Surprisingly good, with drama and mind bending time travel loops. I won't pretend there aren't plot holes but with such a compelling storyline, you're likely to forget them. The acting is good and the costumes and sets fit the time period. Good vibes and charming characters.
109 Reviews
Splendid! Mystery, history, secrets in 1919 Istanbul
Anniesse7 March 2022
Love the story & setting. Beautifully filmed!!! A serious subject matter, and the moments of comedy, very well timed. It does help to know a little history to follow this series. Stay alert & focus because the back and forth through portal of time can get confusing. NOT A COPY of Outlander! Give this a chance. The styling and hair for Hazal Kaya, is not so good, took away from her acting, so distracting. I know the role is a young, mess of a woman, yet the styling still fails her. We can give her a break. Male lead, perfect, and the hotel manager fantastic. Turkish film making is fantastic, stories and everything else! Why do people compare this to shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, they are totally different, and depends what kind of movies you like. It is not a fair comparison.
Love this!
angelayldrm3 March 2022
The cinematography, production and quality is quite good as a Turk I can confirm that this is one of the best fantasy-historical Turkish series I've ever seen. On the first 3 episodes It lacks something that I can't really describe. Maybe she isn't shocked enough to be in a different period of time? Or she isn't aware of the risk she takes? Something makes it odd about actress but overall it's SO GOOD definitely recommend!
Gripping story
eceaksoy944 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It starts as a different and interesting story. There were some scenes that will make you cringe but entertain at the same time. Like that musical part.
In the middle of the series you get a little bit lost. Also, there was a time that i felt characters were failing remarkably. Like they'll never make things right.
Eventually, the confrontation happens and we get to see full picture. Those multiple foreshadowing were not for nothing. And of course we'll get a season 2. The actor plays mama of the brothel is a great actor. It was impossible that she was just there for a few short scenes. I knew she would be connected to storyline somehow.
So, characters are fine. Our protagonist could have been a little bit more normal as a person. But that's how she rolls.
Cinematography is beautiful. But if you are careful enough, you'll see many many goofs in the background and this kills the vibe a little bit. Like tuberculosis vaccine mark of the mama of brothel (like who has a tb vaccine in that time period), the antibiotic bottles which are quite 2000s but somehow she took them from 1942, some stone wall decor moving because it's actually made of cartons or something, same dancers dancing in garden bar with same outfits but different time periods. Well I'll just ignored those because the tempo of the story was good enough to entertain me.
In the middle of the series you get a little bit lost. Also, there was a time that i felt characters were failing remarkably. Like they'll never make things right.
Eventually, the confrontation happens and we get to see full picture. Those multiple foreshadowing were not for nothing. And of course we'll get a season 2. The actor plays mama of the brothel is a great actor. It was impossible that she was just there for a few short scenes. I knew she would be connected to storyline somehow.
So, characters are fine. Our protagonist could have been a little bit more normal as a person. But that's how she rolls.
Cinematography is beautiful. But if you are careful enough, you'll see many many goofs in the background and this kills the vibe a little bit. Like tuberculosis vaccine mark of the mama of brothel (like who has a tb vaccine in that time period), the antibiotic bottles which are quite 2000s but somehow she took them from 1942, some stone wall decor moving because it's actually made of cartons or something, same dancers dancing in garden bar with same outfits but different time periods. Well I'll just ignored those because the tempo of the story was good enough to entertain me.
Step back in time at the Pera Palace
daniel_lancaster29 May 2022
A joyful surprise and a pleasant show filled with real history facts.
A good alternative to English and American series with this time travel experience.
The Pera Palace truly existed and welcomed guests as famous as Ernest Hemingway or Josephine Baker. Agatha Christie wrote her novel "Crime on the Orient-Express" at this hotel.
A good alternative to English and American series with this time travel experience.
The Pera Palace truly existed and welcomed guests as famous as Ernest Hemingway or Josephine Baker. Agatha Christie wrote her novel "Crime on the Orient-Express" at this hotel.
Well Done!
Mrbodur3 March 2022
This is the Netflix Turkey work I have been waiting for!
Visually it is perfect and not tiring to watch!
This should be one the most admirable works of Netflix Turkey.
Also I can't relate people to give 1 rating for this, I can even understand 2 but I can't understandt 1.
Don't care too much about the rating mercs, enjoy the show it is just great!
Visually it is perfect and not tiring to watch!
This should be one the most admirable works of Netflix Turkey.
