This was the first Turkish drama I've watched on Netflix and I loved it. My spouse and I usually don't enjoy the same shows but we watched this one together and really enjoyed it. Would watch it again. My main complaints are the slow pace and the story line of Nisan's illness. But at least everyone seems to have gotten their happy ending. I've only watched one other Turkish drama so far, but I have to say I appreciate them for their lack of sex, bad language, and smoking. I also appreciate the reverent/religious element. Kis Gunesi/Winter Sun is especially good for this. I would have liked to have seen Efe kiss Nisan on the lips, especially when they married--Mete kissed Seda after all (do only cheaters kiss?)--but it's a small complaint. I highly recommend this show.
41 Reviews
Superb cast and well written
arun-6389122 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this show, I watched the 50 episodes over a course of a few days, I was really impressed by the story line and the acting abilities of the lead pair as well as those of some of the supporting characters such as Seda & Kadim. There was a bit of soap opera element to it with basic logic missing e.g. when Nisan is abducted, why not ask her father who is in custody about his cohorts in the smuggling business.
Aside from these small issues, a series that was captivating and kept the viewer engaged. I would watch Season 2, though in my heart, I believe it should end now, because I struggle to see where the story can progress in terms of the second season.
The show highlighted a very alluring side of Istanbul and I loved the city when I had visited it as well as the people who were very friendly.
Aside from these small issues, a series that was captivating and kept the viewer engaged. I would watch Season 2, though in my heart, I believe it should end now, because I struggle to see where the story can progress in terms of the second season.
The show highlighted a very alluring side of Istanbul and I loved the city when I had visited it as well as the people who were very friendly.
An tender love-story amidst mayhem.
shirley12vineyard29 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
As a devoted Turkish film and TV (english subtitles) obsessive, I've had to be a rational critic in accepting the the dizi from Turkey are not routine 'drama series' but rather a hybrid between soap (with truckloads of suds and interminable slo-mo gazing, dreaming etc) and a 'series' style which likely covers two years, unlike the endlessness of a English language soap.
The story of the identical twin boys who survived a murder-car crash at aged 7 (though one was believed to have died at the site) shows the two of them 20 years later in contrasting lifestyles and fortune in different areas of Istanbul. They met up at aged 27 in mutual astonishment but were only together for a few hours when Mete was shot. Renewed determination to find the perpretators had Efe immediately assume Mete's life, which included faking husband to his wife. There are layers and layers of crookery, greed, violence and black-mail as the narrative is based on a relentless hunt for the actual murderer/s. Yet Winter Sun is amongst the tenderest narrative of true love I've seen in a while, largely conveyed by Sukru Ozyildiz' rare charisma. What a performance, and what looks!
Turkey has a huge film/TV industry and multitudes of actors who as well as being fine performers are often to-die-for eye-candy. Typically the rich high-lifers of Istanbul live in sumptuous houses, no meal served is less than a banquet, and all the women wear standard sky-high heels 24/7 with mothers looking no more than 10 years older than their offspring - also in stiletto heels 24/7 - at home in which they appear to do not a tap of work. (Although there is the standard family of 'simple sweet folk' to appreciate in contrast. Crooks and nasties are linked up everywhere and new nasties appear too often and the writing gets bogged down - usually around mid-series.
This hybrid genre fails at the writers' table. Adding on more sub-story can seem a waste of time. Too many cliches roll out. (I almost screamed at my set at the "I am always there for you" countless times!) I read multi-viewer feedback and note that my dismay at how Turkish dizi end too often in tears is shared by many others. So I make no apology for sneaking a look (Netflix) at a final episode to see if the loved characters are 'intact'. Having done, I went back and 40 earlier eps. That tended to become a chore, as a typical drawn-out hostility/mistrust develops between people who we know really love each other. Sigh! After much wallowing, and dire nasty events there does come joy! Beautifully cast although the constant hair-handling by the lead woman seemed almost an tic. And the family-is-everything is to be literally everything, as love, support and cherishing apparently in Turkish narrative has to be infected with unbelievable nastiness and criminality with readily pointed guns, along the way.
