Esaret

Cenk Torun's portrayal of his character Orhun is Oscar winning; equally so is Mahassine Merabet's portrayal of Hira.

Hilal Anay as Meryem and Ali Yagiz Durmus as Kenan also give outstanding performances.

From the opening scene of the first episode to the 100th episode (so far), you will be captivated by the multiple storylines, that weave and develop through the series, and the emotional rollercoaster.

There is intrigue, secrets and webs of lies that slowly unfold and come to light, innocence, pure hearts, strength to stand tall and never to lose faith or hope, remorse and regret when the truth that is sought is revealed, and love.

Friendships and the surprisingly turn of events and emotions, enthralls you into the series.

Just when you wish something will happen or wonder why something hasn't happened or want characters to meet, it happens. The writers have done wonderful storylines. The entire crew and production team are to be congratulated on the setting, the music and the production of this fantastic series.

If you have little bit patience, you will discover Esaret as the most romantic and unique love story in the world. This is an artistic TV show, a depiction of true love. Initial trauma is necessary to understand the outstanding qualities of innocent Hira (perfectly played by beautiful Mahassine Merabet) and how she went about changing the tyrant personality of elite Ottoman royal family heir Orhun Demirhanli (played by best actor in the world Cenk Torun). Esaret is free from vulgar and does not treat women as objects. If you seek true romantic show, this is the one!

Orhun himself had a traumatic upbringing by her strict Royal family mother Afifa. Hira goes about healing Orhun in an unique way.

Most of the poor reviews were done at the beginning of this show. Yes, it can be a bit of abuse but that is part of the story. As someone that has watched from ep1 to current episode multiple times, you really need to wait for the story to get better. At least Hira's and Orhun story (Main Characters). You get to learn on why Orhun is so cold hearted and doesn't know limits. He is also in pain for losing his twin sister. But once he gets to learn the truth about Hira, he does everything to make up for what he did to her. He realizes, how much he loves her and can't be without her. He even learns to let his vulnerable side for everyone to see. Now Hira, is an angel. She is the sweetest and most considerate person of all. Even with all the hell that Orhun puts her thru, she always thinks of him. She falls in love but doesn't really know what is feeling (she is very innocent as she didn't get to experience a whole lot due to being a slave). She always tries to make it right to him. Not only for guilt but because Orhun's sister asked her to save him. We are still not sure from what but my theory is from the families curse as they are a "Royal" family. A noble status that the mom has taken way to serious and has ruined their family.

Now Meryem and Kenan. That story is just too sad. No matter how much you try to watch! It's just to sad to keep watching and it also makes you angry. All the bad things that happen is because of Meryem. All her pain and sadness is self created. If she would just be honest with Kenan, all her problems would be resolved. From heartache to being poor. Her dad Rasheed, will piss you off. He is the biggest POS. He just needs to go away.

The actors are pretty good. Of course just like any drama/series, there can be mishaps from the actors. They need to get to know each other more and grow their chemistry as the series keep going.

Seriously, just give this series a try. You will get hooked. So hooked that you will even try to learn Turkish to not wait for CC or someone else to translate it :D.

I struggled if to review this series or not but I think some warnings have to be issued. You should be able to tolerate watching a lot of abuse if you want to watch this one.

This series is all about abuse on women.

We can start with Meryems mother (abusive husband), Meryem herself (abusive husband and abusive father that sells her for money), Meryems daughter (witness to all the abuse going on in the house) and Hira.

Let us focus on the main couple Hira and Orhun.

Orhun thinks, that Hira killed his twin sister and therefore tortures her for 26 episodes now. Here we have the whole package: starving her, intimidating her, forcefully grabbing and hurting her, letting her spend the night in a grave, shooting at her (but not shooting her), putting her in chains, the psychological terror by threatening her to take her honor and so on. Hira is terrified of Orhun and this shows in every single one of their interactions. She cries, she trembles, she backs away, she dares not look at him....watching all of this and thinking, that THIS should develop into a romance turns my stomach. Promoting, that a woman will fall in love with her abuser is wrong on so many levels - Stockholm syndrome and love are not the same thing!

Two stars for the actors.

Never having watched a Turkish series before I am so glad to have started with Esaret!!

It is full of thrilling action and suspense and a lot of tender moments.

The cast is so good (you love the charater's you should love and dislike the charater's you're supposed to, that in my book is great acting) and the story keeps moving along quite well.

Just reached episode 95 I have a long way to go and can't wait!!

It did want me to learn Turkish (like one reviewer wrote too) because my only issue is with the slow translation from Turkish to English captions.

I feel sometimes I am missing something important to the story, but that won't stop me from watching.

Also, the music is fantastic especially the opening melody.

Love love the Esaret series.!!!!!!!!