User reviews

I've stumbled upon this movie almost by accident, but it turned out to be a really good one.

The life and atmosphere of Bulgaria in the late 70s and 80s is VERY well represented - it was exactly like that.

And I do remember watching him on TV as a kid, cheering, as he was winning all these medals while he was still competing for BG.

As a Bulgarian I can say the movie is very balanced and authentic, and it's like a small a bridge between the two neighboring nations.

Naim was really a great man, and he had a great cause, and he helped not only his folks, but also the whole country of Bulgaria to get rid of the communist rule - as it crumbled soon after these events (in late 1989).

Must watch movie.

This is the true story of every Turk's childhood hero who have lived through 1980s. Naim Süleymanoglu is the world weightlifting champion who won gold medals in every competition he participated and became the pride of Turks. He had a difficult life as he was born in Bulgaria as Turkish minority and lived under the dictatorship of Bulgarian communist party. Turkish government made several attempts to bring him to Turkey.

As far as the movie is concerned, the events are a hundred percent historically accurate. The script is written with minute details. The performance of both young and adult Naim are praiseworthy. Most scenes are blended with great songs and they drew me back to past. This film is an outstanding achievement.

What did i mean? 1. The movie isn't dramatized too much. Generally movie shows what's happening without effects. 2. The movie is very royal to real events. 3. Unlike most of the movie, 'bad guys' are not dumb, and they are not doing childish mistakes. 4. Acting is phenomenal.

Of course, the movie is not perfect: 1. Movie is way too nationalist. As the other reviewer said, this could be a successful global movie. But...This movie is only for us, Turks. However, the movie is not boring like Mountain 2- so i'm still recommending this. 2. The story goes too shallow, too superficial sometimes. More technical dialogues would be very good. 3. It's not exciting as you think. Unexpectedly, it's like a biography documentary.

Notes: -"People's Republic of Bulgaria", that's how movie introduces Bulgaria. The directors sensitivity deserves an applause. -I oftenly used Google Translate for this review, sorry for the weird english :D.

A very emotional movie, I watched it with my parents and we felt great nostalgia, we even cried a little. This is the first time I've written a comment on IMDB because I wanted to express my emotion about how much I liked the movie. Congratulations to the whole and the actors of the film. Greetings from the Netherlands (But we are from Bulgaria

The movie was way better than my expectations: everything was just at the right amount. The nostalgia was sweet enough, music choice was delightful, visuals were amazing, acting was realistic and there was no unnecessary stuff like extra romance. And the kid that played child Naim and the man played adult Naim looked so alike that I almost wondered if they filmed the movie for like 10 years :D

Rest in peace Naim Süleymanoglu. He is definitely a true hero for Turkish people. We owe him so much.

Great movie! The true story of a sports legend and probably the most successful one in Turkish history! You will definitely have your tears drop from your eyes.. He is a Turkish hero! The movie itself is very impressive and dramatic! Definitely a must watch!

As a biographic film this was shot very good wuth every aspects. Actors and actresses are very successful, story was told well, as a person who witnessed such tragedy and cruelty. Yes, the film was a bit fanatic about nationality, but we cannot see assimilation as a normal act. At that time the world did not know and care to know about these atrocities.

The plot, actors, music affected me deeply for days... This is the first time l write a review for a movie. You should definetely watch it!

A small man but a giant for humanity. Incredible, wonderful , a must see for all.

Started very impressive. Screenplays are amazing. Topic is charming. But typical Turkish exaggeration and clichés. Very predictable acts and scenes. Annoying, irritating patriotic scenes. Incompatible soundtrack.

Started encouraging. Continued with clichés. Finished senseless. 6/10

Too many misleading patriotic reviews and rating.

The plot, while promising in theory, is painfully predictable and full of clichés. The pacing drags, and the so-called "twists" are neither surprising nor engaging. The dialogue feels forced and unnatural, leaving actors struggling to deliver their lines convincingly.

At the end of the day, "Pocket Hercules: Naim Suleymanoglu" feels like a missed opportunity. It's a film that could have been something special but ultimately ends up being forgettable. It's a shame, given the talent involved, but sometimes that's just how things go. Save your time and watch something else.

This movie shows up how to shoot a turkish bio movie. Every part of movie is so clean and so excated from first and last second. I like the camera movements and dialogs, so good color grading, best cinematic looks and technics. Thanks to all of crew that they are show us the real champion

Telling the real life of a man begins from a little village to world's biggest cities. I have not watched a movie like this for several years.

You need to watch if you wonder about a heros life.

He risked his life and used sports to draw attention to human rights violations. This sacrifice deeply affects us all. He lost his life at the age of 50. it is almost the natural result of a consciously preferred journey. Makers of this film had a heavy responsibility. They told the story of self-sacrifice, not any life. As the director of the film Feyzioglu says.

Real life story of Naim Suleymanoglu. Perfect movie.

This movie should be watched. Awesome movie. May God rest your soul in heaven Naim Suleymanoglu

Of course new generations couldn't understand those years and may see some exaggeration but it is not. the story telling is actually moderate. the film is not pumping nationalism. it has nationalism. but the story absolutely accurate.

one of the best Turkish movie and story telling.

This movie is crated real story. If you like to watch biographical movie it's going to be top of your list.

A fantastic story of a fantastic hero. I strictly recommend to watch this movie. The story makes us proud.

Probably the best movie I've ever seen in my whole entire life..