Kebab Connection

Watched the movie last night with my girlfriend and I must say, this is the funniest German movie I have ever seen. Being able to speak German like myself is a big plus since the subtitles are horrible. The movies main message is for the German public, especially the Berlinese public to lighten up about multicultural relationships, in other words, Turkish people with German people. It's a great mix of action, romance, comedy and some more action. Great use of the camera, really one of the best German comedy movies I've ever seen. If your on the look out for movies that make you laugh but still touch upon serious issues then this movie is for you.

When fate is friendly, it makes the impossible possible. Like, what was the probability of some random Romanian movie fan of ever seeing a German film about the Turkish "speciality", Döners? And what is even more amazing, what were the chances of this film actually being a great watch?

The "Kebab Connection" deals with a couple - Turkish boy, German girl - who are about to have a baby and are trying to get back together. But in the whole mix, you've got tradition, family values, a Kebab shop and a Greek "taverna", kung fu and William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In a way, the film is a modern R&J...but it would, paradoxically, be unfair to label it only as such, as it is much more. More than an amusing get-together of events and characters and more than a social satire. It's a film with soul and, most importantly, it's original an authentic in both storyline and plot as well as "presentation". In addition to this, the characters are extremely likable, although they aren't always played at what I felt could have been their maximum potential. But ultimately that doesn't even matter.

Because with all these elements cleverly and humorously brought together, the "Kebab Connection" may well be a small milestone in German comedy. It's worthy all the way. If it hadn't been, what would that say about faith?

For all that didn't know: "Döner Kebab" is a fast-food invention made by Turkish immigrants in Berlin. It revolutionized German gastronomy and is being re-ex-imported nowadays all over Europe.

This is a great culture-clash comedy, personally I liked it way better then "Jallah Jallah", "Real women have curves", or "Kick it like Beckham". It has so much more style! Sensitive and refreshing. All this makes sense in contemporary Turkish popculture in Germany. Movies of that kind tend to be cheesy, this is brilliant. I was laughing my ass off.

Somebody who likes this should also try movies by Faith Akin (wrote the book to Kebab Connection)

Meeting of cultures with comedy and love. I like this movie. You might not laugh a lot but you will find something to learn about Turk traditions. Director is great like in all his movies. Ibo's family is traditional Turkish family and they are trying to adapt with a German wife of their small sons. They are afraid in the beginning but they use to live with this in time, after they learn the they will be Grandparents. In a scene you can see Turk children don't smoke near their parents in Turk traditions. This movie is not only about Turk traditions. Director added Greek traditions too. And there you can see some similarities of Greek and Turk traditions.

Okay. I'll admit that this is probably the only German film about a Turkish man wanting to make a martial arts epic...or at least the only one I've seen! But it is quite enjoyable and silly--and worth your time.

Before I get to the review, the history teacher in me wants to point out to the non-German viewers out there that Germans of Turkish extraction are very common--and make up one of the largest minority groups in the country (probably the largest). So, seeing a film about Turks in Germany is a natural. And, for those who don't realize it, OFTEN Turks and Greeks do NOT get along--they have a long and tumultuous history together and this will help you understand some of the antipathy in the film between the two restaurant owners.

Ibrahim is a strange young man. He is a very talented director of commercials for his uncle's Turkish restaurant. But they are NOT typical commercials--they are like mini-martial arts films--complete with wire-fu and stunts--all to advertise for a sandwich shop!! The customers love the ads and life looks very promising for this odd filmmaker. However, he also is VERY immature--very. And when his girlfriend, Titzi, becomes pregnant, he seems about as happy as a cannibal who is given tofu! Naturally, Titzi is very upset--as are Ibrahim's parents who naturally want him to marry a Turkish lady. Can all this get sorted out?! And, what of his uncle's competitor across the street? Can this Greek restaurant owner convince Ibrahim to make some ads for him as well? And, are any film producers crazy enough to give the guy a chance at directing a feature film?

I liked this film--it was quirky and funny. So why do I give it a 7 and not something higher? Well, Ibrahim is a jerk and VERY immature--so much so that although you might like him in some ways, it's also easy to dislike him. Seeing his lack of commitment to the pregnant girlfriend is pretty sad--and makes it hard to like him. This is a serious problem in a romantic-comedy! But, on balance the good still outweighs the bad and the film is well worth your time.