Greek cinematography saw a significant resurgence in the 1950s, blossoming and producing films that have since achieved iconic status among cinephiles. The skill of their filmmakers was further showcased in the ’60s, with Alexis Zorbas being one of their most renowned productions ever made.
As a cinephile with an affinity for the cinematic wonders of Greece, I must affirm that contemporary Greek cinema should not be overlooked. While there are undoubtedly gems from the pre-2000 era, it’s essential to highlight the promising future of their filmmaking industry. Herein lies a compilation of the 15 most exceptional Greek films ever made.
(Note: I intentionally avoided using technical jargon and focused on a conversational tone to make it more engaging for readers.)
Stella (1955)
Among the timeless Greek films that have left a lasting impact, this one stands out as a genuine classic, adored by countless viewers. The story revolves around a powerful singing diva named Stella, who is both fierce in her independence and deeply passionate about her freedom. In a small nightclub, she not only entertains but also uses her talent to express herself freely.
Stella vows not to commit to any man, but that resolution falters when she encounters Miltos, an arrogant and volatile football player who captivates her. Belonging to no man before, Miltos demands everything from Stella – her complete submission. However, is Stella prepared to reverse all her past declarations and transform into a devoted partner? Or will this passionate tale conclude in heartbreak? The question remains unanswered as the story unfolds.
Istoria mias kalpikis liras (The Counterfeit Coin, 1955)
In a blend of romance, comedy, and drama, we follow the tale of a secret workshop owned by Anargyros, an honest goldsmith and engraver. He meticulously saves his earnings in gold coins. However, he’s later presented with an opportunity to produce counterfeit sovereigns. Yet, he steadfastly declines. This all changes when he encounters a captivating woman who employs seductive tactics to persuade him otherwise.
Despite the success of Anargyros, his companion, and the individual who proposed the deal in striking their first coins, people gradually discern that these are not genuine forms of currency, as Anargyros struggles to accept them as such. A chain of unfortunate events eventually leads Anargyros to abandon this deception. Can he return to his previous state?
O Drakos (1956)
1950s Athens on New Year’s Eve finds itself hosting an intriguing twist for its residents: timid bank clerk Thomas, who prefers solitude, discovers an uncanny resemblance to a notorious criminal plaguing the city. This unsettling revelation adds another layer of complexity to his life, leading him to seek refuge in one of the city’s seedy nightspots – cabarets known for their shadowy allure.
At that location, he encounters numerous people, among them a band of robbers led by Thanos, who are all up for surprise twists and turns. However, unbeknownst to him, Thomas’s life takes an unexpected turn, earning him the moniker “the dragon.” This transformation places him in perilous circumstances, particularly when it is revealed that he is not the person everyone believed him to be.
The film achieved tremendous popularity following its premiere, largely because of its compelling and relevant theme, as well as its unique presentation. It cleverly skewers the film noir style while tackling the timeless and captivating mystery of a typical person’s isolation.
Tis kakomoiras (World Gone Mad, 1963)
In this tale, we follow a love narrative between two gentlemen: Zikos, the talkative store assistant, and his supervisor, Mr. Pandelis, who discover an unexpected affection for their fresh neighbors. Eagerly anticipating a chance to establish a home together and envisioning their future, they remain blissfully unaware that their neighbors harbor no interest in them whatsoever.
Despite maintaining hope for a fairy-tale ending, the dreams of Zikos and Pandelis take a turn for the worse as they unexpectedly encounter their neighbors’ genuine romantic partners at a gathering they attended one evening.
Alexis Zorbas (Zorba the Greek, 1964)
One of the most renowned Greek films ever made, this Academy Award-winning production stood out in the categories for best-supporting actress, best cinematography, and best art direction. It’s particularly recognized for Anthony Quinn’s memorable portrayal. The story revolves around a British-Greek author named Basil, who embarks on a journey to Crete. As he waits for his boat, he encounters an energetic Greek-Macedonian man known for his love of pheasant hunting and music – Zorba.