Excellent camera work all around the wonderful Istanbul is stunning. Along with very beautiful hospital and even gaol interiors a tourism project seems to often be suggested as the great city's landmarks and vistas also show up very often and the country highways and outlying viillages are clearly genuine Turkey. This is pure joy!
The story of the identical twin boys who survived a murder-car crash at aged 7 (though one was believed to have died at the site) shows the two of them 20 years later in contrasting lifestyles and fortune in different areas of Istanbul. They met up at aged 27 in mutual astonishment but were only together for a few hours when Mete was shot. Renewed determination to find the perpretators had Efe immediately assume Mete's life, which included faking husband to his wife. There are layers and layers of crookery, greed, violence and black-mail as the narrative is based on a relentless hunt for the actual murderer/s. Yet Winter Sun is amongst the tenderest narrative of true love I've seen in a while, largely conveyed by Sukru Ozyildiz' rare charisma. What a performance, and what looks!
Turkey has a huge film/TV industry and multitudes of actors who as well as being fine performers are often to-die-for eye-candy. Typically the rich high-lifers of Istanbul live in sumptuous houses, no meal served is less than a banquet, and all the women wear standard sky-high heels 24/7 with mothers looking no more than 10 years older than their offspring - also in stiletto heels 24/7 - at home in which they appear to do not a tap of work. (Although there is the standard family of 'simple sweet folk' to appreciate in contrast. Crooks and nasties are linked up everywhere and new nasties appear too often and the writing gets bogged down - usually around mid-series.
This hybrid genre fails at the writers' table. Adding on more sub-story can seem a waste of time. Too many cliches roll out. (I almost screamed at my set at the "I am always there for you" countless times!) I read multi-viewer feedback and note that my dismay at how Turkish dizi end too often in tears is shared by many others. So I make no apology for sneaking a look (Netflix) at a final episode to see if the loved characters are 'intact'. Having done, I went back and 40 earlier eps. That tended to become a chore, as a typical drawn-out hostility/mistrust develops between people who we know really love each other. Sigh! After much wallowing, and dire nasty events there does come joy! Beautifully cast although the constant hair-handling by the lead woman seemed almost an tic. And the family-is-everything is to be literally everything, as love, support and cherishing apparently in Turkish narrative has to be infected with unbelievable nastiness and criminality with readily pointed guns, along the way.
Excellent camera work all around the wonderful Istanbul is stunning. Along with very beautiful hospital and even gaol interiors a tourism project seems to often be suggested as the great city's landmarks and vistas also show up very often and the country highways and outlying viillages are clearly genuine Turkey. This is pure joy!
Kis Günesi - WINTER SUN
libertyblade9 December 2017
I have to say I have never sat and watched a show in another language and could not take my eyes off the screen.This show is so amazing to me. The writing and the story lines go above and beyond. The characters and the actors are so impressive. I had to come on here and give 2 thumbs up and 10 stars. I am so glad that it is not a short season 1. Thanks to the Directors, Producers and Writers. Actors and Actresses are so impressive. I do hope that you will continue with this show and keep up the excellent story line. I look forward to a season 2. Amazzzzzing!!
Well Writen
agoessoegiharto24 July 2018
I accidentally found this serial in Netflix recommendation. I love watch serial and this is my first Turkish serial. I still watching this but with no doubt im really got into it.
The cast is gorgeous and the story is really well writen. Good steps to explore more about Turkish serial.
Love Turkish Series
brayec26 August 2018
Love this series. It was one of the first Turkish series with English subtitles I watched. And now I am hooked. Have watched several others on Netflix, U-tube, and Dailymotion. Have watched this series several times. Love the characters. Love the actors. Love the story. Love the music.
