I went to see this movie together with my friend.Honestly speaking, We both did not like the production.Instead of making an original movie, the directors chose the easy way: copying images and characters from some cult Hollywood-based horror movies such as 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre', ' The Ring' and "Psycho".Although the directors seem to have tried hard to frighten audience, I am convinced that all their attempts have been destined to fail eventually.Because you simply can not feel frightened by the story and act.In the western popular culture, cemeteries are frightening places where ghosts walk around. However, the same understanding does not fit into cemeteries in Muslim world.I must state that the Taylan Brothers were unique to bring together a summer house and a cemetery together.Besides, they disguised Azrael as the tenant taking care of the summer house.However, none of those attempts impressed me nor my friend. The characters speak strange conversations thus making no sense.You can not really feel that there is really a family there although the directors tried hard to show audience that the family is fragmented into pieces.I think the actor who acts 'husband' character does not really fit into his role. He just can not make you feel that he is a husband cheating on his beautiful wife but managing his relationship to his wife successfully.He is a tiny figure in the weight of his wife.The main female character acted by Basak Koklukaya, is probably the best part of the movie.You can sense that she suffers from the problem of communication in her family. The character of Azrael is poor.I do not think that the actor playing that role really fits into the role.He can not speak the Aegean accent successfully.The music, though looking good, does not really fit into the movie either.Many times I oscillated between Hollywood suspense-thriller movies and amateur movies. This movie does not have a strong character. The best part of the movie for me, was, the end.I will not tell you what it is. It seems to me that KUCUK KIYAMET has already joined the family of 'you do not have to see it.' movies. I hope someone will break the vicious cycle of Turkish Movie Industry's failure to produce a really frightening movie.
13 Reviews
How to make a modest film about death.
aysedune8 August 2007
This movie is not about the earthquake, it is about death. Yagmur and Durul Brothers are very successful in Kucuk Kiyamet, they project the fears about death and being under wreckage so that it is impossible not to feel the destruction. The story reaches the end smoothly and every piece settles down at the final. The twist in the movie is under covered very successfully.
I also want to add that the directors never claim that Kucuk Kıyamet is a horror film. They say the opposite; it's a psychological film about death.
Başak Köklükaya' s performance is excellent. Cansel Elçin, İlker Aksum and Binnur Kaya are very very good too. All the actors must be proud for their performances, because they added so much to the film.
The art director made a great job too; the catalog "little apocalypse" and all the paintings were wonderful in addition to the general art directing.
Kevin Moore's soundtrack is astonishingly great and fit the mood of the movie. Taylan brothers are very lucky to have him. "Shine" is an excellent choice for the movie and we don't hear too much of it. Everything was in the appropriate dose and amount,there were no place for exaggeration.
This film must be a guideline for other producers and directors for making a perfect but very modest film which is interested only in telling a very good story in the best way they can. This film is even higher the standards of Hollywood films.
Definitely a " must be seen" ; especially the extras on DVD.
I also want to add that the directors never claim that Kucuk Kıyamet is a horror film. They say the opposite; it's a psychological film about death.
Başak Köklükaya' s performance is excellent. Cansel Elçin, İlker Aksum and Binnur Kaya are very very good too. All the actors must be proud for their performances, because they added so much to the film.
The art director made a great job too; the catalog "little apocalypse" and all the paintings were wonderful in addition to the general art directing.
Kevin Moore's soundtrack is astonishingly great and fit the mood of the movie. Taylan brothers are very lucky to have him. "Shine" is an excellent choice for the movie and we don't hear too much of it. Everything was in the appropriate dose and amount,there were no place for exaggeration.
This film must be a guideline for other producers and directors for making a perfect but very modest film which is interested only in telling a very good story in the best way they can. This film is even higher the standards of Hollywood films.
Definitely a " must be seen" ; especially the extras on DVD.
