Labyrinth, the Turkish Movie (‘Labirent’)

When I was in Turkey I saw and exhibit in the museum for the decades of Turkish film.  I was impressed by the exhibit. Later I told East European friends how I’d seen all these films on display and what I’d seen was very talented.  They told me they loved Turkish films and that this is what they grew up on. Istanbul was the Hollywood of the East.

Well, Labirent (Labyrinth) was spectacular.  Tom Clancy, Tom Cruise, Angeline Jolie, and 007 all rolled up in one.  Made in Europe, mostly Germany and Turkey the back ground was incredible. Lots of those wonderful scenes of ancient cities.  The real find was the actors and actress.  Atimucin Esen played Fikret, the central character, the police spy operative in search of a terrorist cell.  What a great actor!  Melted Cumbul played Reyhan the partner who was not only deeply beautiful but also very intelligent and when she shot and fought there was a truth about it that’s not always present in the lipstick feminist Hollywood girls. Everything about the acting was real and human and meaningful. 

Tolga Ornek  was the director and did the screen play as well. It was so moving but in unpredictable ways. None of the stereotypical car chase sequences we’ve come to love from the west but fast paced foot chases and counter intuitive switches,with short rapid scene changes to maintain momentum. The car chases were there but different. Indeed everything was refreshing in the photography and angles.  The characterization was rich. .  I couldn’t help but think of the French Connection. It really was right up there with he best of thrillers and action movies. 

The subtitles were great but breaking up the film was the English dialogues when Fikret met with the English Intelligence head, Hugh Spencer played most believably by Martin Turner.  Yurdaer Okur was a really believable intelligent bad guy as was Altman Gordon playing Yousuf Zawas, the elder..

The plot was simple. Internet chatter, a leak here and a counter leak there, and a clue here and a clue there, all the while the hunt progressed with bombers going off and the action crescendoing to the big event.

The synagogue scene was so touching.  The children and family scenes all so moving.  It was heart rending at times but overall just a great French Connection type race against time.

Well done. I’m so impressed with Turkish film and look forward to seeing a whole lot more. The whole cast was great and deserving of comment but I’d  just say.  see the film.  Enjoy a great thriller. It was released in Germany in 2011 but is out on NetFlix 2015.  Great movie Two thumbs up!

Air Canada and Star Alliance

I just returned from an arduous flight to and from Athens Greece from Vancouver.  I'd just like to thank Air Canada and it's staff for the excellent service.  I flew Aegean and Lufthansa as well. I believe this is part of the whole Star Alliance program.  Air Canada check in staff were gracious, friendly and helpful on the flight out.  They were extremely helpful with my connections in Montreal and Frankfurt. Everything on the way out was superb with great service on board the jets and excellent pilotting and landing.  A joy to be a traveller with this kind of service.
On the way back Aegean Airlines book my luggage through to Vancouver. The flight from Athens to Munich was without a hitch.  Great stewardess and a delightful flight in a marvellous airplane.  In Frankfurt the Lufthansa carrier was hit with a horrible snow storm that had us delayed an hour.  We had to wait in line for de icing and yet through out the pilot was cordial and informative  Despite some bumpiness initially the flight was a delight with great service.
Due to the slowness at Security, change of staff, and Heathrow Airport problems I didn't make the connection for my airplane.  I was infuriated but the Air Canada staff at Heathrow were simply amazing. Understanding my frustration at missing a plane by minutes, they set to finding me alternative arrangements to get me back to Canada.  I wasn't going to arrive at 5 pm as planned but they were able to get me back to Vancouver by 1 am the next morning This would allow me to keep my clinic obligations and cause limitted disruption in my work schedule.  Naturally it would be a hassle and extra strain but it was a solution that I was extremely thankful for. It was clear too that the Air Canada staff were there for me wanting to help me in every way possible and understanding of my tiredness, frustration and desire to meet my obligations by getting back as soon as possible.
In Vancouver 1 30 am I was without my luggage as somehow it got caught up in Customs without me being there to collect it when it arrived and I didn't.  Again the baggage staff were excellent, kindly taking information, offering solicitous remarks, tolerating my peevishness after 30 plus hours of flight and travel. The trouble was that I'd forgotten to take my car keys out of the luggage so now couldn't pick up my car in long term parking. Further there were no taxis at the domestic airlines terminal but fortunately there were at the International.
The next day my luggage was found by Air Canada. They were again extremely helpful and shipped my luggage to me by courier as I wasn't able to 'drive' out and pick it up. With my car keys I was able then to taxi to the airport and retrieve my car.
Travelling internationally with several airplane carriers and all the various personnel is a huge achievement.  The airlines are truly amazing in what they have accomplished for passengers and communications worldwide.  Air Canada outdid itself to help me personally and I'm extremely thankful for their assistance.  The airlines were all star for me in this Star Alliance. Air Canada shone the brightest of all with it's helpful personnel in the airports, in booking and on the flights.  Thank you Air Canada!