Interesting plot, amazing acting skills
makropoulouk4 April 2020
AMAZING WATCH AGAIN FROM NETFLIX
Peanut713921 November 2018
I love this show and wish there was more. The acting alone is amazing. The story line of these two women and this man, epic! I wish there was more. I so enjoyed this that I watch it over and over again. The people in this show are so nice on my eyes. Sükrü Özyildiz, Asli Enver all I can say is I wish I could see more of your acting here in the United States. Tell the writer and the producer of your show that I said "Thank You"! I again have not seen anything this good here in the United States. It's my words and my opinion. Thanks for respecting those of us that don't wont the fowl language and having to see the body parts under your clothes. Thanks for not having to hear all the sloppy kissing that is so not needed if your story line is that good. Your story line was so good, none of it is needed or missed. Tell your writer and producer I said, "You definitely have what they don't have here in the United State, RESPECT"! Thanks again for such an awesome television show that I will never get tired of watching. Tell Basak Parlak, Nesrin Cavadzade, Gamze Süner Atay I said excellent, amazing acting. I couldn't tell it wasn't real.
Women might enjoy it
myotherpetisdog14 July 2018
Slow motion scenes, repetitive flashbacks would drive a person nuts. but overall, it is watchable. Women might enjoy since it is centered around a fashion industry business and Seda's attire is fabulous. Leading actor is quite a hunk.
If you watched Intersection,2016 , (Kördügüm) TV series, you would notice that every character in Winter Sun as well as the story line itself were presented in Kördügüm , only in a different setting. Better acting by the lead character in Winter Sun.
Fabulous
irisdaniels22 August 2020
This was the most enjoyable Netflix series we have ever watched.The acting was amazing.The characters became like family and we were sorry to see it end.Beautiful scenery ,beautiful clothes and shoes ,no sex ,no nudity ,very refreshing.Despite the subtitles ,listening to Turkish it felt as if we could understand every word.We will probably watch it again at some time in the future.
Conservative
artytarty7 September 2020
I did love this series. However I am confused that whilst Efe's real mother had an extramarital affair and was shown kissing her lover, the young modern Nisan and Efe are like two nuns in a convent. A bit of a stretch seeing them in the bedroom and not even a kiss on the lips..
A somewhat Soapy Revenge Drama
writetopcat20 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I kind of like Turkish TV shows. If you have ever seen Ezel, another revenge series, you will recognize plot similarities in this show, known as Winter Sun on Netflix. A car with a man and his young son are pushed off a cliff and the boy is thrown free. His father is killed and the car pushed the rest of the way off a drop into the sea. Twenty years later the boy is a man without a memory of the event due to amnesia. He learns that a man found him and placed him with a family to raise him to be the fisherman he is today. He learns that he wasn't in an accident as he believed, but that his father was murdered. He meets his identical twin brother, who is murdered that same night before his eyes. Now he sets out on a mission to impersonate his dead brother while investigating who it was that killed both his father and his brother. The man who saved him as a boy helps him investigate to find the truth, to find the man who gave the order for his father to be killed. A conspiracy to illegally smuggle arms through is father's company is unearthed, along with the men responsible. Along the way he meets his childhood girlfriend, now his late brother's widow, and falls in love with her. But his brother's mistress, who doesn't realize her lover is dead and his identical brother is impersonating him, seeks to continue the relationship.
There are many twists and turns, and many soapy characters you will "love to hate". It gets a bit too soapy for me at times. And like the other revenge show I mentioned, Ezel, this show has an unsatisfying ending, in my opinion. The writers of both shows want to end on a happy note, with the bad characters rehabilitated and redeemed at the end. Characters who were almost pure evil during the 50 episode series wound up becoming sweet and loving at the very end. I like the film noir, crime doesn't pay, approach to dealing with nasty people, especially in a 'revenge' type show. It didn't sit right with me to see them suddenly and drastically change at the end.
There are many twists and turns, and many soapy characters you will "love to hate". It gets a bit too soapy for me at times. And like the other revenge show I mentioned, Ezel, this show has an unsatisfying ending, in my opinion. The writers of both shows want to end on a happy note, with the bad characters rehabilitated and redeemed at the end. Characters who were almost pure evil during the 50 episode series wound up becoming sweet and loving at the very end. I like the film noir, crime doesn't pay, approach to dealing with nasty people, especially in a 'revenge' type show. It didn't sit right with me to see them suddenly and drastically change at the end.
One of the finest Turkish series.
nishant_v13 October 2018
One of the finest Turkish series I've ever seen. The dialogue, background scores, tremendous acting. Pretty intresting storyline And Nisan/efe, the perfect couple made it a must watch. In fact you can watch it again and again.
