Kuzgun: An Epic Tale

My love for and foray into Turkish drama happened purely by accident and I have Instagram reels and YouTube to thank for that. Turkish drama contains some rare gems and I am just beginning my journey of discovery. Turkish dramas are lively, suspenseful, beautifully written with some splendid storytelling.

It all began with Erkenci Kus (Early Bird) - the story of Jaan and Sanem then Bay Yanlis (Mr. Wrong); Kiralik Ask (Love for Rent); Mutluluk Zamani (Time of Happiness); Ask Taktikleri (Love Tactics) and most recently Kuzgun (Raven)

I cannot rave enough about the drama series Kuzgun (Raven). It is a tale of epic proportions and a gift that just keeps giving. You just couldn't get bored. Every episode was packed full with the use of suspense and flashbacks delicately balanced out. The storytelling is beautiful, the acting is great; the cinematography is excellent and the soundtrack a perfect fit. Baris Arduc and Burcu Biricik gave outstanding performances in their roles as male and female leads, Kuzgun Cebeci and Dila Bilgin.

Kuzgun will make you think, cry and wonder - Yes! it is that kind of story. It takes you on an epic journey with all the characters - twists, turns, secrets, revelations, hope, love, revenge, hate - Kuzgun will elicit every emotion you can imagine.

Synopsis

Kuzgun is a mafia-style crime drama that tells the story of the Bilgin and Cebeci families. Rifat Bilgin and Yusuf Cebeci are police officers and partners whose families are inseparable. Their children Kuzgun Cebeci and Dila Bilgin are childhood sweethearts who also grew up together because of the close-knit nature of both families. Unfortunately, Sultan, Dila's mother is sick with cancer, and Rifat is unable to get the necessary drugs. During a sting operation, Yusuf and Rifat uncover a cartel's drug consignment. They offer bribes. Yusuf refuses but Rifat succumbs to temptation, selling Yusuf out and aiding in setting him up by planting drugs in his home which the police find and arrest him. The mafia breaks into Yusuf's house looking for the tape of the drug bust that Yusuf hid away and force Meryem - Kuzgun's mother to make an unimaginable choice - to give up one of her children. She chooses Kuzgun - a choice that will haunt her for the next 20 years and beyond.

Twenty years after, Kuzgun returns thirsty for revenge and plots his way into the heart of the mafia crime rings. The past and present collide violently with deadly ramifications for all.

About this series

Kuzgun is a 2019 Turkish language drama television series written by Burcu Gorgun Toptas and Ozlem Yilmaz and directed by Bahadir Ince. The series casts Baris Arduc and Burcu Biricik as leads as well as Settar Tanriogen, Hatice Aslan, Levent Ulgen, Aytek Sayan, Caner Sahim, Ahsen Eroglu, Erdal Kucukkomurcu, Onur Saylak, Ferit Kaya, Ipek Erdem and Derya Berserler among others

Major Takeaways

This series reminds us of the surreal consequences of our actions even years after the fact. History and time keep records and the record books bear witness for or against us when the time comes.

Hate is a powerful emotion and like a fast-moving train tramples all underfoot. Once it takes root, it is very difficult to appease

Secrets are a two-edged sword. Hidden, they create false pretenses. Exposed they topple kingdoms

Revenge consumes and destroys beyond those directly involved. No one person knows all the facts so it is best to leave revenge to God, the one who does know all

Summary and Conclusions

Kuzgun is a powerful tale of love, betrayal, consequences, power play, hate, revenge, loyalties, mafia violence, family ties, and much more. A beautiful story of how our actions and consequences can return to haunt us in the most vicious manner and how hate and revenge leave dead bodies and broken lives in their wake.

While Baris and Burcu are easily my favorite characters, I have to applaud Hatice's excellent and heartfelt performance in her depiction of Meryem Cebeci - a mother tormented and haunted by a moment's decision. A woman of strength, tenacity, and enduring hope who tries to protect her family from the darkness that threatens to envelop and destroy. In spite of the burden and grief she has had to carry for 20 years, she still has to suffer her son's rejection, anger, and indifference until a near-death experience breaks his heart and turns him back.

Have you watched Kuzgun? What are your thoughts?