Through his persuasive charm, Zorba manages to convince him to accompany him, and when they eventually reach Crete, their friendship-filled adventure unfolds. Immersed in the zest for life that Zorba exudes, Basil finds himself significantly influenced, gradually recognizing that his perspective on life is swiftly evolving.
Ta Kokkina Fanaria (The Red Lanterns, 1963)
This film was up for an Academy Award in the category of Best Foreign Language Film. It unfolds the narrative of Eleni and her companions, all of whom are employed at a clandestine brothel known as The Red Lanterns. Each character has their own unique backstory. Eleni is one of the most prominent workers there, who made regrettable decisions following her move to Greece from Romania.
In a particular district of Athens that’s slated for modernization, Ana, Marina, Mary, and soon-to-be addition Myrsine, who is 16 years old, are close friends. Each of them has personal struggles, and as their brothel prepares to shut down, we will delve deeper into their stories – uncovering their broken dreams and aspirations for a brighter tomorrow.
Rembetiko (1983)
This film is based on the real-life tale of renowned Rebetico singer Marika Ninou. It unfolds the sorrowful narrative of this gifted vocalist, tracing her life from her birth in Smyrna in 1917 to her demise in Athens in 1955. We get insights into Marika’s life, ranging from her early years in Piraeus port, Athens, to her connection with her mentor Babis.
We’ll accompany her to America, experience her triumphs in their nightclubs, and ultimately uncover what led to her premature end back in Athens. Additionally, we gain insights into the social, political climate, and significant historical occurrences surrounding Marika’s life.
Taxidi sta Kythira (Voyage to Cythera, 1984)
This movie was incredibly successful when it was released in 1984, earning numerous accolades, including the prize for Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival. It explores the viewpoint of an individual who spent little time in their homeland and demonstrates how one’s perceptions can shift dramatically after several years have passed.
The narrative centers around a former communist who, after living in exile in the Soviet Union for many years, returns to Greece. His primary goal is to reunite with his loved ones and old friends, and we are introduced to him as he strives to reach the island of Cythera. Spyros has grown older, feels disillusioned, and is reluctant to discuss his past. At the same time, he finds himself contemplating his homeland and the transformations it has undergone.
Mia aioniotita kai mia mera (Eternity and a Day, 1998)
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts about a renowned Greek film that’s not only popular but also garnered numerous accolades. This masterpiece follows the story of Alexandros, a man in his middle age who receives the devastating news of a terminal illness. Determined to wrap up loose ends and bid farewell to his cherished ones, he prepares himself for an emotional goodbye, planning to reunite with his late wife.
However, as he reflects on his past and braces himself for the end, an unforeseen incident forces him to pause his plans. This captivating tale is a powerful exploration of life, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Initially, he prevents an Albanian immigrant from getting apprehended, only to later observe his abduction on the same day. Intrigued and compelled, he tracks down the kidnappers and manages to rescue the child. As he gets to know him better, he develops a bond with the boy due to their shared sense of fear. His own journey is about shaping his future, while the boy’s path leads back to Albania, fraught with danger.
Trilogia: To livadi pou dakryzei (Trilogy: The Weeping Meadow, 2004)
This film marks the beginning of a trilogy depicting contemporary Greek history, with “The Dust of Time” as its sequel. Regrettably, it was left uncompleted following the director’s untimely passing in 2012. The narrative chronicles significant historical occurrences in Greece, from the year 1919 through to the post-World War II period, focusing on a single family’s life experiences.
The narrative revolves around Eleni, an orphaned girl, who finds a new family amidst a group of refugees returning to Greece following the Russian Revolution. As we journey through her life, we witness her growth from adolescence into adulthood and her marriage to her adoptive brother. Their lives, regrettably, will be marked by events that are far from pleasurable or comfortable.
