Pehlivan
Originally released in 1964. Pehlivan is a documentary film. directed by Maurice Pialat. At just 13 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Starring Jacques Gripel
Synopsis
Pehlivan focuses on a three-day wrestling competition, an ancient tradition that dates back over a thousand years to the time of the Ottoman Empire, originating in the games the soldiers would play to entertain themselves in between battles. Maybe that's why there's more than a hint of homoeroticism in the way the wrestlers oil themselves up with grease, making sure to cover every inch of their bodies so that their opponents will be unable to get a grip. Pialat's closeups emphasize the men's muscular bodies jammed together and sliding off one another, posed in intimate, twisted arrangements, struggling desperately for a grip on each other's bodies. Arms are jammed down pants, one of the only places there's some potential for a handhold, and the whole thing is very suggestive and sensual, a form of intimate male contact that's sanctioned as a show of strength and masculinity.
Quick Facts
Release Date
January 1, 1964
62 years ago
Runtime
0h 13m
13 minutes total
User Rating
6.7/10
Good (9 votes)
Language
English
Original language
Country
France
Production
Director
Top Cast
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Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Production Companies
- Como Film
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pehlivan about?
Pehlivan focuses on a three-day wrestling competition, an ancient tradition that dates back over a thousand years to the time of the Ottoman Empire, originating in the games the soldiers would play...
Who directed Pehlivan?
Pehlivan was directed by Maurice Pialat.
How long is Pehlivan?
Pehlivan has a runtime of 0 hours and 13 minutes (13 minutes total).
When was Pehlivan released?
Pehlivan was released on January 1, 1964 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in Pehlivan?
The main cast of Pehlivan includes Jacques Gripel.