Eleni (1985)

Nice effects though.

Don't Believe the Hype

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

I'm well aware that the word "powerful" has been used to describe "Eleni" innumerable times...yet it seems the closest word to describe the indescribable. Based on a true story and historical events (namely the civil war in Greece), the film captures a family's struggle in the harsh realities of war, communism and inhumanity...at the hands of people who are the closest to us. Eleni not only delves into the lives of Greek peasants, but attempts to give us a glimpse into their personal background and even mindset as to why they let certain events unfold. Certain actions and decisions that normal, rational people born outside of Greek culture would think impossible or inhumane begin to make sense, and while most viewers will never agree to what is happening, they can at least sympathize. This well-written story is spectacularly filmed (in Spain) and with an incredible musical score-- Eleni is one of the most underrated films of its genre, on par with Dr Zhivago. Unfortunately, the character of Nick is played by John Malcovich...who is grievously miscast for this role (in hindsight it may have been solely to get at least a known Hollywood name attached to the project) and his monotone, lifeless style comes off as neither Greek nor appropriate for such an emotional story-- Linda Hunt, by contrast is amazing. Eleni should absolutely be in the repertoire of any film enthusiast.

It is clear from some of the more glowing reviews that this film tends to be judged by its value as a true story, and I will take the same approach.Zero stars. Anyone who knows anything about the Greece of the 40s can recognise Gage's book about his mother for the cynical money spinner that it is. The film dishes up the same claptrap.The much-maligned ELAS was the only effective resistance organisation in Greece. It was loved and supported by the majority of Greeks, due to its commitment to the fight against fascism, its strict discipline and its respect for the rights and needs of the Greek people. Its founder Ares Velouchiotis became a legend in his own time, a byword for military genius, toughness and fairness, with numerous songs composed about him even before his death. After the British handed Greece over to the collaborators, the criminal classes and the pusillanimous, civil war was inevitable. Eventually Greek children were moved across the border to escape the napalm that was being dropped on them by America, but with parental approval. As Gage concedes, Eleni was executed by ELAS for treachery, and her name is still hated in her village today.

An excellent film, especially for history buffs. I suggest that anyone who has seen this film should also read the book. As a former leftist, this movie hits home regarding the lies and distortions that communists use to perpetuate their evil and inhuman ideology. As an American of Greek descent, I am familiar with many of the traditions and customs shown in the film. The village life shown caused me to recall stories that my mother told me, and the closeness of the family in Greek culture shown by the protagonist's relentless search for his mother's killers is another accurate portrayal. The starvation and suffering of poor Greeks during WWII made them easy prey for communist ideology, which, thank God, did not succeed in 1945-1949, and thanks to works like this film, will never succeed.

I don't generally award 10 stars. But this true account of a mother's struggle in post-war Greece has haunted me for over twenty years. Since becoming a parent myself, I have often thought of her great sacrifice. It is a great mystery to me why this fantastic film has virtually disappeared from circulation. It's one of the most perfectly realized films you'll come across. The acting, direction, and photography are superb. It's worth owning just for Bruce Smeaton's brilliantly unique musical score. I've tried, without success, to find Greek music in a similar vein. Much of the opposition to the film in 1985 came from critics who insinuated an anti-Marxist political bias. They missed the point. The film depicts the story of a mother removed from the political machinations that are grinding around her. Eleni wasn't a reactionary, she was a loving mother. Unless film buffs rediscover "Eleni" the Hollywood Left will have buried a beautiful gem, which conflicts with their accepted version of history. Goodnight and good luck.