Lives starts strong, holds on pretty well, then blows it hard at the end. Mar 12, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (30) audience reviews
Cody H This movie can be described in one word, beautiful. The almost simple but even so touching story line, surrounded by only a handful of locations and the incredible strong acting work by all actors is impressive and makes you really feel the story to its core. It keeps you tight like a warm hug from beginning to end. Realistic and surprising with plot twists. The ending you will either love or hate, but we can all agree that real life experiences can be beautiful and harsh at the same time. One Turkish masterpiece. Recommended! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review Kószó M A wonderful film for the whole world! This film is not only the story of Mehmet Ali, but the story of all children who are on the streets due to domestic violence or other reasons. "We tried to build a new life out of what others threw in the trash." A wonderful film with a masterful performance by #ÇağatayUlusoy. He is an exemplary artist with his outstanding performance. I experienced the film as if it were real. A movie that everyone should see. It excites, moves, calls for reflection and leaves a message that reaches deep into the heart. Paper Lives is a masterpiece in every way. The writing, directing and acting are 10/10. Look and admire! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/24 Full Review narcisa p A film that presents a sad reality of our days that we often we do not want to see.An absolutely extraordinary performance by the lead actor Cagatay Ulusoy a master of transformations. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/23/24 Full Review Kendra A I loved this movie. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/27/23 Full Review Andrea C Contesto accattivante ed originale che rappresenta un quartiere povero di Istanbul ed una "professione" assolutamente sconosciuta. Il protagonista viene designato molto dettagliatamente e il suo animo è chiaro, purtroppo però la sceneggiatura prende una piega più psicologica ed introspettiva che legata al contesto culturale che avrebbe reso tutto ancor più "esotico". Comunque il prodotto è buono e non ci sono grosse pecche, ad eccezione forse di una non eccelsa capacità attoriale di quasi tutti i personaggi ad eccezione del principale. Il finale non brilla di originalità ma il narratore soggettivo colpisce nel segno, portando la narrazione vicina allo spettatore, in grado di comprendere fino in fondo il protagonista. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/31/23 Full Review Nargiz B Wow this film is a masterpiece to say the least. I love how realism is portrayed here. Cagatay's acting shows his versatility, he is a pure talent. The story was captivating and very touching. Couldn't help but sob with tears. 10/10! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Paper Lives

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Movie Info

Synopsis Mehmet runs a solid waste warehouse in an impoverished Istanbul neighborhood, where he helps everyone in need, especially homeless children and teenagers. One day, Mehmet meets a homeless 8-year-old boy who changes his life.
Director
Can Ulkay
Producer
Onur Guvenatam
Screenwriter
Ercan Mehmet Erdem
Production Co
OGM Pictures
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Turkish
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 12, 2021
Runtime
1h 36m
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