The story of a poor Turkish family who try to emigrate illegally to Switzerland.Although I do not think it is necessary to appreciate the film, I know almost literally nothing about Alevism, the religious denomination the family in this film practices. The importance, if any, is really in trying to find a new identity in a new land. Does Switzerland have a Muslim community? Surely. But of this particular branch? I do not know.The tale is really rather universal. Almost all of us are immigrants or descended from immigrants. Not all of us had such a harrowing time, but the transition is never easy. And today (2017) the topic of immigration is a big one yet again, both in America and in Europe. This film really has us looking at the idea from a human perspective rather than a political one.

As the movie itself, Alevis and Kurds successfully collaborated with Swiss while being deceived and tortured by their own patriots.It is a fact that many Kurds or Alevis had sought refugees in Switzerland. We keep seeing that the people of the same country, lie and deceive while the foreigners are helpful and kind. The religious man signifies the Sunnis, he is not humane, he make his friend carry his suitcase of religious books and do not tell about his friend so that the child would not be frozen. The throw of the suitcase signifies the bow to the religion, which unfavor the AlevisThe child is a the real hope, so this hope is finished. Haydar's last wish is to become friend with the truck driver, which highlights Haydar, rather Alevs needing some kind people to sympathize.

If the redundancy of getting off the boat, on the boat, off the bus, on the bus.. is a way to waste time then you should go back to the Hollywood films that wrap this part up in one montage in order to get to the money shots. and in doing so leave you unconnected and in the cinematic limbo that results from not really showing the realities of life. The long drawn out travel sequences actually allow the viewer the same frustration and 'wait- in-line' feeling the characters must endure. Frustrating? yes. Vital? Indeed. the limbo of that travel is the key to the 'rootlessness' of this Turkish family. Beautiful film with great acting. Sad, but worth it.

Everyday we can watch a great number of film, soap... on tv. Sometimes a miracle happens. A great film, with real feelings, with great actors, with a great realisator-director. For me there are two films that everyone needs to see : the first is the Pacula ? "Sophie 's choice" with Meryl Streep. The second is "Journey of Hope". As human beings, we need to learn about humility, about love of the others, about acceptation of other civilisation, other way of living. We also have to struggle against racism and fascim. We must avoid judging, criticize; we only have to love our earth companion. This wonderful film, helps us reaching John (Lennon) his dream : Imagine all the people living live in peace. These two films are difficult to see : watch these, but sure you will be hurt, but better. Great film, great actors, terrible story, pain and cry guarantee, but also better understanding of the others. Enjoy it.