Cinq minarets à New-York

In Istanbul, terrorists abduct executives, blow-up the car of a journalist and plan five great attacks to the city. The violent police officer Firat Baran (Mahsun Kirmizigül) interrogates a terrorist and informs that the responsible for the attacks is the leader code-named Dajjal that lives in New York under the identity of Hadji Gümüs (Haluk Bilginer). In New York, the bigoted FBI Special Agent David Becker (Robert Patrick) is assigned to arrest the well respected religious and family man Hadji, who has a store in Soho, in his apartment in front of his wife Maria (Gina Gershon). The police officers Firat and Acar Dogan (Mustafa Sandal) travel to New York to bring Hadji back to Turkey.

While traveling to the airport under the custody of the two Turkish officers, Hadji is rescued by his friend Marcus (Danny Glover) and members of the Muslin community. Then, Firat and Acar are captured and Hadji proposes them to stay with him for a couple of days, and then he would turn himself in and travel to Istanbul with the police officers. Firat and Acar realize that Hadji is a good man, but they are forced to bring him to Turkey. Once in Turkey, Hadji is interrogated and the officers believe that he is innocent. But why Hadji was so afraid to return to Turkey?

"Five Minarets in New York" is a magnificent story of intolerance, bigotry, ignorance and feud. The screenplay is very well written without flaws and there are sharp dialogues, like for example, the conversation between Becker and Acar when they are introduced to each other at Becker's office. Further, the film uses few clichés and the plot is absolutely unpredictable.

The cast has good performances and the haunting music score is awesome. I decided to see this film with low expectations since the Brazilian title "Terrorismo em Nova Iorque" (meaning "Terrorism in New York") misleads the viewer. The grabber of this movie for me was Gina Gershon, an actress that I like a lot and I have not seen for a long time. She is almost fifty years old and is still a very beautiful woman. In the end I had a great surprise and I have watched a great film. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Terrorismo em Nova Iorque" ("Terrorism in New York")

Note: On 25 June 2016, I saw this wonderful film again.

The script and story is a direct link to how society and government views the Muslim nation after 9 11.

A captivating story of the search for a supreme leader in the terrorist organization with ties to Turkey. One of the Turkish officers is hiding a decades old secret and God sees all as is parlayed throughout the film. A direct homage to the faith true Muslims share and what we as Americans fear.

The film is written by and direct by Mahsun Kirmizigul who also portrays the lead Fyrat. Good performances by Gina Gershon as the wife to Hadji and Danny Glover as Marcus. I found the fil strikingly captivating and well rounded. I give this a solid 7out of 10

I have to say I strongly disagree with Mz Haneke, This is a solid - almost - Hollywood quality action movie bringing up the Islamofoby issue which was probably orchestrated by certain policy makers to create a terrorist enemy that they could use whenever they need one. Story's good, most of the actors acted well, the scenery and the action scenes were very well shot indeed. The terrorist groups looked terrifying to us Muslims as much as they would to Non-Muslims and I believe what is told in the movie really touches to the reality. I watched it as I watched an episode of "24" and I'd like to congratulate all the people involved in the shooting of this film. And please... the multimillion dollar movie "The Expendables" -although I like every actor in that movie very much - were more a disappointment for me for it's storyline and acting. If that was a blockbuster, "Five Minarets in New York" is no less. And yes, I'm not a movie-critic, just a movie-goer but I do have a taste in films, I rarely admire much. Nice work!

It was worth viewing for me as a Turkish language learner, though I have seen way better Turkish films. It does not lack the positive message, the peace and acceptance toward other religions, some kind of motif related to the return of prodigal son, mother son relationship, vengeance and a surprising unexpected ending. Those familiar with Mustafa Sandal the singer will recognize him in the person of one of the agents, the other one is played by the director himself. The main character is impersonated by Haluk Bilginer who until the mid nineties acted in Britain. Also one can see other familiar faces, like Robert Patrick, Danny Glover. I can't write full quotes, but I can tell some views of Hadji which contain something like every religion is the love of God which brings to Him, killing will make you go to hell, dying brings you to meet God. He shows full acceptance of Christians, his wife is Christian and her daughter marries a Christian.

acting; well done. especially fabulous & flawless Haluk Bilginer;the Hadji, raised the limits of acting, theatrical! There were deep emotional scenes that will never forget. story; first half was so so but the second, perfect finish. never bored, it was fluent. was a great story! actions scenes; first half was unexpectedly good with the help of Hollywood assistance, there were no action scenes in the second half. cinematography; some disturbances was present, story covered it well. could be second looked. vs vs...

there were many İslamic message scenes, salving the bad impression over worlds eye. But never disturbing and artificial .

I would heartily recommend this movie to everyone; it is the best Turkish, one of the best movies I've seen in years. You will not be disappointed...