openforum Reviews

Free Man (2011)

nice biopic with a message of peace and progress

[7/10 · 15 January 2011]

This is a very ambitiously made film trying to give the audience an accurate account of the life of famous Turkish preacher Said Nursi, a.k.a. Said Kurdi (Said the Kurd) or his nickname Bediuzzaman (the wonder of the age). In this the film succeeds. His main teachings of scientific progress without abandoning religion and brotherly love and unity between Turks and Kurds are also wonderfully told.

The main criticisms I have for this film are three fold. The movie was made by a fan for other fans,and as such is less accessible for people who do not know anything about Said Nursi. As a fan I would have wanted it to be more accessible to the general public. The second point is the length and breadth of the film. At 3 hours, it's far too long and the story becomes unnecessarily convoluted. The third is the lack of characterful actors and story arcs. Except for Mursid Aga Bag who plays Said Nursi, the only memorable supporting actor is Ahmet Yenilmez, who only plays a small roll as the guard, but shines at it.

Minyeli Abdullah (1990)

reasonable adaptation

[7/10 · 8 January 2011]

this film was made during a time the Turkish cinema was in a major slump. however it was also the first of its kind. It tells the allegoric tale of Abdullah from the fictional town of minye in Egypt. Abdullah tries to lead a pious life, but in a autocratic society, this makes him a suspect, his pious activities dissension. this situation is pretty similar to the life of the author of the book, hekimoglu ismail and the historic troubles many pious Turks have had.

This helped in making it a financial success, more than the quality of the film itself. As it stands, the movie is hampered by overacting actors and clichés.

A remake by the current Turkish cinema based on a good screenplay and directed by one of the better current directors would not be unbecoming.

Subat Sogugu (2004–2006)

excellent political intrigue -mob series

[10/10 · 1 July 2006]

This series actually has a message of peace, tolerance and prosperity. This alone deserves credit, and differentiates it from many other series on TV.

The plot is an analogy to the current political climate in Turkey. On the one hand we have the evil mob outfit, named "cemiyet" headed by the merciless Mehmet Aziz Tarman, who has corrupt politicians, hit men, terrorists, cops, and journalists etc on his payroll, wreaking havoc throughout the country and playing one fraction out against the other.

On the good side we have teacher Tahir Mutlu and his platform for tolerance, who tries to bridge the fractions, and promote peace. TM is MAT's favorite victim. The special police task force headed by intelligence officer Yakup Kenanli tries to dismantle the cemiyet by lawful means.

congratulations to samanyolu TV for this production.

In this last season the new director has increased the pace of the series, which has only improved it.

Kurtlar vadisi has come and gone, but it also opened the way for great Turkish TV productions such as this one.

Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak (2006)

Peace and respect for human life, for culture and religion

[1/10 · 11 February 2006]

I think the main message the movie tries to give is that for peace to exist; we need respect for each other.

to respect human life.

to protect the innocent.

to give help in times of need .

to be patient and not to commit terrorism in revenge. to bring justice to only those that deserve it.

and to stay away from racism...

even though loved ones have been subjected to inhumane treatment, torture and indiscriminate killings.

this you won't find in any Hollywood film.

Malcolm X (1992)

great film based on the life of Malcolm X

[11 August 2004]

This movie chronicles the life of i.m.h.o the most influential

American Black Leader to date.

The movie is somewhat disjointed at times. But I think this only emphasizes the effects of internal struggle.

It excels when it captures the internal struggles, the spiritual, political and structural changes that Malcolm submitted himself to throughout his life to achieve his changing goals.

His tomorrow was truly not similar to his yesterday (from mevlana celaleddin rumi /mawlana jalaluddin rumi)

Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet (2002)

great documentary

[10/10 · 26 February 2004]

this is an excellent documentary,

it approaches its subject matter very nicely.

the story about the life of Muhammad sallallahi aleyhi ve sellem the messenger of Islam is told by eloquent people like karen armstrong. They also show how his life and his example touched the lives of ordinary muslims in the US.

For this part of the documentary there are portraits of a new york city fireman, a nurse etc. They explain what the messenger meant for them How they practice what he preached in their daily lives.

the soundtrack consists of very aptly chosen music as well

The Message (1976)

Islam makes life better

[10/10 · 25 June 2003]

To date this is the best film about the beginning of Islam with hollywood production values.

It's very entertaining, has lot's of action and also manages to inform about Islam in a positive light, as bettering the peoples lives the religion touches.

Deli Yürek: Bumerang Cehennemi (2001)

cool Turkish action movie

[3/10 · 5 February 2003]

Kenan imirzalioglu plays the tall and handsome ex-special forces all round hero 'Deliyurek'(=Braveheart) in this nice action adventure/spy movie.

The story starts with the hero visiting the wedding of one of his former colleagues in Diyarbakir in the South-East of Turkey, who then gets shot, and Deliyurek starts investigating the murder/taking revenge.

I really enjoyed the locations and the action scenes. There is also a tv-series called deliyurek by the same actor and crew.

I can't wait for the sequel..