Head-On
User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27

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  1. HarkanwarA.
    Sep 15, 2007
    8
    Excellent love-sex-hate drama.
  2. FrankO
    Jun 13, 2009
    9
    This is a strange film but I love movies that are off-beat, off kilter a bit. Akin does a great job of creating sympathetic characters but I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. I like being the observer in this film, watching Cahit and Sibel learn to be with each other, with all its pluses and minuses. Not a film just for anyone.
  3. Diezmartinez
    Aug 22, 2010
    10
    Un inclasificable melodrama sobre un turco, un vago sin oficio ni beneficio, que se casa con una desequilibrada y suicida mujer turca, con el fin de que ella gane su independencia y abandone el conservador hogar familiar. Ambientada en Alemania y con un seco desenlace en Estambul, Contra la Pared inicia como comedia de enredos, tiene ribetes de comedia romántica y continúa con una brutal serie de acontecimientos, tan sorpresivos como desarmantes en su cruda realidad… Expand
  4. michaelz.
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    Great movie!!!
  5. GünterG.
    Feb 3, 2005
    6
    If somebody told me the plot, I'd love it. But the director's too eager and sloppy narrative makes it all look like unbridled teen angst. Too much vital energy thrust at you. And it's a pity, because the ending is good, it makes the characters and the whole story seem plausible and even affecting.
  6. PaulaW.
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    This starts out as a quirky "ethnic" romance when Sibel and Cahit meet cute in the hallway of a psychiatric hospital and go on to a highly unconventional marriage. That would be a good movie in itself, what with the contrast between the traditional Turkish musicians who appear in interludes along the Bosporus and the punk-flavored carousing of the main characters in Germany. But then the movie plunges into much deeper waters, and that is what makes it brilliant. Visually pleasing, with splendid acting all around. Highly recommended.… Expand
  7. Uli
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    Simply one of the best films I have seen within the last 12 months! Check it out!
  8. MichaelK
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    Fatih Akin has made a film which seems to accurate reflect the pathos of Turkish-German immigrants in their quest for identity compounded with a fear of loss of self. Brilliant. Even better than "Short Sharp Shock." You will be riveted.
  9. JerryH.
    Jan 29, 2005
    9
    Hell Yes!!!
  10. ErwinK.
    Jan 30, 2005
    10
    A wonderful film, passionate in its realism and complex characters. Nothing is painted black and white in this film - eveything in this film pulses with life. It's sexy and violent and uncompromosing. The performance by the two leads are amazing, and the whole thing is punctuated with a great soundtrack. A movie with real bloody guts.
  11. RodE.
    Jul 19, 2005
    4
    Well made; great soundtrack; but about as interesting to watch as rotting meat.
  12. deryau.
    Jan 28, 2005
    10
    Just one word:GREAT!
  13. DieterA.
    Jul 18, 2005
    10
    I saw this movie at Cornell. Audience applauded spontaneously the screen as the credits rolled. A bit strange, can't remember the last time this happened, but if you see the movie you will understand.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    80
    No matter what is going on in the story, these star-crossed lovers are always fascinating to watch.
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  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    80
    Has its share of surprises, especially in the performances of its two main players.
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  3. Dallas Observer
    Reviewed by: Melissa Levine
    80
    A solid, well-crafted drama, with a tight script, sharp editing, and strong performances by the leads. Beware, however: This is no comedy.
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