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Gemide (On Board) is a 1998 Turkish drama film directed by Serdar Akar. It stars Erkan Can, Haldun Boysan, and Yildiray Sahinler in the lead roles. The movie is set in the late 1980s and follows the story of a group of Turkish sailors who work as crew members on a cargo ship called "Vatan". The movie starts with the introduction of Ismail (Erkan Can), who is a young and ambitious sailor. He joins the crew members of Vatan along with his friend, Ali (Kanbolat Gorkem Arslan). The captain of the ship, Cemal (Haldun Boysan), is a strict and authoritative figure who commands respect from his crew but often goes through occasional bouts of stress and depression.

As the ship sets sail, tensions start to rise among the crew members. At first, it seems that the tensions are due to the close quarters and lack of privacy on the ship, but soon it becomes clear that there are deeper divides between members of the crew. These divides are based on issues of status, ethnicity, and power, which begin to emerge as conflicts among the crew members.

The movie portrays life aboard a cargo ship in a dramatic and intense way, with the constantly moving camera and the sense of claustrophobia adding to the tension. The movie uses a dark and gloomy atmosphere, which makes the viewer feel the isolation and apprehension that often come with living on a ship for extended periods.

One of the highlights of the movie is the excellent acting by the lead cast, especially Erkan Can and Haldun Boysan. Both actors who play the central characters deliver powerful performances, and their interactions and emotions are conveyed with great realism. The dialogue is authentic and adds a layer of depth to the story, making you feel as if you are hearing the sailors' conversations in real life.

Gemide is a poignant reflection on the struggles that we face as human beings, highlighting how difficult it can be to live and work under stressful and dangerous conditions. The film touches on issues of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, demonstrating how these values are tested when faced with challenging situations.

The movie also depicts the relationship between Turkey and Greece, reflecting on the impact of these nations on each other's economies and social lives. The struggle is represented metaphorically through the highly stressed captain of the ship, who has to balance the interests of his country as well as his crew.

The film's technical aspects are also worth mentioning. Its cinematography, sound design, and editing are all top-notch, making it a visually and aurally engaging experience. The meticulously crafted visuals and the use of shadow and lighting play a significant role in creating the movie's tense and moody atmosphere.

In conclusion, Gemide is a powerful, dark, and intense drama that takes you on an emotional journey through life aboard a cargo ship. The movie is well directed, well-written, well-acted, and well-crafted in every way. Even though it was released more than two decades ago, it still holds itself as a significant and noteworthy film of Turkish cinema.