24 out of 39 people found the following comment useful :- Finally, a Turkish cinema exists!, 17 December 2007
Author:
Hayreddin Barbarossa
I proclaim that, from the day this film was released on, Turkish cinema
exists! Monumental acting (Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, first time in his decade
old career, is an actor in this one, and perfectly so), consistent
storyline with all taboos hitherto nigh untouchable (corrupt Police,
state relations of organized crime, torture and humiliation in prison
and under custody etc.) turned upside down in a gentle and natural way
not over-pressing things in a fist waving manner, a very well done
final scene in which you swing between tears and laughter and overall
bright regie... No Shakespearean heroes/villains cliché of Turkish
films/TV; crafty and in depth character building and realization with
an antagonist whom you almost pity.
Especially a gem if you wish to hear the Istanbul dialect of Turkish,
which is mostly fading into memories with the older generations, spoken
with character and attire.
Most recommended. (Heavy swearing and mild sexuality warning)
13 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :- Everything is for love or honor.., 1 January 2008
Author:
gungoresen from Turkey
Is it only for love or is it for honor also? Devran fights for his
immoral photographs that are kept by police chief. Ali Osman fights for
keeping innocence girl- Karaca from mafia. I would prefer another
catchword rather than "Love is a killer reason" like: "Everything is
for love or honor." By the way, I appreciate the social messages in the
film: Do not keep it as a secret! Ali Osman's wife has the secret that
she has son from him. Death bed declaration to Ali Osman releases the
truth, which causes in tragedy between Ali Osman and his son. Devran
plays a double game: He works both for police and mafia. That ends in
death of main characters from both sides. You will be warned with
social messages. Watch it!
5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :- Disappointing apart from Sener Sen, 9 January 2008
Author:
ya1973 from Germany
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
After some glorious reviews I was very curious to watch this movie. I
must say I was quite disappointed all in all, but there were some
positive elements as well: Sener Sen is fantastic in his performance,
very convincing and his character truly shines. But that does not save
the movie. I thought the main problem was an unfortunate mix of genres,
which weakened the movie: it is supposed to be a drama, but there are
(mainly unintended, almost ridiculous) "slapstick"-like scenes or
moments in it, that makes it like a caricature of itself. Of course
drama and comedy can be very close but I am not talking about true
comedy here. Slapstick elements in such a serious piece of work just
simply ruins it. Since I felt like laughing in some of the supposedly
most serious moments, the drama in it did not truly catch my full
attention. The homosexual character was so exaggerated (like a
persiflage), sympathetic but very calculated jokes, then Devran is
still talking and saying odd stuff whilst he is almost about to die,
generally people have very dramatic expressions in there faces once
they are shot dead (this could be slapstick, truly!) or the girl's
comment about Devrans "best male piece" not being as big as Murats, and
Devrans reaction to it (slapstick pure!) and this unfortunate mixture
just took so much away from the movie. I got distracted and even
noticed some minor imperfections in editing or logic of scenes(which I
normally don't tend to notice). For example, Ali Osman uses Murats
mobile phone to call his friend and just presses one button (like a
repeat call) but it is impossible that his friends number is saved in
Murats phone as he does not even know him! Karaca is seriously injured
by the shooting in the bar, she is in hospital etc and suddenly the
injury seems to be gone, she is back to normal! All of this is a pity,
as Sener Sen truly shines in his role, but alas this is not a solo
performance.
11 out of 20 people found the following comment useful :- a clumsy work of cinema art, 26 December 2007
Author:
mhmt_korkmaz from Turkey
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
As a movie goer I was expecting at least reasonable performance in this
movie taking account the reputation of the director, screenplay writer,
actors etc. but the movie was totally disappointing.The story is like
something written by a child, meaningless and redundant dialogs. Acting
is awful especially by İsmail Hacıoglu(Murat), Aslı Tandogan(Karaca: a
name probably made up by a moron),Rasim Oztekin (he was inadequate in
GORA, worse in this movie as a gay character). All I can say about this
movie is that it would be better if there were no dialogs at all. My
general recommendation to such screenwriters, directors and producers:
first make your movie as a silent movie and never add a dialog unless
you have something original or crucial to say. Simplicity is always
less risky and less annoying.
11 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :- Love is a killer reason..., 17 December 2007
Author:
aragornmeg from Turkey
Yavuz Turgul who is one of the best directors in Turkey. Here he is the
script writer of the movie. I just watched it and we were shocked how
late the time was. We didn't know the length of the movie but although
it is 140 minutes the film flows like a butter in the pan. This film is
amazing, the script and the work of all crew is good. Şener Şen is as
good as always, and the other characters are pretty good but the
character Sürmeli is one step beyond them. Rasim Oztekin steals role
even from Şener Şen many times. Although this story tells the story of
hard man's hard actions, the main story stands on love and in this
movie even the bad character has a reason for what he does...
Friendship, love, and courage. If you want to watch a good film about
these and many deep feelings go and watch this. In this dustbin of crap
movies this will be a fresh breath in your speedy life.....
4 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :- First rate disappointment, 11 April 2008
Author:
ruhi-yaman from Australia
