Movies

Review: ‘Crossing’ is a journey into empathy for those in transition, in several senses

BBG News

As a passionate admirer of thought-provoking and compassionate cinema, I have been deeply moved by Levan Akin’s film “Crossing.” This movie takes us on a poignant journey with Lia, a retired Georgian schoolteacher, as she embarks on a quest to find her long-lost transgender niece, Tekla, in the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.

As a fan, I’ve noticed that in movies, when characters embark on a quest to find their missing loved ones, the surprising twist often ends with them discovering themselves instead. However, Levan Akin’s film “Crossing” offers something deeper and more complex. In this heartfelt and thoughtfully optimistic movie, we follow a retired Georgian schoolteacher as she searches for her transgender niece in Istanbul. What makes “Crossing” truly special is the way it explores the nuances of our inner compasses and infuses its raw, authentic naturalism with a vibrant, beating humanity.

With a solemn expression, Lia Arabuli (Mzia Arabuli), who holds herself with great dignity, isn’t privy to much detail, having only received word from an impulsive and anxious young man named Achi (Lucas Kankava). He’s shared that her niece Tekla, whom he knew as a sex worker in the Black Sea city of Batumi, has most likely left for another country. Hesitantly, Lia trusts Achi to be her guide and interpreter – his experience with tourists and rudimentary knowledge of Turkish and English (and his desire to leave Georgia) make him an essential companion on this journey. However, the looming question that haunts this pursuit is whether Tekla even wishes to be located.

In Istanbul, as vividly portrayed by Akin, it’s striking how simple it can be for someone to vanish amidst its bustling population. For one person’s sense of loss, another may find an opportunity to blend in. This is illustrated by the trans neighborhood Lia and Achi come across, where sex workers peer out from windows to size up newcomers, creating a vibrant yet cautious atmosphere – much like a lively urban adventure scene unfolding in stages.

Filmmaker Akin, who has Swedish roots but is originally from Georgia, understands that the tale he’s telling carries a sense of sadness for those who have been excluded and marginalized. Yet, his perspective begins with optimism, fueled by the power of curiosity. In “Crossing,” after the initial edgy and comical moments, the first long shot is taken when Lia and Achi step onto one of Istanbul’s ferries. Cinematographer Lisabi Fridell’s camera then captures the serene atmosphere as it lingers on the boat’s decks, showcasing people serving tea, conversing with each other, and a boy strumming a stringed bağlama while the water flows past, allowing us to experience the tranquil essence of lives in motion.

As a film enthusiast, I’d describe it this way: I find it beautifully seamless when a movie takes us on a journey, allowing a new place to broaden our horizons. In this case, the scene shifts focus to another essential character, Evrim (played by Deniz Dumanli), a resilient trans woman lawyer working for an NGO. Despite facing obstacles, such as bureaucratic hurdles in affirming her identity, she maintains a positive attitude. Her path crosses with Lia and Achi’s, and she uses her compassionate nature to make a difference. Along the way, Evrim also discovers romance with a gentle-hearted cab driver.

As I watched “Crossing,” I found myself drawn into the story of a tough-as-nails woman determined to bridge vast gaps, not just between people, but also across time and circumstance. This journey was far from easy, and progress was measured in small, incremental steps. Strangers became friends, generations connected, and even a stray cat played its part in the intricate web of relationships.

In simpler terms, Akin’s previous film “And Then We Danced” showcased his sensitive handling of LGBTQI+ themes set in Tbilisi, avoiding sentimentality while eliciting genuine laughter. If you’ve seen that movie, which challenged the homophobic traditions of Georgian dance through its portrayal of joy, then you won’t be taken aback that “Crossing” includes a scene where its Georgian protagonists find themselves dancing. While Lia isn’t explicitly searching for her niece on a dance floor, Arabuli’s captivating and fragile performance reveals that she is discovering new aspects of her own life.

Read More

2024-07-22 23:34

Previous post Everything coming to Shudder in August 2024, including original series Horror’s Greatest
Next post Love Island fans SLAM ‘ultimate pot-stirrers’ and unlikely duo Joey and Sean as they claim sweet salesman is ‘desperate’ for TOWIE star’s friendship