Pehlivan

Jan 2 1984 N/A 1h 38m
Drama, Sport

With good guidance from director Zeki Okten but an uninspired script, this story of a brother and his Turkish family influenced by old and new traditions is somewhat uneven. Bilal (Tarik Akan) is devoted to the art of wrestling, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both champions at the sport. Aside from his interest in wrestling for its own sake, Bilal has a chance to win a provincial wrestling contest and thereby bring home a considerable cash award for his efforts -- and so his days are spent in training for the event. Meanwhile, his brother and sister-in-law and their daughter have come back home after living in Germany for 12 years and are finding the adjustment to their cultural roots a bumpy ride. As long scenes of well-oiled and slippery wrestlers in action prepare viewers for Bilal's big event, the struggle of these men is reminiscent of the struggle of Bilal's family to come to grips with a world they may not be able to accept unconditionally.

Plot

A financially struggling man decides to train as a Pehlivan, a traditional Turkish wrestler, and trains to compete in Kirkpinar, the most prestigious wresting competition of Pehlivans in Turkey.

Written by

Fehmi Yasar

Directed by

Zeki Ökten

Cast

Tarik Akan, Meral Orhonsay, Erol Günaydin

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Turkey

Production Companies

Seref Film

Languages

Türkçe

Awards

4 wins & 1 nomination

Scores
# of Votes
682
Average Rating
6.6 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA