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pantelissakis
Reviews
To fili tis... Zois (2007)
The best comedy in years!!!
After having big expectations for this film,I'm extremely satisfied that,not only I wasn't disappointed,but it suceeded my expectations!!!This really is the best comedy I have seen in a long time,let alone a Greek comedy. While most Greek comedys(and comedys in general) are just about weird situations and how funny characters react to them,"To Fili tis...Zois" has also mystery,and satire concentrating on Greek prejudices. Nikos Zapatinas,the director,travels us to beautiful Greek landscapes and handles each scene with the appropriate care.He switches between comedy and mystery scenes with ease,while presenting the film as a solid piece of entertainment.This definitely is his best film to date. The two main stars of the film,Laertis Malkotsis as Pashalis,a soon-to-be-married everyday man who is under tremendous stress,and Katerina Papoutsaki as Zoi,a mysterious woman with a literally deadly secret,both deliver performances that,while fitting to the satirical style of the film,are also based on realistic approaches to insecurities and beliefs that we come across everyday in Greek society. Themos Anastasiadis,who guest stars in the film as Anestis,a successful but naive businessman,shows that he could easily continue as a comedian in movies.He really is hilarious,and brings his own magic touch that we have come to know from his TV show "Ola" to the story. Another great performance is delivered by Zeta Douka,who plays Sofia,Anesti's wife.In fact,along with Katerina Papoutsaki,these two beautiful ladys show us that,in contrast with most Greek films who cast beautiful but useless actresses to play major parts,the casting director of this film wanted more then looks,thankfully. And aucorse,I must mention the comedic duo of Sakis Boulas and Giannis Zouganelis,who each has a hilarious cameo in the film. Two thumbs up for the angelic music of Sumka as well,whom I think is the best composer we have here in Greece. "To Fili tis...Zois" is a satirical take on prejudices that can hold us from being free,along with a wonderful touch of mystery and intrigue.It's hilarious quotes will be repeatedly refrenced in every-day conversations(like with "Loufa kai Paralagi:Seirines sto Agaio" only that the quotes here are actually funnier),and in the end of the day,it's one of the few Greek films that takes a new giant leap for making the Greek film industry even better.
Alter Ego (2007)
Easily the best Greek film in years
I was never a Sakis Rouvas fan,so I really didn't care about this movie. But,I do have a girlfriend,and she was dying to see it,so... I'm 26 years old,and when I left the theatre,I was shocked to realize that what people expected from this movie,had nothing to do with the actual film. This film is not about Sakis-it's about a troubled person to which we can all relate to. The story,follows a very interesting road of comedy and drama.Although the people in the theatre lauphed a lot,when the film was over I saw many eyes turned red from crying-and not only on women! The cast is incredible.You forget that the guy who's on screen is Sakis-that guy can really act. The rest of the group are amazing as well,giving life to every character. Danai Skiadi is the perfect 'alter ego' for the protagonist here,and their chemistry is really interesting. The director is nothing like your typical Greek director.He handles close-ups and wide shots like a true professional(that's not something you see often in Greek cinema). However,I was most impressed from the story.A review of the movie and the trailers made me believe that the movie is just about a guy who's in love with two chicks-but that's only 10% of the movie.There's a big twist in the film,which I ain't gonna spoil to you,and many interesting subjects.The film will give you a big lesson by the time it's over. From now on,I'm going to think of this as easily the most misunderstood Greek film.People think that it sucks,as I did as well,but it's just the opposite.You are going to be very,very surprised.