Wolf (2018) User Reviews

A bit different, but good

[simon-moberg · 8/10 · 1 March 2019]

I enjoyed this series since it stands out a bit from the typical international series in the genre, mainly by being Turkish.

I enjoyed the depth of (some of) the characters and it were interesting to follow them. I enjoyed seeing a strong patriotism similar to American, but in a country I actually don't know too much about. I have visited Turkey as a beach and sun tourist from that - the patriotism didn't feel over the top in the movie. They are a proud people with a strong spirit and quite funny.

Some dialogue were a bit stale but quite enjoyable. The action scenes felt good and not over the top. The series had a nice tension and feeling throughout the episodes and only a few times did it feel a bit too slow.

I would very like to see more episodes of this series if possible.

I enjoy military drama type of movies and series.

Realistic

[broonzrule · 9/10 · 9 November 2021]

Like most Turkish series I've watched it was very good with realistically imperfect actors unlike the plastic Hollywood phonies. I actually mean looks wise, no perfect teeth, skin, and most without perfect body images, which seems more important in Hollywood these days than actual acting itself. Most of the actors in different Turkish series are more enjoyable, realistic than Hollywood garbage these days. I'll watch a Turkish series when available anytime.

HONEST REVIEW FROM A TURKISH GUY

[fbcosmetics · 8/10 · 11 January 2019]

OK LETS START WITH AN HONEST REVIEW : I noticed like many others (especially NON Turks) That Turks rate almost all Turkish Movies or Series with an high score out of Nationalisme. This is IMDB and by giving an high score out of Turkish nationalism will not reflect the true score so we need to stop that as it gives people false expectations and make them turn away from other or future Turkish series/movies!!

LETS GET STARTED WITH MY REVIEW ON THIS SERIES : BÖRÜ tells the story of an elite special ops team and It starts in 2014 and it is based on true actual events that happend in Turkey and continues to 2016 (Coup) The army / justice / police are being infiltrated by Gülenists ( a group who is responsible for the failed coup in 2016 ). Quickly true patriots of the Elite team BÖRÜ finds this out and they are the only ones who are not infiltrated and so they become one of the last strongholds that Gülenists tries to infiltrate. This same team does not only face the PKK and Gülenists but also ISIS who is also responsible for many terror attacks in Turkey.

I loved this series because its based on a true story and as a Turkish man I am ofcourse familiar with what happend in my country. So I believe it gives an accurate image of these unfortunate but true events. Many foreigners are most likely not aware of this so it could be boring for them to watch this show. Unless you have did some research on these events, because if you are aware of these events then you will be able to follow the show accurately with regards to detail.

The story line is great in my opinion, what I also love is that each episode starts with an quote of important famous Turkish figures out of the history. But like always Turkish series/movies especially in action have poor CGI/SPECIAL EFFECTS. The acting however is great and the actors play their characters well. Especially the Chief and the 2 Presidents. The fighting /shooting scenes are not great at all but definetly not the worst and I consider it watchable, if you can too then give this series a chance. Dialoage could have also been better but its definetly not bad at all ! But do not use the voice overs as the translation is not the best in my opinion subtitles would be more accurate but then again most English speaking natives do not like to watch films with subs, Ive been told :)) So do not expect an Hollywood quality special effects with an high budget. But also keep in mind that this is the first Turkish Netflix Original series ever. So the Turkish directors etc they still need to do some homework on how to improve it. But I expect it will be better in future projects.

So if you are familiar or want to be familar with the recent events that happend in Turkey and if you can watch these series without expecting an high budget Hollywood style series, I definetly would advise you to watch it. It starts slow but then again it only has 6 episodes and the final episode made the series well worth to watch. This serie will be continued with an Cinema Movie and I really hope that the movie will be of an higher budget with better effects and action scenes. I would give this show a 7 out of 10 normally but as I was familiar with these true events I gave it an 8. Because this show does portray these events in an accurate way.

Not a helpful review but a reminder

[Kubilay_K · 30 December 2018]

I respect all the opinion but please be critical instead of giving automatically 9 or 10 stars as a rating! I know this happens often at Turkish films and series but this needs to stopped.

