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This week we’ll be discussing a Turkish film I delved into from 1973 called Karate Girl. This was a cinematic experience that left me both amused and bewildered. Watching it in a foreign language without subtitles added an extra layer of confusion, but the visual storytelling was enough to convey its unique charm and humor. It was humor that led me to this movie in the first place. I watched a YouTube video provided by the algorithm that featured the worst death scene in film history and, you guessed it, it’s from Karate Girl. You can watch this clip, which was the highlight, here. Grab your brown belt, revolver, and dictionary and let’s explore this great but terrible film.
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The film opens with vibrant scenes that include a young woman, the main character named Zeynep, with pigtails and a bonnet selling flowers amidst the Turkish streets. The protagonist’s double pigtails and dresses are a standout visual, contrasting with her later appearance in a black leather ensemble. Karate Girl’s set designs are richly detailed, filled with lines, curtains, chairs, and pictures, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The colors pop, making each scene visually engaging. One scene featured an oddly intriguing set up that I’m envious of. Ther floor is the old ‘50s barber shop checkered pattern except in the place of white, it’s dull green. The walls and curtains are a pale pink which offers such a unique contrast. This reminded me of the neon and mirror tile in A Clockwork Orange. The artistic home of my wealthy dreams will feature both things.
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However, the action sequences are a different story. The violence is exaggerated to the point of absurdity, reminiscent of old Kung Fu theater with over-the-top sound effects. In one scene, a character delivers an open-handed backhand slap that inexplicably results in death, evoking the feel of an “Iron Palm” movie. Of course, it’s these slowed down scenes which give us the death scene I mentioned in the opening paragraph. Without this scene, there would be no blog so, I can’t fault the terrible action work too much. When the karate girl, Zeynep, uses her martial arts, we get more of the terrible fighting to laugh at.
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Karate Girl really mirrored, in a lot of ways, later American marital arts movies from the ‘80s. The film followed the standard martial arts formula with a revenge tale that required a skill set to be learn or sharpened. Also, there’s a training montage and Karate Girl’s is worth touching on because it, like most of the rest of the movie, is terrible to the point of comedy. A training montage foreshadows the infamous death scene that has garnered attention online. The montage itself is unintentionally hilarious, featuring the protagonist strengthening her grip by lifting a small boulder with a stick and cord, all set to incongruous Indian-style music. She rapidly progresses from a white belt to a brown belt in mere seconds, a process that would realistically take years. The sequence drags on, lacking the brevity of typical ‘80s montages.
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Karate Girl’s climax features a rooftop fight that could have been epic but instead comes off as ridiculous, especially with the involvement of a child. It’s this criminal clutching a child on a rooftop that serves as the potential. I could see something amazing happening here. Let’s say they would have gone full on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon here and tossed the baby in the air while a spinning kick went underneath. Or maybe running up a wall cartwheeling over the child and grabbing it from one fighter before the other regained control. All the while and of course, the child never being harmed. At this point, the movie is so ridiculous that a change in gears like this couldn’t hurt anything.
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The age of Karate Girl’s filming locations is evident in scenes like the criminal’s hideout, located in ancient stone buildings that appear almost medieval. You can read more about these places here. At one point, one of the antagonists is disguised as a crippled old woman and is surprisingly convincing. The trick appearance is complete with altered gait and rolled-up pants, adding an interesting twist. The settings, like cold buildings and stairways with mint green and black tile floors that I mentioned earlier, are visually striking. Yet, despite these intriguing visuals, I doubt I’ll revisit this film. It’s a cheesy movie that fits well within the it’s so bad it’s good category.
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In conclusion, Karate Girl is a film that must be seen to be believed. Its blend of vibrant visuals, over-the-top action, and unintentional humor make it a unique entry in the annals of cinema. If you’re a fan of cheesy movies that provide a good laugh, this one certainly makes the grade. There’s a brief, traditional belly dancing scene that’s more of a cultural nod than a highlight. Between the belly dancing and amazing use of color and complex backgrounds has inspired me to paint in oil so, you can expect some fan art on deck. You’re invited to follow my art journey on social media, visit my website, and consider supporting and buying my work here. Peace.