Tony H Wrote:You should read reviews with the real guy on whose account the book and film were based. Billy Hayes. He said the film made all Turkish people look bad and he said he loves the people as a whole, he just hates their court and prison system. Also, interestingly enough, he said in real life he had smuggled drugs out of the country 4 times prior to getting busted on his 5th trip. He said he deserved to be in jail for possession, but not a life sentence that was handed to him.
He seems like an interesting guy though and even apologized to the people of Turkey for the affect the film had on the decline of tourism to the country. He returned for the first time in 2007 and publicly apologized.
I had read a little about the Billy Hayes. I hadn't heard any of the anti-Turkish stuff though but it doesn't surprise me. And Hayes traveling there to apologize, wow, amazing it had that big of an impact on the countries image and tourism but not surprising honestly.
I can say from personal experience that there are parts of Turkey that are absolutely beautiful and I would visit there again in a heartbeat.
Still, even with the fabrications and other stuff the movie was very well done in that it is unsettling.
"No other success can compensate for failure in the home." D.O. McKay
"Never raise your hand to your kids. It leaves your groin unprotected."
~ Red Buttons
Too literal? I'm sorry you feel I have a Literal Agenda!