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hamam (Il Bagno Turco, also known as Steam: The Turkish Bath) is a 1997 Italian/Turkish/Spanish movie directed by Ferzan Ozpetek about the powerful transformations certain places can cause in people.
Francesco (Alessandro Gassman) and Marta (Francesca d'Aloja) are an
uptight Roman couple running a small design firm. Their marriage, once
the most important thing to both of them, is devoid of significance,
with Francesco losing interest in Marta, prompting Marta to start an
affair with their business partner.
Synopsis
Then Francesco's aunt Anita, the black sheep of the family, passes away
in Istanbul, causing him to travel there to try to quickly sell the
property he has inherited from her.
The family who had been managing the property under his aunt's
supervision and direction welcomes him with hospitality, but is
concerned about what the future holds for them. Their young son Mehmet
(Mehmet Gunsur) is particularly eager to show their handsome guest
around.
When Francesco discovers the property includes a derelict hamam, a
Turkish Bath, he no longer wants to sell, but instead decides to
restore the hamam and reopen it to the public. During this restoration
work he also starts a homosexual relationship with Mehmet.
Meanwhile, Marta has arrived in Istanbul to quickly get a divorce from
Francesco but is taken aback when she realizes how much Francesco has
changed from his Roman self: Both the hamam and Mehmet's unconditional
affection were just what he needed, giving him back a purpose in life.
Marta falls in love with him again, with Rome and their divorce beginning to lose their importance to her.
Francesco's unwillingness to sell the property has made him some enemies, resulting in his murder one day.
Marta decides to stay in Istanbul and run the hamam, the final scene suggesting she has turned into a second Anita.
Click the play button to watch the video of "Hamam"
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