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Erkekler is a Turkish comedy-drama film released in 2013, directed by Faruk Aksoy. The movie articulates a tale of the complex nature of male relationships and the journey of a man's introspection and struggle with his own vulnerabilities. Set against a contemporary backdrop, the film explores themes of masculinity, friendship, love, and the societal expectations that come with being a man.

The film stars Fikret Kuşkan as Adem, a well-established lawyer who is professionally successful but emotionally restrained. Adem's life is seemingly perfect, with a successful career and a loving family, but beneath the surface, he is dealing with a profound inner turmoil. This crisis is triggered by a serious issue in his marriage, causing him to question the very fabric of his identity and the roles he has been conditioned to play.

Ali Poyrazoğlu plays the role of Adem's close friend and confidant, Cemal, who is quite the opposite of Adem. Cheerful and outgoing, Cemal tries to approach life with humor and lightheartedness. He is perhaps a representation of the societal pressure men face to always appear strong and in control, hiding any signs of weakness which, according to societal norms, are not considered masculine.

The third pivotal character in the film is portrayed by Asuman Dabak, who plays the role of a psychologist. She becomes an instrumental figure in Adem's life as she helps him navigate his internal struggles. Her character brings in a professional perspective and serves as a catalyst for Adem’s journey of self-discovery and transformation.

The narrative of Erkekler takes the audience through a series of events that not only provide comedic relief but also bring to the forefront serious questions regarding male identity. Adem's character demonstrates that vulnerability and emotional expression are integral parts of being human, regardless of gender. As he wrestles with his own prejudices and societal norms, he begins to see the world differently.

Throughout the film, Adem undergoes a symbolic process of unlearning and redefining what it means to be a man. His interactions with various other characters, including his family and peers, culminate in a series of revealing and often humorous incidents that expose the absurdity of the hyper-masculine ideals that are often blindly accepted.

The movie explores the contrast between Adem’s polished, put-together exterior and his inner conflict. His profession as a lawyer adds an interesting dimension to his character, given that he’s trained to argue, defend, and mask emotions. This professional detachment carries over into his personal life, prompting the eventual breakdown that leads him to seek out the psychologist's help.

A consistent element in Erkekler is the dialogue, which can be sharp, witty, and revealing. The conversations among characters are designed to peel back the layers of the facade that men are often expected to maintain. The use of humor serves as a tool to break the ice on sensitive subjects, allowing the characters, and thereby the audience, to grapple with otherwise tough-to-discuss issues.

One of the strengths of Erkekler is how it handles the intersection of various themes without losing its comedic tone. It takes the characters through a gamut of emotions as they examine their personal and professional relationships, providing a mirror for societal attitudes towards masculinity and personal fulfillment in Turkey.

Visually, Erkekler offers a glimpse into urban life in Turkey, with its bustling cities and aesthetic shots that capture the essence of the settings. This backdrop provides a realistic canvas for the story to unfold and underlines the universality of the film’s themes, suggesting that the questions and challenges faced by the protagonists are not unique to any one culture or country—they are human issues.

The performances by the lead actors are commendable. Fikret Kuşkan, as Adem, portrays the character's vulnerability with a nuanced performance that makes the audience empathize with his internal journey. Ali Poyrazoğlu, on the other hand, provides a balancing act with his more overt comedic approach, providing levity and contrasting depths to the seriousness of Adem's personal challenges. Asuman Dabak’s portrayal of the psychologist is grounded and provides a strong, steady presence in the film, guiding Adem, and indirectly the viewers, through the complexities of the mind and the heart.

Erkekler is by design a thought-provoking reflection on established gender norms, layered within a narrative that is accessible and engaging due to its comedic elements. It is a story about breaking free from the constraints of enforced roles and finding authenticity within oneself, and it accomplishes this with both humor and sensitivity. It encourages viewers to look beneath the surface of conventional ideals to uncover the multifaceted nature of individual identity.

Erkekler is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.