Unraveling the Ties: Unfurling Unconventional Lives in 'Hijamat'

Crank up the popcorn machine, dim the lights and let's dive into the world of cinema! This time we're headed to Berlin, to take a peek into a Turkish family's complex intricacies unravel in the poignant drama - 'Hijamat.' It's a delicate tapestry of human emotions and societal issues, deftly woven by the acclaimed Iranian-Turkish writer-director Nader Saeivar-a proud competitor for this year's Crystal Globe at Karlovy Vary.

The film's hype has much to do with the involvement of cinematic genius - Jafar Panahi. Always a name to drop, Panahi juggles multiple roles: the film's editor, one of its producers, and a frequent collaborator with Saeivar. However, don't pop that bubbly yet! 'Hijamat' hiccups over a few stumbling blocks; some parts feel dragged and slightly ungainly. Yet, the good news is it glimmers intermittently with intriguing moments and a fascinating anecdote shared by the infrequent on-screen appearance of Nastassja Kinski, playing a mentally troubled neighbor.

Saeivar has earned his stripes as a somewhat dissident figure in the Iranian film scene, producing work critical of the regime. Despite this, his storytelling in 'Hijamat' seems somewhat blurred, perhaps due to some form of self-regulation? But he does shine in parts, particularly a captivating opening sequence portraying a young boy's arrival at a celebration.

Things quickly overturn when the tidings roll in that one young family member, Kerem (played by the brilliant Jael Cem Ilhan) is being assaulted. Photos revealing his intimacy with a German man have surfaced, causing outrage in the traditionally-minded family. The narrative further unravels when Kerem's brother Murad (played by Kida Khodr Ramadan) steps in to defuse the situation.

The plot thickens when the stern patriarch of the family, Ibrahim (enacted by Vedat Erincin), a prosperous restaurateur, intervenes. Kerem's sexuality confrontation brings strife into the family bonds, revealing opposing views between the tradition-bound Ibrahim, Kerem, who's paralyzed by fear, and the more liberal Murad and his Kosovan spouse, Leyla (Nicolette Krebitz). Meanwhile, a conniving local cleric Sheikh (Aziz Capkurt) uses the situation to push his agenda further muddying the waters.

Saeivar adds complexity to his narrative by introducing multiple plotlines, among them is the inclusion of Murad's friend Margot (Kinski), thrown off-kilter by her experiences of crossing over from East Berlin to West years ago. Albeit an interesting backstory, the subplot somewhat hovers unanchored without really amalgamating with the main drama.

Finally, in an unexpected twist, Murad is hinted to be harboring hidden same-sex attractions. While awkwardly introduced, it does open the stage for another cameo by a popular German actor: Moritz Bleibtreu, donning an outlandish wig and headband, promising Murad a fix through cupping therapy - the namesake of the film, ‘Hijamat.’

So, is 'Hijamat' groundbreaking cinema or a case of missed opportunities? You be the judge! Happy viewing, folks!