Istanbul Kirmizisi (2017) User Reviews

I don't understand the movie

[ageely-26332 · 5/10 · 31 March 2021]

What movie is it? I can't understand the story!! Really it is complicated beside long silence for nothing useful.

So nice

[chera_khalid · 6/10 · 30 September 2023]

"Istanbul Kirmizisi" paints a vivid canvas of emotions against the backdrop of the enchanting city, with a commendable cast that breathes life into the complex characters. The film editing gracefully navigates through the intertwining stories, creating a mosaic of love, loss, and self-discovery. While the music enhances the film's emotional undertones, it may not be particularly memorable. The strength of the movie lies in its poignant exploration of relationships and the transformative power of art, offering a glimpse into the soul of Istanbul. However, the weakness emerges in moments where the narrative feels somewhat predictable. The cinematography captures the essence of the city's rich cultural tapestry, providing a visually striking backdrop. With a 6/10 rating, "Istanbul Kirmizisi" offers a compelling narrative and a visual feast, though it may not entirely escape the conventions of romantic dramas.

Handsome Turkish drama

[Mozjoukine · 7 July 2017]

After Ferzan Ozpetek's Italian films (Saturno contro 2007, La finestra di fronte / Facing Window 2003, Le fate ignoranti / The Ignorant Fairies 2001 included) his new Turkish production ISTAMBUL KIRMIZISI / Crimson Istanbul fields elements from the director's earlier work - a gay theme, Serra Yilmaz in support.

This one is a strikingly handsome 'scope production that pushes the Istambul 's tourist attractions. It Kicks off with a great scenic airial of the city and we get balding middle aged author Halit Ergenç deposited at the red painted Boshorous-side home of fellow writer Nejat Isler who has brought him in to work on a project we never do get to know all that much about. This proves disorienting for Ergenç because he meets characters he thinks he recognises from Isler's published autobiography only to find them not as represented.

Then we get a development not too far away from L'AVENTURA and Ergenç, in the company of elegant Tuba Büyüküstün and the missing man's grubby gay lover Mehmet Günsür, is involved in a police inquiry where the lady cop tells him not to leave town.

Little by little Ergenç finds himself taking over Isler's life. We learn Ergenç's back story but can only guess why he was selected, what became of Isler or the significance of swimming the Bosphorous - Enigma, like the art movies.

The production does field effective scenes like the family meal where the relatives surprise the newcomer, Günsür's river front confrontation or the society party with the plunge neck singer who they manage to feature in all the publicity - another arresting airial shot pulls away from the high rise window there.

I like the Italian films better but this one does manage to hold the serious attention it's designed to attract. It's encouraging to find that Ozpetek is still at it.

Disappointed

[ciderdrink-79505 · 1/10 · 2 May 2018]

After watching all of Mr Ozpetek's films, this film came with a huge dissatisfaction. I am so sorry. Don't waste your time folks.

Slow movie and long

[illcodino · 4/10 · 15 March 2019]

Slow movie, 2 boring hours after No trama, nothing happens Disappointed, waist of talent

Loved it

[sadrazam · 10/10 · 30 July 2020]

It felt like reading a novel. Great movie, great cast.

An ugly movie

[s-dibella · 3/10 · 1 September 2021]

I couldn't find anything nice in this movie. Banal in his scenes, full of cliché, badly written and acted in a somewhat absurd way. Characters pretend to have some deepness when I found them just ridicule or pathetic. And with a very weird way of express themselves. Besides it's exaggereted in many ways, from the way is interpreted to its overdone tragedy that it makes it seem a parody of himself. To me and my girlfriend was a real pain to get to the end. There is a sense of falsehood or fake throughout the entire movie, which is fed by a theatrical screenplay, which, in my opinion worsen things. A real ugly, dull, boring movie.

