“A True Gentleman” is a Turkish movie starring Çagatay Ulusoy. With Ebru Sahin and Senay Gürler.
“A True Gentleman,” now available on Netflix, begins with an air of classicism that quickly establishes its tone: a tale of a seducer who, despite being raised in a poor environment, manages to win over the hearts of wealthy women. However, as fate would have it, he falls for someone he shouldn’t. Sounds like your typical romantic comedy, doesn’t it? But just as you settle in, the film takes a dramatic turn, evolving into a story far removed from the realms of luxury, sophistication, and comedy, transforming instead into a gripping human drama.
This is not your usual lighthearted movie about a charming seducer who effortlessly wins over both his conquests and the audience. In “A True Gentleman,” the protagonist undergoes significant development, a refreshing departure from the shallow characterizations often seen in such genres. Yet, it is ultimately up to the viewers to decide whether the film’s heavy-handed drama feels genuine or overly forced.
About the Film
Netflix offers us this unique narrative that, through its innovative approach, may catch you off guard: it turns the archetypal story of a classic heartthrob into an emotionally charged drama, replete with the hallmark traits of the Ottoman film industry—sentimentality, intense drama, and a penchant for exaggerated emotional tones. If you’re in the mood for a comedy, “A True Gentleman” is not the film for you. Jokes are scarce, while drama (often of the tear-jerking variety) abounds, centered on the characters’ tumultuous lives.
This isn’t an intimate character study either. Yet, the screenplay, penned by Deniz Madanoglu, successfully delivers on its promise: to craft an appealing and seductive character while delving beyond surface-level charm to explore the more nuanced, less apparent aspects of the protagonist. Without much subtlety, the film tells a story brimming with drama and deep emotional undercurrents.
In terms of cinematography or pacing, “A True Gentleman” doesn’t strive for stylization. It’s a straightforward production that places its bets on the magnetic presence of its leading actor, Çagatay Ulusoy. Ulusoy brings to life a character who is not only intimately relatable but also, predictably, quite seductive and approachable. “A True Gentleman” seeks to consistently deliver what its audience craves, often settling for a somewhat superficial exploration of both its characters and its storyline.
“A True Gentleman” cleverly sidesteps the conventions of the romantic comedy genre, only to plunge us into an unexpectedly sentimental drama.
Our Opinion
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the greatest film ever made. It exhibits traits that some viewers despise about Turkish cinema, while others absolutely adore: exaggerated emotions and strikingly attractive actors (undeniable, indeed) combined to tell a dramatic tale tailored to its specific audience, offering precisely what one would expect from its script.
In conclusion, “A True Gentleman” on Netflix is a bold departure from typical romantic comedies, morphing into a drama that emphasizes emotional depth and character development. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it offers a compelling narrative that knows its audience and aims to deliver exactly what they seek.