Kitsch and worst movie of Turkish cinema...!
bikex77723 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is probably one of the worst movies I have ever seen.It is about earthquake and human psychology.But the problems are;directors always want to make a horror film.Why?...Why 'taylan' brothers like horrors so much.Their debut movie,'Okul' was unbelievably bad horror film.They are unsuccessful about making horror movie.Script of this movie is very cheap,very cliché,very banal...i think it was one of the lamest movies i have watch in a long long time. The beginning was OK but the rest was lame. I went to the movie thinking that it would be great because the media made a huge deal about the release date being pushed back, but when I saw the movie, my feeling of excitement quickly turned to disappointment.It was ridiculous!! horrible acting and dialogs.Anyway,'Kucuk 'kiyamet' was worst horror film of the year The movie was very boring and don't waste your time with this!
Sorry to make you think
mrmendoza15 September 2007
I only see two reasons why people may think the movie is weak, the major one is because they couldn't understand it and the other is that they may not know the setting behind it, especially the importance of it to Turkey. Because if understood well, I cannot see any reason why the film can get any negative comments.
First of all, even though it has creepy parts, the movie isn't meant to be a horror or thriller movie. That said, it is still much better in managing to build up the tense atmosphere than any other Turkish 'scary' movie attempts. Plus it isn't like any Hollywood that you can just watch to get scared without using any bit of your brain.
It's definitely a movie worth seeing, especially when the budget used to film it is considered. It may only be missing out on the visual effects, where the excellent progression of the plot and the storyline cover up for, move that enough.
First of all, even though it has creepy parts, the movie isn't meant to be a horror or thriller movie. That said, it is still much better in managing to build up the tense atmosphere than any other Turkish 'scary' movie attempts. Plus it isn't like any Hollywood that you can just watch to get scared without using any bit of your brain.
It's definitely a movie worth seeing, especially when the budget used to film it is considered. It may only be missing out on the visual effects, where the excellent progression of the plot and the storyline cover up for, move that enough.
a taylan brother's comedy!
hayriye44426 December 2006
I have seen many, many bad movies, but there is only one that even comes close to this one for sheer awfulness.So,Don't know if I would call it the worst film of all time, but it is pretty bad. I hate filmmakers who take a good idea, and make it into sequels to make certain no one ever remembers the good idea.
The screenplay for "Kucuk kiyamet" is so weak that it's not worth ripping apart.Its so look like the English movie called 'DEAD END'.I hated the first 60mnutes of 'kucuk kiyamet'.It was so boring and especially the dialogs are like a students short movie's dialog. Anyway,do not waste your money and time on theater unless your curious to how bad a film can be made!
The screenplay for "Kucuk kiyamet" is so weak that it's not worth ripping apart.Its so look like the English movie called 'DEAD END'.I hated the first 60mnutes of 'kucuk kiyamet'.It was so boring and especially the dialogs are like a students short movie's dialog. Anyway,do not waste your money and time on theater unless your curious to how bad a film can be made!
Milestone in Turkish film history
serenades1 January 2007
I found the users' comments very unrealistic with no solid explanation. I tried to find their other comments or votes for films in order to understand their taste but for some reason IMDb says, the users don't exist. I found the users' comments very unrealistic. They are not criticizing they are judging the film in a subjective way. First of all, this movie has been nominated for 3 awards in SIYAD. The nominees are decided by selected film critics and writers.
How come this film can be so bad that even the previous examples of Turkish horror films can be better than Kucuk Kiyamet? Are you serious for God's sake???? Because according to your comments this film is the worst. I understand if you don't like it compared to the movies that are made in other countries which are better in this genre however I've never watched a better film that it is made in Turkey within this genre.
This film can be considered both as a film that is made just for entertaining and also can be considered both as philosophical. A rare combination, hard to find not only in Turkey, but also in all around the world. I loved the acting, can compete with worldwide actors, very subtle (other than a few scenes), there is no over acting as opposed to many other Turkish films. The film doesn't push you to the limits to cry, which is something Turkish audience is not used to and good drama quality with some thriller sauce. It can be slightly considered as horror as well. It's totally a new style in Turkish Cinema and the hints of an upcoming era. Below I will mention about this theory more. I loved the music; I barely see this kind of a "CINEMA" soundtrack quality. Most soundtracks sound like student films to me here in Turkey. Kucuk Kiyamet is one of the rare ones.
