With a cross-border cinematography; director Altioklar delivers us the Renaissance age of Europe in this film, the best age ever to live in Istanbul. It is the age that the Ottoman Empire was the ruler of the Mediterranean and the victor of the naval warfare against Russians, Italians, Venetians, Tuscanians and Genoans. Empires of this age, which are under regency and sultana rule, don't support scientific developments just as in the case of Russians sent Galilee to court because he believes that the world is round, as Italians prohibited the early work of Leonardo Da Vinci. Much like them Ottoman Sultan 4.Murat also prohibits the Turkish scientists researching onto the flight trials. The story doesn't deny what actually has happened in the history; but since the plot implies historical fantasy partially, there are a few logical and historical goofs. Yet the whole script treats of the life of a loony scientist. That's why this is a science fiction epic, it never annoys the viewer with too much historical concept.
Costumes and make-ups are perfect. Weaponry is so down to earth. The saints and scientists come together in joints and rum holes which are banned to be closed. Right at the first moment the script introduces the main characters to us, the 2 saints and 2 scientists spending their times together, we feel like we are one of them. I have never seen that perfect characterization in a historical movie ever. Though the script was so effective and binding with the plot, the sound and light quality is weak. There are some long lasting night scenes and involved conversations. I never wanted to miss a word to not to miss anything. The leading actor performing Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi draws a lot of attention from the viewer, not just because he is lunatic but at the same time he is very wise and is a believer. Despite his friends laughing at his theories and the proscription on scientific researches, he doesn't give up. Then a miracle occurs, from a captured Italian ship he finds some worksheets from Leonardo Da Vinci with Da Vinci's codes on it. He buys an Italian slave and expects her to decode the worksheets to be able to understand the Gravity law, the Air pressure to fly with human-made wings. The story-telling takes our attention wisely and keeps us in astonishment how Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi develops his researches step by step.
This is not a family movie, but should be watched personally or with somebody beloved. There are adult related materials. Be aware don't watch it to children. Try not to miss even a second, otherwise you won't be able to understand what is happening and why is happening. This film must not be classified as romance or history, those are just additional elements. "Istanbul Kanatlarimin Altinda"(means Istanbul Beneath My Wings) truly is an inspirational science fiction epic. Each time you watch it, you will find something new. Something funny, something sad; someone can believe it, someone can't.
