20 Dakika (2013) User Reviews

Surprisingly interesting and plain old fashion Good TV

[pik923 · 9/10 · 25 August 2017]

Really enjoyed this series which I found on NETFLIX - and being a lover of these 'who done it' series that are intelligent, well crafted, well casted, good scenery and for the most part can't out guess the writers - I sat for 4 days and watched the entire series.

It was well worth it!! Yes it rambled on and certain episodes could have been a bit 'tighter' but that was not a distraction to say the least. What a great way to be introduced to Turkish creative TV - tro be immersed in their language and culture and traditions, to see the landscape and scenery, loved every moment of it.

I felt as I watched this that I was able to touch something of Turkey - the cast was great in fact can't think of one actor who I would replace. The story line touched on certain topics one could consider 'taboo' in Turkey most especially with the political situation of 2017.

I don't know if this same series could be made today. And I'm grateful to Netflix for having this series on their programs. Now looking forward to watching more Turkish productions.

Without giving anything away - the script gave us the opportunity to learn a bit about Turkish history and the script also was very Middle Eastern in it's romantic themes, writings and dreamy dialogue/voice overs. It honors Turkish culture and gave us a glimpse into modern day Turkish traditions and culture.

Thank you for this! Can't wait to watch more and find these actors on other Netflix programs.

Well balanced serie - between thriller and romance

[petergroenewoud · 9/10 · 19 August 2020]

Great environment for movies (Istanbul that is). Great actors, a bit melodramatic but that is fine, keeps you in your seat (I watched it in 3 days). Loved it. Tuba is a great actress (and really beautiful) and like in Black Money Love, she adds a lot of value. Love to see more of this!

One of the best

[karlanaime-vy · 9/10 · 14 July 2020]

This is definitely one of the best Turkish series I've seen. It has the right length, a good and not distracting soundtrack, great actors as well, specially The Deputy, Ali & Melek. Duru and Yagiz are really good too.

The story is very catchy, and you soon being to doubt almost ever character and what their true motivations and alliances are.

Other Turkish shows I recommend: Black Money Love & Kurt Seyit ve Sura.

You must watch it.

[annoulafe · 10/10 · 23 January 2013]

Another great series from the creators of Ezel. We will watch the fifth episode and i have to say that every episode is far better than the previous one.The script is very good with big suspense in every single scene.The music is very good too. Tuba Buyukustuun in the leading role, proves us for one more time, that is beyond discussion the best Turkish actress now-days.Ilker and Firat are very good in their roles. The girl who plays Tuba s daughter is excellent and all the other actors. If there is something that bothers me a little, is that Tuba s husband is not so good looking for such a beautiful and gorges woman like Tuba. In conclusion, don t miss this series. You must watch it.

Amazing!!

[malikakas · 10/10 · 6 October 2018]

The show was a little slow to start for me... but by the end one of the best thrillers I have every seen. Tuba Buyukustunn is fabulous.. she was one of the most nuanced and brilliant performers I have ever watched. Well deserving to be the first actor from Turkey to receive an Emmy nomination. The show had me riveted, staying up late to binge watch. This is truly a must watch!

Great acting !!

[bajanmona · 10/10 · 22 May 2018]

In 20 Dakika Tuba was amazing ! great interpretation, and great movie ! do not miss the series !

It Just Sucks You In

[shmarie · 9/10 · 12 December 2018]

As another reviewer mentioned, the slow did get off to a sligjtly slow start. It began to really hit its stride after episode 3 or 4, but when it does, it REALLY captivates you. The show is extremely well-acted, you feel an intense emotional connection to the characters (whether it be extraordinary empathy, anger towards them and- sometimes- you swing back and forth between bitterness and sympathy based on the episode/situation) and it keeps you wanting more. This is not like some TV shows or movies where you guess exactly what the ending will be and who the culprit is. I have yet to complete it but I am so excited to just be following the story line. Why not give it 10 stars? The woman playing Melek is gorgeous and a great actress yes, but why must every hair be in place and her (albeit natural looking makeup) be applied during her prison scenes? With the exception of when they made her run in the rain during an earlier episode, she is perfectly put together. In a REAL prison, ESPECIALLY if they are singling you out, you will not get access to the kind of hair care products needed to keep her tresses in top notch condition. Look at some of the other inmates. Anyone in her position would be looking more than slightly haggard (yes even despite her natural beauty). That is the only thing that is detracting from the plot. It is unrealistic. She would be emaciated, have chapped lips, etc. But that is a minor burden since the show is so great in every other respect.

Not a usual Turkish series !!

[openminded89 · 10/10 · 29 January 2022]

This is the first Turkish series that has something different to offer than another love story. The plot basically takes place in a prison, gives you an inside look about life there, the rules you have to follow in order to stay safe. The performances are great, especially the female leading actress is phenomenal, and that role gave her an Emmy nomination. We have a chance to watch peoples reaction towards death, injustice and how far can someone go for revenge and love. By far on of the best Turkish series ever !

The lead actress acting is so powerful

[PrettySJ-6890 · 10/10 · 17 July 2023]

The series is very beautiful, it gives you want more in every episode, the lead actress acting made me watch the whole series without getting bored. Turkey should make more of story like these rather than their boring usual story. I like how the whole cast invested their craft in this series, lead actors and their kids brought a very good performances. No wonder Tuba received International Emmy nomination for her brilliant performance. At time I was doubting Melek innocence to the extent I wanted to watch final episodes but then I was patient so I won't ruin the flow of the series. It is a must watch.