As to me, in order to find our style in film-making as Turkish cinema, first we need to take care of all the technical aspects. Taylan Biraderler have been practicing and doing their homework for a while now. I could easily see their development step by step. In this film I see something unique. It's not Hollywood, it's not Asian, it's Turkish. I can totally see the Turkish mood in the movie. I can understand the confusion on people's mind, because the importance of this film will be understood later in the future, just like any important "movement" in art, literature or cinema. The ones who are educated in "literary art movements" they will understand what I mean here.
Usually people can put a finger on a movement after it develops in time. For instance scholars don't say "today post-modern era starts", the era starts and after a while, upon observing the changes in literature, art, etc. they decide there is a change in the movement and they give it a name. So I believe in the future, this movie will be mentioned in school books at cinema schools, just like "Eskiya" or "Istanbul Kanatlarimin Altinda" or "GORA". These are also movies which started a new era in Turkish Film history.
I can also see the technical problems in the film however as someone who worked on both film sets (Turkey and Hollywood), I totally appreciate the directors for accomplishing this. Because I experienced how hard it is for Turkish directors to work on film sets. There is no organization, there is no system and most of the people don't know what they are doing. They usually have to work with whatever that have in hand. I don't know how this film set was, but I am sure they were exploring and trying to find ways to make it happen as opposed to Hollywood where you can work easily since they were "been there, done that!"
Regardless of you like it or not, I recommend you to watch it! One day this movie will be appreciated more than it is now even for the ones who don't like it.
How come this film can be so bad that even the previous examples of Turkish horror films can be better than Kucuk Kiyamet? Are you serious for God's sake???? Because according to your comments this film is the worst. I understand if you don't like it compared to the movies that are made in other countries which are better in this genre however I've never watched a better film that it is made in Turkey within this genre.
This film can be considered both as a film that is made just for entertaining and also can be considered both as philosophical. A rare combination, hard to find not only in Turkey, but also in all around the world. I loved the acting, can compete with worldwide actors, very subtle (other than a few scenes), there is no over acting as opposed to many other Turkish films. The film doesn't push you to the limits to cry, which is something Turkish audience is not used to and good drama quality with some thriller sauce. It can be slightly considered as horror as well. It's totally a new style in Turkish Cinema and the hints of an upcoming era. Below I will mention about this theory more. I loved the music; I barely see this kind of a "CINEMA" soundtrack quality. Most soundtracks sound like student films to me here in Turkey. Kucuk Kiyamet is one of the rare ones.
As to me, in order to find our style in film-making as Turkish cinema, first we need to take care of all the technical aspects. Taylan Biraderler have been practicing and doing their homework for a while now. I could easily see their development step by step. In this film I see something unique. It's not Hollywood, it's not Asian, it's Turkish. I can totally see the Turkish mood in the movie. I can understand the confusion on people's mind, because the importance of this film will be understood later in the future, just like any important "movement" in art, literature or cinema. The ones who are educated in "literary art movements" they will understand what I mean here.
Usually people can put a finger on a movement after it develops in time. For instance scholars don't say "today post-modern era starts", the era starts and after a while, upon observing the changes in literature, art, etc. they decide there is a change in the movement and they give it a name. So I believe in the future, this movie will be mentioned in school books at cinema schools, just like "Eskiya" or "Istanbul Kanatlarimin Altinda" or "GORA". These are also movies which started a new era in Turkish Film history.
I can also see the technical problems in the film however as someone who worked on both film sets (Turkey and Hollywood), I totally appreciate the directors for accomplishing this. Because I experienced how hard it is for Turkish directors to work on film sets. There is no organization, there is no system and most of the people don't know what they are doing. They usually have to work with whatever that have in hand. I don't know how this film set was, but I am sure they were exploring and trying to find ways to make it happen as opposed to Hollywood where you can work easily since they were "been there, done that!"
