For Love and Honor

(Turkey)

A Filmacass production. (International sales: Filmacass, Istanbul.) Produced by Mine Vargi, Omer Vargi, Murat Akdilek. Directed by Omer Vargi. Screenplay, Yavuz Turgul.

With: Sener Sen, Kenan Imirzalioglu, Ismail Hacioglu, Asli Tandogan, Rasim Oztekin, Ruhi Sari, Suleyman Turan, Selma Kutlug.

The Asian, rather than European, side of Turkey's schizophrenic industry proves more ascendant in crime drama "For Love and Honor," a quality commercial item headlined by popular vet Sener Sen that's set local B.O. bells ringing with over 2 million admissions. Mini-epic of a retired gangster who's drawn back into the fray by his unshakeable commitment to duty and honor boasts fine perfs and a fully worked-out script that springs enough surprises during its 2½ hours to entertain auds attuned to Asian values.

Ali Osman (Sen) appears to be a crusty oldie content to while away his remaining years with old pals in Istanbul. When he finds he has a grown son, Murat (Ismail Hacioglu), by a dying former g.f. (Selma Kutlug), he ends up protecting Murat and his squeeze, Karaca (Asli Tandogan), against an ambitious, new-style gangster, Devran (Kenan Imirzalioglu, excellent), who has no respect for traditional codes. Ali's own brutal past is gradually revealed as he and his old pals are drawn out of retirement for one final operation. Strain of black humor and constantly morphing plotline maintain interest; production values and direction are solid.

Camera (color), Ferenc Pap; editor, Bulent Tasar; music, Benjamin Walken Beladi; art director, Tolunay Turkoz; costume designer, Serap Bahadir. Reviewed at Istanbul Film Festival (noncompeting), April 16, 2008. Original title: Kabadayi. Running time: 146 MIN.

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