Kebab Connection

When fate is friendly, it makes the impossible possible. Like, what was the probability of some random Romanian movie fan of ever seeing a German film about the Turkish "speciality", Döners? And what is even more amazing, what were the chances of this film actually being a great watch?

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?

Okay. I'll admit that this is probably the only German film about a Turkish man wanting to make a martial arts epic...or at least the only one I've seen! But it is quite enjoyable and silly--and worth your time.

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.

From time to time everybody watches a movie they normally wouldn't be interested in, whether it's from boredom, curiosity, or just to try something new, we've all done it. No one ever expects much out of these films and more often than not they seem to flop (I'm looking at you Lifetime Original Movies). Occasionally though we do see one that peeks are interests and gives us more than we expected. This is exactly how I felt about "Kebab Connection."

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.

I enjoyed this film greatly for its entertainment value as well as the outstanding motifs I felt it translated effectively. One of the motifs I found to be most striking was the sort of coming-of-age. The audience can root for Ibo, the main character because he is portrayed as morally good and we follow him in his pursuit of responsibility and worthiness of a child and Titzi. The motif of cosmopolitanism and the blending of cultures was approached in a light-hearted manor. We see Ibo's struggle to please his father, who is both supportive of Titzi and rejecting to Ibo. The efforts Ibo makes to please Titzi, including lessening his societally deemed masculinity, is refreshing because it is not accompanied by a complete loss of his Turkish culture; it was important for the cosmopolitan discourse for him to not lose his Turkish culture as a result of integration. The most interesting aspect I found in "Kebab Connection" was the film team's use of film inside the film. The use of Ibo's commercials in plot development and exposure of the underlying story to other characters is very clever. The second way the film-in-film technique was used was to show the internal discourse within Ibo. I feel that this is often a great challenge of directors; to discretely show the thought progression of the characters. I felt when watching that this internal peek was effective in both making Ibo more likable and it made it easier for me to "root" for him, and allowing the audience to follow his development. Overall very entertaining and well carried out!

This movie just rocks! It's a great combination of Action, Romantic, Serious, Cultural and last but not least Hilarious scenes. It shows a Turkish family with combined Turkish and German habits. The scenes in which the 'father to be' tries to impress and persuade his girlfriend that he will be a good father are just hilarious. Also the scenes between the grandpa to be and his son are serious and filled with humor at the same time. Among the sweetest scenes are the ones in which the much younger sister of the 'father to be' tries to mend the broken relationship between her brother and her future sister in law. If you're interested in Multicultural society, want to have a good time, laugh like hell, and enjoy serious moments as well, you can't afford not having seen this movie ! Enjoy!