Yusuf and Zulaikha

Synopsis

Joseph and Zuleika (1968), originally titled یوسف و زلیخا, is a Turkish historical drama film featuring Cüneyt Arkın in the lead role. The movie retells the timeless tale of Joseph, a righteous and beautiful man, who becomes entangled in a poignant story of love, temptation, and faith. Set against the rich cultural backdrop of ancient times, the film explores themes of virtue, betrayal, and redemption through the passionate and complex relationship between Joseph and Zuleika. It delves into the emotional and moral struggles faced by the characters, bringing to life a legendary narrative with dramatic intensity and striking performances. The film is noted for its classic storytelling style and period-appropriate production design.

Cast

• 

  Cüneyt Arkın

  Yusuf (Joseph)

• 

  Forouzan

  Zulaikha

• 

  Taghi Zohuri

  Bashir

• Rafi Halati

  Jacob

• 

  Ali Zandi

  Simeon

• 

  Yasamin

  Bilqis

Reviews

Joseph and Zuleika has garnered mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.3/10, reflecting a divided reception. Some critics praise the film for its compelling portrayal of a well-known biblical story and the charismatic performance of Cüneyt Arkın, whose presence adds significant weight to the narrative. The film's faithful adherence to the original tale and its attempts to portray its moral themes with sincerity have been appreciated. However, others point to its dated production values, melodramatic moments, and pacing issues that can detract from the overall experience. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not currently have aggregated scores for this title, indicating a limited international critical presence. Reviews from classic Turkish cinema enthusiasts highlight that while the film may lack the polish of modern productions, it holds nostalgic and cultural value for viewers interested in religious and historical dramas. Overall, «Joseph and Zuleika» is considered a modest yet culturally significant entry to Turkish cinema with storytelling that resonates more strongly with audiences familiar with the source material.