Unbelievable, exploitative and often downright silly, Kabadayi is a
disappointment of the first order. One of Turkish cinema's best loved
actors, Sener Sen, reprises his character from Eskiya (1996), without
bothering to add a single nuance to his performance. Yavuz Turgul,
writer/director of Eskiya, is also responsible for this script.
However, where Eskiya managed to convey serious social messages within
a rousing tale of violence and its consequences, Kabadayi never rises
above the level of a second rate Hong Kong tale of revenge. Kenan
Imirzalioglu, a reliable if limited leading man, overacts to the point
of caricature as the villain of the piece, Devran. A number of
stalwarts of modern Turkish cinema bravely try to inject some
individuality into their clichéd characters without success. Young
leads, Ismail Hacioglu (Murat) and Asli Tandogan (Karaca) look good but
act with the vivacity of a couple of shop window mannequins that were
given temporary lives. Editing is a disaster and the script appears to
have run away from its writer to be completed during the shoot. There
is plenty of unintended comedy especially during the final climax If
it weren't preceded with fanfare that raised expectations and invited
obvious comparisons to Eskiya (one of the most involving Turkish films
of recent times) the disappointment would not have been that great. As
it stands, the film is a disgrace on all fronts. Comparisons to works
of Coppola and Scorsese would have been insulting if they weren't so
outrageously comical. 1/10.
0 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :- This movie was magnificent, 28 April 2008
Author:
payam six from Romania
Great actors in this movie just nailed me on my sit & carried my mind
me to end of that.That last scene that almost made me cry. I still
remember those strong phrases and mean-full looks. ..... ..........
....... ....... ....... ........ ..... ... ..... ............ .......
......... ........ ....... ...... ..... ..... .....
.......................... ........ .... ....... ........ .....
...................................... ........... ........... .......
........... ..... .......................... .................
......... ..... .... ..... ........ ........ ............... .........
............ .............. ............... .................... .....
........ ........ ......... ....... ....... .... .......
................. ..... ....... ...... ....... ..... ............
....... ..... ................. ......... ...............
................ ........ ...... ................. ....... .........
............ ........... ..... ....................... ...... .......
........ ......... ..... ......... ....... ..... .......
2 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :- Excellent performance from 2 artist..., 8 March 2008
Author:
FeeLeR_FiQ from Istanbul,Turkiye
Because of his son, a retired honest bully (Sener SEN) have to be
against to young one (Kenan IMIRZALIOGLU). Ali Osman (Sener SEN) has
chosen a peaceful life and started to wait death. But after an
unexpected news from his old lover, he have to become a man he wouldn't
like to be. As he struggle with desperate illness, he wants to safe his
son from badness.
When you look at the subject choice, your expectation from the movie
becomes too much.
Two performances differs from remainder of the film. Alive legend of
Turkish cinema Sener SEN and shining star of that kind of movies Kenan
IMIRZALIOGLU.
By the choice of better artists/actresses and dialogs, i think this
movie could have been much more powerful and effective...
5 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :- Greatest ever!, 30 December 2007
Author:
antisarikanarya from Edirne/TURKEY
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I was waiting for this movie. This is pure cinema. This is fantastic.
The actors are great, cinematography is great, script is fantastic,
messages are very well and dialogs are great. You must see it, if you
want to see a Turkish movie. This is great entertainment and sad story.
Yavuz Turgul is one of the best filmmakers of the world. The film
criticizes many things. I don't want to give spoilers. This is one of
the best movies, I have ever seen. Ferenc Pap is a real good
cinematographer. The pictures and the quality are great. Kenan
Imirzaliogul has done the greatest role in his career. Sener Sen was
like always: GOOD. Rasim Oztekin is a very good actor and played
perfect. The others were great too. You must see it. It's not a popcorn
flick.
8 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :- Are you Kidding! A masterpiece?!!, 18 December 2007
Author:
Mustafa Tozsun from Turkey
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I don't understand how people review this film so highly, it just
didn't do it for me. It has no story to tell, same old, same old...(Boy
loves girl, girl loves boy, good guy vs bad guy).
I was expecting something entirely different from Yavuz Turgul and Omer
Vargi, specially after releasing a classy looking trailers and posters.
From what it seems they were brainwashing the audience by getting them
to believe that they are awaiting something different and unique.
The only way to sum-up my opinion about this film, is to write the good
and bad of this film:
BAD: Story (Cliché), Directing (Amature),Dialogue (Do they ever shut
up!!), Acting "Asli Tandogan, Ismail Hacioglu" (Fake), Paste and
Visuals (doesn't exist! Again too much dialogue!), Length (140 minutes,
are they gone MAD!!!), Makeup/Hair/Costumes: very unrealistic "Murat -
Bob Marley?!!")
GOOD: Cinematography (Professional), Sener Sen (Great performance as
usual),Kenan Imirzalioglu (convincing, not as good as his previews film
"Son osmanli", but OK), Music (lyrical & Moody, very Hollywood, but
debatable wither fits this film or not), Sound design and
effects(obviously a very professional work, but not suitable, made the
film sound like an action film), Editing (Decent).
What also botheres me, is the lack of continuity: halfway through the
film, girl gets shot(crucial surgery), few minutes later as if nothing
ever happened.
Overall it's a disappointment, save your money for a better film.
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Kabadayi (2007)
24 out of 39 people found the following comment useful :-

