Nefes: Vatan Sagolsun (2009) User Reviews

The unspoken aspects war

[lefaikone · 9/10 · 28 January 2010]

I was browsing the reviews of "Nefes", and since there was only a handful of reviews by non-Turkish IMDb users - since it hasn't been screened much outside Turkey - I felt that I had to give my effort to it. Having said that, I feel that it's been badly misunderstood by many people. Many reviewers judged it as "propaganda" or "morally corrupted" etc. I couldn't disagree more.

To me it wasn't even political, even less morally corrupted - disturbing and even revolting - yes. Corrupted - not even remotely. I might even call it pacifistic. The story is a deep and humane view in to the persona of a soldier. I don't say Turkish soldier, because the moral issues of it are so universal - basically the story could be placed in any war throughout the modern history.

**Minor spoiler* Most of the critic on IMDb were about the parts were the Turkish special forces (the main characters) were shown doing unjustified violence to their unarmed prisoner. That's the "morally corrupted propaganda" part I guess. The way I see it, it's as anti-propaganda as it gets. It puts the main characters to same line as their enemies. It doesn't try to glorify or justify either sides part on the situation. How's that propaganda? **

In a nutshell: Nefes is a visually sublime look in to the social and emotional aspects that drive young men to sacrifice their lives and futures for something as dreadful as war. It's about the brutal effects of violence to ones psyche. And mainly - It's about the endless amounts of everyday tragedies that drive so many of these emotionally fragile young men to see the war as their only option in life.

Significant

[genghis_khan · 8/10 · 18 October 2009]

Nefes is first of its kind in Turkey. Through the eyes of a small brigade of soldiers stationed at the border, the film examines the armed conflict that has been going on for more than 30 years in south-eastern Turkey.

Filmed on the high mountains of southern Turkey, the landscape provides a stunning and poetic backdrop. The seclusion, hardship and the tragedy these people had to endure is central to the story.

The film has its minor flaws but nevertheless it is effective in putting the audience in the shoes of these soldiers. And it is specifically significant to the Turkish citizens; for they will have a chance to truly empathize with those who rendered services in the region.

Turkish Patriots - All the Way!

[dilarasdad · 9/10 · 19 January 2011]

Wow... I didn't know what to expect when I watched this film. I was completely blown away by the story and the experience. When I discovered that it was based upon a true story, it only kicked me that much harder.

I've actually had people make comments to me about how they would love to be American after seeing a film like Air Force One. I never understood their desire until I saw this film... It made me wish I could be a Turkish soldier! I'm biased - what can I say? I have the utmost respect for the Turkish Asker. So much that I would lay down my own life to protect Turkey and each and every brother that defends her.

That said - this picture is powerful and moving. Forget the attitudes experienced in main stream cinema. This movie pulls out the feelings and the pride from within, no matter what your nationality may be.

It hurts to face reality of war. But imagine how the soldiers felt.

The movie that finally forced me to write my first comment in IMDb... Must see!

[kafandiyev · 10/10 · 27 October 2009]

This movie is based on a an event of incursion of the small military stationery located at the top of the Mountains in Semdinli (Southeastern border of Turkey) by a PKK terrorist group in 1993. Despite of being a Azeri Turk, I tried to watch and discuss this movie objectively. Why this movie deserves to be watched? Because: This is a unique Turkish movie that incorporated humor, grief, reality, originality, art and most of all simplicity in performance.

The acting was pure and simple much like as an original Turkish soldier. A bunch of soldiers from different regions of Turkey connected in a quest. None of them actors were celebrities in real life. Made an impression that I would see and do the same things and have the same conversations if I were in military in some other place. I think nothing is exaggerated in the story and it has an objective opinion on the terrorism but explains it from the Turkish side of view. I've never seen such a pure and simple acting that made me feel in their shoes. The 'calling home' part of the movie is one of the greatest parts. In those couple of minutes I realized that it could be me, my friend (who is a doctor and made his military duty at the same region) or my relative. Don't know how other people would feel but every single Turk watching this movie will see a part of themselves in those soldiers' life. The director is very very successful in transmitting the atmosphere and he deserves a special mention for mastery in simplifying that movie which seems to be actually complicated in it's nature.

The artistic scenery especially from a photographic view is another thing that made me feel proud and happy as a photographer.

The music at the background successfully synchronized with the events and moods during the entire movie.

