Semum

I am one of the biggest fans of horror movies and I use to watch movies with great attention if we have close look at "Semum" it is ditto copy of Indian movie "Bhoot" directed by Ram Gopal Varma, there is even no difference between make up of leading character and obviously Bhoot has connection with Classic horror movie Exorcist. Its Turkish movie and the Director of Semum added an Islamic flavour in it and showed concepts of Islamic Exorsism. Director used a graphic ghost which was not as scary as it should be. He could have been used better one who supposed to look like human or something. I do not have idea about Turk film industry that how much they are advance in technology but it could have been better. But bottom line is that come up with new ideas.

This is the first film from Turkey I've ever watched. I'm not familiar with the language, the film scene or Turkish life. But as a Muslim from South-East Asia with a culture heavily embedded with mystical elements, I'm very familiar with the premise of the story. I'd have to applaud the director's vision to bring the supernatural (excuse the lack of a better term) element in Islam to the audience.

However...

There are things that should be left unsaid or unseen. The film tries to hard to shove everything down the audience's collective throats. More CGIs doesn't always produce better end product. There are lots of scary moments in this film that send chills down your spine, but it always cuts off with unnecessary CGI. Why spoil a movie with bad CGI when you can substitute it with a continuous sense of threat that looms in the background. People fear more of things they can't see. That's why scary stories are scarier than a movie. When you can't see the threat, you start imagining things, and that's when you convinced yourself that the fear is bigger than what the film can show.

This film could have been much more. Poor execution, loose plot, sloppy editings ... these are some of the major flaws of the film.

Semum was a film that's based upon a true story.

If you watch it,definitely you will see Classic horror elements and new wave of Japanese horror styles are mixing in a very strange story! Paranoia and the oriental ambiance has never been captured like this before.

I gave it 9 of 10.Yes It's more of a weird mysteriousness and psychological movie than a run of the mill horror film.

If you want to see a real Turkish horror classic with touch of great movie 'The Exorcist(1973)'...!!!

I recommend it.

I have seen this movie on DVD with English subtitle.This is very amazing horror film from Asian country Turkey! Islam literature is very rich about mystical and other dimension worlds.Especially Jinns;'In Arabian and Muslim folklore jinns are ugly and evil demons having supernatural powers which they can bestow on persons having powers to call them up. In the Western world they are called genies.

In the Old Testament King Solomon had a ring, probably a diamond, with which he called up jinns to help his armies in battle. The concept that this king employed the help of jinns probably originated from 1 Kings 6:7, "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought there, so there was neither hammer nor axe nor and tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building." In Islam, jinns are fiery spirits (Qur'an 35. 15) particularly associated with the desert. While they are disruptive of human life, they are considered worthy of being saved. A person dying in a state of great sin may be changed into a jinni in the period of a barzakh, separation or barrier.

The highest of the jinns is Iblis, formerly called Azazel, the prince of darkness, or the Devil. The jinns were thought by some to be spirits that are lower than angels because they are made of fire and are not immortal. They can take on human and animal shapes to influence men to do good or evil. They are quick to punish those indebted to them who do not follow their many rules'.

In this movie there is a perfect interpretation of Jinns! Especially the commentary of 'Semum' is really very valuable,I mean if you wonder the meaning of Semum Just watch this film and say what you want to say It's just better than Ringu,the messengers,The exorcist,The Ring,Shutter and any Asian horror film that i have seen all.

Overall 9/10

I watched it with my Turkish friends. I liked this movie as a mystery movie, riddled with the culture of the Arabian nights. The script is solid,the atmosphere seems right but sadly it has also been affected by the usual under-budgeting and much unoriginality. but no problem, I will recommend this movie to everyone. Nice special effects,a nice exorcism story and nice twist.

I would also have to comment the outstanding sound and film editing of this film. It's apparently excellent.

and I think acting was very good from all the cast members. "Semum" is an enjoyable Turkish horror movie.