119 reviews
Time travel drama
Surprisingly good, with drama and mind bending time travel loops. I won't pretend there aren't plot holes but with such a compelling storyline, you're likely to forget them. The acting is good and the costumes and sets fit the time period. Good vibes and charming characters.
- Calicodreamin
- Mar 7, 2022
- Permalink
Splendid! Mystery, history, secrets in 1919 Istanbul
Love the story & setting. Beautifully filmed!!! A serious subject matter, and the moments of comedy, very well timed. It does help to know a little history to follow this series. Stay alert & focus because the back and forth through portal of time can get confusing. NOT A COPY of Outlander! Give this a chance. The styling and hair for Hazal Kaya, is not so good, took away from her acting, so distracting. I know the role is a young, mess of a woman, yet the styling still fails her. We can give her a break. Male lead, perfect, and the hotel manager fantastic. Turkish film making is fantastic, stories and everything else! Why do people compare this to shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, they are totally different, and depends what kind of movies you like. It is not a fair comparison.
Step back in time at the Pera Palace
A joyful surprise and a pleasant show filled with real history facts.
A good alternative to English and American series with this time travel experience.
The Pera Palace truly existed and welcomed guests as famous as Ernest Hemingway or Josephine Baker. Agatha Christie wrote her novel "Crime on the Orient-Express" at this hotel.
A good alternative to English and American series with this time travel experience.
The Pera Palace truly existed and welcomed guests as famous as Ernest Hemingway or Josephine Baker. Agatha Christie wrote her novel "Crime on the Orient-Express" at this hotel.
- daniel_lancaster
- May 28, 2022
- Permalink
Gripping story
- eceaksoy94
- Mar 3, 2022
- Permalink
Great Set Design and Costumes
It's a good story with twists wrought by time jumps which initially might tend to confuse the viewer. For a while, the story wavers before picking up pace towards the latter third of the show.
A story that links Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is invariably fascinating as Turkey is a fascinating country. The story takes place just 4 years before he becomes the first president of the Republic of Turkey.
The set design and costumes are amazing. Meticulous effort has been expended to capture the tone and vibes of the period.
Hazel Kaya and Tansu Bicer are a good team, and the viewer avidly follows their extraordinary adventure.
A story that links Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is invariably fascinating as Turkey is a fascinating country. The story takes place just 4 years before he becomes the first president of the Republic of Turkey.
The set design and costumes are amazing. Meticulous effort has been expended to capture the tone and vibes of the period.
Hazel Kaya and Tansu Bicer are a good team, and the viewer avidly follows their extraordinary adventure.
- albertval-69560
- Mar 23, 2022
- Permalink
Well Done!
This is the Netflix Turkey work I have been waiting for!
Visually it is perfect and not tiring to watch!
This should be one the most admirable works of Netflix Turkey.
Also I can't relate people to give 1 rating for this, I can even understand 2 but I can't understandt 1.
Don't care too much about the rating mercs, enjoy the show it is just great!
Visually it is perfect and not tiring to watch!
This should be one the most admirable works of Netflix Turkey.
Also I can't relate people to give 1 rating for this, I can even understand 2 but I can't understandt 1.
Don't care too much about the rating mercs, enjoy the show it is just great!
Pera time travel
Don't mind the negative comments too much. . This is not a serious time travel movie but more a past - present time mixed fantasy kind one. Early 1900's istanbul scenes mixed with the late 20th century pop music is the one example. I am being a time travel movies fan, I have seen many American or western films of this kind but when a turkish film becomes to have the similar plot and the narrative style, the Turkish audience rejects it. The Turks would have appreciated this film if it had been of Western origin but they only criticizes this film because it belongs to their same country. A strange characteristic paradox. Hazal Kaya with her joyful childlike acting deserves more positive comments I think in a fantastic kind film and fits his role very well and both the photography and the staging and the cinematography are as fabulous as the costumes of the time. Also the interesting plot with a curious continuity. Don't wait for a masterpiece but there are many things to enjoy you inside.
It looks silly at the beginning but it gets better!
This show is genius. At the beginning when i saw the trailer i felt it's ridiculous, i was not going to watch it. But then when I started watching it gets better! Slow burning but it's worth it. Especially the last 2 episodes (9&10) where amazing. I hope the 2nd season be released soon! BTW usually I dislike turkish series, especially because of the language but I'm thankful and grateful for watching it on NETFLIX, because I watched it with English audio which was great and fun. I loved it! And thank you netflix, i love you you're the best streaming app!!!
- Maryam_Aljufairi
- Mar 6, 2022
- Permalink
Beautiful, interesting, pay attention
I have never watched a Turkish show before. It appears many other reviews were familiar with the main actress, I was not. Many reviews said her acting ruined the show, while I didn't think she was superb, I didn't find it bad- this may also be because any overacting I attributed more to the dubbing as it seemed vocal in nature. Speaking of, the dubbing was good, only a few small instances did I find it distracting.