Also I can't relate people to give 1 rating for this, I can even understand 2 but I can't understandt 1.
Don't care too much about the rating mercs, enjoy the show it is just great!
Pera time travel
imursel11 March 2022
Don't mind the negative comments too much. . This is not a serious time travel movie but more a past - present time mixed fantasy kind one. Early 1900's istanbul scenes mixed with the late 20th century pop music is the one example. I am being a time travel movies fan, I have seen many American or western films of this kind but when a turkish film becomes to have the similar plot and the narrative style, the Turkish audience rejects it. The Turks would have appreciated this film if it had been of Western origin but they only criticizes this film because it belongs to their same country. A strange characteristic paradox. Hazal Kaya with her joyful childlike acting deserves more positive comments I think in a fantastic kind film and fits his role very well and both the photography and the staging and the cinematography are as fabulous as the costumes of the time. Also the interesting plot with a curious continuity. Don't wait for a masterpiece but there are many things to enjoy you inside.
It looks silly at the beginning but it gets better!
Maryam_Aljufairi7 March 2022
This show is genius. At the beginning when i saw the trailer i felt it's ridiculous, i was not going to watch it. But then when I started watching it gets better! Slow burning but it's worth it. Especially the last 2 episodes (9&10) where amazing. I hope the 2nd season be released soon! BTW usually I dislike turkish series, especially because of the language but I'm thankful and grateful for watching it on NETFLIX, because I watched it with English audio which was great and fun. I loved it! And thank you netflix, i love you you're the best streaming app!!!
Great Set Design and Costumes
albertval-6956024 March 2022
It's a good story with twists wrought by time jumps which initially might tend to confuse the viewer. For a while, the story wavers before picking up pace towards the latter third of the show.
A story that links Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is invariably fascinating as Turkey is a fascinating country. The story takes place just 4 years before he becomes the first president of the Republic of Turkey.
The set design and costumes are amazing. Meticulous effort has been expended to capture the tone and vibes of the period.
Hazel Kaya and Tansu Bicer are a good team, and the viewer avidly follows their extraordinary adventure.
A story that links Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is invariably fascinating as Turkey is a fascinating country. The story takes place just 4 years before he becomes the first president of the Republic of Turkey.
The set design and costumes are amazing. Meticulous effort has been expended to capture the tone and vibes of the period.
Hazel Kaya and Tansu Bicer are a good team, and the viewer avidly follows their extraordinary adventure.
Disappointing script writing to say the least
Bluetorque236 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This show looks like it clearly had a good budget but couldn't clearly afford a good script writer. The show is so badly written with plot holes everywhere. Peride/Esra the main character is portrayed as a smart knowledgeable journalist who apparently likes to find the story beyond the story. So while traveling into the past with all the knowledge she has from the future and background of being a journalist, she blurts out to the British that a plan is afoot pretty much alerting them to the revolution ahead and gets the real Peride killed. Are you kidding me? You should have casted her as a village idiot instead of a journalist which would have made a lot more sense.
Would also love to know how Esra is also a confident stage performer with a great voice??? You clearly gave this character no back story other than being a lonely journalist who loves Agatha Christie novels.
Episode 4 was excruciating. She pursues to find Fahretin and goes straight to the location he's imprisoned in. While entering the room in the dark she immediately reaches out for the light switch likes she's been in the room before. Then gets Fahretin killed. And then when questioned by Halit gives the worst excuse for attempting to find Fahretin. Who wrote this sh**. And for someone who has read a lot of Agatha Christie novels, she clearly shows no awareness or signs of being discrete and runs out into the street while Halit is meters away allowing him to follow her and listen to the entire conversation she had Fahretin without even confirming if Ahmet was in the rest room. I mean this writer wrote this crap to annoy the viewer or clearly ran of ideas of how to tie the plot together.
I just couldn't get past episode 4, it was torture to watch the rest of it. I tried but the writing only keeps disappointing.
Would also love to know how Esra is also a confident stage performer with a great voice??? You clearly gave this character no back story other than being a lonely journalist who loves Agatha Christie novels.
Episode 4 was excruciating. She pursues to find Fahretin and goes straight to the location he's imprisoned in. While entering the room in the dark she immediately reaches out for the light switch likes she's been in the room before. Then gets Fahretin killed. And then when questioned by Halit gives the worst excuse for attempting to find Fahretin. Who wrote this sh**. And for someone who has read a lot of Agatha Christie novels, she clearly shows no awareness or signs of being discrete and runs out into the street while Halit is meters away allowing him to follow her and listen to the entire conversation she had Fahretin without even confirming if Ahmet was in the rest room. I mean this writer wrote this crap to annoy the viewer or clearly ran of ideas of how to tie the plot together.
