Good idea lost in the noise

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

I absolutely loved this movie. My mother is Greek and I was raised more Greek than my German father's heritage. I know the Greek mindset and the subtle and not so subtle ways of manipulation and political intrigue. This movie in the first hour exactly portrays the clever manipulation of all parties concerned to achieve their respective goals. I am also an independent scholar of everything Byzantine. Too often a battle movie only centers on the war strategy, the action scenes and the political statement the writers which to convey. The Eastern Roman empire after their defeat at Manzikert in 1071 was in severe decline thereafter. The only manner, therefore, in which the "Byzantine" empire was able to continue for so long afterwards was by political manipulation and payoffs. The ending obviously shows the writers' intent on being a pro-Turkish movie at the expense of some minor points in its historical portrayal. But, there is nothing of historical discrepancy I found that was fatal to the story. In fact, the story does not go far enough in showing how Mehmet II rebuilt the city by rebuilding the population with Christians and even Jews. He showed religious tolerance and even re-established the Greek Orthodox Patriarchy. I could go on and on about the wonderful manner in which Mehmet governed Constantinople after the conquest, and it shows his unique genius. Therefore, I understand why the Turks emulate him so much. Regarding some of the historical discrepancies some viewers point out in their reviews, there is much about the battle we simply do not have a definitive account: Was a gate left open on purpose or by mistake? And was this gate the reason why the city fell? Did Constantine XI die in battle or did he commit suicide? How many men did Mehmet actually have? How many men did Constantine XI have? One thing is sure, many of us have been wrongfully assuming Constantinople was a weak city which was easy to conquer. There is no evidence of this. The empire was non-existent. Yet, in fact the walls of the city were in good repair having been strengthened before the siege. Therefore, I believe the director took what pieces of discrepant history he thought important to adapt to his theme of the movie. I have no historical problem with the director's approach. The set pieces and art direction were superb. The battle scenes wonderfully done. The acting breathless.

Just another Turkish propaganda film,this time,even,ridicoulosy done,in all the ways.From the totally invented historics,to the plastic cheap costume....incredible is the wor.incredible is that Re people that givin this a dood feview....again.impossible even go considdr it "cinema"... Thx.

a politic tool. obvious subjective, not interested by historical accuracy, sketch of a great event for the Eastern Europe, portrait of a hero and not the inspired manner to present the Byzance. but the nationalist purpose is only one of its direction. it has of poetry and flavor of old fairy tale, it has nice scenes of fight and decent acting. and far to impress, it is not real a waste of time. it is only a Turkish story. not correct , not fair play, using, not surprise for the East, clichés about the self courage and virtues and force. it is not a bad or a good film. because it has not ambition to be more than "our version of events". "our truth" . and, for a Romanian as me, after the historical movies by Sergiu Nicolaescu , this film could not be a surprise. only a meeting with well known ingredients.

The movies is built on a premise that a great siege is taking place, but what's not mentioned is that basically, most of the people have long left Constantinople, or died from the plague, and there are only 7000 soldiers left.That is up against a huge army of 100,000 Ottomans, the huge Ottoman fleet, and even European siege technicians who had taken the Sultans gold to work for him.If anything, the heroes of the movie should be the Greek Byzantines and the people who came to help them, who held out for 2 months against an army more than 10 times their own size, for two months.Some nice battle scenes, and it is well shot, but the drama element is unfortunately just propaganda presumably made for the Turkish public and I don't think does a lot for Turkish relations with other countries.Hopefully one day someone will make a decent movie about the fall of Constantinople - an historic event worthy of it. But this ain't it.