Bir Başkadır - Acht Menschen in Istanbul

Turkish cinema has produced 2 phenomenal work of art in last decade. First one, Persona (2018), which was the rebirth, silver lining of the long dead performance arts, and Ethos showed us that Persona was just a beginning for a lot to come.

Do you want to be more knowledgable on Turkey? Watch this series. A deep humanitarian story, excellent acting, universal questions, beautifully told!

As a Greek I can relate to both modern and traditional aspects of contemporary Turkey. It was not much different here 60-70 years ago. But I couldn't expect to be confronted with such a magnetising masterpiece that I couldn't let off, watching all 8 episodes in one go. The actors are brilliant without exception, camera is partially silently shocking, images captured are impregnated in a spectator's head, the story will bring tears to your eyes but most important: not one character is good or bad. They are all both good and bad, making them exceptionally human.

So, who is this director? Who are these actors? Why can't we have more from them?

I am an Anglo Canadian for context. This series is among the finest I have seen in a long time. This gem needs no polishing. Every aspect is absorbing without any pretentions. Despite the cultural setting of multiple slices of Turkish society enveloped in secular and traditional tensions; each of the characters was well developed and very real. The interactions between the characters are so brilliantly crafted they elevate the drama beyond national borders. The actors are completely new to me but have become instantly memorable. A follow-up series? Just do it!

I'm not turkish but I visited several times, the show explains a lot of the contrast in lifestyle and culture present in Turkey. I love that the writing is not biased against any of the social levels and the scenario is very natural and sincere The cinematography, music and acting is excellet. I think personally a lot of international audience can relate to the story as alot of communities have the same polarisation within that feels like the fabric of the society is no longer consistent. Its the same here in Egypt and Middle East in general. We are exposed to same socio-economic and political unbalance, so its no surprise we reach the same outcomes. I can't wait for more episodes to be released! Please keep up the good work.