Release Date: August 7, 2009 (NY)
Studio: First Run Features
Director: Abdullah Oguz
Screenwriter: Elif Ayan
Starring: Özgü Namal, Talat Bulut, Murat Han, Mustafa Avkiran, Emin Gursoy, Meral Çetinkaya, Lale Mansur
Genre: Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Not Available
Official Website: FirstRunFeatures.com
Review: Not Available
DVD Review: Not Available
DVD: Not Available
Movie Poster: Not Available
Production Stills: Not Available

Plot Summary: Adapted from internationally acclaimed author Zülfü Livaneli's novel, "Bliss" is an unconventional road movie in which the executioner of an honour killing and his victim go on a journey of self-discovery.

When 17-year-old Meryem (Özgü Namal) is found dishevelled and unconscious by the side of a lake, her family believes the worst – that her chastity has been lost and that she has been a willing accomplice in its disposal. They turn to the ancient principle of "tore," a strict moral code governing the rules of sexual practice, that condemns Meryem to death. The duty of defending the family's honour is given to distant cousin Cemal (Murat Han), who must take Meryem to Istanbul and kill her along the way.

The two begin to fall for each other and their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet Irfan (Talat Bulut), an academic escaping his big city angst, who is also looking for a second chance in life. Set against the impressive backdrop of Turkey's natural wonders, "Bliss" pits tradition against modernity, urban against rural and East against West, all the while refusing to settle for easy answers.

Trailer (6.28.09):
QuickTime