I just couldn't get past episode 4, it was torture to watch the rest of it. I tried but the writing only keeps disappointing.
Very Well Told
furkann-411773 March 2022
A fantastic show that sadly I watched and finished in a day. First episodes run a bit slow but after that you keep holding your breath. Turks are getting very good with their shows.
Need more shows like this.
Well Done 🙏🏻
Need more shows like this.
Well Done 🙏🏻
Dark&Predestination&Tosun Pasha
cey1207 March 2022
I tried
susantos-8478922 June 2022
This show had everything I love so I really tried to stick to it, however quickly turned boring and dragging. There's so many great reviews but I couldn't keep up. I watched 5 episodes and yet I felt like serious mystery was lacking and compelling story. I gave up.
I'm impressed!
jesuison25 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I added this to my list to watch for a guilty pleasure, and I'm glad I did! When you have time travel as part of the story, you know you will have to detach at least a little bit. But the fact that they didn't do a cheesy warpy wormhole effect made it where you don't even think about that. Great choice made by the creators of the show, because it would have taken you out of the story.
The actor playing Halit (Selahattin Pasali) is an absolute talent, and I hope to see him more. He really nails subtle nuance in every scene. He acts with his face just as much as his words and body language. That smoldering stare is devastating (swoon!).
The costumes and set are absolutely beautiful, and really makes me want to take a trip to Turkey. The filming was top notch, with the angles and sounds. I rewatched it because I know I missed story details. It really does have a lot more detail the second time around that explain what I thought were plot holes. Lots of twists that I really hope to see answered in season 2.
Is it perfect? I'd say some overacting or writing could be curbed. The Esra/Peride character would definitely not have gotten away with some of her behavior. But I still loved it. This has definitely turned me on to Turkish series and films.
The actor playing Halit (Selahattin Pasali) is an absolute talent, and I hope to see him more. He really nails subtle nuance in every scene. He acts with his face just as much as his words and body language. That smoldering stare is devastating (swoon!).
The costumes and set are absolutely beautiful, and really makes me want to take a trip to Turkey. The filming was top notch, with the angles and sounds. I rewatched it because I know I missed story details. It really does have a lot more detail the second time around that explain what I thought were plot holes. Lots of twists that I really hope to see answered in season 2.
Is it perfect? I'd say some overacting or writing could be curbed. The Esra/Peride character would definitely not have gotten away with some of her behavior. But I still loved it. This has definitely turned me on to Turkish series and films.
Nice story , poor acting of lead role
ilir_osmani4 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The story is pretty interesting. It is about the formation of Republic of Turkey. The acting of Hazal Kaya was a little dissapointing , otherwise the costumes and the set decorations were good. The detail about Agatha Christie was nice also. The story will continue in next season hope the acting will improve. Recommended.
Classy tale of Agatha Christie inspired mystery
joannefaggian7 March 2022
Enter Istanbul's Pera Palace and step back in time, literally - for young Turkish journalist Esra - into the era of Charleston dance, British rule and Agatha Christie. Here, a mysterious young woman called Peride is murdered, sparking Esra to unravel the mystery before history is changed for the worse. Set in a time of turmoil, it captures the spirit of the Turkish in defining their own story. The friendship that grows between Esra and the Hotel Manager Ahmet is gorgeous to watch. As is the cautious dance between Esra and the mysterious Halit. It plays like an Agatha Christie novel, with clues being found along the way to seperate who's friend from foe. The costumes and music are perfect. Well worth watching, also if you miss travelling to amazing places.
Can't wait for the next season!
gunseli-965206 March 2022
My expectations were pretty low because of the comments, but it was amazing. I couldn't get enough of it. I don't know how many episodes I've watched consecutively.
At first, I didn't think Hazal was a good choice for this , but she was just like a regular woman that has travelled in time, with all that confusion and excitement, it felt very natural.
Selahattin was very classy. It was a really good acting there as well.
I wish we had more scenes with Agatha Christie :(
Mustafa Kemal scenes were really amazing, they have handled it very well, more than I expected. Congrats to the make up artists!
