A relationship is followed from its joyous beginning to its bitter conclusion in this drama from Turkey. It's 1996, and Gul (Selen Ucer) is an aspiring artist who has fallen in love with Ender (Erdem Akakce); eight years later, Ender is convinced Gul has been sleeping with someone else, and the two have no desire to see one another again. In between, Gul and Ender's romance is contrasted with that of their friends Selda (Betul Cobanoglu) and Veli (Serhat Tutumluer). While Ender is attracted to Selda, Veli is both a close friend and a partner in his business, and despite his feelings he keeps his distance. But as time wears on and Gul's ardor for Ender begin to fade, she develops an infatuation with Veli, and when she acts on her desires her relationship with Ender begins to collapse. Ara was an official selection at the 2008 Istanbul Film Festival.

~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide