'Cirkin Dunya' (1974) aka 'Ugly World' - Roland Kramer. (Osman F. Seden)

The disturbingly grim Turkish home invasion monstrosity 'Cirkin Dunya' is crudely cut from the very same grubby celluloid cloth as, Ruggero Deodato's 'House on the edge of the park' and, Aldo Lado's 'Night Train Murders'. This exploitative, well-made, cruel, fervently foul-natured shocker is zestfully acted and not infrequently nerve-grindingly tense in its execution. It is unlikely that 'Cirkin Dunya' is politically motivated, yet the family's conspicuous affluence, perhaps, suggests otherwise. This tastefully decorated, swimming pool adorned, wickedly ostentatious abode contrasts rather pointedly with their unkempt, etiquette-disdaining oppressors. Once these hedonistic troglodytes take over this grand domicile, they aggressively abuse its plentiful amenities with predatory zeal!

The charismatic, memorably murderous 'Scorpion' (Savas Basar) is the relentlessly reprehensible, David Hess-like leader of this terror-inciting trio of vilely opportunistic, gleefully sadistic reprobates. His compelling, serial killer charm, dazzling, shark-like grin and feral intelligence makes him a formidable nemesis. Always appearing one clear step ahead of the good doctor and his lovely wife's increasingly desperate attempts to rid themselves of their larcenous, maniacal, altogether unwelcome house guests.

The laudably twisted director seems to take a profound delight in tormenting this seemingly benign family. Frankly, it can be a little disconcerting observing the cat-like zeal he displays putting the beleaguered family through these ignominious 'Funny Games'.'Cirkin Dunya' culminates grimly in a memorably macabre, emotionally fraught climax, which somehow feels more haunting than most of the equally disturbing films it seeks to replicate. 'Cirkin Dunya' is both fascinatingly repellent and morbidly compelling, having a bona fide electric efficacy in shocking the audiences sensibilities. The cavalier disregard these boorish violators have for their captors is frequently disturbing to behold.