Finally, the movie is named as 'Nefes' which stands for 'the breath' and is explained in such a conversation that touched me deeply: 'In the fight what matters is breath: whether you 'take' it or 'give' at the end!'...

I'd advise anyone to watch this movie... You'll definitely like the cinematography, directing, acting and most of all this is one of the best achievements in Turkish cinema in my opinion...

Watch it!

the first movie

[haydibul · 10/10 · 17 October 2009]

This movie is absolutely the first Turkish movie regarding its topic. A film that tells the story of people doing their military service at a territory of terror has never been made before. The film reflects the psychology of soldiers very well. So, the film is quite important for its script. The script is based on a true story. Besides all these, the colors are used effectively and gives the atmosphere of the film to the audience in a good way. The music is also used more differently than any other Turkish movies and the music is appropriate with the dialogs and scenes.It is one of the most realistic films I have ever watched. Turkish people had already deserved such a movie for that they live in a country suffering from terror since 1980s.So it is a movie that should have shot much before.For only being the first for its script, it deserves 9 out of 10.

This movie is not about the war.

[ufuksal · 10/10 · 16 October 2009]

This movie is not about the war. don't think about the terrorism in Turkey that about the movie. Nor militarist neither anti-militarist. Not just about the terrorism. This movie is about the life. Lifes, which lives in 40 different souls. This is about the love. to love someone, poems, dreams, and to love mainland. Just to protect their land for to go their sweet home.This is not a fake bravery story. you will see the fear in their eyes. You'll see the tears. And you will consider what is the meaning of innocent soldier. Watch it, you will not lose anything. You 'll gain a life. And you will do anything to protect your life. This movie will tell you what is the meaning of love, under the threats of bullets.

poetic,philosophical tale of soldiers life defending their country...

[monty_lnct · 9/10 · 6 May 2010]

Nefes: Vatan sagolsun is a story of 40 Turkish soldier defending a remote military post from terrorists.the story inspired from true events is about an infantry captain mete and 40 soldiers under his command,most of them are new recruits and inexperienced.mete who is mildly disturbed because the death of his close friend by a terrorist leader called doctor shattered him from inside.he is filled with rage and anger to avenge his friend's death.Mete Horozoglu gives a thundering performance as cpt.mete.

nefes cannot be consider completely as a war movie but a highly philosophical drama and the character study of the soldiers who are working under impossible conditions,ready to defend their country at the cost of their life.the movie deals with the psychology of soldiers,give the view of their daily life under cruel circumstances.movie travels deep inside feelings of soldiers who are at the front for first time.

the movie is filled with hard-hitting dialogues and quotes with memorable performance from all castes.the movie consists of many unforgettable scenes that are highly binding and sensitive.the highly energetic speech from captain to infantry at beginning was shot very artistically with top-notch acting and cinematography,everything was white with fog and snow,only soldiers were visible.the scenes when soldiers talk to their family and loved ones were also very emotional. everything was brilliant in the movie.cinematography and sound effect were exceptionally brilliant.they filmed the wast terrains covered with snow very beautifully and the sound effects was also of very high quality.

the whole movie revolves around the soldier's life,their thoughts and thinking.the real action is at the last 25 minutes of movie.the combat scene were very quick,realistic and brutal.the combat also filmed with great perfection.i remember two scenes first when cpt. order a soldier to turn off the generator,without wasting a second he went outside through the firing of enemy,he turn off the generator and get shot and died instantly. he lost his life only to turn off the generator,so that they should not be the easy target for enemy.without firing a single bullet he was the hero of the day.he knew the risk that he would die for sure but he did because it was the order.another scene when a terrorist came running inside station and blew himself with three soldiers.i have never seen such a forthright description of war.

but the movie had some of its mistake too,it's patriotic tone and some over-dramatization caused it to loose its international appeal.another reason was that movie hold a totally distinct view towards war in comparison to Hollywood movies that also make the difference.

but i liked it as this is the best of the recent war movies outside Hollywood and very different from them.

watch it,if you can relate with this philosophical, war drama,it will be the mind blowing experience for you.

So real! Excellent!