Much better than I expected

[semihyesilbursa · 9/10 · 20 March 2019]

I read the movie critics before I watch. By keeping the opinions in my mind, I watched it carefully, paid attention the sounds, emotions and psychological points of every scenes. I found it very successful, particularly the sensation to be transferred to the viewer. It is a great job. 👏👏👏👏👏

Coming back to life

[edgeofreality · 1 June 2020]

Often intriguing study of a Turkish expat returning to Istanbul for a script editing job, when his rich, successful filmmaker boss vanishes. This disappearance echoes the expats own, having left Turkey for London to escape memories of a tragedy. There is something a bit simplistic in the way things are doubled, with the expat finding a new home, family, even 'soulmate' of sorts, so that the film tries hard to be tricky and symbolic in an arty way to perhaps cover up this simplicity. It reminded me of a Pamuk novel at times, though less obscure, and with a tragic homosexual angle that didn't quite cinvince me, nor did the hero's return to writing. The performances are fine throughout however, with lots of good silent acting and memorable characters well cast. I also enjoyed the settings of the filmmaker's house, a party scene in a high rise with a seedy bald gay writer who comes across as creepy as the midget in Lost Highway; the filmmaker's family and servants who seemed like real and interesting people, the love interest's husband, who understands the hero's infatuation. I felt like I was meeting real people. There are also plenty of atmospheric views of Istanbul, and the overall pacing and style made this good absorbing viewing, like taking a strange, melancholic holiday there.

Love letter to Istanbul

[byblos-55736 · 9/10 · 3 August 2021]

I have enjoyed many of Italy- based Turkish director Ferzan Özpetek's films and this one is no exception. Here he is working with many of Turkey's popular actors on location in beautiful Istanbul. The film is beautifully shot and captures maybe only a few sides to the city (especially along the Bosphorus which divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia) but shows the director's love for this city. The music score is also very good and love that house!

Serious movie for serious people.👍🏻

[tural73 · 10/10 · 2 November 2019]

Definitely recommended to watch. Amazing actor, amazing acting very nice and beautiful movie. Worth to spend time👍🏻👍🏻

DISAPPOINTING 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTIES

[rawanhasaan · 13 July 2020]

Sorry for wasting my time to amovie with no story , so boring and supposes to be dramtic

Beautyful drama

[bajanmona · 10/10 · 6 September 2018]

Tuba and Halit are mazing ! I watched with interes that movie. Condratulation Tuba . Congratulation Ferzan. Tuba was amazing like Neval, beautyful and inteligent.

A great movie to view Istanbul with a dark drama

[catoegandb · 10/10 · 11 April 2022]

This movie has awesome actors with incredible talent, especially Halit and Tuba. The cinematophotography was great to capture the beauty of the Bosporus and Istanbul in a deep and moving drama. This is the kind of movie one thinks about long after it ends. The ending of the story leaves you wanting the drama to continue so there is a definite outcome. The scenery throughout the movie helped display the deep emotions and darker side of this moving drama. Bravo to all those involved in producing this great movie.

Bravo!

[artserrot · 10/10 · 5 March 2021]

Great storyline, amazing cast (oh Tuba) the cinematography takes your breath away!!!

Great movie and wonderful performance by the cast

[dmaldonado-18868 · 10/10 · 13 July 2023]

This movie directed by the great and famous Italian Ferzan Özpetek Director. This movie did not disappoint, The contents of this movie is for adult audiences. It definitely contains some very sensitive topics. The Turkish culture considers discussing such subjects a taboo. Homosexuality, suicide, alcoholism were part of the characteristics traits found in this movie. The Syrian refugee community and events lived by some refugees were also part of this story. This movie is not for the average audience it is dark due to the subject matter. The message it sends is not casual but hard truth. I enjoyed it and found it very entertaining.

I love it

[razzsyrw · 10/10 · 17 November 2021]

Amazing acting Beautiful photography So sentimental and transport you the beauty ya d mistic Bósforo Definitely a movie for people capable of to read underline A poem made it to a movie Tuba Büyüküstün acting totally real.