Among the many thousands of movies I've seen, and the few hundred or so that qualify as great, this movie stands out above them all. All elements of a movie work together to create this masterpiece. The acting is second to none, with Quinn and Bates filling in their characters fully, and Kedrova and Pappas shining in their brief moments. The direction by Cacoyannis is without flaw, with each scene carefully constructed and without superfluity. The black and white photography is so beautiful that you will swear later that you can remember the blue Aegean and the green hills.
And, of course, best of all is the story and script. There are many memorable lines. In fact, the out-of-print soundtrack record contains classic excerpts from the dialog. (The music alone is reason enough to rate this movie one of the best). The story of the relationship between an existential hero and a tormented man resonates with insight and wisdom.
And best of all, this is one of the very few movies that knows EXACTLY when to end. Without spoiling the ending, let me just say that the last scene stands for me as a perfect metaphor for the essential condition of man in a world of despair, dancing for the sheer joy of existence amid the chaos.
We are all on this Earth for such a short time. Do yourself a favor and see this movie for what it can teach you about living and dying.
And, of course, best of all is the story and script. There are many memorable lines. In fact, the out-of-print soundtrack record contains classic excerpts from the dialog. (The music alone is reason enough to rate this movie one of the best). The story of the relationship between an existential hero and a tormented man resonates with insight and wisdom.
And best of all, this is one of the very few movies that knows EXACTLY when to end. Without spoiling the ending, let me just say that the last scene stands for me as a perfect metaphor for the essential condition of man in a world of despair, dancing for the sheer joy of existence amid the chaos.
We are all on this Earth for such a short time. Do yourself a favor and see this movie for what it can teach you about living and dying.