Plane Tree Tree (Film)

Çınar Ağacı is a 2011 Turkish drama film written and directed by Handan İpekçi. The film focuses on family bonds, intergenerational relationships, and the place of traditional values within modern life, with particular emphasis on the relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild.

Plot

The film revolves around retired teacher Adviye Hanım and her extended family. Every two months, Adviye Hanım’s cherished possessions—records, flowers, a gramophone, and a chest—move between the homes of her children. While family members struggle to adjust to these temporary arrangements, the youngest member of the family, Barış, eagerly anticipates each transition. Although Adviye Hanım is perceived by outsiders as temperamental, she is an irreplaceable grandmother to Barış. The entire family gathers regularly for the traditional “Çınar Ağacı” meetings held every two months.

Lead actors Nurgül Yeşilçay and Celile Toyon (IMDb)

Theme

The film examines the declining structure of the traditional Turkish family, exploring the gaps in understanding between generations and the tension between individual preferences and familial responsibilities. Through the character of Adviye Hanım, the film conveys the values of tradition, patience, and love; through Barış, it presents innocent loyalty and a child’s perception of family.

Adviye Hanım and her grandchild Barış (IMDb)

Cast

• Celile Toyon – Adviye Hanım
• Nejat İşler – Yağız
• Settar Tanrıöğen
• Ragıp Savaş – Murat
• Nurgül Yeşilçay – Sonay
• Erol Keskin
• Hüseyin Avni Danyal – Uğur
• Suzan Aksoy – Feriha
• Jülide Kural
• Ebru Özkan – Elizabet
• Deniz Deha Lostar – Barış