Regardless of you like it or not, I recommend you to watch it! One day this movie will be appreciated more than it is now even for the ones who don't like it.
Not a bad movie at all.
ersindinc5 January 2007
I don't understand why this movie gets negative comments, it's not a bad movie at all (it's not a very good movie either) anyway it doesn't deserve 1/10 imo. The visual effects was fine and i didn't notice a bad act however Ilker Aksum's act was great, for some reasons I have never like this actor (maybe coz of the characters he played) but in this movie he was like a pro.
I can clearly say that Kucuk Kiyamet worths your every penny but if you are a fan-boi of Mehmet Ali Erbil and his Co. and like the same stupid jokes from the same ppl don't go to this movie you have a lot of Mali options anyway.
I can clearly say that Kucuk Kiyamet worths your every penny but if you are a fan-boi of Mehmet Ali Erbil and his Co. and like the same stupid jokes from the same ppl don't go to this movie you have a lot of Mali options anyway.
Very tasty movie
kacinkurbasi15 January 2007
I watched Kucuk Kiyamet and without any doubt can recommend everybody to watch it.
When you watch it I suggest you to watch carefully in order not to miss hidden clues/codes in the script. This movie is not for average audience, since just looking at the screen is not sufficient to understand what is going on. Hence, if you are below average you may get bored. Plus, considering the fact that this movie is shut with a low budget compared to its American peers, it must be applauded for this purpose only, as well.
Have fun
When you watch it I suggest you to watch carefully in order not to miss hidden clues/codes in the script. This movie is not for average audience, since just looking at the screen is not sufficient to understand what is going on. Hence, if you are below average you may get bored. Plus, considering the fact that this movie is shut with a low budget compared to its American peers, it must be applauded for this purpose only, as well.
Have fun
beautiful, haunting epic
pine-music12 November 2011
I saw this movie years ago, when it was first released. It's a beautiful, haunting epic that has stayed with me all these years.
I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the theater, so I was taken on a roller-coaster ride that began with the mundane (a family setting out on a vacation), turned frightening and surreal (the nightmarish vacation by-the-sea), and ended on a disastrous, poignant note that made perfect sense.
I particularly like Yucel's delving into the subconscious (or perhaps unconscious) aspects of disaster and fear. The Taylans handled the material with grace and kept the plot moving in unexpected and delightful ways.
A really enjoyable experience that was the very essence of international cinema.
I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the theater, so I was taken on a roller-coaster ride that began with the mundane (a family setting out on a vacation), turned frightening and surreal (the nightmarish vacation by-the-sea), and ended on a disastrous, poignant note that made perfect sense.
I particularly like Yucel's delving into the subconscious (or perhaps unconscious) aspects of disaster and fear. The Taylans handled the material with grace and kept the plot moving in unexpected and delightful ways.
A really enjoyable experience that was the very essence of international cinema.
A skillfully managed movie about death and disaster
PelinDV6 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
My vote for this movie is a clear 8 out of 10. This movie qualifies for everything needed for a psychological thriller. Through the eyes of the Mother, we see fragmented nightmares, appearing and disappearing of deceased loved ones, creepy villagers etc. The psychological tension of the movie is so skillfully escalated that, step by step, the seaside vacation of an upper middle family evolves into a fight for life against the unknown powers, and in the final scene, as we see the whole Istanbul City in complete ruins, we fall in to an amalgam of fear, despair and sorrow. The amazing performance of Başak Köklükaya who plays the mother is also worth mentioning here. I find it hard to understand how people make such negative comments about this almost perfect movie, perhaps they did not understand it at all. Taylan Brothers have done a well job, and the importance of this movie becomes more evident when we think about the Turkish film making history, where thrillers or horror movies did not find a place, but until this movie I'm guessing. So according to me, this movie is both a milestone and a gem for Turkish viewers, and also a feast for International audience as well.
