Berlin in Berlin

Since its premiere, "Berlin in Berlin" has sent sound waves throughout the transnational cinema culture. One can still see the repercussions it has on the German and Turkish film industry today. The film director, Sinan Çetin, was the first person to create a film that switched the roles of having an ethnic Turk feeling out of place within Germany and an ethnic German fitting in with society. This role reversal can also be seen as the first film and the beginning of the second phase of Turkish German Cinema, the "pleasures of hybridity" phase. This film follows a young ethnic male German who falls in love with a Turkish colleague's wife, and by unforeseen circumstances, is forced to live and hide out in her home with the rest of her ethnic Turkish family. The film makes use of the cinematic gaze right out of the gates, with the first scene filled with stares between audience and character, and character and character. Although there are only three different sets to the film, this allows the viewer to focus more on the plot and how what is happening is affecting everyone involved. "Berlin in Berlin" is a suspenseful piece, with very sound acting and a simple but innovative story-line. Recommended that everyone should watch this film to understand the transition of filming throughout Turkish German Cinema history.

Many of the scenes are unrealistic. There are many islamic items are shown at home and conservative parents but they are so flexible to copulation activities in the middle of the house which is unrealistic. Picture and sound quality are poor. Significant number of unfocused frames. Looks like it was taken by toaster. Producers tried to increase the popularty by putting a masturbation scene but it does not help to survive the overall quality.

With its indelible impression first made, Berlin in Berlin had caused international repercussions at its time; underlining Sinan Cetin's behind the camera and Hulya Avsar's screen performances.

Cetin offers a creative vision in directing a very usual plot forming a high-tensioned suspenser. Bravely he dishes out very pretentious scenes. On the other hand, in order to conduct the screenplay instead of using a responsive script; he chooses to benefit by populist ingredients. Clemens-Maria Haas's strong music score holds the tension of the film at the top from opening to the ending, even though there are unnecessarily long scenes.

The storyline is very basic and simple. There are only three location sets: Construction building, a street from Berlin's Turkish quarter and the apartment. This might be boring, but at the same time it builds strong focus. Berlin in Berlin is an unassuming production. Don't expect any splendor, or even an average cinematography. All the actors perform very well. Absolutely worth watching.

Terrible second movie I've ever seen. First one Cumali Ceber.

"Berlin in Berlin" is a film that watches you. It follows the story of an obsessive protagonist who loves to look and when he eventually looks too hard he sees himself into mortal danger. He stalks the beautiful wife of a Turkish Migrant Worker into her own, and her violent brothers, Berlin apartment where a valuable lesson about personal space awaits him. It all works to call into question the nature of looking and how we look at our fellow man, no matter the social barrier. If you can ignore some dated sequences and awkward performances this film will surprise you with its inventive shots and genuine characters. Overall this film is a must see, but don't touch.