Incir Reçeli

It's a cool movie. I also exaggerated this movie when I was in love. But it's not an exaggerated movie. It's beautiful, but not as pretty.

P. S : Fig jam is really good. Taste it.

"Incir receli" is not a good film and I'm surprised to see that so many people have thought of this film as one of the best in Turkish cinema. I'm seriously disappointed. The main problem is that neither the characters nor the storyline are well developed. The plot is simple and I usually like movies built on simple ideas. However, in this one, the simple idea is not well-crafted as to present well-developed characters and relationships. The movie intends to tell a love story but the dialogues and the events that follow each other don't really build up a strong love relationship. One constantly needs to assume that their love is really intense without actually knowing how they have come to have such an intense relationship. The characters and their relationships are much more superficial than the director has intended to present. One thing that I liked about the movie is that it has beautiful scenes. The movie was sort of like a collection of beautiful photographs for me. Some of them reminded me of other movies or photographs, others were quite original. It's also nice to see that Istanbul is becoming a stage for more and more movies, inspiring more and more original shots.

After I have read the reviews above I have to say that first I didn't find the film sexist and I don't believe that the director supports the behavior of the leading male actor. I prefer to see it like there are men who behave like Metin, and the director chosen to make a movie which includes one of those men. I can criticize acting also, some scenes are really over theatrical (the doorman and the shoes for instance or sidekick of Metin character and even in some scenes including Metin ( Sezai Paraciklioglu) ). But I really like to see characters who drink beer and tequila in a bar instead of raki in the name of underlining Turkish Identity or red wine to underline the "intellectual artist" figure. Besides catching fish and making raki-fish lunch, putting a bowl for leaking chimney is nice choices to make everything real in such a "fantastical" romance.

Usually Turkish directors have an intention to exaggerate scenes of love and sadness with slow motion effects, high pitch music, but the directors choice in İncir reçeli was too naïve as in the scenes of cigarette burn in the tea shop, kiss int the bus stop, rose petals on the floor and etc. time pass effects were also successful. So shortly I believe it is a perfect 8 with all goods and bads.

Stunning debut performance from both actor and the actress, unorthodox love story, lively music and Istanbul... if you don't set your expectations over the clouds you'll definitely love this movie. I watched it in Turkish and every single sentence does perfectly make sense but I am not sure how good the subtitles are. The only negative comment I can make, is the lack of a surprising end due to the referral made by the protagonist in the 3/4 of the movie. The age difference between the heroin and the source of HIV disease can be pointed out without making it blindingly obvious. The emotional peak of the story is very well balanced and it is far above being poor. Despite the 'generous' clue, the final scene is still kept strong enough to make you cry. I would say give it a try, you won't regret.

This film was beautiful. I disagree with the other viewer's comments. This film is not sexist. This film was also filmed in Istanbul not a small city, so I am guessing the viewer has never been to Turkey. Maybe the English translations weren't good. I don't know, I saw this film in the original Turkish and it was beautiful. Admittedly, some parts were a bit predictable and some of the symbolism was cliché, but this film explores a non-traditional love story and it has many other side stories and alternate themes that are explored. I wonder if it was based on a true story and I am very impressed with the writer/director's portrayal of a multi-faceted Turkish male character.