10 Days of a Bad Man is the second installment of “10 Days“, following the 2023 film 10 Days of a Good Man. The film stars Nejat İşler as a private investigator who is finds himself in a bind and is forced to take distasteful measures in order to uncover the truth behind a murder. The film is directed by Uluç Bayraktar. Bayraktar also directed the first film, 10 Days of a Good Man. The screenplay is written by Damla Serim and Mehmet Eroğlu.
We are presented with a sequel that follows the same cinematic parameters as the first one, that allows us to witness how the main character evolves as he grows older and, as it turns out, develops more addictions. The burden of a long lived life of hardship and self-sacrifice is a hefty burden to carry on one’s shoulders.
Be that as it mas, he is still surrounded by beautiful women, who serve as an obvious lure, and add some glamour, in this thriller that departs from the initial stoic, cool and collected “Bogartesque” style and becomes much more melancholic.
About the Film
“10 Days of a Bad Man” remains in its slot as a classic thriller, but more removed from its predecessor’s Hollywood influence, and more returning to its Turkish roots, becoming more melancholic and sentimental. In this installment the protagonist shows a more natural and human side, and even enhances these aspects.
With a compelling performance by Nejat İşler, present in every scene, as the central character who is a now a detective nearing retirement, and can yet not refrain from pursuing his investigation – it is who he is, after all. Alongside him is the stunning Ilayda Alisan, an assistant who slowly but surely starts to take center stage.
This sequel will not let the fans of Turkish cinema down, as it knows how to narrate the evolution of events and its protagonists, rendering his more tender and human side of its characters. It is, though, a story of violence, and hardcore criminals, while the leads are full of good intentions (despite the title).
The film openly displays its “charms” and fully embraces its human aspect. It does not hide its secrets or attempt to disguise itself: it shows what it is and does its job while achieving its objectives, even if the combination may not convince everyone, much in the same way the first film.
Is it too sentimental to be a violent crime investigation thriller? Perhaps it is, as it may have abandoned the more traditional aspects of the first film with the aim to please and appeal to the Turkish film industry audience.
Our Opinion
A film that is both joyful and bitter, a thriller that refuses to stop focusing on a tender character, and never abandons its humanity and sentimental side.
The Cast
Nejat İşler
Nejat İşler, born on February 28, 1972, is a renowned Turkish actor and writer. He has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional performances in numerous successful films, including those that have received accolades at the Cannes Film Festival. Some of his notable television series include Behzat Ç, Gülbeyaz, Bıçak Sırtı, Keşanlı Ali Destanı, İntikam, Aliye, and Şehnaz Tango. In the Turkish TV series Behzat Ç. Bir Ankara Polisiyesi, he portrayed a menacing antagonist with a dark sense of humor and a strong code of honor. He reprised this role as the lead character in the spin-off series “Respect”. Additionally, he has appeared in the movies “Behzat Ç. Seni Kalbime Gömdüm” and “Behzat Ç. Ankara Yanıyor” as part of the ensemble cast.
Nur Fettahoğlu
Asiye Nur Fettahoğlu, born on November 12, 1980, is a Turkish-German actress, model, television presenter, and fashion designer. She is recognized for her portrayal of various characters in multiple films and television series. One of her notable roles includes playing Mahidevran Sultan in the TV series Muhteşem Yüzyıl.
Şenay Gürler
