Kartal Bey (1984)

A Turkish action classic starring Cüneyt Arkın as a reformed gangster pulled back into the underworld by the murder of his brother.

Kartal Bey - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Kartal Bey
  • Release Year: 1984
  • Directed by: Melih Gülgen
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Action
  • Original Language: Turkish
  • Spoken Languages: Turkish
  • Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1984 (Turkey)
  • Alternative Titles: Kartalbey (TR)
  • Production Companies: Burak Film
  • Production Countries: Turkey

Kartal Bey - Plot

The story is about two brothers whose father is sent to prison. Kartal and Cemal's father is sent to prison for murder. Their mother also dies shortly afterwards. They grow up alongside a man involved in illegal activities. Both brothers engage in the same activities and become notorious gangsters. However, at Cemal's request, Kartal leaves the business. He leaves the city. In Kartal's absence, Cemal is killed by his rivals. After these events, Kartal returns to seek revenge for his brother.

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Kartal Bey - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Melih Gülgen

Main Cast

  • Cüneyt Arkın
  • Alev Sayın
  • Cemal Gencer
  • Yıldırım Gencer
  • Muzaffer Nebioglu
  • Kadir Savun
  • Turgut Özatay
  • Hüseyin Peyda
  • Yadigar Ejder
  • Çetin Başaran

Writers

  • Melih Gülgen
  • Cüneyt Arkın

Producers

  • Sungur Esen
  • Ibrahim Mertoglu

Kartal Bey - FAQs

What is Kartal Bey about?

Kartal Bey follows two brothers who grow up in the criminal underworld after their father is imprisoned for murder and their mother dies. Both become notorious gangsters, but when Kartal steps away from the life and his brother Cemal is killed by rivals, he returns to the city driven by a fierce desire for revenge.

Who plays the lead role in Kartal Bey?

Cüneyt Arkın plays the title role of Kartal Bey. One of Turkish cinema's most iconic action stars, Arkın also co-wrote the screenplay. The supporting cast includes Alev Sayın, Cemal Gencer, Yıldırım Gencer, and Muzaffer Nebioglu, among others.

Is Kartal Bey a revenge story?

Very much so. The film's entire second half is driven by Kartal's mission to avenge his brother Cemal, who is murdered by rival gangsters while Kartal is away. The revenge arc gives the film its emotional core and propels Cüneyt Arkın's character back into the dangerous world he tried to leave behind.

Who directed Kartal Bey?

Kartal Bey was directed by Melih Gülgen, who also co-wrote the script alongside lead actor Cüneyt Arkın. The film was produced by Burak Film and released in Turkey in January 1984.

Is Kartal Bey a classic of Turkish action cinema?

Kartal Bey is considered part of the golden era of Turkish popular cinema, known locally as Yeşilçam. Starring Cüneyt Arkın — one of Turkey's most beloved action heroes — the film represents the gritty, fast-paced genre films that defined Turkish commercial cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

What are similar films to Kartal Bey?

If you enjoy Kartal Bey's blend of crime drama and action, you might also like Barbarosa (1982), Hounds of War (2024), Wire Room (2022), Dangerous (2021), and Legacy (2020). These films share similar themes of loyalty, betrayal, and high-stakes confrontation.

Did Cüneyt Arkın write the screenplay for Kartal Bey?

Yes — Cüneyt Arkın co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Melih Gülgen. Arkın was well known for his active involvement behind the scenes on many of his films, frequently contributing to scripts and shaping the stories in which he starred.

When and where was Kartal Bey released?

Kartal Bey was released in Turkey on January 1, 1984. It was produced by Burak Film and is also known under the alternative title Kartalbey in Turkish-language markets.

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