I should have watched a bit more attentively as there are a couple things I have questions on that may have actually been answered I just missed it.
The dates and times jump around and it's just a quick title on the screen, it would have been helpful for it to be up longer or like hey folks here is the timeline. As an American not well-versed in Turkish history, the dates and timing weren't meaningful to me and maybe made it harder to appreciate.
The setting was stunning. It's a gorgeous hotel in Istanbul. The set design was amazing as were the costumes and they did such a great job differentiating the different years, even those that were closer together. It was a beautiful series to watch.
I gave it 7/10. From the last episode it would appear we are expecting or wanting another season. The first episode plays on the correlation to Agatha Christie but it's only mentioned once or twice after. I also wish the set up for how she got to the hotel and whatnot would have been a bit better done.
I should have watched a bit more attentively as there are a couple things I have questions on that may have actually been answered I just missed it.
The dates and times jump around and it's just a quick title on the screen, it would have been helpful for it to be up longer or like hey folks here is the timeline. As an American not well-versed in Turkish history, the dates and timing weren't meaningful to me and maybe made it harder to appreciate.
The setting was stunning. It's a gorgeous hotel in Istanbul. The set design was amazing as were the costumes and they did such a great job differentiating the different years, even those that were closer together. It was a beautiful series to watch.
I gave it 7/10. From the last episode it would appear we are expecting or wanting another season. The first episode plays on the correlation to Agatha Christie but it's only mentioned once or twice after. I also wish the set up for how she got to the hotel and whatnot would have been a bit better done.
- mccabe-shannon
- Sep 18, 2022
- Permalink
I tried
This show had everything I love so I really tried to stick to it, however quickly turned boring and dragging. There's so many great reviews but I couldn't keep up. I watched 5 episodes and yet I felt like serious mystery was lacking and compelling story. I gave up.
- susantos-84789
- Jun 21, 2022
- Permalink
Very Well Told
A fantastic show that sadly I watched and finished in a day. First episodes run a bit slow but after that you keep holding your breath. Turks are getting very good with their shows.
Need more shows like this.
Well Done 🙏🏻
Need more shows like this.
Well Done 🙏🏻
- furkann-41177
- Mar 2, 2022
- Permalink
Dark&Predestination&Tosun Pasha
Dark&Predestination&Tosun Pasha. Great combo of time travel and 70s turkish period comedies. Bit cheesy but doesnt disturb. Story keeps you consantrated. Hazal Kaya's acting doesnt deserve negative critics.
Disappointing script writing to say the least
- Bluetorque23
- Mar 5, 2022
- Permalink
Classy tale of Agatha Christie inspired mystery
Enter Istanbul's Pera Palace and step back in time, literally - for young Turkish journalist Esra - into the era of Charleston dance, British rule and Agatha Christie. Here, a mysterious young woman called Peride is murdered, sparking Esra to unravel the mystery before history is changed for the worse. Set in a time of turmoil, it captures the spirit of the Turkish in defining their own story. The friendship that grows between Esra and the Hotel Manager Ahmet is gorgeous to watch. As is the cautious dance between Esra and the mysterious Halit. It plays like an Agatha Christie novel, with clues being found along the way to seperate who's friend from foe. The costumes and music are perfect. Well worth watching, also if you miss travelling to amazing places.
- joannefaggian
- Mar 6, 2022
- Permalink
Very Poor Script
Reviewers are thinking the lead role has done poor acting, but the actual problem is the script. The character Esra is a journalist who wants to do something big in the world, but she talks and acts likes a 5 year old or less. The character herself is portrayed as the biggest idiot of Istanbul, so we cant blame the actress for this. She was just acting the way the script demanded it to be. Sometimes I felt I was watching the film, 'The Princess Bride' or some movie of that kind. It's like a parody and is filled with potholes.
I am writing this review after watching the 5th episode of the show and unable to take the poor screenplay...
I am writing this review after watching the 5th episode of the show and unable to take the poor screenplay...
- kushal_neo
- Oct 26, 2023
- Permalink
Gets better as it goes on
A time-travel murder mystery set predominately in 1919 Istanbul. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the plot is well handled - for the most part, pretty decent acting and some nice scenery. Most importantly, the characters are likeable and by the end I was up for a second series.
Began watching with zero expectations, wavered a few episodes in but glad I persevered. It seemed a bit all over the place to begin with, but I gradually learned to trust the writers knew where they were going. There are some neat twists and turns and points where it was initially confusing - only to be resolved quite satisfyingly.
It features a strong female lead, notably, a character with strengths and weaknesses - it makes some mild feminist points without being woke or overbearing (other writers could learn something here). Not sure how historically accurate any of it is (it is a time travel story after all) and it does delve into some intriguing alternative history.
The Brits don't come out of it too well - something of a common theme lately, but it's inoffensive stuff.
Began watching with zero expectations, wavered a few episodes in but glad I persevered. It seemed a bit all over the place to begin with, but I gradually learned to trust the writers knew where they were going. There are some neat twists and turns and points where it was initially confusing - only to be resolved quite satisfyingly.
