“Paper Lives” is a Turkish drama film that tells the story of a man named Mehmet who runs a small waste paper collection business and discovers a young boy named Ali among the cardboard boxes. Mehmet takes Ali under his wing and tries to help him find his mother while facing his own troubled past. The film is emotionally charged and explores themes of hope, redemption, and human connection amidst difficult circumstances.

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Review
The sun was setting in Istanbul as I headed to the cinema to watch the much-anticipated movie “Paper Lives.” The city was bustling with life, but as I walked towards the cinema, my thoughts were consumed with what I was about to witness.
The storyline of “Paper Lives” takes place in Turkey, and it explores the harrowing story of workers who collect recycled paper from trash cans to earn a living. The story centers around Mehmet (played by ÇaÄŸatay Ulusoy), a man who owns a small bookstore and one day encounters Ali (played by Emir Ali DoÄŸrul), a young boy collecting paper. Ali is wandering the streets alone, looking for his mother. Mehmet’s compassion for him leads him on a journey that will change his life forever.
As I sat there in the cinema, fully immersed in the plot, I could not help but feel captivated by both the acting and storyline. The director, Can Ulkay, did not disappoint with his choice of actors. ÇaÄŸatay Ulusoy perfectly portrayed Mehmet’s compassionate nature towards Ali while still balancing his own personal struggles.
Emir Ali DoÄŸrul shined as young Ali with his innocent yet heartbreaking portrayal of a child searching for his mother. It was refreshing to see an actor so young giving such an impressive performance.
The cinematography was also exceptionally done. The camera angles were perfect for capturing both the beauty and decay of Istanbul, creating an atmosphere that contributed to understanding the reality of these characters’ daily lives.
The score set by Cem Yıldız added another layer to this masterpiece. It beautifully complemented each scene, further immersing us as an audience in every emotion being portrayed on screen.
“Paper Lives” has been receiving critical acclaim globally since its debut on Netflix on March 12th, 2021. However, some viewers have criticized it for being overly sentimental. Still, I beg to differ. The movie has succeeded in evoking raw emotions from its audience, making it highly relatable and heartfelt.
Furthermore, the film sheds light on a social issue that is often overlooked in Turkey. As romantic as Istanbul may seem, the reality for many working-class citizens paints a very different picture. It is a heart-wrenching reminder of how privileged we are to have roofs over our heads and food on our tables.
“Paper Lives” offers more than just entertainment; it is an eye-opening tale that never loses sight of its message.
In conclusion, “Paper Lives” is an excellent example of the power of cinema to raise awareness on social issues. Its captivating storyline combined with remarkable acting and cinematography makes it worth streaming on Netflix. I highly recommend “Paper Lives” to anyone looking for an emotional rollercoaster ride that will tug at your heartstrings but also offer valuable insight into a harsh reality experienced by many in Turkey today.
Technical Data

- Runtime : 96
- Release : 2021-03-12
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Çağatay Ulusoy as Mehmet, Emir Ali Dogrul as Ali, Ersin Arıcı as Gonzales, Turgay Tanülkü as Tahsin, Selen Öztürk as Mom
- Crew : Pelin Ekinci Kaya as Executive Producer, Vahit Yazıcı as Production Design, Serkan Güler as Director of Photography, Onur Güvenatam as Producer, Ercan Mehmet Erdem as Screenplay
- Popularity 13.999
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : OGM Pictures, OG Medya
- Summary : In the streets of Istanbul, ailing waste warehouse worker Mehmet takes a small boy under his wing and must soon confront his own traumatic childhood.
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