Eskiya

In 1996, a Turkish movie called "Eskiya" was released, which quickly became a sensation in the country's film industry. Directed by Yavuz Turgul and starring Sener Sen, the movie tells the story of a retired gangster who returns to his old life to help a friend, only to find himself caught up in a web of betrayal and violence. The movie was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, earning numerous awards and breaking box office records in Turkey.

But what is it about "Eskiya" that made it such a hit? Was it the compelling storyline, the superb acting, or the stunning cinematography? Or was it something more profound, like the movie's exploration of themes such as loyalty, friendship, and redemption?

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of "Eskiya" and explore its many facets. We will examine the movie's plot, characters, and themes, and analyze its significance in Turkish cinema. We will also look at the cultural and social context in which the movie was released, and how it resonated with audiences in Turkey and beyond.

But before we dive into the details, let's take a step back and consider why movies like "Eskiya" matter. What is it about cinema that captures our imagination and touches our hearts? Is it the escapism it offers, the chance to enter a different world and forget our troubles for a while? Or is it something deeper, like the ability to connect with others, to empathize with their struggles, and to see the world through their eyes?

Whatever the reason, there is no denying the power of movies to move us, to inspire us, and to change us. And "Eskiya" is no exception. So, sit back, relax, and let's explore the world of this remarkable movie together.

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As a huge fan of classic movies, I recently re-watched "The Godfather" from 1972 and I have to say, it still holds up as one of the greatest films of all time.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the Corleone family, a powerful mafia dynasty, as they navigate through the changing landscape of organized crime in America. The patriarch of the family, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), must deal with rival gangs and internal power struggles while trying to maintain the balance of power in his organization. Meanwhile, his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) must step up to take over the family business and protect his loved ones from harm.

Cinematography

One of the standout aspects of "The Godfather" is its cinematography. Director Francis Ford Coppola and cinematographer Gordon Willis created a visual style that perfectly captures the dark and gritty world of the mafia. The use of low lighting, shadows, and close-ups creates a sense of intimacy and tension that draws the viewer into the story.

Strong Points

The strong point of "The Godfather" lies in its complex characters and compelling storyline. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of the Corleone family and their struggles, making them both sympathetic and terrifying. The performances by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino are outstanding, and the supporting cast including James Caan and Robert Duvall, are equally impressive.

Weak Points

While it's hard to find any weak points in such a classic film, some viewers may find the pacing slow at times. The movie takes its time to build tension and develop its characters, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Personal Opinion

Personally, I think "The Godfather" is a masterpiece of cinema. Its iconic scenes and memorable quotes have become a part of pop culture, and its influence can be seen in countless films that followed. The movie offers a rare glimpse into the world of organized crime, and its exploration of themes such as loyalty, family, and power make it a timeless classic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Godfather" is a must-watch for any movie lover. Its cinematography, performances, and storytelling are all top-notch, and it remains a benchmark for what great cinema can achieve. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. You won't be disappointed.

"Goodfellas" is a classic crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 1990. The movie is based on the life of a real-life gangster, Henry Hill, who was a member of the Lucchese crime family in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s.

Plot Summary

The movie revolves around the life of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, who is a young man aspiring to become a gangster. He is taken under the wing of mobster Paul Cicero, played by Paul Sorvino, and his associates Jimmy Conway, played by Robert De Niro, and Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci. As Henry rises in the ranks of the mafia, he finds himself entangled in a web of violence, deceit, and betrayal.

Impressions

One of the things that make "Goodfellas" special is the way it portrays the life of a gangster. The movie does not romanticize the lifestyle or the characters. Instead, it presents them as they are – violent, ruthless, and immoral.

The movie is also known for its cinematography, which is masterfully done. Scorsese uses a variety of techniques, such as freeze frames, jump cuts, and tracking shots, to create a sense of urgency and intensity.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of the movie is its cast. Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci all give outstanding performances, bringing their characters to life in a way that is both believable and captivating. The supporting cast is also excellent, with actors such as Paul Sorvino, Lorraine Bracco, and Frank Sivero adding depth and complexity to the story.

Another strong point of the movie is its pacing. Despite its 146-minute runtime, the movie never feels slow or boring. The story moves along at a brisk pace, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the characters' fates.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of the movie is its depiction of women. Female characters are largely relegated to the background, and those that do have speaking roles are often portrayed as nagging or unfaithful.

Another weak point of the movie is its violence. While the violence is not gratuitous, it is still quite graphic and may be difficult for some viewers to watch.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I think "Goodfellas" is an excellent movie. The performances are top-notch, the cinematography is stunning, and the story is both compelling and thought-provoking. While the movie may not be for everyone due to its violence and subject matter, I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime dramas or is interested in the mafia. In my opinion, "Goodfellas" is a must-see for anyone who considers themselves a fan of cinema.