[cihan-kirimli-562-656619 · 9/10 · 23 October 2009]

One of the most realistic war movies ever. It's all about humans and no politics or nationalistic messages are artificially included as seen even in the best American war movies. An objective look to a real drama. The characters and their relationships that are put into the story background are carefully created and fit into the story telling perfectly. You can feel they are not bulletproof, perfect fictional heroes but fragile people from real life like anybody else. The thrilling flow through calm atmosphere and gradually increasing tension makes this movie exceptional. Fight scenes are also very impressive. A must see! Excellent direction.

Must-See for the Politically Inclined

[sinanonline · 10/10 · 21 October 2009]

This is a must-see movie if you are somehow interested in PKK terror throughout the 90s. It is of further interest for those interested in how a successful movie can be produced with professional directing despite an almost-all amateur cast.

It is apparent that a good part of the scenario is based on real events: From personal experience, I recall reading about of the occasions and situations in the movie from the local media. The battle scenes are quite graphic and accurate. The characters feel quite real. They are not necessarily deep, but depth of character is not really necessary for the storyline, as this movie is about the lives of soldiers in an obscure, remote military post.

The camera use in the movie is excellent. In the opening scenes, the audience experiences the vastness of the landscape. The feeling of loneliness and being deserted is strongly conveyed. Further into the movie, the camera is used professionally to convey a feeling of urgency in the battle scenes, of which there are only a few. It is equally professional in conveying tranquility, and if you watch the movie, you will see one climax where this contrast is made very apparent.

In various connecting scenes, the passage of time and the feeling of timelessness is communicated through fast moving clouds, reminiscent of Donnie Darko.

On a further note, most of the actors are either amateurs or had very short acting careers. However, the director manages to offset this setback by using different camera angles where the audience does not have to see the faces of the actors to understand their feelings or mood. This movie is an excellent example of low budget casting can be more successful than many professional actors when good directorship is used.

Those being said, there are some unnecessarily long scenes in the second part of the movie, where the captain explains in head-aching detail his philosophy and thoughts as he becomes more and more suicidal. However, I do not take any points off my score for this setback, because long live the Turkish warriors. 10/10

Poetic war drama....

[CurtHerzstark · 18 April 2012]

I know very little about the PKK or the Turkish military, however I have met kurds who fought in various organizations fighting mainly against former dictator Saddam Hussein in Iraq during the 80's.

Watching this film that almost only depicts this conflict from the Turkish side, makes it very bias but offers also a rare glimpse into the Turkish feelings about terrorism, and the armed struggle against the kurds.

We get to follow a military unit in the Turkish mountains fighting against a mysterious terrorist(and his terrorist cell) who kills mostly of his enemies with a Dragunov sniper rifle.

Via a hijacked telephoneline he taunts the military units commander and also spreads his propaganda. The day to day harassments by this man and his terrorist cell is too much for the military commander and soon things will happen.

It is not heroic or waterdown version we get here, sure there are scenes when the Turkish military comes across as very noble but there is also fear, anxiety and quite simply the question of why are they here? Being deployed this far up in the mountains fighting a neverending conflict, for very little money, praise etc, is it really worth it?

There also scenes that contain very beautiful visuals, the cloudbursting, closeups on ice, etc and singing and poetry recitation by the young soldiers. For a western audience this may feel odd, and there are many passages that don't have any dialogues at all.

There is also some critique against the Turkish military, and this came as surprise for me, since Turkey has had a long history of military control and military coups.

It is very poetic war drama with some very graphic scenes of violence, anxiety, definitely not suited for kids. Some scenes reminds me of Terrence Malicks excellent war drama The Thin Red Line (1998), Coppolas Apocalypse Now (1979)etc.

So for viewers who has no problems with a slowpaced, poetic war drama should check this one out.

Politically correct, cinematography so so..

[snncy2000 · 7/10 · 29 October 2009]

Nefes: Vatan sagolsun (Breathe: Country live forever -- ??)

Again and again I feel compelled to explain so many things to foreigners to make it a little bit easy to understand.

First of first, there is 30 years of ongoing conflict in Turkey between separatist Kurdish guerrillas and Turkish Army. It's estimated that 15% of population of Turkey is Kurdish originated people mainly living in southeastern parts of the country. So, about 30 years ago a separatist terrorist group (PKK) launched terrorist attacks to Turkish military as well as civil people demanding separation and claiming Kurds were discriminated and were taken their human rights. There's been casualties at both sides reaching to thousands over the years. The interesting point is, nowadays there is a political movement to end this conflict, stop terrorism (much like IRA conflict) and this is the main subject of all the news and the political agenda. So this movie somehow hits the theaters on time as the story takes place in a remote frontier force in 1993 when the terrorist attacks took place everyday.

