C Blok

Somehow most Turkish directors cannot go beyond mediocre films, especially big names. In a 20-year period, there is really maybe a handful of good movies in Turkish cinema (at most). Scripts succeed in capturing neither the locally nor the globally interesting story. Both big box office hits and the critically acclaimed leave a lot to be desired (Eskiya, Vizontele, Propaganda, Abuzer Kadayif, Cazibe Hanimin Gunduz Dusleri, Salkim Hanimin Taneleri, Surgun, many others). In this bleak picture, Block C presents a good dose of fresh air. In this movie Demirkubuz shows he understands what movies are all about. The storyline is universal, yet very specific to what is happening in Istanbul during the last quarter of 20th century. Although it takes a bit of effort on the viewer's part to appreciate the depth of the story, this is a great movie with a powerful story to tell. We need more movies like this, and if the director's performance at Cannes 2002 (*two* movies in the regular program, a first according to what I read), is any indication, we may have a great director in the making. Block C is a good movie with an intelligent story you will think about after seeing and not quite forget.