Introduction

120 is a 2008 Turkish war film directed by Murat Saraçoğlu and Özhan Eren and based on the true story of 120 children who died in 1915 carrying ammunition for the Battle of Sarikamish against the Russians during World War I.

Outline

During the Battle of Sarikamish, the Ottoman army runs out of ammunition and appeals for help to the people of Van, who happen to have supplies. However, the First World War is on and all the men are fighting at the four corners of the empire and therefore can not respond to the appeal. The young children of Van want to do something and when the principal of a school, who has lost a son in the war, suggests that they transport ammunition, 120 young boys aged 12 to 17 volunteer and take to the road. The movie tells the true story of the 120 boys and their sisters and mothers left behind, who wait for their return.

Cast

• Cansel Elçin.
• Özge Özberk.
• Burak Sergen.
• Ahmet Uz.
• Demir Karahan.
• Emin Olcay.

Trivia

• Writer, producer and co-director Özhan Eren, an expert on the Caucasus Campaign in World War I, who came across the story of the 120 boys while doing the research for his bestselling book The Road to Sarıkamış (Turkish: Sarıkamış’a Giden Yol), spent three years preparation for the film.
• It was one of the highest grossing Turkish films of 2008.
• The film was re-released, to coincide with the 30 August Victory Day (Turkish: Zafer Bayramı) celebrations.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Murat Saraçoğlu and Özhan Eren.
• Producer(s): Ozhan Eren.
• Writer(s): Ozhan Eren.
• Music: Ozhan Eren.
• Production: Posta Tanitim Hizmetleri.
• Distributor(s): Ozen Film, Kinostar, and Cinegraph.
• Release Date: 15 February 2008.
• Running Time: 120 minutes.
• Country: Turkey.
• Language: Turkish.