For Love and Honour (2007)

with having not so complicated plot, Kabadayi has authentic figures in it which are mostly related to Middle East. Anybody who saw the movie probably asked himself what would it be like if Turgul directed it. although he is the screen writer everybody may agree that he' d add a lot of his special motives to this film. not that Vargi is not a good director but Turgul has so much specific talents which adds the unique taste to his films. the movie -Kabadayi- may be summarized with a single line: if a director writes a movie he/she ought to direct it also to keep the originality. other then the direction; cast is just fine. Imirzalioglu who had a not so successful but highly noticed TV past promises for being a terrific actor. Nothing much to say for Sen, he is just gorgeous.

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...

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!

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)