"Kedi"

 2016 * Not Rated * 1h 19m. To quote that great American wit Mark Twain, “There are cat people, and there’s everyone else.” I happen to share his sentiments, I’m an unabashed cat person, and have been all my life. I know there are just as many dog folks out there, but one of my favorite observations about the difference between cats and dogs goes like this: A dog looks up at his or her caretaker and thinks, “Wow, this person gives me shelter, feeds me, pets me, (s)he must be God!” A cat looks up at his or her caretaker and thinks, “Wow, this person gives me shelter, feeds me, pets me, I must be God!” 

 With that sentiment in mind, I invite you to check out one of the finest documentaries about cats I’ve ever seen. I was lucky enough to catch it on the big screen when it was released. I noticed it’s recently been available on a couple of streaming services and I think it’s every bit as enjoyable on a TV or computer screen. The award-winning film is from Turkish born director Cedya Torun.  

 

Kedi is the Turkish word for cat and that’s the focus of this highly entertaining film. It tells the story of seven unique and unusual felines, residing in the ancient city of Istanbul.  Cats have been a part of the Turkish capital for thousands of years. They were originally brought to the city to help control the rat population, and have been an integral part of the culture ever since. One gets the sense that this is their city, humans just happen to live there too. 

 

Early in the film we learn that very few cats are actually owned by the residents. Most of them live on the streets and take shelter wherever they can find it. But they become attached to individuals and adopt them and let them provide for them. One aspect of the film that makes it so engaging is the unique camerawork by the director’s husband Charlie Wuppermann and Alp Korfali. Most of the footage is from a cat’s eye view as the camera follows them around. Surprisingly, the cats aren’t bothered at all by the camera tailing them. Apparently the great cinematography is the result of a cat-level action cam mounted on a remote-control toy car. Pure genius! 

 

The film is divided into chapters, with one devoted to each of the seven furry beasts. As you’d expect, every animal has a unique personality, which is revealed and discussed by the individual, or individuals who look after them. They range from the super friendly, to the aloof, to the psycho. All with the street smarts needed to survive. The intimate camerawork makes you want to reach out and pet these lovable creatures. At least two thirds of the movie is devoted to footage of our furry friends. 

 

We also meet some of the humans who are devoted to the well being of the cats. There’s a woman who admits to cooking over twenty pounds of chicken a day, to feed the cats in the neighborhood. And there’s a gentleman who tells us he had a nervous breakdown in 2002. In spite of therapy and medication, nothing seemed to help him. That is, until he began taking care of some local cats. He admits to owing his recovery to these wonderful creatures. What a terrific testament to the healing powers of a pet. 

 

“Kedi” is just a wonderful film with a very positive message. It might even make a convert out of those dog people out there. The only negative aspect of the movie is near the end where residents discuss the changing nature of the city. Modern high-rise buildings are replacing whole neighborhoods. The concern is that this new construction will drive away the cats that have called the area home for thousands of years. Hopefully, they’ll be accommodated and will continue to be welcome there. 

5 out of 5 stars

 

Currently streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card) and YouTube Premium, and to rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. 

 

The film is not rated but I’d give it a PG. Prrrr-fect for the whole family.