Turtles Can Fly

About This Movie

Turtles Can Fly, directed by Bahman Ghobadi, presents a raw and haunting look at childhood amidst war. Set near the Turkey-Iraq border, the film captures the resilience of kids who clean up landmines and await a new dawn with the fall of the Saddam regime. The performances are strikingly authentic; the young actors bring a weight and depth that’s hard to shake off. Ghobadi’s pacing is deliberate, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and a sense of inevitable change. The practical effects serve the narrative well, grounding it in a harsh reality. It’s a film that lingers, not just for its story, but for how it portrays innocence in the face of brutality.

Subtitled, focus on childhood experiences in wartime · Themes of innocence and survival in harsh conditions · Realistic performances from young, non-professional actors