Istanbul Kirmizisi

What movie is it? I can't understand the story!! Really it is complicated beside long silence for nothing useful.

I couldn't find anything nice in this movie. Banal in his scenes, full of cliché, badly written and acted in a somewhat absurd way. Characters pretend to have some deepness when I found them just ridicule or pathetic. And with a very weird way of express themselves. Besides it's exaggereted in many ways, from the way is interpreted to its overdone tragedy that it makes it seem a parody of himself. To me and my girlfriend was a real pain to get to the end. There is a sense of falsehood or fake throughout the entire movie, which is fed by a theatrical screenplay, which, in my opinion worsen things. A real ugly, dull, boring movie.

Often intriguing study of a Turkish expat returning to Istanbul for a script editing job, when his rich, successful filmmaker boss vanishes. This disappearance echoes the expats own, having left Turkey for London to escape memories of a tragedy. There is something a bit simplistic in the way things are doubled, with the expat finding a new home, family, even 'soulmate' of sorts, so that the film tries hard to be tricky and symbolic in an arty way to perhaps cover up this simplicity. It reminded me of a Pamuk novel at times, though less obscure, and with a tragic homosexual angle that didn't quite cinvince me, nor did the hero's return to writing. The performances are fine throughout however, with lots of good silent acting and memorable characters well cast. I also enjoyed the settings of the filmmaker's house, a party scene in a high rise with a seedy bald gay writer who comes across as creepy as the midget in Lost Highway; the filmmaker's family and servants who seemed like real and interesting people, the love interest's husband, who understands the hero's infatuation. I felt like I was meeting real people. There are also plenty of atmospheric views of Istanbul, and the overall pacing and style made this good absorbing viewing, like taking a strange, melancholic holiday there.

After watching all of Mr Ozpetek's films, this film came with a huge dissatisfaction. I am so sorry. Don't waste your time folks.

"Istanbul Kirmizisi" paints a vivid canvas of emotions against the backdrop of the enchanting city, with a commendable cast that breathes life into the complex characters. The film editing gracefully navigates through the intertwining stories, creating a mosaic of love, loss, and self-discovery. While the music enhances the film's emotional undertones, it may not be particularly memorable. The strength of the movie lies in its poignant exploration of relationships and the transformative power of art, offering a glimpse into the soul of Istanbul. However, the weakness emerges in moments where the narrative feels somewhat predictable. The cinematography captures the essence of the city's rich cultural tapestry, providing a visually striking backdrop. With a 6/10 rating, "Istanbul Kirmizisi" offers a compelling narrative and a visual feast, though it may not entirely escape the conventions of romantic dramas.