Pardon

Mert Baykal's Pardon (2005) is one of Turkish cinema's sharpest and most unforgettable dark comedies, blending absurd humor with a deeply unsettling critique of systemic injustice. Based on a true story, the film follows Ibrahim (Ferhan Sensoy) and his two close friends, Muzo (Rasim Öztekin) and Aydin (Ali Çatalbas), as they become victims of a terrifying bureaucratic nightmare-wrongfully imprisoned due to an incompetent and indifferent legal system.

At its core, Pardon is a tragic satire of authority, exposing the terrifying ease with which ordinary people can be swallowed by an uncaring system. What begins as a series of misfortunes quickly spirals into absurdity, yet the humor never overshadows the film's more harrowing themes. Instead, the comedy heightens the horror of the situation-turning police interrogations, courtroom hearings, and prison experiences into surreal moments of Kafkaesque insanity.

Ferhan Sensoy delivers a brilliant performance as Ibrahim, a man whose only crime is being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The way his initial disbelief turns into full-blown despair is both hilarious and heartbreaking. His companions, played by Rasim Öztekin and Ali Çatalbas, add to the absurdity, making their camaraderie one of the film's most enduring elements. Despite their suffering, their friendship and humor persist, reinforcing a uniquely Turkish approach to tragedy-laughing through the pain.

Visually, Pardon keeps things grounded, with a raw, almost documentary-like realism that makes the absurdity even more striking. The prison sequences, full of eccentric characters and bleak environments, feel suffocating yet strangely comedic. The script, penned by Sensoy himself, is razor-sharp, delivering biting satire while maintaining a tight grip on the film's emotional weight.

Beyond its humor, Pardon is a scathing indictment of unchecked authority, corruption, and the apathy of institutions. It resonates as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice, where the lives of innocent people can be derailed in an instant. The film lingers long after the credits roll-not just because of its comedy, but because of the bitter truth it exposes.

An ordinary man who did not have a very lucky life takes a vacation during his very late military duty. However he suddenly finds himself in the jail while he is trying to return home. This is how the story begins.

Serious problems of Turkish current juridical and penal system could only be explained in such a funny and entertaining way. It has the potential to make you laugh no matter how many times you watch it.

Very good soundtracks are also definitely worth mentioning.

A Turkish comedy masterpiece from a theater master inspired by a real event.

Strongly recommended.

Movie begins with interrogation, where is tragedy part set up with fast tempo.

Story line is excellent due to the film adapted from Ferhan Sensoy's old play "Cok Tuhaf Sorusturma"

I don't impressed from Rasim Oztekin's acting. But i want to say Ali Catalbas rised with his natural acting.

Ferhan Sensoy's death left a void in political humor that may never be filled. He was perhaps the only theater actor and comedian who could raise the morale of Turkey's secular and Kemalist people, who were used to being oppositionists and minorities, and who could make them smile on issues that upset them and reflect their pain, resentment and anger. A satirical movie that reflects the problems related to justice and society's mentality so well is something we rarely see on the screens, even in old Turkey. Now there is no one doing it. I am sure that Ferhan Sensoy and Rasim Oztekin are at peace in the tavern in the sky right now.

Many talks about G.O.R.A. as the funniest Turkish movie however, as plot vise, shootings and dialogs "pardon" beats all.

First of all, the director is superb. He had put a lot in the movie, many so-called directors has a lot to learn from Mert Baykal. The script belongs the lead actor Ferhan Sensoy, who is one of the most intellectuals of Turkey. His plots and comedy is unmatched.

I suggest this movie to anyone Turkish and non-Turkish people to see how a country's legal system can be corrupted.

The story is one of the true stories of Turkey about its legal system faults. The acting and directing is superb. I have watched it three times in the same week and laughed each time.