Sahmaran

I was totally engrossed in this Turkish series. For me what made it so interesting and drew me in was the instrumentation (not the typical digital crap) used by the composers. Very few films score to the action as this did. That is ambitious and thoughtful attention to detail. Great example of the difference music can make to the overall impact of the storyline. The overall ambient sound work was really excellent, too. It made me realize how much that is lacking in most series and films. Even big budget films. Hollywood can definitely take some cues from this. So A+ to the sound design people and composers and musicians!

Looking at the reviews on this series, there are lots of 1 ratings but also lots of 10s, indicating a complete disconnect for some but VERY high praise by others. I fall into the 10 category. It was so delightful for me to be enveloped by it.

I was totally captivated by this subtle but well-acted and well-produced series, and I will recommend it to my more discerning friends. I much enjoyed the acting, the music, the ancient story line, the setting in Turkey. But one must not come at the series with a Western bias. Approach it with openness and seeing it through the actors' eyes and a Turkish cultural perspective, not your own. Look at the Turkish people, study the intriguing storyline, revel in its creativeness.

If you can do so, maybe you'd give it a 10! But if you can's see it or do not wish to move yourself to see it, just drop it. Move on to what talks to yourself.

I watched this series in two days and I really enjoyed the story. The scenery and actors. Beautiful mythical story which I never heard of before. Just like Atiye, a story what makes you think about women and history.

The story is about coming to terms with the past, accepting destiny. Getting to know your own heritage and embracing your own.

It is also about how to deal with mental illness and trauma, family positions, culture and folklore.

I loved the costume designs of the actors as and the way the houses were decorated.

Thank you, the developers, for getting me aqainted with this part of Turkey and the myth of Sahmaran.

The 2 leads are top notch and their chemistry is palpable. Despite a slow burn in episode 1 the story starts to hit its stride in episode 2. Production values are very high and the blending of contemporary gender themes with mythology is clever and ambitious. Some of the supporting cast are a bit hammy but overall this is another impressive show out of Turkey. If you enjoyed The Gift then this is a natural progression. The first season is set up for a return and I really hope it does for Season 2! I wish Netflix would invest in second seasons like they once used to!

On a side note, the myriad 1 star reviews for this show feel like a set up and are ridiculously harsh.

Just started this series, so I don't know how it will end, but I like the atmosphere, the sense of magic, the delightful images and the charm of the lead actors. I can see why it's too slow for some, and a bit cryptic, but it's this legend style that makes it appealing, actually. Like a bedtime story.

That's all I wanted to say, but it looks that a review has to be longer, that's not a good idea, cause let's face it, how many of us have the time to read all these long reviews?

But let's see, I can add that some things shoud' ve been worked out better: that mysterious character that is supposed to be scary, that is rather funny, so it failed in creating the necessary threat.