The Bandit

The film tells the story of a group of bandits captured in the Cudi Mountains 35 years ago. All of them have died, either from illness or vendettas; only Baran (Şener Şen) survives. After serving his 35-year sentence, Baran is released from Viranşehir Prison and learns that his birthplace is now submerged under the waters of a dam. Ceren Ana (Zübeyde Erden) tells him about the past. Baran is imprisoned because of the betrayal of his old friend Berfo (Kamran Usluer). Berfo stole the bandits gold, bought his childhood love Keje (Sermin Hürmeriç) from her father, and fled to Istanbul. While Baran is searching for Keje, he encounters a young man named Cumali (Uğur Yücel). These two men find solace in each other to avoid being swept away by the storms of the big city. And in this world where violence, betrayal, passion, boundless love and hatred intertwine, they try to survive.

Directed by Yavuz Turgul, The Bandit leans on a strong ensemble — Şener Şen, Uğur Yücel, Sermin Hürmeriç — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about crime titles of 1996.