Finally, a Turkish cinema exists!, 17 December 2007
Author: Hayreddin Barbarossa
I proclaim that, from the day this film was released on, Turkish cinema exists! Monumental acting (Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, first time in his decade old career, is an actor in this one, and perfectly so), consistent storyline with all taboos hitherto nigh untouchable (corrupt Police, state relations of organized crime, torture and humiliation in prison and under custody etc.) turned upside down in a gentle and natural way not over-pressing things in a fist waving manner, a very well done final scene in which you swing between tears and laughter and overall bright regie... No Shakespearean heroes/villains cliché of Turkish films/TV; crafty and in depth character building and realization with an antagonist whom you almost pity.
Especially a gem if you wish to hear the Istanbul dialect of Turkish, which is mostly fading into memories with the older generations, spoken with character and attire.
Most recommended. (Heavy swearing and mild sexuality warning)
13 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :-

Everything is for love or honor.., 1 January 2008
Author: gungoresen from Turkey
Is it only for love or is it for honor also? Devran fights for his immoral photographs that are kept by police chief. Ali Osman fights for keeping innocence girl- Karaca from mafia. I would prefer another catchword rather than "Love is a killer reason" like: "Everything is for love or honor." By the way, I appreciate the social messages in the film: Do not keep it as a secret! Ali Osman's wife has the secret that she has son from him. Death bed declaration to Ali Osman releases the truth, which causes in tragedy between Ali Osman and his son. Devran plays a double game: He works both for police and mafia. That ends in death of main characters from both sides. You will be warned with social messages. Watch it!
5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-