Suspenseful but Repetitious

[montymonvieux · 7/10 · 28 February 2020]

Full of suspense and packed with action, some violence and unsavory evil types. I am still watching it and losing my patience with several characters because they repeatedly engage in behavior that is detrimental to their plight. I wonder how Ali can keep his teaching job at an elite prep school if he appears with bruises and cuts on his face so often?

If you have a condition that is brought on by stress (binge eating or drinking, skin scratching, etc.) prepare for a rough ride! I have coped with both the tedium and stress by fast forwarding.

Powerful performance

[dmaldonado-18868 · 10/10 · 10 July 2022]

Tuba Büyüküstün was amazing in her role as Melek . This drama thriller kept me asking my myself the same question after each episode "Is she guilty". Every time I thought I had my answer something would happen new information was disclosed to make me doubt once more.

It was a while ago

[AdamMohammed41 · 7/10 · 28 January 2021]

I watched it a while ago... maybe 7 years ago but I can't recall the events and much of it... but I remembered I was into it. It was nice but for sure melancholic.

Seen 13 Episodes and somehow lost interest...

[Emmett_Colak · 3/10 · 14 April 2013]

Don't know what to say without giving away spoilers...SPOILERS MIGHT BE INCLUDED. So i gave this show a chance cause of the high rating it got from this site and It got interesting in the beginning and some characters did appeal to me...Afther a while i was forcing my self to watch some of the parts to see if the show could maybe take my interest back but no it wasn't like that...The storyline was OK i guess but my main concern was the characters in the show didn't take a shine to me...I actually stopped liking the characters and not sure if i ever liked them to begin with so i gave up afther episode 13..

Excellent

[amrita-utsava · 10/10 · 9 May 2021]

A really good series: wonderful acting (all the cast), the script and a lot of suspense! Highly recommended!

It was interesting

[rena-75219 · 8/10 · 4 August 2023]

Love the music. Toygar Isikli also did the music for EZEL. Ipek Bilgin is a great actress. I was interested to see her in a negative role after she played a blind character in EZEL.

The story was good and became more and more interesting with each episode.

Good acting overall.

However, it would've been better if the main character told the truth from the start instead of beating around the bush, since the inspector and her husband struggled to free her. Was it that hard to speak?

Her husband went through a lot and committed huge crimes, took loans, got beaten up, lost his job, just to free his wife. While she was standing there and wondering if she was guilty or not.

Starts slow but gets better and better

[Toomanynicknames · 7/10 · 27 September 2020]

WARNING - SPOILER ALERT PART OF PLOT FOR 1 episode reviewed.

This series of extremely long for 1 season

I am on around episode 19 or and will continue to watch but to me a teacher and a locksmith should have been able to get into that supply room without breaking into the prison supervisor safe to get the key. (doing that got the locksmith caught/caused tighter prison security/caused deputy to know things she didn't know before....etc etc.)

2 ways to get inside that locked supply closet without breaking in deputy's safe to get key

1st Method (several simply steps) 1) Why didn't the husband just simply take a photo of the Deputy supply paddlock with his cellphone

2) Show locksmith the padlock photo so he could get a paddock that looks like it and give it to the husband..

3) Husband goes back to supply door lock & cuts the specific chain links holding deputy padlock and removes the Deputy's undamaged still locked padlock.

4) Husband puts undamaged locked Deputy paddlock & 2 cut chain links in his pocket.

5) Husband then puts new temporary padlock given to him by locksmith on the supply door and leaves (hoping deputy does not try to use her key to get into that room for at least a day)

6) Husband brings deputy's "still locked" undamaged padlock to locksmith who opens it. Locksmith then makes a key that can open this Deputy's paddock. That new deputy's key will be an exact match to key in deputy's safe and should also open not just the supply paddlock but open all the doors in that coridor as well as possibly other rooms)

7) Husband takes that original deputy supply padlock back to supply door and removes the temporary lock and replaces it with the original deputy padlock to which he now has an "origiinal key". VIOLA

2nd Method 1) Same as above 2) Same as above

3) Husband cuts the paddlock clasp itself (not the chain) to remove it from chain

4) Husband puts damaged but locked Deputy padlock in his pocket & puts temporary padlock on supply door

5) husband takes clasp cut locked Deputy padlock to locksmth who opens it and makes a key to open it. Locksmith now re-keys a padlock that looks like the deputy''s broken one and gives it to the husband. Husband replaces new Deputy padlock for the temp one. VOILA

Terrible acting

[puiczq · 4/10 · 19 May 2021]

I couldn't even get through 2nd episode. The acting is so bad.

If you want to see truly excellent Turkish shows, watch Ethos and Innocent.

Awful acting and a asinine plot

[Joel344 · 2/10 · 14 December 2020]

I've watched some great Turkish TV serials. Several at the top of my list are Kara Para Ask (Black Money Love), Winter Sun, and Ethos. This ridiculous story drags on forever with inane dialog and generally poor acting. Tuba's skills are wasted here on this script. Instead, watch her on Black Money Love for a tour de force performance.

So INCREDIBLY Boring

[deesestone · 1/10 · 13 August 2021]

Being an addict of Turkish dramas, I naturally started watching this one on Netflix but quickly got so bored I began to fast-forward to various points in an episode until even that was excruciating. So I ended up going directly to episode 59 and actually watched the whole episode something I had quit doing long ago. Anyway it was certainly sufficient to tie up the series so for that single episode this series gets one star!