Reviews

Quite a strange road trip adventure that walks the lines of dark comedy as much as those of the unexplained, seemingly unhappy circumstances that keep this family's bizarre dramatics moving along.

As much as you really want to know what exactly is going on, the film still succeeds in serving genuine entertainment with an overall experience of humor and culture through moments of classic songs, references to Western cinema, and the most picturesque Persian landscapes that rival other films where anyone has described the scenery as resembling a painting.

Apart from the general impression left on me from the Farhadi films I discovered earlier this year, this was an even more satisfying, yet completely unexpected selection that now holds a place for me as one of the most scenic, comical, and cosmic Iranian films I've ever seen so far.

The story in this one definitely gets a little more depressing as it progresses but still satisfies because it's not as slow as you think it could be. It's essentially a simple tale of a man returning to his hometown, which reminde me of Özcan Alper's Autumn, where meeting old acquaintances and confronting the past seems inevitable...but without the political undertones.

In Circle, there's enough dialogue to keep you interested in seeing how each character's story will play out along with some beautiful lighting that makes for a much warmer visual experience instead of the scenic, mountaineous cinematography of Autumn that made up for limited character interactions and a more personal journey of self-reflection.

Along with occasional dream-like sequences and some dark humor, this one is a fascinating rumination on living, our failures, and accepting whatever fate that life gives us.

The chemistry between our two hotties really isn't there and the story takes an unnecessary turn with her mother but, whatever...in the end I guess we get what we hoped for.

But visually...I say more unknown Chinese directors should get a cinematographer from 'In the Mood for Love' on the team because this movie's overall look totally made it a great watching experience. The colors of Shanghai's cityscape glimmer so beautifully through the wide shots of a dark city and nighttime skyscrapers, high-rise moments of Ruxi in her office and apartment are perfect, that certain glow that lingers over Ruxi and Sai's hotel interactions, along with some elegant transitions.

Hollywood has never really stunned me with so much visual treatment for a big-city story of romance.

Protagonist Kahraman runs a Turkish bath in the little town of Tokat, alongside a number of supporting characters in the form of a gross barber aiding in the plot to bring down the business, a circumciser, a funny Imam, and a pretty history teacher.

It's some entertaining commentary on the big guys trying to by out the little guy's real estate for unnecessary plans of a shopping center, his fight for his livelihood, etc.

While generally a family-friendly story, the subtitles had a little something crude added for Western audience, clearly. Apart from that, excellent music, great shots of Turkish tea and all the cultural delights that makes these movies a treat for me.

I learned a couple new Turkish words for "dick" and I will forever dream of having a big party inside a Turkish bath one day. Give this one a shot!

OMG, en kötü filmi degiiiil!

Definitely a typical "trying to save the relationship" kind of rom-com but with the Turkish twists of pretty seaside cinematography and an opening scene of Iskender kebab that starts off the story.

Biggest disappointment would be some green screen moments amongst the stunning shots of Fethiye, but they don't ruin it all that much. Plenty of scenes will have your jaw dropping, your eyes opened, and wanting to paraglide above the Aegean Sea or cruise through those mountain roads at some point in your life with a sexy Turkish lover.

Apart from the setting, Murat delivers more physical comedy and facial expressions in this one, but the supporting characters made this movie a lot better! Gonca's rambling, quirky lines and inventive devising of Okan's demise were sometimes too much to keep up with in the subtitles but she had me laughing the most. She only got better with Bülent's ax-wielding antics towards the end. A little over the top and sadistic, but it was some of the best comical violence I've seen so far in a Turkish comedy.

It's just a bright, silly comedy that utilizes good music in the right spots, a few laughs and showcases one of the bluest, prettiest spots of the Turkish Riviera that a non-Turkish audience should absolutely appreciate.

It's a short and delightful slice of Asian cinema telling a tale about a very modern situation for the drama element, adds a few bloody moments and zombies for the horror, brings us the familiar laughs you expect from the comedy of Hong Kong, and impresses with the visuals as a shining example of how far Hong Kong comedy has come!

You get social commentary that reminds you of Stephen Chow's Mermaid (corporate greed vs. a small group of powerless citizens) and slapstick comedy that occasionally tries too hard but still has some of the funniest moments toward the end.

If you're familiar with Sandra's work at all with Stephen Chow, give this one a try! or even if you simply like movies with a few twists and genre-blending, also check it out. As this was my first introduction to Sandra, I can tell she was doing what she does best as an actress but you may not laugh out loud as much as you would with other Hong Kong classics.

Still, give it a shot and whether it's the story, direction, effects, comedy, or silly scares...you'll definitely find something to love about it!

If you like The Protector or want a similar tone of a fierce group traversing through Istanbul on a quest for something...check it out!

It starts off slow, picks up a little bit then leaves you wanting to know so much more that it doesn't deliver! Huge disappointment but an enjoyable journey. Sure, the women are probably unrealistically beautiful but they add to the sexiness of a modern interpretation of vampires that you find these days, no big deal. Pure, sexy, evil ones just out to get the job done, no extra sparkles or heavy romance.

One particular feature you'll notice is that the show almost entirely showcases Istanbul at night...the grungy, trashy underworld of alleys, thugs and no tourist sights. However Americanized or inauthentic it seems to be, it's a depiction that really shines through the darkness, so to speak, and fuels the vengeful vibe of the plot.

I'm always drawn to a stylized story, flaws and all, with hotties on a hunt. Check it out if you want the usual bloodiness and a cultural twist on a vampire tale. Plus, if you speak or study any Turkish, you'll learn plenty of bad words and vulgarities, so just enjoy it!