Toss-Up (2004)

"Toss-Up" is a gripping narrative that unfolds in two disparate corners of late-1990s Turkey, interweaving the stories of two young men whose lives are irrevocably altered by war and tragedy. In the mystical landscape of Central Anatolia's Cappadocia region, we encounter "Ridvan the Devil," a promising football player whose dreams are shattered when a mine explosion robs him of his scoring leg. Over in bustling Istanbul, we meet "Cevher the Ghost," who lives with his father and grapples with the loss of his hearing in the same catastrophic event. The film oscillates between these two stories, painting a vivid picture of the young men's struggles as they return home from their military service in Eastern Anatolia. Ridvan's homecoming is marred by alienation and disappointment as his hometown and beloved fiancée fail to acknowledge his sacrifices. His war experiences haunt him, slowly eroding the man he used to be. Meanwhile, Cevher's narrative is a descent into the underworld of crime. His dreams of owning a buffet are sidelined by his new life as a mob member in Istanbul. However, his real test arrives with the earth-shattering Marmara Earthquake, forcing him to confront his past and his future as he rescues his father from the ruins. "Toss-Up" is a profound exploration of dreams, sacrifice, and resilience, charting the tumultuous journey of two men grappling with the aftermath of war and personal tragedies. Their hopes, disappointments, and the changes they undergo serve as a poignant testament to the human spirit's tenacity in the face of adversity.

Toss-Up is a drama movie featuring Kenan İmirzalıoğlu and directed by Uğur Yücel.

Toss-Up is currently streaming on Mubi.