Hacivat Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü?

I would like to thank and congratulate Ezel Akay who is also directed another good comedy "Neredesin Firuze" for this marvelous film with a very good story, extraordinary performances of Haluk Bilginer, Sebnem Donmez, Beyazit Ozturk, Aysen Gruda and others and with a wonderful soundtrack.

I agree that the story of the film is based on rumors and folk stories, but it must also be said that the historical background is realistic. It helps understanding the historical and cultural environment of Anatolia in 13th and 14th century. Disintegration of Seljuk rule, Mongol invasion, rise of Ottomans, islamization of both Anatolia and Turkmen tribes, role of women in an early Islamic society, life and beliefs of Turkmen tribes, collapsing Bisance and more are the historical background of the film which successfully enlivens these serious subjects with a humorous story. It must also be added that the soundtrack of the film is based on the historical Turkish music with a contemporary performance.

I strongly recommend this film not only to everyone who is interested in these issues but also to everyone who wants to have a good time and enjoy.

Hacivat and Karagöz is a comedy team in Turkish culture.They are usually known as all Turkish people.They acted during the first years of Ottoman Empire.Despite having many fans they were also criticizing the system of state and governors.So they were punished and killed by government.

And the movie.Ezel Akay and Levent Kazak really created a good studio for this film in my opinion.Studio looks realistic and city life looks so dynamic.Although the film is not claiming to become a comedy ,many people were waiting to laugh.This looks impossible.At least for me.All the actors made a good job.Especially Haluk Bilginer performs his best.Costumes are also fine but movie's language may be a bit hard for young people.

In short Hacivat and Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü is not a must seen film.But it is worth every penny you give and especially second 1/2 of movie is better.You can go see this movie and learn why they died?Why people who criticizes system die?

It is not surprising to read bad reviews from international press since it's telling the not-well-known background story of a folkloric "shadow game" that we all know from childhood. Giving a difference perspective on the actual characters of hacivat and karagoz, it made me think of those times and what really might have happened to them. ALso a great look to the periods diversity and how Turks become Muslims one by one. This movie is one of the best Turkish movies I've ever watched lately, it's not referring to any cheesy jokes in reference to today's audience; it's not using it's actors' and actress' well known fame and it gives you the idea that Ezel Akay had just to shot a strong period movie with excellent costumes and art directing. Spoken language in the movie is something to be considered- it sounds foreign in the beginning but then you come to recognise the words and the old sayings that were used back then; a joint of middle-Asian Turkish, arabic, roman and hebrew. The scenes were delicately worked out, reminding of the famous ottoman art pieces.One thing that I didn't like much is the not-so-convincing visual effects, but well, don't see good cgi around here, so can't blame anyone.

Firstly, the movie is not in comedy genre at all, and not pretending to be. Director continue his vivid style in costume, place, speech and casting in his second big hit. He offers more than expected and screening a tale that the world of 'Hacivat ve Karagöz' simulate an alive one referencing today with its own details.

Some traditions lasting till 'day is a heritage from old tribes lived before Ottoman Empire and Islam. These proved but not accepted truths has wounded a wide group of people in Turkey because of the position of Islam in Turkey; old shaman belief, former folks, lost traditions, secretly surviving believes and suppressed nations in Anatolia..

The movie points out bribe, position of women in society, naiveness of religious belief, statesman's tricks, cultural mixture, habits transferred by nations and humor as a criticism.

Lastly, this tale, a milestone for Turkish cinema with it's unique technique, is a political review with a historical base which stars two famous shadow players.

Rivayetlere göre yasamis iki kisisin hüzünlü sonu.. Güzel film tadinda.