I have a very simple rule when it comes to tracking films coming out of Germany. I have a few, actually, but one of the key ones is this: if Head On director Fatih Akin is invlved in any way, shape or form, I pay particular attention. Enter young writer-director Ozgur Yildirim - like Akin a German of Turkish descent - and his feature Chiko, produced by Akin's production company, Corazon.
Chiko wants to make it all the way up to the top. He and his best friend, Tibet, think that money, power and respect is all that counts for two young guys of Turkish background in the suburban ghettos of Hamburg. Chiko uses his ruthless wits to catch the attention of Brownie, the drug lord who controls everything the two friends dream of. Chiko fights for Brownie’s trust and respect and eventually becomes Brownie’s right hand in the local drug underworld. But when Tibet crosses violent Brownie, Chiko finds himself in a dangerous situation. Everything he has risked his life for is at stake: his reputation, his status, and his friendship with Tibet.
Yildirim has gone on record saying his goal with Chiko was to create a hard and realistic crime drama, one that reflected the sorts of neighborhoods he grew up in himself, and that he hoped to create a sort of Turko-German answer to Scarface in the process. Buzz on this film following its initial screenings has been stellar and judging by the just-released trailer I'd say Yildirim can consider his mission a success. You'll find the trailer in the ScreenAnarchy Player below the break.