'New York'ta Beş Minare,' directed and written by Mahsun Kırmızıgül, is a gripping Turkish adventure drama film released in 2010. With a stellar cast including Mahsun Kırmızıgül, Haluk Bilginer, Mustafa Sandal, Danny Glover, Gina Gershon, and Robert Patrick, the film takes the audience on an intricate journey involving crime, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
The film centers around the story of Deccal, a criminal and the leader of a notorious religious organization. He is captured in the U.S. under an international warrant. To bring him to justice, two successful Turkish police officers embark on a mission to New York. However, things take a complicated turn as they uncover layers of deception and hidden agendas. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul, New York, and Bitlis, the film questions Turkey's recent history while highlighting the paranoia and tension post the 9/11 attacks.
Mahsun Kırmızıgül as Fırat
Haluk Bilginer as Hacı Gümüş
Mustafa Sandal as Acar
Gina Gershon as Maria
Robert Patrick as Agent Baker
Danny Glover as Marcus
Murat Ünalmış as Ülkücü Reisi
Bora Sivri as Burhan
Zafer Ergin as Istanbul Police Chief
Hüseyin Avni Danyal as Police Chief
Ali Sürmeli as Ağlayan Hoca
Salih Kalyon as Police Commissioner
Suna Selen as Hacı Gümüş'ün Annesi
Eşref Kolçak as Fırat'ın Dedesi
Engin Altan Düzyatan as Timur
Tayfun Sav as Interpol Yasin
The film's journey began long before its actual production. The concept had been in the works for over a decade before filming commenced. Mahsun Kırmızıgül shared the idea with pop music singer Mustafa Sandal back in 1997. Although the project saw various iterations and collaborators, it eventually became a thrilling adventure drama with an intricate plot. The movie's title is inspired by the Turkish folk song 'Bitlis'te Beş Minare.'
'New York'ta Beş Minare' was shot in various locations, including New York, Istanbul, and Bitlis. The utilization of Anamorphic lenses marked a significant achievement in Turkish cinema. The film's score was a collaborative effort by Mahsun Kırmızıgül, Yıldıray Gürgen, and Tevfik Akbaşlı, featuring the City Of Prague Film Harmonic-Prague Symphony Orchestra and Prague Opera Chorus.
'New York'ta Beş Minare' is a compelling adventure drama that delves into complex themes while offering thrilling action sequences and unexpected plot twists. With a diverse cast and intricate storytelling, the film offers an immersive experience that captivates and challenges its audience.