User reviews

Seen at the Warsaw IFF 2014.

Selman is an imam, conducting prayers in a small mosque in the city. He lives a rather peaceful life, playing chess via text messages and practicing baglama (a Turkish stringed instrument). Until one day two shots are fired inside the mosque and one of the praying men collapses to the floor. All hell breaks loose and - to make things worse - his dear daughter introduces her husband-to-be...

The film is not flawless. Perhaps there's a bit too much a bit silly music in it (NOT the songs - those are brilliant), maybe the climax scene is a little too long. But believe me, those are minor flaws; what you remember when leaving the cinema is a delightful mixture of a classic whodunnit, a funny (sometimes very funny) comedy and a modern look on Muslim religion illustrated by very well thought over photography (the Turks have been getting us used to it lately) and flawlessly performed (see the last comment). It's a thrill ride also, the plot thickens, new threads develop and - yes, you guessed it - nearly everybody around could benefit or at least wish the victim death.

Go see it and have fun.

This was the first Turkish crime film I have seen. It also has elements of action, drama, thriller, and just enough humor to make the whole thing palatable.

At prayer in a mosque in Istanbul, a member of the small congregation is shot dead right before the eyes of the Imam. It turns out the victim was a loan shark, and soon the muezzin is under suspicion.

The imam is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes in that he plays chess, boxes well, and even plays the baglama (saz) in concerts, a Turkish folk instrument similar to a bouzouki or lute. But due to his position he has more of a Father-Brown-like role.

Everything happens in a small community in which everybody seems to know everybody. The plot is very intricate and probably has a number of minor holes, but it was easy to follow anyway.

The following short exchange, after the muezzin didn't do his job, first made me realize that this film was going to subvert some of my expectations:

Imam: Where were you?

Muezzin: At the church.

Imam: How is Ms. Ani?

Muezzin: Not well. They are praying.

Later we actually see the Armenian church (and hear part of the Mozart Requiem). Alevites (another barely tolerated minority in Turkey) also play a role.

The imam is a convincing proponent of the approach to religion that puts humans and doing the right thing first, rooted in a strong faith in God. He is religiously tolerant and is willing to risk his life to set things right -- while not going so far as to throw it away. After all, he is a (widowed) father.

Overall, this is a solid, well-rounded film that tries to be many things at the same time -- and is quite successful in this.

I watched it on TV and I can honestly say that you don't get bored while watching because it's escapist.

Acting is not good or bad, I mean they are moderate players.

You'll see different and poisonous side of religion.

Relationship of complicated and intricate people

Someone mentioned like the BGM was so dull.. but I believe that the BGM make movie wonderful and screen play was awesome ... Acting more the main star is Super 👍