Leyla: Hayat... Ask... Adalet...

I am learning Turkish through my love of these dizis, but they are long (2+hours). This is one of the few that I do not skip any parts. The story is compelling, tragic, and suspenseful with charming supporting cast that I've seen before. It also uses some of the same techniques and music as Kara Sevda, another one of my favorites with a similar tone. Cemre as Leyla sparkles on the screen and the young Leyla and Gino scenes are amazingly talented. Those two have bright futures as actors.

Nur is a beast and the actress embues her with such evil with those wicked looks and temper, I'd like to see her in a big Hollywood production playing the Evil Queen in any story. My only criticism is that I wish that Alperen did not look so downtrodden and perpetually on the verge of tears as Civan (adult Gino). Little Gino was brave and strong and a fighter. I'd like to see more of that in the adult version.

I was a huge fan at first, but at this point, I can hardly watch it.

I love the lead actors, especially Cemre Baysel. The story began with an interesting premise of justice and a precious love story which honestly could and should have come to a satisfactory end several episodes ago. Unfortunately, it's going downhill with a meaningless and frankly UPSETTING turn of events that I am forcing myself to watch, just for closure. This was one of my favorite shows but now I can't stand to watch.

I will add that the child who portrayed Little Layla did an excellent job. And though a villain, Nur was often entertaining (at least initially). The show was more about her than Leyla. They could have named it Nur, for that matter.

It was really good at first, but now its a chore to watch. How unfortunate.

I like the story so far, I appreciate it's trying to highlight an important message as well. The pace is okay for a turkish series but it still drags sometimes. Female lead she's pretty strong and doesn't let everyone walk all over her. The male lead on the other hand is insufferable. Little Gino was happy and a fighter but adult Gino is weak and stuck in the past - all his scenes are him talking about a short lived childhood romance, at least the female character is motivated by revenge even though she still has a strong connection to their short lived loved. The chemistry between them is also lacking. I am watching for the revenge plot only at this point - I really love to hate Nur she keeps things interesting but of course i'm waiting for her downfall LOL.

Also personally there's way too many flashback scenes from the past.

The start was amazing, I was immediately hooked. The story line may sound unrealistic but that happens to be the type of show I like. I love Cemre's acting, she is also beyond beautiful. All other actors deserve so much more acknowledgment, every facial expression and movement is on point and you can feel the tense in situations. Their acting is so amazing that you yourself, can feel every sadness, happiness, and anger. The start dragged a little and the flashbacks were annoying because I enjoyed seeing the older Leyla getting revenge. I personally, was very satisfied and if this series get's canceled I will be most disappointed then I have ever been.

Writers and directors of turkish series have the habit of making excellent TV shows and twice the bad habit of ruining the story right past the climax, in order to extend the series as per audience clamor or sponsors and advertisers requests.

This is what happened to Leyla series. Everything was good, almost all episodes past 10 have their own climax, slow unraveling of secrets and revelations and vengeance kept us audience on the edge of our seats, until it's almost the end. BUT, hey, they're not ready to pack up just yet, so the writers decided to divert the story into something the viewers, I'm sure, are not happy about, nor interested to see.

Hatice and her infidelity - we are not interested. Then we lost Serap, what happened to her? Then, the appearance of new characters which, for sure, comes along with their own lengthy stories to lengthen further the story and this series.

This series is ruined past episode 30. If you want to start watching it, you've been warned.