Is So-Called Girls Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1924)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1924, So-Called Girls represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Based on the novel of Peyami Safa, the movie centers on the life of Mebure who arrives in Istanbul after the Greeks occupy Western Anatolia. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Based on the novel of Peyami Safa, the movie centers on the life of Mebure who arrives in Istanbul after the Greeks occupy Western Anatolia. In Istanbul, Mebure begins to live with her relatives who live in very good conditions and sooner or later Behic, the son of the house, starts to be interested in Mebure and tries to make use of her. In the meantime, Mebure tries to find her missing father."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Behzat Haki Butak does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Muhsin Ertuğrul is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 70 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is So-Called Girls truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, So-Called Girls explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1924 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Muhsin Ertuğrul respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, So-Called Girls is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Behzat Haki Butak or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, So-Called Girls is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.