Disappointing apart from Sener Sen, 9 January 2008
Author: ya1973 from Germany
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
After some glorious reviews I was very curious to watch this movie. I must say I was quite disappointed all in all, but there were some positive elements as well: Sener Sen is fantastic in his performance, very convincing and his character truly shines. But that does not save the movie. I thought the main problem was an unfortunate mix of genres, which weakened the movie: it is supposed to be a drama, but there are (mainly unintended, almost ridiculous) "slapstick"-like scenes or moments in it, that makes it like a caricature of itself. Of course drama and comedy can be very close but I am not talking about true comedy here. Slapstick elements in such a serious piece of work just simply ruins it. Since I felt like laughing in some of the supposedly most serious moments, the drama in it did not truly catch my full attention. The homosexual character was so exaggerated (like a persiflage), sympathetic but very calculated jokes, then Devran is still talking and saying odd stuff whilst he is almost about to die, generally people have very dramatic expressions in there faces once they are shot dead (this could be slapstick, truly!) or the girl's comment about Devrans "best male piece" not being as big as Murats, and Devrans reaction to it (slapstick pure!) and this unfortunate mixture just took so much away from the movie. I got distracted and even noticed some minor imperfections in editing or logic of scenes(which I normally don't tend to notice). For example, Ali Osman uses Murats mobile phone to call his friend and just presses one button (like a repeat call) but it is impossible that his friends number is saved in Murats phone as he does not even know him! Karaca is seriously injured by the shooting in the bar, she is in hospital etc and suddenly the injury seems to be gone, she is back to normal! All of this is a pity, as Sener Sen truly shines in his role, but alas this is not a solo performance.
11 out of 20 people found the following comment useful :-

a clumsy work of cinema art, 26 December 2007
Author: mhmt_korkmaz from Turkey
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
As a movie goer I was expecting at least reasonable performance in this movie taking account the reputation of the director, screenplay writer, actors etc. but the movie was totally disappointing.The story is like something written by a child, meaningless and redundant dialogs. Acting is awful especially by İsmail Hacıoglu(Murat), Aslı Tandogan(Karaca: a name probably made up by a moron),Rasim Oztekin (he was inadequate in GORA, worse in this movie as a gay character). All I can say about this movie is that it would be better if there were no dialogs at all. My general recommendation to such screenwriters, directors and producers: first make your movie as a silent movie and never add a dialog unless you have something original or crucial to say. Simplicity is always less risky and less annoying.
11 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :-

Love is a killer reason..., 17 December 2007
Author: aragornmeg from Turkey
Yavuz Turgul who is one of the best directors in Turkey. Here he is the script writer of the movie. I just watched it and we were shocked how late the time was. We didn't know the length of the movie but although it is 140 minutes the film flows like a butter in the pan. This film is amazing, the script and the work of all crew is good. Şener Şen is as good as always, and the other characters are pretty good but the character Sürmeli is one step beyond them. Rasim Oztekin steals role even from Şener Şen many times. Although this story tells the story of hard man's hard actions, the main story stands on love and in this movie even the bad character has a reason for what he does... Friendship, love, and courage. If you want to watch a good film about these and many deep feelings go and watch this. In this dustbin of crap movies this will be a fresh breath in your speedy life.....
4 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-

First rate disappointment, 11 April 2008
Author: ruhi-yaman from Australia
Unbelievable, exploitative and often downright silly, Kabadayi is a disappointment of the first order. One of Turkish cinema's best loved actors, Sener Sen, reprises his character from Eskiya (1996), without bothering to add a single nuance to his performance. Yavuz Turgul, writer/director of Eskiya, is also responsible for this script. However, where Eskiya managed to convey serious social messages within a rousing tale of violence and its consequences, Kabadayi never rises above the level of a second rate Hong Kong tale of revenge. Kenan Imirzalioglu, a reliable if limited leading man, overacts to the point of caricature as the villain of the piece, Devran. A number of stalwarts of modern Turkish cinema bravely try to inject some individuality into their clichéd characters without success. Young leads, Ismail Hacioglu (Murat) and Asli Tandogan (Karaca) look good but act with the vivacity of a couple of shop window mannequins that were given temporary lives. Editing is a disaster and the script appears to have run away from its writer to be completed during the shoot. There is plenty of unintended comedy especially during the final climax If it weren't preceded with fanfare that raised expectations and invited obvious comparisons to Eskiya (one of the most involving Turkish films of recent times) the disappointment would not have been that great. As it stands, the film is a disgrace on all fronts. Comparisons to works of Coppola and Scorsese would have been insulting if they weren't so outrageously comical. 1/10.
0 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-

