On Board

When On Board came out in Turkish theatres in 1998, it immediately gained underground status, especially among zealous young male film makers-to-be who were inspired by its uncompromising, hardcore attitude. The first film produced by the social-issues-driven auteur cinema collective Yeni Sinemacilar (New Cineasts), who would later present the controversial and brilliant Takva, On Board follows the dark events unfolding in a claustrophobic ship docked at the Bosphorus shore. A pack of four sailors led by their Captain (Erkan Can, Yeni Sinemacilar’s favourite actor) stumble upon a Russian prostitute and rescue her without her consent while trying to get back their stolen money from a gang of pimp look-alikes. Back on the ship, the sailors smoke pot, get reelingly drunk, excel in profanities and listen to the Captain’s mouth-watering sexual fantasies. While the prostitute lies unconscious in a cabin, the men one by one secretly visit to have their way – only to discover that she is a virgin. The events culminate drastically and the camaraderie between the men is tested to its limits. This is the saga of your everyday Turkish ruffian, barely making ends meet and brought up in sexual oppression with a distinct prerequisite to constantly prove his masculinity. Provocative and gutsy, On Board continues to exert its unique influence over independent Turkish cinema. (EY)