Although not without its flaws, this is a fun and sensitive movie and it overall succeeds quite well at those two primary goals.
The main defects I think come from directing and cinematography. The filming has a "made-for-tv" feel about it that makes it seem more cheesy than it really is, although if one looks past this and focuses on the story, actors, etc., then this is not much of a problem. The directing, etc., also seems at points to miss opportunities for keeping up the momentum of humor and drama so that a few points seem a little flat, or less effective than they could have been.
Otherwise, although the story is a little unbelievable, it is funny and fun while at the same time being quite moving and sensitive. The actors, particularly some, do a good job and the characters develop pretty well. Although the idea of having amateurs do a play is hardly itself innovative (see, e.g., Cosi), this particular storyline and concept are fresh. Some scenes are absolutely hilarious, while they do a good job with the police rounding up and "auditioning" people to be actors, rehearsing while police officers are fighting with inmates in the background, etc. Throw in some gangsters, an over-the-top anti-terrorist police raid on a television station, and a wacky, surprise visit from a "European Human Rights Commission," and there are bound to be quite a few laughs that keep the humour momentum going. There is also quite a lot of emotion over the daughter's illness, her father's dead wife and relationship with his tough, old-cop father, and questioning his life, etc., that adds further depth to the film.
I should point out, though, that quite a few specific scenes or jokes will only be funny to those at least somewhat familiar with Turkey (unlike, say, Gule Gule, which has humour that is not specific to the country).
The main defects I think come from directing and cinematography. The filming has a "made-for-tv" feel about it that makes it seem more cheesy than it really is, although if one looks past this and focuses on the story, actors, etc., then this is not much of a problem. The directing, etc., also seems at points to miss opportunities for keeping up the momentum of humor and drama so that a few points seem a little flat, or less effective than they could have been.
Otherwise, although the story is a little unbelievable, it is funny and fun while at the same time being quite moving and sensitive. The actors, particularly some, do a good job and the characters develop pretty well. Although the idea of having amateurs do a play is hardly itself innovative (see, e.g., Cosi), this particular storyline and concept are fresh. Some scenes are absolutely hilarious, while they do a good job with the police rounding up and "auditioning" people to be actors, rehearsing while police officers are fighting with inmates in the background, etc. Throw in some gangsters, an over-the-top anti-terrorist police raid on a television station, and a wacky, surprise visit from a "European Human Rights Commission," and there are bound to be quite a few laughs that keep the humour momentum going. There is also quite a lot of emotion over the daughter's illness, her father's dead wife and relationship with his tough, old-cop father, and questioning his life, etc., that adds further depth to the film.
I should point out, though, that quite a few specific scenes or jokes will only be funny to those at least somewhat familiar with Turkey (unlike, say, Gule Gule, which has humour that is not specific to the country).
