Zorba the Greek
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Movie Reviews of Zorba the Greek
Movie Review: Anthony Quinn
Summary: 5 Stars
What can I say that hasn't been said before? 'Zorba' is a testament to the great actor and personality, Anthony Quinn. He fills the screen with his spirit. Zorba does his own thing, lives life to its fullest on his own terms but, even so he is neither small nor selfish. His compassion is boundless.
At the same time, having never been there, I rather suspect that the director/producers of this fine film have shortchanged the people of Crete. The scene in which the French woman lays dying, surrounded by crones in the form of human vultures almost literally waiting to pick her bones, is both distressing and chilling. Also, the scene in which the villagers slaughter the widow woman in a strange form of honor killing is also disturbing. Hopefully, this is a gross mischaracterization of the people of the island.
The last scene in which Zorba and his young boss dance and laugh following the destruction of their mine and dreams is very similar to John Huston's great 'Treasure of Sierra Madre' in which two men, following the loss of all their gold fall into uncontrollable hysterical laughter. After all, what else can you do?
Ron Braithwaite author of novels, "Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God", on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico
Movie Review: Outstanding film but package is lacking
Summary: 5 Stars
I just purchased this DVD and watched it last night. I haven't examined it for the problems with aspect ratios and full screen being cropped at top and bottom to imitate widescreen, etc. The picture looks fine to me. What struck me was the mislabeling of the contents. On the back of the case, listed among the 'Features' are the following: 1) Commentary by Director Michael Cacoyannis; 2) Alternate Introduction; 3) "Anthony Quinn: Lust for Life" as seen on BIOGRAPHY on the A&E Network; 4) Movietone News Footage; 5) Theatrical Trailers; 6) Behind-the-Scenes Stills Gallery. After I watched the movie I checked out the Special Features and was surprised and dismayed to discover that it only contained the commentary from Michael Cacoyannis - no introduction, no A&E biography of Tony Quinn, not even a theatrical trailer, which is usually what appears on even bare bones DVDs. Obviously something went wrong between preparation and actual release of this DVD. I didn't see that any of the reviewers had commented on this omission so I just thought I would. Outstanding movie though.Movie Review: Polar opposites, and a great film...
Summary: 5 Stars
Basil (Alan Bates), a somewhat boring Englishman that also happens to be a writer, goes to Crete in order to take charge of small inheritance. In his journey to that island he meets Zorba (Anthony Quinn), a Greek that is his polar opposite. Zorba is temperamental, and acts before thinking, enjoying life at it fullest with no regard for the consequences.
Circumstances, and Zorba's wish to earn some money, join this two men. Their interaction is something to be enjoyed as we watch "Zorba the Greek" (1964) once and again. Of course, the scenery is beautiful, and the music outstanding, but the real magic of this film is that it shows you what really good actors can do with a great script, and a director that knows what he is doing.
This film has hilarious scenes, but also others so dramatic that you will literally feel the pain of the characters. And of course, the ending is nothing less than perfect.
On the whole, I believe that this film is an excellent example of a true classic. Enjoy it.
Belen Alcat
Movie Review: great film!
Summary: 5 Stars
My introduction to this film was actually the wonderful soundtrack on vinyl, played while a small child, in our family living room. Much of this great music, with traditional Greek accompaniment, is often heard at Greek restaurants, too. I always had wonderful memories of souflaki, piping hot spanakopita and saganaki, associated with all of the songs!
It wasn't until some years later that I saw this great film, starring Anthony Quinn, as Zorba, with Alan Bates, as Basil, the young English writer he befriends and helps awaken to the sights and sounds of life. There is more to this film than meets the eye. For starters, it isn't all dancing and singing. There are also some very dramatic moments that I won't elaborate on, here, so as not to spoil the plot for you! I will say that the acting is superb, that Irene Papas and Lila Kedrova are fabulous co-stars, and the music will linger in your ears for days following your intial viewing of the film.
Movie Review: Life affirming, life changing
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this film in my early 20's and am now approaching 60. Over the years I have returned to it just to see if it still held the same truth. It does. In anticipation of this DVD release I reread the book and it was an interesting lesson in book to film adaptation. The spirit is the same and credit for that must go to the director the actors who approach this - the greatest of Kazantzakis' novels with reverance and passion. Certain elements of the episode with the church are "leavened" for 1960's tastes and limits but the rest rings true. After all the awards and praise for acting and cinematography, it remains a film to share with friends and cherish for its humanity and truth. Zorba was a real person, by the way, and maintained an active correspondence with Kazantzakis until his death in the early 1940's.