Dag II

A modern Turkish version of the classic. Very good display of military tactics and weapons and, yes, exactly seven guys (albeit Special Forces) to hold off 200+ heavily armed Daesh with a tank who are attacking a previously defenseless village..

Remember this line:

"There is only one righteous reason in war: Defending the innocent."

I don't usually watch foreign films before but this was a in-depth amazing film. It has character building. It shows perspective on both sides both civilian and the military on their ideas on how to build a better world. Stunning cinematography and incredible dialogues. It makes you understand why to become a soldier is not all about glory but really to serve it's people. It shows also why journalist do what they do show the cruelty that is in the world and why they criticize violence against violence and human rights. It shows also the civilians who fall in between as victims and the conflict of standing by to do your duty or doing what you know is right. Here you will really have an understanding on what it really means to serve and have a country. On further note: If it's true that the Turks army do not curse then I have deeper respect for that kind of military discipline. A REAL Officer and a gentlemen. My hats off to the maker of this film. You should be proud on making this film and sharing it to the world.

A Turkish elite military squad commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Veysel Gökmusa (Murat Serezli) is assigned to rescue the Turkish journalist Ceyda Balaban (Ahu Türkpençe) that was kidnapped by rebels in Iraq. They succeed in their assignment but along their return journey they stumble upon a Turkish village that will be invaded soon. Veysel and his team live a dilemma: to accomplish their rescue mission or to defend the defenseless Turkish villagers.

"Dag II", a.k.a. "Mountain II", is an excellent Turkish film with the storyline of a secret military squad in a mission called "Storm Bringer" with the objective to rescue a Turkish journalist from Iraq. The soldiers are submitted to a tough training program but they become like a brotherhood. The non-chronological screenplay entwines past and present but for people like me that have not seen the first film, have difficulties to understand parts of the flashbacks. In addition, the lack of knowledge of the Turkish culture and the ethnic conflicts in that area makes difficulty for the viewer to understand the big picture. But "Dag II" is a great action film with feelings and should be nominated to the Oscar. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

I'm by no means an expert on foreign films or Turkish cinema. I do, however, like a decent war movie. "The Mountain II" delivers.

1) It's always good to see a different take on a current conflict. Sure, this might be some Turkish propaganda, but for instance....the various ethnicities involved and their involvement in Iraq, with ISIS, etc...cool to see.

2) The good guys get major props for authenticity.....mostly. The SF guys' gear is impeccable. I do question, however, some of their tactics. Stick your sniper in the most exposed position ever?? Spray n' pray when you are down to your last mag? Still, they LOOKED good and in a movie, that counts.

3) Decent acting, decent story, decent pacing.

4) Glorious visuals. Not sure where this was shot, but it sure is pretty country.

Loses points for the bad guys getting shabby gear. I mean I can understand not getting a REAL Abrams for the ISIS goons, but those fake machine guns on the tank and the technicals?? Ugh, awful. It's also pretty long for what it is. Part of that is seeing Berik and the other dude (Oguz?) try out for the Maroon Berets. There are also a few snippets hinting at the first "The Mountain" movie. But it does seem to take awhile to get through.

One last thing.....I have never met a Turk, but those actors really came across as nice guys. I love to travel and I will have to check out Istanbul sometime.

The Turkish producers and directors are doing their job well at the moment! Look at this movie! It is just terrific! I liked the first part of this movie, but the second part is much more better than the first one. They used real artillery, helicopters and real machine guns and rifles in this movie! The MPT76 is the first national Turkish assault rifle and they used it in cooperation with the gun factory MKE. The actors got real military training for a few months before shooting this film in order to increase the realness and always used real military gear and equipment during the shootings! Just go and watch it, you won't regret it!