Last Letter (Film)

“Last Letter,” a 2015 historical war and drama film, was written, directed, and scored by Özhan Eren. The film was produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli and explores the love story between an Ottoman pilot and a volunteer nurse amid the harsh conditions of war, while highlighting the heroism of Turkish aviators.

Plot

The film is set during the difficult days of the Battle of Gallipoli. Nurse Nihal (Nesrin Cavadzade), who volunteers for the front lines and cares for orphaned children, meets Pilot Captain Salih Ekrem (Tansel Öngel), who conducts reconnaissance flights over enemy lines in his aircraft named “Ertuğrul.” During an aerial attack, Salih Captain entrusts a child he rescued, nicknamed “Küçük Gazi,” named Fuat, to Nihal’s compassionate care.

This meeting marks the beginning of a love that grows through letters exchanged amid the chaos of war. The film simultaneously portrays the honorable aerial battles and sacrifices of Salih Ekrem and other Turkish pilots facing impossible odds, and the human drama, hope, and evolving romance between Salih and Nihal conveyed through their correspondence.

Theme

The central theme of the film is love, hope, and humanity within the context of war. Concepts such as the spirit of Gallipoli, patriotism, and self-sacrifice form the foundation of the film’s narrative. The film aims to present a different perspective by focusing not only on trench warfare but also on the emerging aerial combat of the era and the Turkish aviators involved.

Production and Development

“Last Letter” was specially produced to mark the 100th anniversary of the Victory at Gallipoli. Director Özhan Eren also wrote the screenplay and composed the film’s music. The aircraft of the period, particularly the “Ertuğrul,” were meticulously reconstructed to match historical accuracy and used in filming. Extensive visual effects (CGI) technology was employed to recreate aerial combat and dogfight scenes. Filming took place in various locations including Gallipoli, Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Eskişehir. The film’s director of photography was Uğur İçbak, the production designer was Özgür Ozan, and the editor was Ali Üstündağ.

Characters and Cast

• Pilot Captain Salih Ekrem – Tansel Öngel: A patriotic Ottoman pilot.
• Nurse Nihal – Nesrin Cavadzade: A nurse serving voluntarily on the front lines.
• Doctor Ragıp – Bülent Şakrak: A doctor stationed at the field hospital on the front.
• Küçük Gazi Fuat – Ozan Gözel: An orphaned child rescued by Captain Salih and cared for by Nurse Nihal.
• Erbatur – Hüseyin Avni Danyal: An Ottoman officer.
• Katerina – Barbara Sotelsek: A foreign nurse serving on the front.