Unfortunately I'm not amazed watching it albeit my expectations were high. Hovewer I think it's part "Full Metal Jacket", part "Good Morning Vietnam", definitely a new "breath" to Turkish cinema (pun intended).

If you ask me a little bit about the plot, here it comes. It's a small Turkish frontier force base located on some crazy cold/lonely/frightening mountain peak. Only handful of soldier sent there to stop any intrusion of terrorists, in fact those soldiers are open target themselves.

Before going any further, it's good to know that in Turkey, the military service is obligatory and at the age of 20 any healthy man required to join the army and serve up to 18 months. If you're lucky, your service could be in a huge military base peeling potatoes or sweeping the holes. But you may also end up that mountain waiting for death. So many soldiers lost their lives in this fashion over the years. So in this base most of the men are basically doing their 15 months service after only 3 months of training as soldier. They all left their families behind, their moms, fiancés, children waiting them with tears in the eye and fear at their hearts.

Captain Mete and his platoon send to this mountain base as reinforcement due to expected terrorist attack. They're also informed that there is a terrorist in that region who were once a medical student, later left the university and became a terrorist and he's called "doctor".

Captain Mete arrives to the base in the darkness of the night, but everybody is at sleep including the watchmen. Moreover we learn that the Captain's platoon were attacked on their way and Captain Mete lost one of his beloved colleague (killed by "doctor"). So with all these agony, he gives his famous speech to soldiers at attention while it's snowing and extremely cold (giving shivers to the audience too). This is actually the opening scene and the most powerful scene of the movie. I believe this scene is even stronger than raid/battle scenes at the end.

So, throughout the movie we see the life at this little remote base, soldiers' touching talks with their families and radio talks between Captain and the terrorist "doctor". This parts of the movie actually little bit stall. Weak character development and very shallow story base puts the audience out. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first cinema movie of the director. He's previously done advertisements shots and video-clips. He blatantly uses the same techniques in the movie. We watch moving clouds, changing filter colors, reflections on window glass etc. But again these all very forgivable for an average audience as the movie is about very much disputed issue. But I also appreciate the director and all the crew achieving this production with such a low budget (about 2 m$). We also see that the director keeps a balanced approach to the political issue as showing both sides' (military and terrorists) weakness. In many scenes we see the Captain questioning the war, talking about his untold love to his wife, talking to soldiers who're richer than him in their civil life (banking people, doctors etc) and questioning putting his life on such a danger as away of living. But we also see Captain Mete's determination to protect the country and fulfill his duty sacrificing everything he owns, including his life. While portraying Turkish army's determined captain, the movie also gives the message that we're on the same boat all Turks and Kurds and this fight is not the right way to go. I think most of the Turks and Kurds share the same thought now.

All the men in Turkey raised with military stories and one day we all do the service. This movie very successfully transfers the unforgettable days of men at service to the silver screen. One strong point of the movie, and this actually caught by audience at first sight, is characters (captain and soldiers) are portrayed very closely to reality. Since almost all the men do the military service, watching the movie reminds us our memories (bitter and sweet :) about the army. Although cast is mostly amateur players, their dedication and performance is noteworthy. We don't struggle to believe their characters but unfortunately the scenario is not so fluent. We need to connect the tips of the story instead being told in a nice cinematographic manner. The movie might also be criticized for being too didactic.

All in all, it was a nice experience to watch this issue on the big screen. It's probably going to be the blockbuster of this year. I believe we'll have more movies about this topic because there are many real stories waiting to be told like this one.

Thanks for reading...

A movie..that you are gonna find a part of yourself within..

[vanness1982 · 10/10 · 24 February 2010]

It's a movie about terrorism and not only one sided. everything is there, objective. you will watch the movie and you will grab something from it. I really felt the scene shot in the trailer, the one with the captain yelling at the soldiers because of a soldier caught asleep in the trench. "everyone dies if you sleep". you are gonna have the chance to determine what is going on with the east part of Turkey and you are have some ideas on terrorism as well. Being a commando on the mountains covered with snow, the emotions of the soldiers who were gathered to be stationed in a small, old military building. the lives coincide at the turnpike of death for the country. Moreover, this is a movie for the people who are patronizing about military from their sweet, warm, peaceful houses.

