Hokkabaz

I just came out of it -- it is quite a brilliant movie. There are very few actors, some glances at the amazing background of Istanbul and Çanakkale and some village that is celebrating a marriage. There are an endless number of jokes that will make you laugh, but the film takes its quality from a hidden, dark drama that unfolds slowly but inevitably. Apart from the story, I think it has a quiet message that resonates after the film.

Iskender makes a living by being a wizard (sihirbaz) -- or an impostor (hokkabaz), if you ask his father, Sait. His friend for life Maradona, has eyes as bad as his, and both decide to make a tour in order to afford a laser operation that will finally free them of their glasses. They borrow the caravan of his brother-in-law, under the condition they relieve them of Sait, a veteran, by driving him to the memorial to the battle of Galipolli.

There is a sense of melancholy, and the accordion music when the wizardry happens on stage are only the tip of the iceberg. With very original storytelling, Cem Yilmaz highlights the drama of 'normal people' that try to deal with difficult situations in their life, family members, lack of money, lack of recognition, lack of sight and a certain form of loneliness.

first of all ask yourself what are your expectations about this film. because, people who wait a comedy will be disappointed. this is not a comedy but it has a particular humor. when i compare Hokkabaz to Gora which was Yilmaz's recent script i can see the big difference between scripts. this difference is about being tactful(for Hokkabaz's script). anyway actors are also successful and convincing, especially Mazhar Alanson. this film is Yilmaz's first experience on the director seat so you can't say it is a masterpiece but it is watch worthy and sophisticated drama i think.

7/10

At first glance, Hokkabaz is not a comedy movie. We are guided wrong by media and by advertisement. There are tragedy and dram in the body of Hokkabaz. If you expect to see comedy, you will probably get disappointment, because the movie is not comedy. If we separate laughing problem, Hokkabaz is a successful movie from strong story to talented players.

Cem Yilmaz was quite talented in his role as Iskender - as loser magician. Mazhar Alanson was like from one of us, his play was warm. Ozlem Tekin should progress herself a bit more in playing, but she is really beautiful. Tuna Orhan as Maradona, my favorite football player, number ten, I will remember you with electronic organ.

I would be much more happy, if we see more preview from Canakkale – Dardanelle, Sehidlik. I know story did not permit this request, just see it as a wish.

This movie is underrated in Turkey because the expectation of most people is to watch a comedy of Cem's way ....... and they get disappointed.A real figure with plans, problems like all common people. Speaks, laughs, acts in a normal way. Not a super hero.A loser. This picture can be considered as a perfect work when compared with former works of Yilmaz. His partner are well selected. especially Mazhar Alanson proofs his wonderful talent as an actor. He is very well known as singer and becomes a great actor as old as he gets. But as far as I see Cem has reached the limit of his talent as an actor. In any way staying at such a level will be a great presence in Turkish Movie world. Congratulations Cem.

I went to theater to laugh, since Cem Yilmaz is one of the best comedians of Turkey but this is more a drama. the screenplay is quite impressive. and players are doing their bests. especially Mazhar Alanson and Ozlem Tekin is going great job although they are not professionals(both of them are musicians)

Directing is very good though its the first directing trial of Cem Yilmaz. He got a lot of help from the second director of the movie who is a much more experienced director: Ali Taner Baltaci. Ali Taner Baltaci directed movies Vizontele and Vizontele Tuuba perfectly before. Cem yılmaz was starring in Vizontele.

I could say 7 up to 10. worth to see.