This is not only bad for people who watch it with high expactations but also bad for producers and directors in order to improve the series, because this series is not that good as it claims to be. You're basically smashing your own window!

I noticed that the sound effects were unnatural which really bothered me. The acting was not that bad, but there could have been better actors choosen. Also worth noticing: the episodes takes way too long time and the attention span will only be worse looking at the (predictable) plot.

The first episode didn't gave me the feeling to watch the series further but i believe they can fix it as I see potency.

I was thinking of giving this series a 6 but gave it a 1 because of the exaggerated rating so it can be reduced.

Edit: typo.

I was not expecting much, but woaw!

[alci350 · 10/10 · 15 January 2019]

When I started watching this, I just opened it so I could listen in the background what it was about because I wasn't expecting much. But once again I was wrong about the second Turkish tv series on Netflix. I really got caught up in this and really felt like I was part of the "Wolf" team. It reminds me of The Unit series, but with much less "hollywood" taste, more heartfelt emotions with all of it. Good work!

Great from a perspective of someone with Turkish roots

[tezarsps · 9/10 · 24 December 2018]

Before I start talking about the series: I do have Turkish roots and speak Turkish fluently, therefore I was able to watch the series in its original language.

The series involves Turkish patriotism (or even nationalism, which is a bit more than patriotism in my opinion) and not everyone might like that. Names, logos etc. were chosen with an intention. The symbol of the Turks, a wolf etc.

A part of the characters are supposed to portray real Turkish commanders that had to waste a part of their life (or even die) in prison because of intrigues (such as Ergenekon, Balyoz). Foreign people might not know the stories behind those characters, therefore they can feel bored and I understand that. However, this is a Turkish series, mainly produced for Turkish people.

I saw people criticizing that the movie pictures the PKK as a terroristic organization (which it is). I understand that media does not always reflect everything correctly. As someone who is able to understand many languages, including Turkish, I can do my own research and have my own experiences, therefore I can tell that the PKK is a terroristic organization and anyone denying that is simply wrong. You may argue as long as you want but it won't change the facts. Kurds are not enemies to Turks, the PKK is. Whatever, let's not get too off topic.

The movie is kind of realistic in my opinion. They do not hesitate to let main characters die in the series. It is not a series portraying 'Rambo soldiers' that simply won't get hurt. Also I know that a part of the actors do dynamic and tactical shooting in real life as well and I can definitely recognize that in the series. The visual effects are enough for me, I am not an expert though. The story is meh, the dialogues are forced sometimes, I can agree on that. The story refers to sensitive topics in Turkey, such as the shooting/rampage in a disco in Istanbul. It is full of 'insiders' and (as I said before) foreign people will not get that. It also reflects Turkish patriotic/heroic thoughts which you can see at the end of the 3rd part for example. That is indeed propaganda but that is how a big part of Turkey thinks and feels. Patriotism is very popular in Turkey and soldiers/police are heroes to the population. Song choice is awesome, especially the Turkish songs match perfectly with the scenes - another point that foreign people might not feel/understand.

Overall I can definitely recommend this movie, however non Turkish people will miss a lot of details and probably get bored by it. People that don't support the army/police and patriotism will hate this movie. Note: I always try to be very rational and unprejudiced, understanding different sides/cultures - I do not support the hate towards this movie.

Until you watch it ALL dont review. Worth it.

[rebornblr · 8/10 · 19 July 2019]

In American because I guess that a thing when It comes to writing about a Turkish production. So yeah whatever that means. Anyway the action scenes are just ok not up to par with six or seal team but the character development although corny some of it was powerful enough to make me tear up. :'/ all and all it was decent worth a watch, high octane with enough melodramatic amber burning yer heart bit by bit.

Very good

[bartducheyne-81434 · 9/10 · 29 December 2018]

Nicely filmed, good actors, personality sometimes had hard time to follow the conversation with subtitles and was a bit hard end.

unexpectable turkish tv show

[MetinYK · 9/10 · 17 October 2021]

After seeing couple of turkish "action" series, i didnt have any hope in this one, my expectation was low but what in tarnation, this is good and realism is high.

The only problem is they are picturing the terrorists in the first episodes as like complete idiots, i dont expect turks to picture them any better, but for the sake of realism, those terrorists are tough and trained and they live in the mountains, they are wild, one of the wildest in the world.

