Killing the Shadows

I would like to thank and congratulate Ezel Akay who is also directed another good comedy "Neredesin Firuze" for this marvelous film with a very good story, extraordinary performances of Haluk Bilginer, Sebnem Donmez, Beyazit Ozturk, Aysen Gruda and others and with a wonderful soundtrack.

I agree that the story of the film is based on rumors and folk stories, but it must also be said that the historical background is realistic. It helps understanding the historical and cultural environment of Anatolia in 13th and 14th century. Disintegration of Seljuk rule, Mongol invasion, rise of Ottomans, islamization of both Anatolia and Turkmen tribes, role of women in an early Islamic society, life and beliefs of Turkmen tribes, collapsing Bisance and more are the historical background of the film which successfully enlivens these serious subjects with a humorous story. It must also be added that the soundtrack of the film is based on the historical Turkish music with a contemporary performance.

I strongly recommend this film not only to everyone who is interested in these issues but also to everyone who wants to have a good time and enjoy.

With its plot, actors, and artistic direction, there is no doubt that this movie is the best of Turkish cinema. The historical background is well studied, surveyed and depicted with a whimsical style. A true expression of the 13th Century Anatolia with its turmoil in the region is illustrated with fantastic humor and warm acting.

Although the movie does not claim to be a pure comedy, with its wit, satire, and critical humor, it is also one of the best Turkish comedies.

The most powerful part of the movie are the dialogs between the main characters "Hacivat" and "Karagoz" who are now the lead characters of Turkish traditional shadow play. Their lives unknown, they are remembered to be two contrasting characters, one of which coming from the educated class, and the other from the nomadic illiterate tribes.

Despite its historical setting, the story is still valid today considering the political setting in the world and freedom of speech.

Rivayetlere göre yasamis iki kisisin hüzünlü sonu.. Güzel film tadinda.

Firstly, the movie is not in comedy genre at all, and not pretending to be. Director continue his vivid style in costume, place, speech and casting in his second big hit. He offers more than expected and screening a tale that the world of 'Hacivat ve Karagöz' simulate an alive one referencing today with its own details.

Some traditions lasting till 'day is a heritage from old tribes lived before Ottoman Empire and Islam. These proved but not accepted truths has wounded a wide group of people in Turkey because of the position of Islam in Turkey; old shaman belief, former folks, lost traditions, secretly surviving believes and suppressed nations in Anatolia..

The movie points out bribe, position of women in society, naiveness of religious belief, statesman's tricks, cultural mixture, habits transferred by nations and humor as a criticism.

Lastly, this tale, a milestone for Turkish cinema with it's unique technique, is a political review with a historical base which stars two famous shadow players.

I have never seen such a good movie, including GORA, after the legendary Turkish movie, "Eskiya", whose player is the best player in Turkish movie history, Sener Sen.

Haluk Bilginer shows his tremendous performance ability in this movie. The young shining star Beyazit Ozturk has also a good player and his acting in this movie is remarkable.

I love the scenario, which is mostly entertaining and also finish with a tragic end.

In this movie you can watch the first signals and also source of the fall of the Great Empire, Ottomans, at the first phases. This movie is a must watch with wonderful musics, acting and video quality.