It features a strong female lead, notably, a character with strengths and weaknesses - it makes some mild feminist points without being woke or overbearing (other writers could learn something here). Not sure how historically accurate any of it is (it is a time travel story after all) and it does delve into some intriguing alternative history.
The Brits don't come out of it too well - something of a common theme lately, but it's inoffensive stuff.
- Bobalopacus
- Sep 22, 2022
- Permalink
I'm impressed!
Gorgeous Pera Palace Hotel is highlighted in this historical drama involving time travel.
This was an unusual departure from the usual Turkish drama in that it involves a historic location, the Pera Palace hotel, and time travel.
I loved seeing inside the beautiful Pera Palace Hotel that is so rich with history and learning about it's ties to both The Oriental Express and Agatha Christie.
The acting was a little rough initially, but I got used to it and my interest in the story kept me watching for all of season one. There is some interesting history handled...following the end of WWI and pre-Ataturk's presidency...along with some what-ifs, like what if there was no Ataturk? And what would that mean for Istanbul?
Overall the show was interesting and the hotel gorgeous. I am going to be sticking around for season two.
I loved seeing inside the beautiful Pera Palace Hotel that is so rich with history and learning about it's ties to both The Oriental Express and Agatha Christie.
The acting was a little rough initially, but I got used to it and my interest in the story kept me watching for all of season one. There is some interesting history handled...following the end of WWI and pre-Ataturk's presidency...along with some what-ifs, like what if there was no Ataturk? And what would that mean for Istanbul?
Overall the show was interesting and the hotel gorgeous. I am going to be sticking around for season two.
Love this!
The cinematography, production and quality is quite good as a Turk I can confirm that this is one of the best fantasy-historical Turkish series I've ever seen. On the first 3 episodes It lacks something that I can't really describe. Maybe she isn't shocked enough to be in a different period of time? Or she isn't aware of the risk she takes? Something makes it odd about actress but overall it's SO GOOD definitely recommend!
- angelayldrm
- Mar 2, 2022
- Permalink
Nice story , poor acting of lead role
- ilir_osmani
- Mar 3, 2022
- Permalink
Bad acting of Hazal Kaya / Missing opportunity
First of all, Pera Palace is the most wonderful hotel in Istanbul. My personal favorite as a tour guide and Istanbul lover. I am so happy to see it in a series.. I am watching first episode and unfortunately I have to say Hazal Kaya not a proper actress for this role. So annoying, so fake... Story looks interesting and I will continue to watch. Atmosphere is nice, I like wardrobe but because of bad acting of the starring, I hope I will not lose my willing to watch.
- erhanipekciler
- Mar 3, 2022
- Permalink
Can't wait for the next season!
My expectations were pretty low because of the comments, but it was amazing. I couldn't get enough of it. I don't know how many episodes I've watched consecutively.
At first, I didn't think Hazal was a good choice for this , but she was just like a regular woman that has travelled in time, with all that confusion and excitement, it felt very natural.
Selahattin was very classy. It was a really good acting there as well.
I wish we had more scenes with Agatha Christie :(
Mustafa Kemal scenes were really amazing, they have handled it very well, more than I expected. Congrats to the make up artists!
At first, I didn't think Hazal was a good choice for this , but she was just like a regular woman that has travelled in time, with all that confusion and excitement, it felt very natural.
Selahattin was very classy. It was a really good acting there as well.
I wish we had more scenes with Agatha Christie :(
Mustafa Kemal scenes were really amazing, they have handled it very well, more than I expected. Congrats to the make up artists!
- gunseli-96520
- Mar 5, 2022
- Permalink
Very nice show but lead actress played badly
Beautiful series, amazing story. The only problem is that the actress they cast in the lead role is terribly fake, it's a very unfortunate choice. The rest of the actors need to say only Bravo👏
- furdakmarina
- Mar 4, 2022
- Permalink
Excellent theme, poor acting!
The theme is so unique and script almost perfect. I watched the first couple of episodes holding my breath only to see the poor performance by Hazal. Unfortunately it's a shame to see that such a wonderful theme has just gone waste with such a poor performing lead as her. Five stars is for theme's sake!
PS: My modest recommendation for those who don't find this comment helpful is go watch her in the youth series where she belongs.
PS: My modest recommendation for those who don't find this comment helpful is go watch her in the youth series where she belongs.
- enis-basol
- Mar 6, 2022
- Permalink
Perfectly Splendid
Netflix Turkey has succeeded again. Now that it's understood, Netflix Turkey is the best in this business when it comes to "period work".
A magnificent visual feast.
Admirable cinematography, sound engineering, art design.
In order not to love this series, it is necessary to be someone who did not see the love of parents as a child.
A magnificent visual feast.
Admirable cinematography, sound engineering, art design.
In order not to love this series, it is necessary to be someone who did not see the love of parents as a child.
- yusufpiskin
- Mar 2, 2022
- Permalink