Overall, very worthy.

Worth watching, knowing it is based on a true story.

[sherwinyu · 9/10 · 8 December 2020]

I was astonish on seeing this on how they struggle and fight for their nation to be independent and not being manipulated by external force. character building is also great. Can't wait for the next season!

Done

[Beyyle · 6/10 · 1 March 2018]

That's a job far better than ordinary, mediocre, too long and copy of each other Turkish series. Theme, shooting angles, colors, editing, in world-class. But if it was Hollywood, I was going to give it 6. Generally, an average job.

But also there is still some problems we need to talk about it.

But first, i have to say something important. Turks give exaggerated high scores to their films, series on Imdb. Most of Turks are nationalist, I understand. But they need to understand this is an international platform, and by doing this, they damage their own movies, series. Because such a high score creates a high expectation. And of course then the disappointment and worst one, hatred against Turkish movies, series.

Now lets continue.

First one, visual effects, still not even good. There are really no special effects companies that do great work in Turkey? If not, consider other options, other companies. This is a huge problem. The cgi for such a series is incredibly important. There are few scenes that already require special effects and they were awful, sorry.

Second problem. Dialogues. They are not American, they are Turks. I guess Turan and chief was the most natural characters. Others were too much American on their dialogues. I mean, dialogues are artificial. I felt like I'm watching an American movie.

Third problem, sounds. Why are gunshots so low? In general, the gun sounds are low. And i guess gun sounds and bullet bounce sounds is taken from games. They were horrible and incredible artificial. Unacceptable. An element that reduces quality so badly.

Sometimes the music is over the sound effects. In the fight scenes for example, sometimes rising and sometimes decreasing. It's really annoying.

And generally sounds are not well organized. Sounds are the most important factors that determine quality, imho.

So, what I saw from the first episode, it's worth watching. I wonder about the next 5 episodes.

Edit: Now I've seen all of it, 6 episodes. The tempo is low in some episodes. In four, for example. But in last 2 episodes, it was better. Looks like will continue as a cinema film, and i will watch. Not wonderful but good job. I'm more hopeful about movie.

Simply Amazing

[trancelove · 10/10 · 2 June 2018]

Börü has risen the level of the quality between Turkish series and even international related ones. Acts, story and other elements are well treated. There is no moment which makes you feel bored. Each eposide follows the other with more curiosity and passion to reach to the final. This is where mistery comes because there is no final. Börü is a complete masterpiece. It should be definitely seen. I cannot wait for the movie. Thank you for this great job.

Boru (aka Wolf) - Impressive Action.

[jaybizman · 7/10 · 20 November 2020]

From IMDB: "Börü is a special team composed of highly talented and brave police officers, founded under the Turkey General Directorate of Police. The big portion of the story is very consistent with the fight of Turkey against terrorist organizations in especially the last 10 Years, PKK, ISIS and FETO. After 6 episodes, The final was prepared as a cinema movie and shown in the theatres."

'Wolf' follow the trials and tribulations of a Police Special Force, formed to combat terrorism, whether it be from Iran, ISIS or whatever. The group is involved in many different fights; mainly on the gritty streets of small towns and villages, also with other against members of their own Gov't. Expect some emotional and heroic moments.

Basically IF you are looking for a pretty realistic saga (in way of fighting) then this short 6 x 80 mins per episode series is well worth a look. Recommended.

Americanized/Hollywood style/ultranationalist/propaganda

[minoom-69729 · 5/10 · 23 December 2018]

I was so looking forward to a Netflix original from Turkey but was greatly disappointed. My reasons:

1) Too Americanized with Hollywood cliches and style. What a shame for the first Netflix Originals from Turkey. Netflix Originals from other countries are not treated this way and it is as if the only way to show the Turkish ones is to bring it up to the standards of Hollywood shows so that they can sell it here??! There are some very strong actors/actresses in Turkish TV series even though most of the series are soapy and censored. Please use these talents in the right way and actually show some originality.

2) Ultranationalism + villifying the Kurds and the whole show seems to be leading to the so called questionable coup that led to the purge of many. Erdogan must be loving it.

