Kaybedenler Kulübü

As a youngster who grew up in Kadıköy, I heard many familiar words, I saw many familiar places while watching this awesome masterpiece.

The thing, that distinguished this movie from the trivial ones, was the way it connected all these familiar places and words to construct an overwhelming composition of thought and emotion rewriting the philosophy of love according to the contemporary male manifest.

I doubted that this movie would be that good before seeing it as I saw many negative comments about it as well as a few positive ones. After seeing it though I have no doubt that this was the best Turkish movie ever made, even better than "Issız Adam". It kept me thinking for hours and it brought me to tears sometimes.

If you think that you are lonely; this movie will show you another way of being lonely which is no better than being the usual loner anyhow. It will cause you to go swinging in opposite directions like a pendulum until you are completely lost and decide that there are many lessons to be taken but no absolute truth at all.

And finally you will find yourself wandering in the streets of Kadıköy, where the movie is shot, after so many years contemplating about your past while trying to create a better future and being in between, losing both. Welcome to the losers' club..

The thing that makes this movie relatable to the viewer is the realistic acting of Nejat Isler. He fleshed out his character "Kaan" so well. As Kaan Caydamli told in a YouTube video about "Kaybedenler Kulubu", he mentioned that he met with Nejat before the movie shoot and talked him about his character. He directly realised that Nejat is him at the moment. I think this side of Nejat Isler's acting affects the movies that he acted so well. The other actors played their role well as you can guess. Pretty designed and analysed cast for this movie. It has been 12 years since it delivered, but still an impressive milestone in Isler's filmography.

Based on the true story of the two Turkish radio jockeys (RJs) from the 90s, who are the talk of the late night. It was more like a Turkish version of 'The Boat that Rocked' but the thing was the radio station and programme were legal. I found the movie was a little slow in pace but deals with an interesting thematic plot.

The movie tells the story of Kaan and Mete, the radio show hosts. The two ordinary guys with a boring daily livelihood suddenly become colourful once theirs late night radio programme called 'Loser's Club' instantly becomes a hit. They become the celebrities as well as threats from the religious people. One of them finds his dream girl. Whatsoever they are not ready to change themselves to the current situation. They want left alone like everybody else, so what happens to their fame is the ending part of the movie.

Both the lead actors were executed simple performances but looked so powerful. The lead lady, called Zeynep, was also a good and looking cute. Most of the movie shot at the night time, I mean almost, so the light was used very wisely. The movie was simple as its look and complicated to get at first glance. One of a fine Turkish drama I have seen, quite resembles the quality and style of the German movie 'The Lives of Others'.

7.5/10

This is the best Turkish movie I've ever seen.. It's extraordinary and marginal. Namely, full of art.. If I had one word to explain this movie , it would be "perfect".. I was impressed deeply. Whole characters in the movie are so real.. It describes loneliness in an ingenious way.. Moreover ,this movie's humorous is really high.. I enjoyed so much..I was touched, laughed, self-questioned while watching this movie.. Additionaly,soundtracks had been chosen compatible. I would like to thank Tolga Ornek for presenting us such a special movie..I think everyone can find a lot of things closer to oneself in this film.. I recommend "Kaybedenler Kulübü" to all movie-lovers.

One of the best Turkish movies done in the recent years... Very real dialogs, very sincere characters and most of all good performances of all actors. It can easily create a very intimate relationship with the audience and can catch you from the first moment. The characters and casting is very successful and the love story throughout the movie does not pile on the agony but will affect you truly and deeply. Especially the performances of supporting actress Serra Yılmaz(Mete's mother)and supporting actor Rıza Kocaoglu (Murat)are worth watching. The soundtrack of the movie is also very successful containing a large variety of different styles and reflecting a pleasant taste. In summary,it deserves its place as a cult movie in modern Turkish cinematography.