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Börü (2018)
Expert film about a historical and scary night
15th of July was a dangerous night for the Republic of Turkey. A faction within the security forces including the army, controlled by the infiltrating cult of cleric Fethullah Gulen tried to take control of government in the guise of of heroes. But they were in truth it was the absolute opposite. Jailing innocent secularist officers and police for many years, their shadowy organization was responsible for the injustices and sham trials of the past decade. Through strength gained for the past 40 years, this evil organization sought to make Turkey a new Iran with their cleric at the top. That night, they became very close to achieving it.
It was the dutiful sacrifice of turkish people, that saved the night. Civilians, police and the loyalist soldiers struggled to put a stop to a brutal takeover of power. Most importantly the center characters are police special operation members who were bombed by fethullahist jets and didn't give up even after suffering more than 50 deaths.
It was a terrible and traumatic night for Turkey, brought to the big screen with Börü's wonderful skill of storytelling. It is not just stupid action but also feeling and emotion. It is sadness, feeling of betrayal and the calling of duty. Beginning with the traitorous bombing of PÖH or Police Special Operators center, we get to see and hear the events unfold until dawn from the perspective of those heroic police officers.
Even though Börü was a television miniseries, you can enjoy and be swept away by this film as a standalone. Unlike many turkish films, reality is the main concern here. The reality of their friends being martyred and the reality that their country is about to be overrun by fanatic cultists who have no care for the safety and well being of civilians or their democratically elected government. It is not a political film either. It is about the humble persons who sacrifice their of safety to put a stop to this terrible attempt at capturing governmental control. There are two aspects to the film, the character inner struggles and the outer events of the historical night that happen at the same times.
As you hear the jet and helicopter sound, the events in the capitol of Turkey, if you are turkish you will remember that awful night. But you will also feel for the police heroes at Gölbasi (Ankara district where many of the events took place). Our favorite characters like Kemal and Turan return for the film, even though they are fictional, they represent humble and braveindividuals who always jump into action for the good of their country. This is a drama film with nice action scenes in it. It is an objective applauding of civilians, police and soldiers who together stopped the coup from gaining hold.
There are emotional scenes which will resonate with the viewer because every turkish citizen remembers where they were when this frightful night happened. It was our own September 11 in a way because everyone was shocked and scared at the brutality of the night. We went to the film as a family of five and my police officer mother cried on many scenes because she knows what it took for those good guys to keep on fighting no matter whan even when the night was darkest.
That is what this film is about, fighting for the truth and the good when the night is darkest. We are forever in debt of the heroes of 15th of July no matter which political outlook you have.
Büsra (2010)
Best Turkish film in recent years
Winning critical acclaim from an overwhelming majority of Turkish critics, and creating an uproar of discussion throughout the country, this is what Turkish cinema has been waiting for.
Don't mind the score on IMDb, the ultra-conservatives in Turkey are trying to throw mud on this absolute gem of a film. In a country where even discussing this topic openly is subject to taboo, this is a courageous and beautifully rendered film full of surprises and twists.
Telling the tale of a conservative girl in Turkey, who falls in love with a liberal journalist, it depicts the exquisite story of the two faces of Turkey: secular, and religious.
With an emphasis in falling in love, and the repercussions ıf this phenomenon of belief, religion, social prejudice and loneliness, it has a solid screenplay and a beautifully minimal cast of talented young actors.
28 year old Alper Caglar has made an incredible debut with this film, and the incredible 8 minute finale of this unique love story will resonate with you for years.
Don't miss it - 10/10