Semum

I have seen this movie on DVD with English subtitle.This is very amazing horror film from Asian country Turkey! Islam literature is very rich about mystical and other dimension worlds.Especially Jinns;'In Arabian and Muslim folklore jinns are ugly and evil demons having supernatural powers which they can bestow on persons having powers to call them up. In the Western world they are called genies.

In the Old Testament King Solomon had a ring, probably a diamond, with which he called up jinns to help his armies in battle. The concept that this king employed the help of jinns probably originated from 1 Kings 6:7, "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought there, so there was neither hammer nor axe nor and tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building." In Islam, jinns are fiery spirits (Qur'an 35. 15) particularly associated with the desert. While they are disruptive of human life, they are considered worthy of being saved. A person dying in a state of great sin may be changed into a jinni in the period of a barzakh, separation or barrier.

The highest of the jinns is Iblis, formerly called Azazel, the prince of darkness, or the Devil. The jinns were thought by some to be spirits that are lower than angels because they are made of fire and are not immortal. They can take on human and animal shapes to influence men to do good or evil. They are quick to punish those indebted to them who do not follow their many rules'.

In this movie there is a perfect interpretation of Jinns! Especially the commentary of 'Semum' is really very valuable,I mean if you wonder the meaning of Semum Just watch this film and say what you want to say It's just better than Ringu,the messengers,The exorcist,The Ring,Shutter and any Asian horror film that i have seen all.

Overall 9/10

I am one of the biggest fans of horror movies and I use to watch movies with great attention if we have close look at "Semum" it is ditto copy of Indian movie "Bhoot" directed by Ram Gopal Varma, there is even no difference between make up of leading character and obviously Bhoot has connection with Classic horror movie Exorcist. Its Turkish movie and the Director of Semum added an Islamic flavour in it and showed concepts of Islamic Exorsism. Director used a graphic ghost which was not as scary as it should be. He could have been used better one who supposed to look like human or something. I do not have idea about Turk film industry that how much they are advance in technology but it could have been better. But bottom line is that come up with new ideas.

I watched it with my Turkish friends. I liked this movie as a mystery movie, riddled with the culture of the Arabian nights. The script is solid,the atmosphere seems right but sadly it has also been affected by the usual under-budgeting and much unoriginality. but no problem, I will recommend this movie to everyone. Nice special effects,a nice exorcism story and nice twist.

I would also have to comment the outstanding sound and film editing of this film. It's apparently excellent.

and I think acting was very good from all the cast members. "Semum" is an enjoyable Turkish horror movie.

I'm a big horror-movie fanatic and I don't explain why but always I feel shame at our Turkish horror movies.But this one is really different.Director Hasan karacadag simply using eastern based horror themes,Islamic legends,nightmare stories,religion based incubus,demons and especially Holly book Koran based Jinns.These themes are include very new and fresh ideas for horror movie making.Director said that he want to make very new eastern mystical horror films for all around the world.D@bbe was first steps for him an now he made his second feature horror film 'Semum'… Semum is Incredibly Creepy and Haunting horror film.From beginning to ending you can feel paranoia, suspicion,fear of unknown and the eerie touch of demonic jinns.Slow movements of original and creepy atmosphere are very impressive.Some scenes are very dangerous and risky for seek people!The storyline is haunting and the editing is provocative.You can never understand what is going on!...The special effects are very stylish for Turkish animations and CG worlds.I really like the performance of actors and actresses.Improver exorcism scenes are awesome.If you wonder what is the different of eastern horror movie definitely you have to watch Semum!...I think this movie will be legend at all around the world! We will see

I loved it.It's the good mix of modernity and Islamic horror components! When I watch on the big screen The story of 'The Exorcist' has been my favorite for a very long time. And now firstly this movie is not the adaptation of the Exorcist.The storyline of Semum is very different,It has special,pure and sentimental moments.Some CGI Works and camera angles are very captivating.

I think sooner or later the International horror festivals will discover this small budget Turkish horror movie.

The twist of movie is very very simple but never you can not understand about it. It's not truly an unique movie to watch but its a clear and a good film, well directed and written, with some powerful images and acting. In short this will be a cult film, a must see for all horror fans. So just go watch it!