3) I get it that the director wanted to do something very different from the usual soapy over-dramatized Turkish TV series that drags on and on but somebody needs to tell him, the era of Hollywood style action packed good vs evil and hero wins the day is slowly dying. Just look at what is being shown on different streaming platforms when it comes to foreign imports.

4) I gave it 5 star only because, as I mentioned earlier, there are some great talents from Turkey and hope they get what they deserve - a Netflix original that has true substance, originality, quality and great story embracing Turkish culture, issues and people.

I LOVED IT

[salmanmalik-78599 · 10/10 · 28 December 2019]

While watching this action packed series I felt like I'm a Turkish man because the emotions and anxiety I went though is difficult to tell in words. I have completely watched season 1 on Netflix and now I want to watch season 2 . Can someone please help me and let me know about season 2 release dates? Thanks you so much

Brilliant

[didem-elmas · 10/10 · 12 April 2018]

Ok guys this is a game changer. This show is the best Turkish series i've ever seen. Ever. Absolutely obsessed with it and definitely recommended.

Exciting military action drama but the tropes bring it down

[inflx-46387 · 8/10 · 25 December 2018]

The series is reminiscent of Strike Back and maybe a bit of Band of Brothers. While not on the same level of quality and writing, fans of military action/dramas will find something to like here. The action and cinematography are excellent.

Unfortunately, a few things take the viewer out of the enjoyment. The special effects are poor enough to be occasionally distracting. Dialogue can be extremely cliche and predictable. Certain scenes are over the top and eye roll worthy.

Still, if you can ignore a few tropes, the series is well worth a watch.

Note - always watch in the original dialogue track and not the dubs.

Finally a Real Show!

[Sweetenergy · 10/10 · 25 December 2018]

Finally a series that speaks of truth, of lived reality. A series that is not afraid to bring to the screen what it really is: an important part of Turkish history without censorship. I'm sorry to read negative comments only because it's defined propagandist .. it is not propaganda, it's simply truth. You must see without a doubt. thanks Netflix for this Gift.

Dope !

[monstablocka · 9/10 · 23 December 2018]

Exciting, emotional and oriented to the current political situation in Turkey. Very good soundtrack. Certainly not for everyone, but who is open to new cultures will appreciate it.

Really good show

[sanadjo · 9/10 · 25 December 2018]

A really good show involves good story about sacrifice yourself for the innocent people in the perspective of soldiers and its show us the real side of war against terrorism

Good, but nothing more

[MAD_PIGE0N · 18 November 2020]

Well screened mini-series - perfect lights and colors, a good idea, a bit more than average action scenes, just enough not to look like some impossibly super soldiers we often see. Well, for the plot, it's not pretty clear what and why happens, like written in a rush, but it's understandable. However, the actors are rather like some Turkish soap opera. But you can go for "Wolf", it's not annoying and gives you something good to watch once a day for one week.

Börü - Origional Title aka "Wolf" Retitle By Netflix

[fredgfinklemeyer · 6/10 · 5 January 2019]

01/04/2019 To watch this series in dubbed English, change your audio/sound preference to English - NOT original Turkish or CC. English - if you choose to read? After that the series will become more enjoyable. I watched all 6 episodes even though the dubbed English was choppy, not very realistic but the actors were OK to watch, the storyline not very exciting with the exception of the last episode. If they do a second season??? I'll watch it. You decide as always what to watch. Bon Appetit

Perfect!!

[cagdas-21-315073 · 10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Perfect in every way!! A must watch for Turks - especially those who dig this type of series!!

Typical action series

[martenhenrichson · 7/10 · 21 December 2018]

Nice angels and settings. Unfortunately, the plot is mediocre at best (even if it's based on a true story). The characters are more like a animated joke, but of course there is eye candy, like the female bad-ass and the new recruit, Kaya. Kaya is good looking, but his character is so predictable. When spending this much on "How it looks", it would be good to have the main characters wearing real or even decent looking protective armour and actual military/operative boots, instead of China made plastic crap.

Weird

[vorderkaiser · 2/10 · 26 December 2018]

The dialogues are pretty bad in this one, the dramaturgy is odd and it oozes pathos in every frame. Compared to (the also very questionable message that Fauda delivers) Fauda, this one is cheesy and lousy.