A good movie, but surely not international...

[ucetincan · 7/10 · 5 June 2010]

Most of the reviews here are biased towards a Turkish patriotism, not good...

Most of the non-Turkish reviews are here not to review but to protest the high ratings of this movie, understandable...

But I sadly see that no one got the point.

First of all this movie does not praise Turkish soldiers, nor slanders Kurdish rebels. It has a slight feel of patriotism, but not as much as an average war movie.

You can't take the plot in the movie and interpret like it has an international message, like you do in private Ryan. Because you and even most of the Turkish people DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE about what is really going on in the eastern Turkey.

I've been there as a soldier, in a troop very near to the place chosen for this film. With the things i saw and observed while I was there, with the conclusions I draw after coming back and thinking about what I experienced for a while, this film is decently REALISTIC and PERSUASIVE to me.

Because it's about the unbelievably wrong methods the government and army carry in Eastern Turkey.

It's about ordinary and irrelevant young men named "soldiers" after a couple of months so called training and are forced to fight an imposed and everlasting war.

It's partly about a commander, who lost his sanity and hope after his best friends death.

And it's not about anything else...

Not bad, but overrated, a lot

[PeterPeterson1 · 2/10 · 11 January 2010]

This isn't a bad movie, really. At least for the first half. I have my biggest problems with this movie at the middle to the end.

I don't like the scene with the girl on the table and I don't like the the way the commander is presented in the end.

But aside the story, my biggest complain is the 8.5 on IMDb. This movie isn't near this rate. I watched it because of this high rate and I was surprised. Perhaps it is one of the best Turkish movies out there, but I did not watch many of them, so I can't compare this one to others.

In other comments i've read, that it is propaganda, but that is a point I can't support.

I would give 5-6 points for this but I only give 2 for the existing high rate. I enjoyed Universal Soldier 3 more then this movie, and this has something to say.

Inspired by Kubrick

[billcr12 · 8/10 · 6 June 2012]

The Breath begins almost as a Turkish version of Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. A drill instructor berates a group of young soldiers; telling them that they will all die; especially if they sleep. He says that their mothers will cry when their bodies are sent home for burial. He asks one of the boys if he has a girlfriend. When he answers yes, the commander says, not anymore, and while you are fighting for your country, she will find a new boyfriend.

The platoon is sent to a dangerous mountain region at the Iraqi border to stop the radical Kurdistan Workers Party. The Turkish soldiers learn quickly that they are canon fodder for their government; a fairly universal theme everywhere. The battle scenes are well made and as military films go, The Breath is one of the better ones that I've seen. Director Levent Semerci make you really care what happens to the brave young men.

Scripts that waited for 20 years to show up :(

[htamerursavas · 9/10 · 18 October 2009]

The only fake part of film was the geography of the mountain.And we could disregard that because there is an ongoing war in its original geography. Cast was made of cinematography students, but they were playing themselves. Turkish people are much likely to enjoy the drama than others but the film has its own war atmosphere. Not like other wars, this war has much hide and seek tactics and ambush mechanics. Director himself is a soldier. He had duty on same mountains as well as characters. But its not a war film. Its a peace film. True dialog, true characters, true film. I wish i could see the war ended. This movie is not about the war. don't think about the terrorism in Turkey that about the movie. Nor militarist neither anti-militarist. Not just about the terrorism. This movie is about the life. Lifes, which lives in 40 different souls. This is about the love. to love someone, poems, dreams, and to love mainland. Just to protect their land for to go their sweet home.This is not a fake bravery story. you will see the fear in their eyes. You'll see the tears. And you will consider what is the meaning of innocent soldier. Watch it, you will not lose anything. You 'll gain a life. And you will do anything to protect your life. This movie will tell you what is the meaning of love, under the threats of bullets.

Breath/Nefes is Breathtaking

[kumiretto · 10/10 · 2 November 2010]

After watching Nefes/Breath I concluded that all other war movies I have seen so far were shot for entertainment purposes, not comedy of course but dramatic entertainment. Nefes is unlike them, I was fully captivated, experienced 'shock and awe' during the film and did not know that to do when it finished. The TV, DVD was on and in my bed I was lying perplexed, almost shellshocked, just lying still and thinking nothing for more than 10 minutes.

