Act of Vengeance

It was worth viewing for me as a Turkish language learner, though I have seen way better Turkish films. It does not lack the positive message, the peace and acceptance toward other religions, some kind of motif related to the return of prodigal son, mother son relationship, vengeance and a surprising unexpected ending. Those familiar with Mustafa Sandal the singer will recognize him in the person of one of the agents, the other one is played by the director himself. The main character is impersonated by Haluk Bilginer who until the mid nineties acted in Britain. Also one can see other familiar faces, like Robert Patrick, Danny Glover. I can't write full quotes, but I can tell some views of Hadji which contain something like every religion is the love of God which brings to Him, killing will make you go to hell, dying brings you to meet God. He shows full acceptance of Christians, his wife is Christian and her daughter marries a Christian.

Started off promising enough, however soon descended into lectures, stereotypes and an unbelievably unsophisticated sequence of events. All leading to a bizarre conclusion.

Without giving anything away: The protagonists make free use of cellphones apparently unaware of the concept of phone-taps. The FBI is unaware of even basic stakeout procedure, all suspects hide in plain sight and have a regular stream of visitors under the (very broken) radar of the law enforcing agencies. Danny Glover's character is himself not very clear what he is up to.

In short, the big budget and the big name cast are squandered for want of a half reasonable screenplay. Shame really.

This movie spared all effort to put into perspective the authority pursuit of terrorists across the Atlantic. It successfully depicts that despite the claim that war against terrorism is not war against Islam, when vengeance underscore motivation, vindication transcends borders of respects. For a movie, it was well directed, well acted, and the presentation quite successfully moved the audience to experience the multitude of human emotions that filled and colored the characters portrayed in the movie. All in all, this movie is a gem that will give the audience an alternative scenario and perspective in the fight against terrorism, especially given the the theater is filled to the brim with the Hollywood version of anti-terrorism, that are often distorted and certainly one-sided.

This movie attempted to put into light the true Islam, albeit there are fundamental differences to what some may argue as to the 'truer' teachings of Islam would otherwise preach, as opposed to the more secular and somewhat liberated Islam as Turkey is practicing. While the attempt is commendable, the less informed audience may presume this is true of Islam. Case in point, Turkey is about the only country that accepts Muslims marrying Christian. But the well spoken message that a terrorist is automatically a non-Muslim, deserves an applaud.

Needless, this movie is not about teaching. And for the entertainment value, this movie is an outright winner.

I have to say I strongly disagree with Mz Haneke, This is a solid - almost - Hollywood quality action movie bringing up the Islamofoby issue which was probably orchestrated by certain policy makers to create a terrorist enemy that they could use whenever they need one. Story's good, most of the actors acted well, the scenery and the action scenes were very well shot indeed. The terrorist groups looked terrifying to us Muslims as much as they would to Non-Muslims and I believe what is told in the movie really touches to the reality. I watched it as I watched an episode of "24" and I'd like to congratulate all the people involved in the shooting of this film. And please... the multimillion dollar movie "The Expendables" -although I like every actor in that movie very much - were more a disappointment for me for it's storyline and acting. If that was a blockbuster, "Five Minarets in New York" is no less. And yes, I'm not a movie-critic, just a movie-goer but I do have a taste in films, I rarely admire much. Nice work!

At first i have to admit that i was prejudiced against Mahsun Kirmizigul before watching his movies like most people around me. "He is a singer , right? How come he could direct a movie and write its script at the same time? No way!" said several times. But after watching his movies, i am impressed with his talent. This film was criticized unjustly and it was wrong! Yes, there is some script holes so what? They are not disturbingly apparent... The action scenes were good,in emotional scenes i watched it with tears in my eyes and actor performances were quite good, especially Haluk Bilginer, Suna Selen (mother of Haluk Bilginer in the movie) and Gina Gershon . I really enjoyed watching it very much. What else do you expect by going to a movie anyway? I give 7 over 10 and i was worth it for sure...

Lastly, i really want to see this movie on the theaters outside Turkey. Because the issues in the movie is universal and they were handled quite well: prejudice against Islam, terrorism and the violence that changes lives.