Horrible, fascist and poorly acted

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

After some glorious reviews I was very curious to watch this movie. I must say I was quite disappointed all in all, but there were some positive elements as well: Sener Sen is fantastic in his performance, very convincing and his character truly shines. But that does not save the movie. I thought the main problem was an unfortunate mix of genres, which weakened the movie: it is supposed to be a drama, but there are (mainly unintended, almost ridiculous) "slapstick"-like scenes or moments in it, that makes it like a caricature of itself. Of course drama and comedy can be very close but I am not talking about true comedy here. Slapstick elements in such a serious piece of work just simply ruins it. Since I felt like laughing in some of the supposedly most serious moments, the drama in it did not truly catch my full attention. The homosexual character was so exaggerated (like a persiflage), sympathetic but very calculated jokes, then Devran is still talking and saying odd stuff whilst he is almost about to die, generally people have very dramatic expressions in there faces once they are shot dead (this could be slapstick, truly!) or the girl's comment about Devrans "best male piece" not being as big as Murats, and Devrans reaction to it (slapstick pure!) and this unfortunate mixture just took so much away from the movie. I got distracted and even noticed some minor imperfections in editing or logic of scenes(which I normally don't tend to notice). For example, Ali Osman uses Murats mobile phone to call his friend and just presses one button (like a repeat call) but it is impossible that his friends number is saved in Murats phone as he does not even know him! Karaca is seriously injured by the shooting in the bar, she is in hospital etc and suddenly the injury seems to be gone, she is back to normal! All of this is a pity, as Sener Sen truly shines in his role, but alas this is not a solo performance.

Kabadayi was made very close to Eskiya. After the success of Eskiya, I think Yavuz Turgul tried to catch an opportunity with the same concept. If he use different story, I bet he would signed a signature on better movie.Sener Sen was artistic indeed, he can play every kind of character with an accomplishment. I got astonished with the performance of Kenan Imirzalioglu. I did not think that he would play successfully bad tempered characters, bu he proved that he could. As always Rasim Oztekin did great performance. Performances of Ismail Hacioglu, Asli Tandogan and Süleyman Turan were not on the attic, I can say that they were distributed in the middle level.Typical from 1970's Turkish movies cliché's were used in Kabadayi. There were humor also in the body of the movie. When the action goes on, we can hear funny jokes from characters. That makes smoother the story.On the whole Kabadayi is a good movie but do not build your expectations on the peek.

I don't understand how people review this film so highly, it just didn't do it for me. It has no story to tell, same old, same old...(Boy loves girl, girl loves boy, good guy vs bad guy).I was expecting something entirely different from Yavuz Turgul and Omer Vargi, specially after releasing a classy looking trailers and posters. From what it seems they were brainwashing the audience by getting them to believe that they are awaiting something different and unique.The only way to sum-up my opinion about this film, is to write the good and bad of this film: BAD: Story (Cliché), Directing (Amature),Dialogue (Do they ever shut up!!), Acting "Asli Tandogan, Ismail Hacioglu" (Fake), Paste and Visuals (doesn't exist! Again too much dialogue!), Length (140 minutes, are they gone MAD!!!), Makeup/Hair/Costumes: very unrealistic "Murat - Bob Marley?!!") GOOD: Cinematography (Professional), Sener Sen (Great performance as usual),Kenan Imirzalioglu (convincing, not as good as his previews film "Son osmanli", but OK), Music (lyrical & Moody, very Hollywood, but debatable wither fits this film or not), Sound design and effects(obviously a very professional work, but not suitable, made the film sound like an action film), Editing (Decent).What also botheres me, is the lack of continuity: halfway through the film, girl gets shot(crucial surgery), few minutes later as if nothing ever happened.Overall it's a disappointment, save your money for a better film.2/10 a wake up call!!!

I proclaim that, from the day this film was released on, Turkish cinema exists! Monumental acting (Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, first time in his decade old career, is an actor in this one, and perfectly so), consistent storyline with all taboos hitherto nigh untouchable (corrupt Police, state relations of organized crime, torture and humiliation in prison and under custody etc.) turned upside down in a gentle and natural way not over-pressing things in a fist waving manner, a very well done final scene in which you swing between tears and laughter and overall bright regie... No Shakespearean heroes/villains cliché of Turkish films/TV; crafty and in depth character building and realization with an antagonist whom you almost pity.Especially a gem if you wish to hear the Istanbul dialect of Turkish, which is mostly fading into memories with the older generations, spoken with character and attire.Most recommended. (Heavy swearing and mild sexuality warning)