Mikra Anglia (Little England, 2013)
In this captivating period piece, we follow an intricate saga of affection and deceit involving two sisters and a man. At age twenty, Orsa finds herself deeply smitten with Lieutenant Spyros, yet chooses to conceal her feelings. In stark contrast, the vibrant and lively Moscha, their younger sister, yearns for a life beyond their island home on Andros.
However, Mina, their mother, has other intentions for her daughters. She intends to marry Orsa off to a marine and captain Nikos, while Moscha will be wed to Spyros, who is also a captain currently. This decision results in their shared home being split into two sections, and what was once a warm sisterly bond may suffer due to the emergence of forbidden love.
Glykia symmoria (Sweet Bunch, 1983)
I had the pleasure of experiencing an avant-garde subterranean film that stirred a wave of admiration upon its release. The narrative unfolds around a quartet of nonconformists – Argyris, Andreas, Marina, and Sofia – who reside under one roof. Each of them has lost all semblance of purpose in life and spends their days engaging in various illicit acts as means of survival.
Certain individuals bypass payment at high-end restaurants, some engage in shoplifting or appear in adult films. These individuals are often under observation by authorities, ready to pounce on any mistake they make for an arrest. The situation changes drastically when Sofia murders the police officer tasked with overseeing their residence.
O Thiasos (The Travelling Players, 1975)
This movie is a historical drama set in Greece during the mid-20th century, specifically from 1939 to 1952. It focuses on a troupe of traveling actors staging a production. The initial portion revolves around their rehearsals and performances, while the latter part delves into their observations and interactions with the communities they encounter.
1. They lived through Metaxas’ dictatorship, fought against the Italians, endured Nazi occupation, were freed, and eventually faced a civil war. As time passed, their private struggles with betrayal and jealousy became clearer.
2. Under Metaxas’ rule, they battled Italians, suffered under Nazis, tasted freedom, and ultimately grappled with a civil war. Over the course of these events, their personal issues such as deceit and envy surfaced.
3. They survived Metaxas’ dictatorship, clashed with the Italians, felt the weight of Nazi occupation, reveled in liberation, and then endured a civil war. As time went by, they confronted their personal problems like betrayals and jealousy more openly.
4. From experiencing Metaxas’ regime to facing a civil war, they encountered various historical events including battles against Italians, Nazi occupation, and liberation. Along the way, their private struggles such as betrayal and jealousy emerged.
5. Their journey took them from living under Metaxas’ dictatorship to dealing with a civil war, where they faced battles against Italians, endured Nazi occupation, celebrated freedom, but also grappled with personal problems like deceit and envy.
To vlemma tou Odyssea (Ulysses’ Gaze, 1995)
In this intriguing film, we follow the story of a renowned Greek filmmaker, A., who plans to revisit Greece for two purposes: firstly, to attend a screening of one of his early films; secondly, to embark on a personal exploration through the Balkans. This journey serves not only as an opportunity to trace the origins of cinema but also to delve deeper into the essence of Balkan identity.
His personal journey and self-exploration culminate in the city under siege, Sarajevo, where he encounters Levy, the manager of a local movie theater. His tale concludes with Levy and an impending disaster that will strike him and his family.
To meteoro vima tou pelargou (The Suspended Step of the Stork, 1991)
In my perspective as a movie critic, this heartfelt drama unfolds the tale of a television journalist named Alexandre. His assignments lead him to a frontier town, where a multitude of immigrants from Albania, Turkey, and Kazakhstan have sought sanctuary. Amidst this diverse crowd, he encounters an elderly man who bears a striking resemblance to a prominent Greek politician who vanished without a trace several years prior. This intriguing character forms the crux of the storyline that promises an engaging watch.
Following a brief stint of work there, he returns to Athens and encounters the politician’s wife. He requests her help in identifying him. Through this encounter, we gain insight into the harsh realities and inhumane treatment that immigrants often experience at the borders on a daily basis.
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2025-05-20 07:16