It is a great loss if you dont see this film!
lucilajbeili15 September 2019
Omg, I don't know how to picturize to you my opinion on this one-in-a million film... The emotion Sukru the lead actor puts into his acting is beyond compare... He is an excellent dramatic actor and omg sooooo good looking... The actress who plays Nisan is so great and one can feel in the gut the emotion she wants to send the viewer.. The adoptive mother of Efe successfully imparts to the viewer the pain of a mother who has lost a child... But I say, the lead actor, Sukru has given a world class dramatic acting only seen in him. No one in Hollywood equals.More films Sukru, I am now a big fan.
Amazing
ann_neiman6 April 2020
This turkey Series took my breath away
I wish they would have a season two I would love to see the happy couple just keep right on going they make me happy watching them together.
It is just a story that was created by incredible writers and actors
But, to find that kind of love in your life is rare.
I enjoyed watching it
It made me so happy when they finally were together.
I love seeing how close The family was.
This is also a rare thing in life.
I would love a season two I would love to see the happy couple have their children and not have any troubles maybe some outside drama this time but I love seeing them together Efe & Nissan
Excellent
Watched over and over
jleeharris-3699122 June 2020
This show was excellent. The two main characters, Effe/Mete and Nisan were amazing. I can always tell a great show because I miss the characters when the series ends. The only complaint I have about the Turkish series is that they portray the women as manipulative and conniving and the men to be clueless and easily talked into huge life decisions. There was very good character development and interesting story lines. I watched this series several times and will probably watch it again some day. Its very well directed and produced. Asli Enver that plays Nisan looks very much like the main female character in The Sci Fi channel series
Haven.
Review of Winter Sun
javajan-5845613 October 2018
It is difficult to post an accurate review because of language differences, and I suppose something has been lost in translation. It has an interesting plot, there are sub-plots, and and unexpected twists that add to interest. Nevertheless, there is a problem with the main characters. There is way too much standing around, looking off into space. And the Efe character is sometimes nearly uncommunicative. Moreover, the main characters sometimes seem to be talking past each other.
Great Turkish series
mmtm-6397114 April 2020
This is one of my favorite Turkish series so far. It begins with a well sustained plot of revenge and intrigue from the first episode that keeps you wanting to binge watch.
All characters were well played. Nisan (Asli Enver), with her peculiar soft spoken voice and charming attitude made her a perfect protagonist for this series.
Efe/Mete did well on his twin brothers interpretation. Probably the best one is Kadin, an antagonist that makes you both hate and love him at the same time.
There was right amount of drama, suspense, action and some comic parts as well. Overall really well written and it was not as long as other series. Great ending as well. Highly recommended!
There was right amount of drama, suspense, action and some comic parts as well. Overall really well written and it was not as long as other series. Great ending as well. Highly recommended!
Dreadful
auntiem-4964111 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Has the speed of an American soap opera and the acting ro match. 50 episodes in which about 3 hours of action take place. Much of what happens is telegraphed ahead, and you can safely assume that if you've guessed ahead you can fast forward or go to the next episode. Halting dialogue, slow-motion, anything to lengthen the viewing time. No suspense, unbelievable characters. A real waste of time.
Great cross between soap and drama
wallettface12 June 2019
Love conquers all
janet-215834 April 2020
The lead actor/actress have so much chemistry that you hope it is real. l watch their love scenes over and over again (dust to dust). It took me 4 nights straight to finish the series. They were perfect! l hope they become a real couple in the future and have kids. You can see their passion for each other in their eyes that is about to burst then it gets disrupted. It beats my Jodha Akbar favorite and Seyit e Sura. Also, l hope Fatma gets an award. l recommended this to my friends and familities.
Winter Sun
andreeachin30 August 2019
I've watched this show 3 times already and can't get enough of it. I love the plot and the chemistry between Efe and Nisan. It is quite an emotional show with a happy ending. Sukru and Asli are amazing actors. I just wished more Turkish shows were translated in English, so I can watch some of Sukru's and Asli's other works.
See also
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