Saban, Son of Saban (1977) User Reviews

Extreme Comedy

[hgokbulut · 10/10 · 24 June 2002]

This Turkish Movie is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.Kemal Sunal And Sener Sen are the most famous end "lovely" comedians of Turkish cinema art.

It seems like Peter Seller's Pink Panther but there are a lot of images that completely differs from it.The Ottoman life and culture images shows itself very succesful in this movie.If you want to watch the perfect mixture of this "Comedy and Turkish culture" you choose the right! 9,5/10

Not at all Exaggerated

[skafaceaka · 9/10 · 2 February 2005]

In reply to comments suggesting that this is an O.T.T comedy, with especially exaggerated performances from Kemal Sunal and Sener Sen, this is not at all the case. Anyone who knew about the private life of Kemal Sunal would know that in his personal life he was a very serious man. His on screen persona's (unfortunately for a lifelong fan such as myself, who had hoped otherwise) were nothing like his own personality. He continues in the role of 'Saban', the surreal, chaotically stupid on screen persona he adopted in many films. His role in this film I wouldn't regard as exaggerated at all, as a matter of opinion, it seems far more toned down in comparison to his performances in, say, the Hababam Sinifi series. I think if anything, Halit Akçatepe's performance as Ramazan spoiled the overall quality of the film, as he forgot he was merely a supporting role and instead tried to outshine Sunal with no real success. As for Sener Sen, he plays the same sturdy supporting role which he does in many films which he played alongside Kemal Sunal, this performance being exemplary. The real great performance aside from Sunal's is without doubt Sevket Altug's minor role as Yunus Kaptan. Its unfortunate that his later works didn't quite meet up to the promise he showed in this film with his madcap naval officer. Special mention also goes to Sevda Aktolga, who understated her role in this film even though she was the object of Saban and Ramazan's affections (though, to be honest, because shes so attractive I used to wish there was more of her in it!). Ultimately, although some people might find influence from other films of the time emulated in this film, to suggest that The Return of Pink Panther was ripped off is absurd, as it really doesn't fit in with the structure of Turkish humour, Overall, Turkish humour is abundant in this film, and an array of original material, highlighted by Kemal Sunal and Sevket Altug, is on show for all to see.

Best Comedy Film I've Ever Seen

[alpber · 10/10 · 22 May 2005]

Not airplane, not other ZAZ films, not Jim Carrey. there are two reasons that I see this film the gratest: This film reflects Turkish humour, It is horribly funny. At the beginning of the film, it says that this film was made according to a classic Ottoman Comedy Art branch. It may be the reason. There are many Kemal Sunal films. He's a comedy phenomenon, I laugh at all his films; but in this movie Halit Akçatepe is also much too funny. Not even mentioning all time Turkish comedians Adile Naşit and Şener Şen; they are funnier. There are some jokes that cannot be understood in other languages; but as a result, it is a "must see" film. Watch it wherever you can. See the golden years of Turkish Comedy movies; they would turn out to be dramatic later on.

One the best Turkish parody movies

[gbay · 9/10 · 5 December 2002]

It's one of the movies reflect very good the atmosphere of the Turkish theater tradition. The script isn't good because it isn't important in that kind of movies. The investigation scene is a classic. Saban and Husam are opposed characters forming the framework of the comedy. Extraordinary acting from Kemal Sunal, Sener Sen, Aysen Gruda and Sevket Altug. Also Halit Akcatepe, Adile Nasit and Ihsan Yuce (appears shortly) are star players of the Turkish cinema. All of the players are the members of the Turkish theater.

The Best

[jack_o_hasanov_imdb · 8/10 · 17 August 2021]

Kemal Sunal's films have always fascinated me, I have always loved them, and I will always love them. R. I. P. Kemal Sunal. ....

just watch it first 5 minute and you don't need any comment

[mmsolak · 10/10 · 19 December 2010]

This movie is extremely funny from beginning to end. If you wanna learn anything about movie just watch first 5 minute or read beginning of subtitles. All actors living with their character it means they are doing their job tremendously good. And also if you see Kemal SUNAL and Sener SEN in same movie you don't need any comment believe me just watch it. Nowadays we can not find good comedy movies like this one. Because before we had YESILCAM which is called for these year of Turkish movie sector's name, but now i don't know about name of this sector it means YESILCAM did great job for this sector about on films, characters and followers.

A cornerstone of Turkish absurd comedies that continues to influence younger generation of cinephiles

[ufster-2 · 9/10 · 22 February 2020]

This movie has all the hallmarks of a great absurd comedy with a distinct flavor of what Turkish humor was at the time of its production. The plot is mainly driven by the character of Saban, a somewhat goofy and ultimately a character of good intentions yet retains certain character flaws such as greed, lust and pride so as to give it a more approachable quality and some depth. Portrayed so naturally by Kemal Sunal (who had a shine about him throughout the 70s), this all works to break the mold of the tram such as when Saban tries to physically get rid of his long time friend as a competitor for his romantic interest, something Chaplin's character would never do. It's that blend of folksy naivete and rural shrewdness in the background of incredibly unlucky circumstances which many Turkish actors/directors since tried to emulate and succeed (hence fail) to some degree. The plot is therefore secondary to this dynamic and the kernel of the movie so any similarities to previous foreign production movies, however blatant, should be disregarded with this in mind. I should end by mentioning Sener Sen, delivering yet another great performance, his character embodying the outwardly serious, stern military/law and order men breaking loose under the absurd pressure of the circumstances. Only the range of an actor who is of the caliber of Sener Sen could allow such wonderful comedic timing to coexist seamlessly with the "serious" parts of his role. Eternally grateful for the director, writers and producers for bringing together this cast and allowing them free reign to do what they do best.