Oh man, have you seen Scarface? It's a wild ride from start to finish! This 1983 classic directed by Brian De Palma is a crime drama that follows the story of Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, as he rises to power in the drug world of Miami.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the life of Tony Montana as he arrives in Miami as a Cuban refugee and quickly gets involved in the drug trade. Along with his friend Manny, played by Steven Bauer, Tony begins to climb the ranks of the drug world, eventually becoming a powerful and ruthless kingpin. Along the way, Tony becomes involved with Elvira Hancock, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, and his relationship with her becomes a key plot point in the film. As Tony's power and influence grow, he becomes more paranoid and violent, leading to a bloody and tragic ending.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of Scarface is the incredible performances from the cast. Al Pacino delivers an unforgettable performance as Tony Montana, bringing a level of intensity and energy to the character that is unmatched. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer delivering excellent performances as well.

Another strong point of the film is the incredible cinematography. From the opening shot of the film, the visuals are stunning and perfectly capture the gritty and violent world of the drug trade. The use of color and lighting is masterful and adds a layer of depth to the film that is often overlooked in crime dramas.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of Scarface is the excessive violence and drug use portrayed in the film. While this is certainly a reflection of the world the characters inhabit, some viewers may find it difficult to watch at times.

Another potential weak point is the length of the film. Clocking in at over 2 hours and 45 minutes, Scarface can feel a bit long at times and may drag in certain scenes.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I think Scarface is a masterpiece of a film. The performances from the cast are incredible, the cinematography is stunning, and the story is gripping from beginning to end. While the excessive violence and drug use may not be for everyone, I think it adds to the realism and authenticity of the story. If you're a fan of crime dramas or just looking for a wild ride, Scarface is a must-watch.

City of God: A Beautifully Chaotic Masterpiece

If you're looking for a movie that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, then "City of God" is definitely a movie to watch. Released in 2002, this movie is directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. It is based on a true story and is set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The movie follows the life of a young boy named Rocket, who grows up in the City of God, a slum that is notorious for gang violence and drug trafficking. Rocket dreams of becoming a photographer, but he is constantly surrounded by the violence and corruption that plagues the city. As he grows older, he becomes friends with a gangster named Li'l Zé, who is determined to dominate the drug trade in the City of God.

The plot of this movie is beautifully chaotic, and it is a testament to the directors' skills that they were able to capture the essence of life in a Brazilian slum so accurately. The story jumps back and forth in time, and we see the lives of the characters unfold in a nonlinear fashion. This adds to the tension and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.

Strong Points: The Cinematography and Acting

The cinematography in this movie is breathtaking. The vibrant colors of the slum, the use of slow-motion shots, and the creative camera angles all come together to create a visually stunning movie. The use of music is also brilliant. The soundtrack features a mix of Brazilian music, hip-hop, and funk, which adds to the atmosphere of the movie.

The acting in this movie is also top-notch. The majority of the actors were non-professionals, but they all deliver powerful performances. Alexandre Rodrigues, who plays Rocket, is particularly impressive. He conveys a wide range of emotions and is able to hold his own against the more experienced actors in the cast.

Weak Points: The Violence and Brutality

One of the weak points of this movie is the violence and brutality that is depicted. The movie does not shy away from showing the harsh reality of life in the slums, and some scenes may be difficult to watch for some viewers. However, this is also what makes the movie so powerful. It shows the consequences of poverty and the impact it has on the lives of those who live in the slums.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Movie

Overall, "City of God" is a must-watch movie. It is a powerful and emotional story that is beautifully told. The cinematography, acting, and soundtrack all come together to create a masterpiece. While the violence and brutality may be difficult to watch, it is a necessary part of the story. This movie is a reminder that poverty and violence are still very real issues in many parts of the world, and it is up to us to do what we can to make a difference.

The Departed: A Thrilling Crime Drama

The Departed is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2006. The movie is based on the Hong Kong movie Infernal Affairs and is set in Boston. The movie features an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson.

Plot Summary

The Departed follows two young men, Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Damon), who grew up in the same area of Boston. Billy goes undercover into a gang led by Costello (Nicholson) to bring them down, while Colin infiltrates the police department to help Costello. As the two men work to uncover the other's identity, tensions rise, and the danger increases.

Impressions

The Departed is a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The storyline is complex, but it's well-written and well-executed. The movie is a perfect blend of action, suspense, and drama. The performances of the actors are outstanding, with DiCaprio and Damon delivering some of their best work.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of The Departed is the cast. The movie features some of the best actors of our time, and they all deliver excellent performances. The storyline is also well-written and well-executed, making the movie a thrilling ride from start to finish. The cinematography is also exceptional, with Scorsese creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that perfectly suits the movie's tone.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of The Departed is that the storyline can be a bit confusing at times. There are a few plot twists that can be hard to follow, especially if you're not paying close attention. Additionally, some of the characters can be a bit one-dimensional, with Costello being the most obvious example.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I think The Departed is an excellent movie. It's one of Scorsese's best works, and it's a must-see for anyone who loves crime dramas. The performances of the actors are outstanding, and the cinematography is exceptional. While the storyline can be a bit confusing at times, it's well worth the effort to follow it. If you haven't seen The Departed yet, I highly recommend it.