This movie was magnificent, 28 April 2008
Author: payam six from Romania
Great actors in this movie just nailed me on my sit & carried my mind me to end of that.That last scene that almost made me cry. I still remember those strong phrases and mean-full looks. ..... .......... ....... ....... ....... ........ ..... ... ..... ............ ....... ......... ........ ....... ...... ..... ..... ..... .......................... ........ .... ....... ........ ..... ...................................... ........... ........... ....... ........... ..... .......................... ................. ......... ..... .... ..... ........ ........ ............... ......... ............ .............. ............... .................... ..... ........ ........ ......... ....... ....... .... ....... ................. ..... ....... ...... ....... ..... ............ ....... ..... ................. ......... ............... ................ ........ ...... ................. ....... ......... ............ ........... ..... ....................... ...... ....... ........ ......... ..... ......... ....... ..... .......
2 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-

Excellent performance from 2 artist..., 8 March 2008
Author: FeeLeR_FiQ from Istanbul,Turkiye
Because of his son, a retired honest bully (Sener SEN) have to be against to young one (Kenan IMIRZALIOGLU). Ali Osman (Sener SEN) has chosen a peaceful life and started to wait death. But after an unexpected news from his old lover, he have to become a man he wouldn't like to be. As he struggle with desperate illness, he wants to safe his son from badness.
When you look at the subject choice, your expectation from the movie becomes too much.
Two performances differs from remainder of the film. Alive legend of Turkish cinema Sener SEN and shining star of that kind of movies Kenan IMIRZALIOGLU.
By the choice of better artists/actresses and dialogs, i think this movie could have been much more powerful and effective...
5 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-

Greatest ever!, 30 December 2007
Author: antisarikanarya from Edirne/TURKEY
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I was waiting for this movie. This is pure cinema. This is fantastic. The actors are great, cinematography is great, script is fantastic, messages are very well and dialogs are great. You must see it, if you want to see a Turkish movie. This is great entertainment and sad story. Yavuz Turgul is one of the best filmmakers of the world. The film criticizes many things. I don't want to give spoilers. This is one of the best movies, I have ever seen. Ferenc Pap is a real good cinematographer. The pictures and the quality are great. Kenan Imirzaliogul has done the greatest role in his career. Sener Sen was like always: GOOD. Rasim Oztekin is a very good actor and played perfect. The others were great too. You must see it. It's not a popcorn flick.
8 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-

Are you Kidding! A masterpiece?!!, 18 December 2007
Author: Mustafa Tozsun from Turkey
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I don't understand how people review this film so highly, it just didn't do it for me. It has no story to tell, same old, same old...(Boy loves girl, girl loves boy, good guy vs bad guy).
I was expecting something entirely different from Yavuz Turgul and Omer Vargi, specially after releasing a classy looking trailers and posters. From what it seems they were brainwashing the audience by getting them to believe that they are awaiting something different and unique.
The only way to sum-up my opinion about this film, is to write the good and bad of this film:
BAD: Story (Cliché), Directing (Amature),Dialogue (Do they ever shut up!!), Acting "Asli Tandogan, Ismail Hacioglu" (Fake), Paste and Visuals (doesn't exist! Again too much dialogue!), Length (140 minutes, are they gone MAD!!!), Makeup/Hair/Costumes: very unrealistic "Murat - Bob Marley?!!")
GOOD: Cinematography (Professional), Sener Sen (Great performance as usual),Kenan Imirzalioglu (convincing, not as good as his previews film "Son osmanli", but OK), Music (lyrical & Moody, very Hollywood, but debatable wither fits this film or not), Sound design and effects(obviously a very professional work, but not suitable, made the film sound like an action film), Editing (Decent).
What also botheres me, is the lack of continuity: halfway through the film, girl gets shot(crucial surgery), few minutes later as if nothing ever happened.
Overall it's a disappointment, save your money for a better film.
2/10 a wake up call!!!
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