A great movie which should have been acknowledged at the time
evremnuryavuz17 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
By far, one of the best Turkish movies I've ever seen. So realistic in the way it portrays the life -and family affairs- in the late 90's in Turkey. A distant father figure, an uneasy house wife who is always concerned about her children, a life which is meticuolousy organized so that everything goes according to the plan, renting a summerhouse for vacation and traditionally, bringing your nieces with you since the more is merrier. Small crises which need to be pointed out by the wife and adressed by the husband with an out-of-context seriousness that always stresses out the children of the family. The pride they feel since they are select amongst the poorer country folks. Ownerships on what now seems to be mediocre but luxury at the time. And being crushed by those wealths.
The earthquakes mentioned and happenning in the movie are very much real and as devastating as portrayed; if not more. The movie is filled with metaphors. The manner head character Bilge faces her fears in life and her final acceptance in the face of death is a sad but humbling event. Little Apocalypse - the idiom means either a natural disaster, or one's own demise.
Neither very bad, nor a very bad movie
aliaksar20008 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
*** This review may contain spoilers *** First of all, this is neither a very bad movie, nor a milestone at all in my opinion. It is an average movie. If you look at its standing in Turkish movie industry, then it might be little bit above average.
The story is somehow original *for* Turkish movie industry. The directors say it isn't a horror movie, but there are many elements who belongs to horror genre. Maybe because the directors didn't intended to make a horror, or maybe because it was simply not well done, as a result, the horror elements absolutely fail, which is big minus for the movie. The dialogues weren't that much bad as criticized. I have seen the worse.
The performance of the actors weren't that much bad as criticized, either. On the contrary, the actress, who plays principal female character (Basar Koklukaya) and the young actor (Bora Akkas?) who plays character called Bora was pretty good. Yes, character of Ali wasn't as good as it should have been, but it was not the actor, but the directors. The actor did his best.
Yes, cinematography and music / sound was good. Maybe the best element of the movie.
Yes, sub-text of the movie was the dealing with or accept the death etc but it remains as a nice attempt only.
******SPOILER**** While movie fails to frighten the audience (the directors says it is not a horror movie but the movie has so many elements a typical horror movie has. So not only they failed to make a horror, they also failed *not to* make a horror movie), it makes good attempts cinematicwise for Turkish cinema. As syildirim89 well explained, the collapsing of the building shot an almost 5 minutes uncut long-take shot of the incident scene were technically absolutely above the average for Turkish movies.
Overall nice try. We need attempts like that in Turkish movie industry and the progress will come step by step.
I give 7 out 10, which means average and 'worth to give a shot' for me, but neither 8( 8=good movie) nor 6 (below average).
The story is somehow original *for* Turkish movie industry. The directors say it isn't a horror movie, but there are many elements who belongs to horror genre. Maybe because the directors didn't intended to make a horror, or maybe because it was simply not well done, as a result, the horror elements absolutely fail, which is big minus for the movie. The dialogues weren't that much bad as criticized. I have seen the worse.
The performance of the actors weren't that much bad as criticized, either. On the contrary, the actress, who plays principal female character (Basar Koklukaya) and the young actor (Bora Akkas?) who plays character called Bora was pretty good. Yes, character of Ali wasn't as good as it should have been, but it was not the actor, but the directors. The actor did his best.
Yes, cinematography and music / sound was good. Maybe the best element of the movie.
Yes, sub-text of the movie was the dealing with or accept the death etc but it remains as a nice attempt only.
******SPOILER**** While movie fails to frighten the audience (the directors says it is not a horror movie but the movie has so many elements a typical horror movie has. So not only they failed to make a horror, they also failed *not to* make a horror movie), it makes good attempts cinematicwise for Turkish cinema. As syildirim89 well explained, the collapsing of the building shot an almost 5 minutes uncut long-take shot of the incident scene were technically absolutely above the average for Turkish movies.
Overall nice try. We need attempts like that in Turkish movie industry and the progress will come step by step.
I give 7 out 10, which means average and 'worth to give a shot' for me, but neither 8( 8=good movie) nor 6 (below average).
One of its kind
onur_xkhan13 April 2021
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