Hinrichtung der Schatten

I have never seen such a good movie, including GORA, after the legendary Turkish movie, "Eskiya", whose player is the best player in Turkish movie history, Sener Sen.

Haluk Bilginer shows his tremendous performance ability in this movie. The young shining star Beyazit Ozturk has also a good player and his acting in this movie is remarkable.

I love the scenario, which is mostly entertaining and also finish with a tragic end.

In this movie you can watch the first signals and also source of the fall of the Great Empire, Ottomans, at the first phases. This movie is a must watch with wonderful musics, acting and video quality.

I watched this movie during the Copenhagen film festival, and thought I was going to see an ethnically different movie with poor actor, poor instruction and poor special effects, if any. I have never been more wrong regarding expectations when entering a movie theater.

I watched a fascinating story with good acting performances, that had a fascinating and important story to tell, which was as valid in the 13th century as it is today. Besides picturing philosophical topics, it has and "underplayed" humor regarding how humans use religion. By far the best movie I have seen this year. The only downside to the movie is that it is too long - on the other hand, this provides time to think about the plot and the points the movie is making.

It is not surprising to read bad reviews from international press since it's telling the not-well-known background story of a folkloric "shadow game" that we all know from childhood. Giving a difference perspective on the actual characters of hacivat and karagoz, it made me think of those times and what really might have happened to them. ALso a great look to the periods diversity and how Turks become Muslims one by one. This movie is one of the best Turkish movies I've ever watched lately, it's not referring to any cheesy jokes in reference to today's audience; it's not using it's actors' and actress' well known fame and it gives you the idea that Ezel Akay had just to shot a strong period movie with excellent costumes and art directing. Spoken language in the movie is something to be considered- it sounds foreign in the beginning but then you come to recognise the words and the old sayings that were used back then; a joint of middle-Asian Turkish, arabic, roman and hebrew. The scenes were delicately worked out, reminding of the famous ottoman art pieces.One thing that I didn't like much is the not-so-convincing visual effects, but well, don't see good cgi around here, so can't blame anyone.

Firstly, the movie is not in comedy genre at all, and not pretending to be. Director continue his vivid style in costume, place, speech and casting in his second big hit. He offers more than expected and screening a tale that the world of 'Hacivat ve Karagöz' simulate an alive one referencing today with its own details.

Some traditions lasting till 'day is a heritage from old tribes lived before Ottoman Empire and Islam. These proved but not accepted truths has wounded a wide group of people in Turkey because of the position of Islam in Turkey; old shaman belief, former folks, lost traditions, secretly surviving believes and suppressed nations in Anatolia..

The movie points out bribe, position of women in society, naiveness of religious belief, statesman's tricks, cultural mixture, habits transferred by nations and humor as a criticism.

Lastly, this tale, a milestone for Turkish cinema with it's unique technique, is a political review with a historical base which stars two famous shadow players.

I would like to thank and congratulate Ezel Akay who is also directed another good comedy "Neredesin Firuze" for this marvelous film with a very good story, extraordinary performances of Haluk Bilginer, Sebnem Donmez, Beyazit Ozturk, Aysen Gruda and others and with a wonderful soundtrack.

I agree that the story of the film is based on rumors and folk stories, but it must also be said that the historical background is realistic. It helps understanding the historical and cultural environment of Anatolia in 13th and 14th century. Disintegration of Seljuk rule, Mongol invasion, rise of Ottomans, islamization of both Anatolia and Turkmen tribes, role of women in an early Islamic society, life and beliefs of Turkmen tribes, collapsing Bisance and more are the historical background of the film which successfully enlivens these serious subjects with a humorous story. It must also be added that the soundtrack of the film is based on the historical Turkish music with a contemporary performance.

I strongly recommend this film not only to everyone who is interested in these issues but also to everyone who wants to have a good time and enjoy.