Written by 5:17 pm Facts & Trivia, Movies

10 Fascinating Trivia About the ‘Winter Sleep’ Movie

Winter Sleep movie poster featuring the Cappadocia landscape in winter, with a Palme d'Or award sign displaying "Winter Sleep" and "A film by Nuri Bilge Ceylan."

Welcome to this trivia blog post about the critically acclaimed Turkish film, Winter Sleep. Directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Winter Sleep won the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. The film offers a deep exploration of human relationships, power dynamics, and the role of literature in our lives. In this post, we will delve into some interesting facts and behind-the-scenes information about Winter Sleep.

What is the movie “Winter Sleep” about?

“Winter Sleep” is a 2014 Turkish drama film directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The movie is set in the rural region of Cappadocia, and it follows the story of Aydin, a retired actor who runs a small hotel with his wife and sister in a mountain village.

The film takes place during the winter season, where the snow and the cold weather isolate the characters from the rest of the world. Throughout the movie, Aydin and his wife, Nihal, are trying to come to terms with their troubled marriage, which is slowly deteriorating due to their lack of communication.

The film also delves into the lives of the people in the village, highlighting their struggles, beliefs, and fears. The tensions and conflicts that arise between the characters reveal the deep-seated issues within their relationships and the society they live in.

As the film progresses, Aydin’s character goes through a personal transformation, where he starts to question his own values and beliefs. He confronts the reality of his life, the meaning of his relationships, and his role in the world.

Overall, “Winter Sleep” is a character-driven film that explores complex themes such as morality, human nature, and the nature of relationships in a thoughtful and profound way.


READ MORE: Winter Sleep (2014) Review: Turkey as Allegory!


Haluk Bilginer as Aydin from the movie Winter Sleep, sitting with folded hands amidst the picturesque Cappadocia landscape.

10 Fascinating Trivia About the ‘Winter Sleep’ Movie

  1. Palme d’Or-Winning Turkish Drama:

    Winter Sleep” is a Turkish drama film directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. It was released in 2014 and won the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

  1. Original title:

    The film’s original title in Turkish is “Kış Uykusu.”

  1. Shot on Location in Cappadocia:

    The film was shot on location in Cappadocia, a region in Central Anatolia, Turkey, known for its unique rock formations and cave dwellings.

  1. Co-written Screenplay:

    The script for “Winter Sleep” was co-written by Nuri Bilge Ceylan and his wife, Ebru Ceylan, who is also a filmmaker.

  1. Running Time:

    The film’s running time is 196 minutes, making it one of the longest films to have won the Palme d’Or.

  1. Inspired by Anton Chekhov:

    The film was inspired by Anton Chekhov’s works “The Wife” and “Excellent People.”

  1. Premiered at 2014 Cannes:

    “Winter Sleep” premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and critical acclaim.

  1. Cinematographer Gökhan Tiryaki:

    The film’s cinematographer, Gökhan Tiryaki, also worked with Nuri Bilge Ceylan on his previous films, including “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia” and “Three Monkeys.”

  1. Box Office:

    Despite its critical success, “Winter Sleep” was not widely released in theaters outside of Turkey and did not have a significant box office impact. However, it remains a highly regarded film among cinephiles and fans of international cinema.

  1. Script Length:

    The film’s script was reportedly more than 300 pages long, and the production took over 100 days to complete.

Winter Sleep is a masterpiece of Turkish cinema, offering a profound exploration of human psychology, morality, and the complexity of our relationships with one another. From the incredible performances by the cast to the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, Winter Sleep is a visual and emotional feast for movie lovers. We hope that this trivia blog post has given you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this remarkable film. Whether you’re a fan of Turkish cinema or simply looking for an engaging and thought-provoking movie, Winter Sleep is definitely worth watching.

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Last modified: July 8, 2023

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