Que tengas buen viaje

As "Godspeed" (2022 release from Turkey; 119 min.) opens, we are introduced to Salih, and ex-army captain who lost his left leg in combat. Salih and Karim, who served under him as a lieutenant, are about to hit the road, "to crash a wedding", per Salih. Whose wedding? And why travel 700 km in an old (1974) Mercedes which Salih has faithfully restored to its former glory? At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from veteran Turkish director Mehmet Ada Oztekin. Here he looks at the long shadows of combat-induced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and how it affects not just one guy (Salih), but indeed everyone around him. The movie is structured as a road movie, as Salih and Karim drive to the wedding and along the way run into unexpected challenges and situations, but it is in the flashbacks that we find out what exactly happened in Salih in combat and later as he is in the hospital. Even though these events unfold in Turkey, the themes explored in this film are universal and timeless, as indeed the characters are easily relatable for us American viewers. This film is not for anyone in a hurry, but you will be rewarded plenty for it.

"Godspeed" premiered on Netflix earlier this week. If you are in the mood for a foreign road movie with a lot of underlying emotional drama and as portrayed by well developed characters, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Heart breaking story about consequences of war. The story of the friendship of captain Salih and liutenant Kerim is tell in a way of a very particular road trip, one that to understand you will need to watch with attention.

The acting is outstanding, as well as the music and photography.

I highly recommend this story to people that like touching and well acting dramas.

The film, adapted from Hakan Evrensel's novel of the same name, produced by Lanistar Media and Same Film, directed by Mehmet Ada Öztekin, starring Engin Akyürek and Tolga Saritas, was released on Netflix on May 23, 2022.

Mehmet ada oztekin definitely understood this job...

Öztekin is always in the director's chair whenever there is a work on netflix that can be watched lately.

The movie is technically very good.

4k dolby vision image and 5.1.2 channel dolby atmos sound reinforce the story of the movie.

I felt those explosions and gunshots in my heart...

It's a movie that stirs you till the end with truth and traumas.

The movie illustrates another dimension of Engin's skills and acting power. Tolga also came through and reveals to be a perfect companion. What a brilliant combination!

A masterful piece... Engin Akyürek is awesome in his new character and such in control of his role. He never ceases to amaze us with his supreme and brilliant acting.

A story that values friendship, relationship and respect for everything on earth and from which many lessons can be learned.

You can't help admiring Engin Akyürek and the movie over and over again....though makes you cry each time.

My standing ovation to EnginAkyürek and my salutations to TolgaSaritas.

A must watch movie.

The film is a masterpiece with its cinematography, music scoring, plot, performances by the actors... Endless thanks to everyone who contributed to this: symphony of landscapes, the harmony of notes, the poetry of gazes, the visual feast of the performances, the ocean-depth of emotions.