No, it is not a gory film, just that it is real, this is as real as it gets. I can not compare it with any war film or realistic video games such as CoD/MF2. How can it be so 'real' ? I don't know, probably because it was not shot for entertainment or box-office success purposes. The filmmaker had something to tell and he certainly did. My being Turkish may certainly have some influence, not for political reasons but because I fully understood the powerful dialogues.

Now, as I write this review I feel pressure on my chest and experience a rush of emotions. Six months is not enough time to recover from what I've experienced so I shall take another six.

10/10 Note : In Turkey copy dvds were common when the film was released, less common now as DVD prices were slashed. Yet no one copied Nefes. The 'copycat industry' refused to copy a DVD probably for the first time in their history !

magnificent!

[mnkkurbaa · 10/10 · 29 October 2009]

this film will give you a chance to question the meaning of war and the mind of military. Nefes is an anti-militarist film. i found some similarities with Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. in almost every war film, we say that there is no meaning in war. yes, it is. but if the subject is your country, it is not the case. sometimes you have to fight, kill people in order to survive. this film is actually about psychology of soldiers also of their families, lovers etc. almost every sentence has hidden meanings. i wish i could catch quotes! especially the letter of general to his wife :( thank you all for this masterpiece! you should watch it before dying.

Forget Black Hawk Dawn Forget Saving Private Ryan

[sor-tom · 10/10 · 18 October 2009]

Wanna see real war wanna see real soldiers watch this movie.No racism and all things real.Yes I m a Turk but ı can say easily the best war movie of all times.Maybe not has got effect s black hawk dawn or saving private ryan but all true.And if you bored American heroe movie this will be an alternative movie for you.

The captain of Turkish army plays wonderful.All of the players shows us the real sense of fighting.

A last note don t watch this movie for action.Watch this movie for real senses for real...Only wacth.

The red of this flag is made by Turk s and Kurd s...

Anyone who had been through 90s in Turkey would appreciate this movie thoroughly.

[Yesilcam · 7/10 · 23 November 2009]

Nefes (Turkish for 'Breath') is probably the most anticipated Turkish movie of this year. It is the best Turkish war movie of all time and has the best combat scene ever shot in the history of Turkish cinema, but, of course, what is there to compete?

Breath is about a small group of Turkish soldiers in a remote patrol station waiting for their near-certain death during a time the conflict between Turkish Army and separatist militant organization PKK reached its peak point. A major who had just lost two people in his command in a combat with PKK militants arrives at the station and takes charge. He finds it very difficult to step out of the state of depression due to his recent loss and so intimidates his soldiers into bettering themselves to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. During his stay there, he came across a PKK militant called the 'Doctor' who intervenes in his phone calls with his wife through radio frequencies. This becomes almost habitual with frequent exchange of hostile words between two. ' Why do you live like pigs instead of being a doctor in your village and serving your people' the Major asks and 'I would rather live in my mountains as a freeman than being a doctor from your universities' the Doctor replies. In parallel to that, we observe daily routines of soldiers and their sincere phone calls with their loved ones as we approach to the inevitable end.

It is obvious that the movie is intended to be a propaganda device. We sympathize with our soldiers through their several phone conversations with their families and friends. On the other hand, militants are depicted as zombies who attack innocent people stuck in a cabin just like in a George Romero movie. Their leader, the Doctor, even has that 'jigsaw killer' voice. That is probably why the movie with its full title 'Long live the Homeland' is already hailed by top army officials during its opening day. However, it is difficult to understand why? First of all, the film gives you the impression that Turkish soldiers stand no chance against fierce militants that coincides with PKK's successful recent raids to such patrol stations. Another thing is the conversations between the Doctor and Major. The Doctor sounds very 'cool' as a man who believes in a higher cause, and the Major, on the other hand, just uses some cliché sentences filled with swear words and there is also a hint (actually more than a hint at one scene) that the officer is inclined to commit war crime.

Leaving politics aside, the movie does succeed in creating a great patrol atmosphere, with beautiful shots of Turkey's eastern mountains. Clouds and fog are an important focus of attention, which takes you out of this world to a mystical place. Combat scene technically equals a good Hollywood movie. I have my doubts about how much an outsider would enjoy this movie considering the fact that it brings nothing new to the genre, but anyone who had been through 90s in Turkey would appreciate this movie thoroughly.

Story of the last 25 years...