At first, I didn't think Hazal was a good choice for this , but she was just like a regular woman that has travelled in time, with all that confusion and excitement, it felt very natural.
Selahattin was very classy. It was a really good acting there as well.
I wish we had more scenes with Agatha Christie :(
Mustafa Kemal scenes were really amazing, they have handled it very well, more than I expected. Congrats to the make up artists!
time travel is always fun
ksf-218 March 2022
Known as midnight at the pera palace on netflix; its called pera palas'ta gece yarisi in imdb. I can't help but think of the song midnight at the oasis when i hear the title of this mini series. Only one season of eight episodes. Esra (Hazal Kaya) is a writer, in turkey. She's assigned to a story about the pera palace hotel, which just happens to have hosted agatha christie... when she went missing for eleven days. Which doesn't match most accounts that she disappeared from her own home in england for eleven days, in 1926. Esra realizes she has somehow gone back to 1919, and met general kemal, the founder of modern day turkey. She is intrigued, but she might accidentally alter the future. Turkey in the 1920s was filled with struggle and political change, which can all be found at wikipedia dot org, along with agatha christie's life story. Co-stars tansu biçer, selahattin pasali. We're off on an adventure. And a who-dunnit mystery. It gets a little confusing, as we jump around, time-wise. Gotta overlook some things, but it's fun stuff!
Bad acting of Hazal Kaya / Missing opportunity
erhanipekciler4 March 2022
First of all, Pera Palace is the most wonderful hotel in Istanbul. My personal favorite as a tour guide and Istanbul lover. I am so happy to see it in a series.. I am watching first episode and unfortunately I have to say Hazal Kaya not a proper actress for this role. So annoying, so fake... Story looks interesting and I will continue to watch. Atmosphere is nice, I like wardrobe but because of bad acting of the starring, I hope I will not lose my willing to watch.
Amazing show!
sevilayakcay7 March 2022
I read alot of negative comment about Hazal Kayas acting. I found it very unnecessary. She fits in the show very well. Story takes you in very fast its fun adventure and drama there is lots of emotions in it. Places and costumes are very nicely designed if you like to see how istanbul looked at that time. Do not effect from negative reviews. Take your popcorn and just enjoy the show. It is currently my favourite turkish show on netflix.
confusing
artytarty5 March 2022
Whilst the sets and settings are great, the endless time travel made this series confusing and long winded.
The costumes could have been more varied and one or two scenes were a bit bizarre. The main actress singing a Brittany Spears type song in a gold lame mini dress in 1920s Istanbul was surreal!
The costumes could have been more varied and one or two scenes were a bit bizarre. The main actress singing a Brittany Spears type song in a gold lame mini dress in 1920s Istanbul was surreal!
Excellent theme, poor acting!
enis-basol7 March 2022
The theme is so unique and script almost perfect. I watched the first couple of episodes holding my breath only to see the poor performance by Hazal. Unfortunately it's a shame to see that such a wonderful theme has just gone waste with such a poor performing lead as her. Five stars is for theme's sake!
PS: My modest recommendation for those who don't find this comment helpful is go watch her in the youth series where she belongs.
PS: My modest recommendation for those who don't find this comment helpful is go watch her in the youth series where she belongs.
Worth watching
umwfruhhyf4 March 2022
Gorgeous Pera Palace Hotel is highlighted in this historical drama involving time travel.
cgvsluis12 May 2022
This was an unusual departure from the usual Turkish drama in that it involves a historic location, the Pera Palace hotel, and time travel.
I loved seeing inside the beautiful Pera Palace Hotel that is so rich with history and learning about it's ties to both The Oriental Express and Agatha Christie.
The acting was a little rough initially, but I got used to it and my interest in the story kept me watching for all of season one. There is some interesting history handled...following the end of WWI and pre-Ataturk's presidency...along with some what-ifs, like what if there was no Ataturk? And what would that mean for Istanbul?
Overall the show was interesting and the hotel gorgeous. I am going to be sticking around for season two.
I loved seeing inside the beautiful Pera Palace Hotel that is so rich with history and learning about it's ties to both The Oriental Express and Agatha Christie.
The acting was a little rough initially, but I got used to it and my interest in the story kept me watching for all of season one. There is some interesting history handled...following the end of WWI and pre-Ataturk's presidency...along with some what-ifs, like what if there was no Ataturk? And what would that mean for Istanbul?
Overall the show was interesting and the hotel gorgeous. I am going to be sticking around for season two.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
