This is How Movies Should Be Made

Some things I liked some I did not.

Let's be realistic.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

This movie is an attempt to create a modern Turkish detective movie, which also aims to demonstrate a moody atmosphere. There's almost no Turkish detective movie to trace back that would help us to compare, so we can assume this movie tries to accommodate an approach. It's not an easy task, since our view is hugely affected by Hollywood movies. The movie indicates Turkish lifestyle, traditions, relationships and death.The very thing you might appreciate about this film is probably acting - but not the acting by minor characters. Cem Yilmaz, in particular, exhibits the most notable performance in this movie. Other major characters' performances vary from "almost good" to "so so". Minor characters' performances are generally "below so so" with some exceptions.While the plot is not the strongest aspect of this movie, the revealing of the story makes things a little more mediocre. You may even sense the atmosphere is crumbling beyond a point. Nevertheless, there are no unnatural absurdities, no unnecessary exaggerations and no forced heroes. Some of the nuances and references are amusing or interesting and they're enhancing the experience.The genre is somewhat new for Turkish cinema. What do I mean? First of all, expectations should not be high. And second, introducing a movie in an unexplored genre makes things interesting, makes it a different experience. Yes, there are so many better movies from Turkish cinema, from Yavuz Turgul or from this genre. But just don't keep your expectancies too high, you may actually enjoy this movie.

Let me start with the pros as there are not much: 1- The cinematography is really beautiful, probably one of the best in the last decade of Turkish cinema 2- the direction is also very aptly handled with a particular eye for the details 3- the main concept is also intriguing, this is not your typical 'who did it' crime thriller with lots of red herrings thrown at you that leads to a twist at the end, instead this flick aspires to be a character study with some obvious influence from 'se7en' and 'zodiac'. But unfortunately the illogical script and the 'refined' dialogues makes this an utter failure. It was like watching the screenplay being recited, something which becomes unbearable after half an hour or something. The dialogues do not sound authentic at all, they are more like a translation from English. Just one example will suffice: The veteran homicide detective answers a call by the medical examiner saying: 'give me some good news' in Turkish, a phrase that I have never heard a Turk utter, ever. There are so many plot holes and unrealistic scenes (like small-time drug dealers with semi-automatic weapons shooting randomly at police... come on)but what is more frustrating is the lack of character development for a movie that presents itself as a character study rather than a mere thriller.We never really understand why f.e. our main character 'hunter' is indeed called hunter. It is said many times that he is a legend in the homicide department because; well, he hunts the killers and always catches them. But in this case he really never does anything. He spots a car that they are looking for from 10 meters and recognizes a 500000 $ worth shotgun after recently seeing it and in the remaining time wanders aimlessly and ask questions that lead to nowhere. The writing is not different for his partner 'deli' either. He actually shows no interest in the case throughout the whole movie, even being scolded by his boss, the 'hunter', for his lack of interest. But out of the blue this case-the very same case he never seems to take serious- becomes to be the last straw in his demise. So there is no point in assessing the cast because no one could really pull of some genuine acting given such pretentious dialogues and ludicrous screenplay. And the final scene where all the plot is dictated by monologues; well let me just say that: it is an insult to the intelligence of the viewers.

Like the other great Turgul & Şen movies Eşkıya, Gönül Yarası and Kabadayı; Av Mevsimi (hunting season in English) has already enrolled to most Turkish people's favorite movies list. No one can disagree that Şener Şen is today's best actor in Turkey and has become a legend. Besides his wonderful performance, the contributions from Cem Yılmaz and Çetin Tekindor (he is a great actor too!) made this film unforgettable. Cem Yılmaz, whom we are familiar with stand-up shows, proved that he can be serious if he wants. Especially, Cem Yılmaz was outstanding where he and Çetin Tekindor were in a battle royal. Melisa Sözen, who played the only important woman role, saved the movie from being a men's movie. We are looking forward to see new Turgul & Şen movie, please do not make us wait too long!

As a writer and directer of many fine films, Yavuz Turgul should be quite happy with the results of Av Mevsimi. I don't speak much Turkish at all, but the film was easily understood since I'm a big fan of crime dramas and mysteries. This film does not disappoint. Cem Yilmaz was outstanding as he stepped into a more serious role which is quite rare. I beg to see him in more roles of this nature in the future. His talent exceeds even those of his US counterparts. Sener Sen is quite the actor as usual. It's always an honor to see him perform. A new face adding balance to the storyline was Okan Yalabik. Never to be considered a 'bumbling rookie', he merely provided an atypical side to the feature portraying a rookie struggling to find his niche in life. Outstanding film with much applause. My thanks goes out to my dear wife for taking me out for a day at the movies.