Folklore And Magic Entwined With Reality And Love (Ten Thousand Years Of Longing)

When anyone thinks of a lamp and three wishes, they think of the Genie and Aladdin, whether it is the classic folktale or the Disney retelling. George Miller creates his own version of the classic tale in Three Thousand Years of Longing that should be considered a classic itself. With a story starring the likes of Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, there shouldn't be much persuading for anyone who is familiar with their work or not, would have heard promotion for this film going around in the last month. 

The film centers around Alithea, a narratologist who travels to Istanbul and comes across a Djinn who persuades her to make a wish but ultimately warns her of their consequences, especially towards him by retelling past experiences of his mistreatment. I am not familiar with Miller's work except for Mad Max Fury Road which I had only seen once but 'Longing' is no brassy or loud feat. It was indeed a quiet, slow-burn tale that should be witnessed attentively and absorbed accordingly. 

There are not many films that evoke such feelings and cause goosebumps. The last time I ever felt engrossed in a timeless fantasy romance, (and yes, this is a fantasy romance) was with Guillermo Del Toro's Shape of Water but Longing resembles A Monster Calls where-the-stories-are-used-as-lessons plotline is portrayed. Films like these are far from cliche despite being a part of a heavily exercised genre, and Longing is no different. 

It may be a journey to get to the end if you are not well-versed with thought-provoking monologues but it is, however, a 1-hour 40-minute film so, it isn't exactly the chore you would expect it to be. If you still find it difficult for the film to get your attention, then it is unfortunate that this film is not for you. It is also sad when viewers who don't watch this film don't get to listen to Tom Holkenborg's heartwrenching music. The themes of the film perfectly fit with the melancholic score and it would be a shame if it is at least not considered for an Oscar nod. 

One way to explain this film is by calling it an adult version of Aladdin. No undeveloped or inexperienced soul would understand the depths and meanings within this script or would handle the betrayal and horror that is shown through the characters and mythical creatures seen onscreen. The film is indeed a love letter to all hopeless romantics that appreciate folklore and magic entwined with reality and love.