We are speaking out against the war, the occupation and the human rights violations. We in no way wanted to exploit prejudices.

We didn't set out to remake the Rambo story, we just tried to reflect what is really happening in Iraq.

Our film's a sort of political action. Maybe 60 or 70 percent of what happens on screen is factually true. Turkey and America are allies, but Turkey wants to say something to its friend. We want to say the bitter truth. We want to say that this is wrong.

These were only a few of the human rights violations by the U.S. in Iraq that the press covered and we followed. We did not intend to insult American people or their values, but only wanted to portray a real tragedy there.

Who seems most hideous when adorned the most.

When the devil grows old he turns hermit.