Son Osmanli: Yandim Ali

Son Osmanli is based on a comic strip (or graphic novel, depending on your view of the genre) and, in general, it is true to its origins. It is full of Hollywood clichés that have become the soul of every swashbuckler since the days of Douglas Fairbanks. Yet, this makes it more endearing as it pretends to be nothing other than a jolly old yarn. It is a Turkish film and the story takes place at a very important juncture in the history of modern Turkey. Turks are sensitive about and proud of their history. The place and importance of Ataturk assumed additional relevance in recent times as the fundamentalist forces compete with fierce secularism that was the great man's legacy. The film pays due respect to that without losing its sense of fun. In all, it is a more realistic depiction of the birth of the Turkish War of Independence that lead to the birth of modern Turkey than the humourless, abhorrent Mel Gibson vehicle, Patriot, was of the American Revolution.

Production values are high, direction is assured and the leads are competently cast. Kenan Imirzalioglu is perfect in the role of the dashing hero in the style of Errol Flynn. Cansu Dere, a classic Turkish beauty defaced by heavy make-up in the earlier scenes, makes an appropriate (if a little wooden) love interest. Other roles are also well handled, although the accents of the Turkish actors playing British officers fluctuate between amusing and absurd.

Each phase of the development is predictable, all the characters are stereotypical and each scene is a reminder of one Hollywood swashbuckler or another. Despite these, the film manages to convey the feeling of what it meant to be an Ottoman and how seemingly tribal, disparate forces connected to create a democratic nation out of the ruins of a fallen Empire.

Above all, the film is a feast for the eye and a lot of fun. It should rate among the best transitions of a comic book to screen.

I liked the pictures of the film very much. If you like actions scenes, love scenes or "being a Turkish and proud" then there is something in for you.

The film plays at the end of the first world war when the Osman empire had collapsed. An important political an historical figure at this time was Kemal Atatürk (Kemal Pasha) who truly did much for Turkey as it is today. The main character Ali can be seen metaphorically representing the small (but patriotic) Turkish man. Ali meets Kemal Pasha once and saves him from a traitor.

However, the script and the content of the film is relatively shallow, comparable to that of a B-Western. The character of Yandim Ali is too golden to be really convincing and the role of his friend Jerar comes to nothing and could be dropped altogether.

The question whether the film is fair about Greeks or Armenians I would rather not discuss here.

This truly was an amazing film. Heart wrenching, funny, sad and a love story. Obviously the incredible performances-especially Kenan Imirzalioglu played an amazing part- Cansu Dere was brilliant too. Particularly on screen the relationship between them was so enchanting-I was left wanting more from them and their beautiful plays...

Yes, I totally agree with the above comment. An overall moving and inspirational and probably is one of the BEST Historical Turkish movie ever to have come out with added right timing for the right storyline advantage! Definitely worth seeing!!!

The movie takes place in an interesting period. The period when Istanbul was under occupation. Therefore, it is a simple film that plays on nationalist feelings. The character could not be created. That's always the case with movies like this. Americans are good, Russians are bad :) But the period was not given justice. The studio shots and animations are funny. The acting is bad, especially Cansu Dere is terrible.

This movie is based on the comic book "SON OSMANLI" by Suat YALAZ -and "YANDIM ALI" is the main character of the story. At the years of WWI Yandim Ali (Kenan IMIRZALIOGLU))is a vagrant man who plans to run away from military service and plans to end up at europe for a better and easier life. (Like most of the youngsters today in Turkey! :) But accidentally he meets General Mustafa Kemal and this changes everything. Under the influence of Mustafa Kemal's great charisma he discovers his nationalism and his deep patriotic feelings. And a very challenging also surprising story begins for him and for his lover (Cansu DERE). First of all it's nice to see high budget movies of Turkish comic books. Yes this is a fun movie! But at the same time it's a sad story of two lovers. So emotional and touchy... (Ladies will love this movie!) The movie has a budget of over 3 million USD. Extremely well made and probably "the best historical Turkish movie" ever! A "must see"! -Note that this Turkish movie will be released not only in Turkey & Germany but entire europe for the first time!