[hacivat39 · 9/10 · 25 October 2009]

Nefes:Vatan sagolsun takes place at the south east Anatolia near the Iraq border in 1993. PKK which is separatist terrorist organization have done many bloody raids Turkish military and police basis from 1984 to 2009. That movie explains just one of them. But that is brilliant and impressive. Story, effects, music and acting are more realistic than Hollywood movies.

Nefes:Vatan sagolsun expresses not only war against terrorism; but also narrates nature and loneliness of human at the top of the mountain. For this reason the movie will be a turning point at the Turkish cinema history.

A movie of reality

[emrecamlilar · 12 September 2011]

For the users that tried not to criticize but undermine anything related to Turkish,

I just wanted to pose you one question: Why Saving the Private Ryan gets 8.5 at IMDb? Oh, for the user who wants to see everybody's sides: Why don't they show in the movie what happened or what is felt from the Germans side? Or, how a 7 person army kills entire German brigade throughout the movie on only 5 of them gets killed? If the Breath movie is full of nationalism and stuff, how about the above mentioned movie?

My opinion is, I like both movies, Saving the Private Ryan for its storyline and its great scenes and the Breath for showing what has happened in the last 30 years. (I also find that there are some flaws at some scenes but overall, for the people who had to endure such conditions, this movie was the first one to express their feelings and it will probably be the last one.)

A landmark Turkish film which despite its flaws confronts some difficult topics...

[cgyford · 7/10 · 13 August 2010]

Successful Turkish commercial director Levent Semerci adapts the short stories "Tales from the Southeast" and "Ground Minus Zero" by former Turkish National Security Council public relations officer Hakan Evrensel into this successful feature debut which won two awards at the 3rd Yeşilçam Awards as well as being one of the highest grossing Turkish films of 2009.

Veteran army officer Cpt. Mete (Mete Horozoglu), who has been unbalanced by recent casualties, takes command of an ill-prepared platoon of military service conscripts assigned a relay station in the South-Eastern mountains of Turkey at the height of the conflict with the PKK in a plot inspired by a number of genuine incidents.

Mete Horozoglu is superb at the head of a truly ensemble cast of unknown actors who underwent rigorous military training in preparation for their roles and who as a result come together to create a convincing group of everyday Mehmets, with Dogukan Polat and Ibrahim Akoz particular highlights, sent to almost certain death for reasons they can't truly comprehend.

The debut director makes wonderful use of almost poetic imagery to break up the realistically mind numbing monotony of the majority of the film's 128 minute running time with rare moments of high tension such as the Captains initial motivating speech about the dangers of sleep and the brutal final act to create a seemingly realistic war film in the style of "Full Metal Jacket" by Stanley Kubrick.

This film however steers a careful line between patriotism and anti-militarism prompting massive debate throughout Turkey as to the films true message but however you read it you can't help but be moved by the insight into the everyday lives and deaths of these simple folk facing the banal monotony and absolute terror of compulsory military service in a country at war against itself.

"You'll be heroes for 45 seconds!"

Very good shooting but poor story!

[ozan-uen · 5/10 · 14 November 2009]

I was very interested in this movie, because it seemed like a Turkish propaganda movie. After all this American propaganda movies I was excited about a Turkish one. The film is about a soldier unit up on a mountain top, defending it against the PKK terrorist organization. It starts very well, very good acting and tough. It revealed real moments of military service and the truth about the danger up their. The shooting and screening is perfect. Didn't expect to see this level of quality in a Turkish movie, but the story, which started very good, ends very bad. After the first half of the movie, it shows too much of the captains emotions. Even though the goal of this movie is to show the emotional side of the soldiers, but this was just too much and it ruined the whole movie. This could have been just a perfect Turkish movie. The director tried to implement several messages to the Turkish - pkk conflict, saying we're all the same etc. but in one point it got unreal. Very good work, but still not good enough. Worth seeing though!

It's Amazing...

[murat-kocabey · 10/10 · 16 October 2009]

The world has been changing since it was created and almost all of Turkish people are talking about this film.Actually,before this film we were asking about can we do it ? or the other ethnic people in Turkey are they like that ? After all,today is very important for us because almost all of people like this movie.Hey you,I want you must be watching this film because then you know what is the problem in Turkey.The Brother shoots themselves.The mothers crying together.The wife's lose their husband and child's lose the father and they are orphan....We have this problem from 40 years.

With my pleasure..