Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite
Performance & Direction: Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite features a noteworthy lineup led by Nur Sürer . Supported by the likes of Ozan Bilen and Füsun Demirel , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite
Quick Plot Summary: Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite
Ending Breakdown: Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite
All Cast & Crew →








Where to Watch Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon ChannelDon't Let Them Shoot the Kite Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite worth watching?
Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite?
The total duration of Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite
How Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite
A Masterpiece of Turkish Cinema In the pantheon of Turkish cinema, few films have touched me as deeply as Tunç Başaran's recently restored masterpiece, "Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite" (1989). While this gem may have flown under the radar internationally, it rightfully swept the Antalya Golden Orange awards, claiming prizes for best film, best actress (Nur Sürer for Inci), screenplay, cinematography, and a well-deserved special jury award for its remarkable 5-year-old star, Ozan Bilen (Baris). What makes this film particularly poignant is its foundation in reality. Screenwriter Feride Çiçekoglu drew from her own experiences of imprisonment during Turkey's post-military coup years of oppression, lending the narrative an authenticity that resonates through every frame. The story unfolds through the innocent eyes of 5-year-old Baris, a child who has spent so long behind prison walls that the outside world exists only in theory. Living with his imprisoned mother, his entire universe is confined to the prison's boundaries – until one day, he spots a kite soaring in the sky. Not even knowing what it is, he runs to ask Inci, a political prisoner and Baris's favorite mentor. This kite captures the film's central metaphor: freedom, a word that means something different to everyone. Watching this film, I couldn't help but draw parallels to another deeply moving prison drama, the original "Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013). Both Başaran and Hwan-kyung Lee share an extraordinary ability to craft narratives that speak directly to the heart of human experience. Their films transcend the prison genre to become profound meditations on love, hope, and the unbreakable bonds between people. What sets "Don't Let Them Shoot the Kite" apart is how it manages to express complex political and social commentary through the lens of childhood innocence. Near the final scene, the director and writer show their politics in a delightful comic relief. This film never preaches. though; instead, it allows its truths to emerge naturally through Baris's discoveries and relationships. The carefully restored version brings new life to the film's stunning cinematography, making this thirty-five-year-old masterpiece feel as relevant and impactful as ever. This is the kind of movie that reminds us why cinema exists – to tell stories that change how we see the world. Like the kite that captures young Baris's imagination, this film soars above the constraints of its setting to deliver a universal message about the human spirit's yearning for freedom and connection.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.












