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Birol Ünel

Actor

Birol Ünel, a German-Turkish actor born on August 18, 1961, in Silifke, Turkey, gained considerable acclaim for his powerful performances, often portraying deeply troubled characters. Ünel's breakout role came with "Dealer" (1999), directed by Thomas Arslan, for which he received critical acclaim. However, he is best known for his role in Fatih Akin's "Head-On" (2004), where he played the character Cahit Tomruk. His performance in "Head-On" earned him the German Film Award for Best Actor. Some other notable films include "In July" (2000), "Transylvania" (2006), and "Soul Kitchen" (2009), also directed by Fatih Akin. Ünel's intense and raw acting style left a lasting impression on European cinema until his death on September 3, 2020.
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  • The Unpolished

    The Unpolished

    Drama

    2007

    1h.34min

    12 FSK

    All this 14-year-old wants is a 'normal' life, but that's not easy to come by given the lifestyle of her hippie parents.

  • Dealer

    Dealer

    Crime, Drama

    1999

    1h.12min

    16+

    Life is governed by strict laws. If you don't want to fall out of favor with your backers as a dealer, you can't be seen with plainclothes cops.

  • Soul Kitchen

    Soul Kitchen

    Drama, Comedy

    2009

    1h.39min

    12 FSK

    In Fatih Akin's cult film, German-Greek pub owner Zinos unwittingly destroys his restaurant's peaceful atmosphere.

  • Back to Nothing

    Back to Nothing

    Drama, Independent

    2016

    1h.36min

    16 FSK

    With a mixture of horror and comedy, this morality tale tells the story of a group of urban nomads fleeing from demolition excavators.

  • The Moon and Other Lovers

    The Moon and Other Lovers

    Drama, Love & Sex

    2008

    1h.41min

    12 FSK

    A tale of ordinary people in Eastern Germany set in the tumultuous times following the fall of the Berlin Wall. When Hannah wins a trip to Turkey, she ...