Kebab Connection
- 2004
- Tous publics
- 1h 36m
In Hamburg, Ibrahim "Ibo" Secmez, of Turkish descent, wants to direct the first German kung-fu movie. For now he makes commercials for his uncle's kebab restaurant. When Titzie, Ibo's aspiri... Read allIn Hamburg, Ibrahim "Ibo" Secmez, of Turkish descent, wants to direct the first German kung-fu movie. For now he makes commercials for his uncle's kebab restaurant. When Titzie, Ibo's aspiring-actress girlfriend, finds out that she's pregnant, Ibo's uncertainty about fatherhood i... Read allIn Hamburg, Ibrahim "Ibo" Secmez, of Turkish descent, wants to direct the first German kung-fu movie. For now he makes commercials for his uncle's kebab restaurant. When Titzie, Ibo's aspiring-actress girlfriend, finds out that she's pregnant, Ibo's uncertainty about fatherhood is compounded by his own father's disowning him for getting a German girl pregnant--so Titz... Read all
- Awards
- 5 wins & 7 nominations total
- Özgür
- (as Kida Ramadan)
- Reporter
- (as Ferhad Kara)
Featured reviews
The "Kebab Connection" deals with a couple - Turkish boy, German girl - who are about to have a baby and are trying to get back together. But in the whole mix, you've got tradition, family values, a Kebab shop and a Greek "taverna", kung fu and William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In a way, the film is a modern R&J...but it would, paradoxically, be unfair to label it only as such, as it is much more. More than an amusing get-together of events and characters and more than a social satire. It's a film with soul and, most importantly, it's original an authentic in both storyline and plot as well as "presentation". In addition to this, the characters are extremely likable, although they aren't always played at what I felt could have been their maximum potential. But ultimately that doesn't even matter.
Because with all these elements cleverly and humorously brought together, the "Kebab Connection" may well be a small milestone in German comedy. It's worthy all the way. If it hadn't been, what would that say about faith?
The movie is somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to narrative. It falls somewhere between comedy, action, and social drama leading to an interesting variety of scenes. We have emotional moments between protagonist Ibo (Denis Moschitto) and his family, Ibo's struggle to grow up and become mature enough for his upcoming role as a father, witty dialogue with some slapstick comedy tossed in, and that's all topped off by the sporadic kung fu tossed into the film.
The film follows Ibo as he strives to follow his dream and become the first director of a German produced kung fu film. After directing two wildly popular commercials for his uncle's kebab restaurant Ibo finally sees a chance at achieving his dream. Ibo faces many challenges along the way such as impregnating his girlfriend and dealing with the many problems his family create as well. Through all of this we see Ibo struggle with his maturity and self image as he must face the problems he has in order to keep his family and fulfill his dream.
While "Kebab Connection" certainly isn't any blockbuster film it was an enjoyable watch (for me at least). If you have some free time maybe give it a watch, you'll get a few good laughs in as well as some enjoyable feel good moments as well.
Before I get to the review, the history teacher in me wants to point out to the non-German viewers out there that Germans of Turkish extraction are very common--and make up one of the largest minority groups in the country (probably the largest). So, seeing a film about Turks in Germany is a natural. And, for those who don't realize it, OFTEN Turks and Greeks do NOT get along--they have a long and tumultuous history together and this will help you understand some of the antipathy in the film between the two restaurant owners.
Ibrahim is a strange young man. He is a very talented director of commercials for his uncle's Turkish restaurant. But they are NOT typical commercials--they are like mini-martial arts films--complete with wire-fu and stunts--all to advertise for a sandwich shop!! The customers love the ads and life looks very promising for this odd filmmaker. However, he also is VERY immature--very. And when his girlfriend, Titzi, becomes pregnant, he seems about as happy as a cannibal who is given tofu! Naturally, Titzi is very upset--as are Ibrahim's parents who naturally want him to marry a Turkish lady. Can all this get sorted out?! And, what of his uncle's competitor across the street? Can this Greek restaurant owner convince Ibrahim to make some ads for him as well? And, are any film producers crazy enough to give the guy a chance at directing a feature film?
I liked this film--it was quirky and funny. So why do I give it a 7 and not something higher? Well, Ibrahim is a jerk and VERY immature--so much so that although you might like him in some ways, it's also easy to dislike him. Seeing his lack of commitment to the pregnant girlfriend is pretty sad--and makes it hard to like him. This is a serious problem in a romantic-comedy! But, on balance the good still outweighs the bad and the film is well worth your time.
This is a great culture-clash comedy, personally I liked it way better then "Jallah Jallah", "Real women have curves", or "Kick it like Beckham". It has so much more style! Sensitive and refreshing. All this makes sense in contemporary Turkish popculture in Germany. Movies of that kind tend to be cheesy, this is brilliant. I was laughing my ass off.
Somebody who likes this should also try movies by Faith Akin (wrote the book to Kebab Connection)
Did you know
- GoofsIbo falls through a restaurant window and lands on his hands among the shards of broken glass, but he gets up without any cuts.
- ConnectionsReferences Le cuirassé Potemkine (1925)
- SoundtracksKusu Kalkmaz
Music: Turgay Ayaydinli, Andreas Spiess, Robert Stevens; Lyrics: Songul Akturk
Performed by Sultana
- How long is Kebab Connection?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $970,182
- Runtime
- 1h 36m(96 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1