Takva: A Man's Fear of God is a 2006 Turkish language film directed by Özer Kızıltan. It was a Turkish and German co-production backed by Corazón International. The film was Turkey's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.

Plot

Humble and devout Muharrem lives in a solitary and meager existence of prayer and sexual abstinence. His extraordinary devotion attracts the attention of the Sheikh of an Istanbul Sufi order who offers him an administrative post as a manager for the seminary properties that support a school for orphans and poor children. Muharrem's new job throws him into the modern outside world he has not experienced before. He soon witnesses conflicting attitudes and dilemmas towards alcohol, charity and honesty. He notices that he himself has become proud, domineering and even dishonest. To make matters worse, Muharrem's inner peace is unnerved by the tormenting image of a seductive woman who tempts him in his dreams, both night and day. With the balance of his devotion now upset, his fear of God begins to eat away at his senses. He remains steadfast seeking forgiveness from Allah and guidance from his Sheikh in whom he has complete faith. The Sheikh guides Muharrem, but he is left conflicted by the Sheikh's uncharitable insistence that rent is collected from everyone, even those who cannot pay. When Muharrem faces his greatest spiritual crises, the Sheikh is on retreat and is unavailable to counsel him. Muharrem, at first, is fair with money. He has compassion for the family that cannot pay their rent. When he is pushed by the Sheikh to collect from everyone, even those who cannot pay, a shift happens as he is faced with the crisis of following his inner voice and the directions of his beloved Sheikh. Muharrem experiences a crisis of spirit, driven by his inner piousness clashing against the jarring change he sees in himself, brought upon by his new job that thrust him unprepared into the modern world. He ends up catatonic in bed, being cared for by the Sheikh's daughter, yet completely oblivious to her presence.

Cast

Erkan Can - Muharrem Güven Kıraç - Rauf Meray Ülgen - Sheikh Öznur Kula - Hacer Settar Tanrıöğen - Mr. Ali Engin Günaydın - Erol Erman Saban - Muhittin

Reception

Jay Weissberg of Variety called it "A richly textured, thoughtful exploration of the hypocrisies inherent when fundamentalists engage in commercial ventures" and said it represents "a strong new voice in Turkish cinema."

Awards