Ftina tsigara

Restless and romantic Renos with a pinch of surrealism...

"Cheap Smokes" (Ftina Tsigara), directed by Renos Haralambidis, is a cinematic masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of Athens during a sultry summer night. Released in 2000, this film stands out not only for its unique narrative style but also for its poignant portrayal of unfulfilled love and the enchanting urban landscape of the Greek capital.

From the very beginning, "Cheap Smokes" immerses the audience in the nocturnal rhythms of Athens. The film's setting, with its dimly lit streets, cozy cafés, and quiet corners, paints a vivid picture of a city that comes alive after dark. Haralambidis skillfully uses the city's summer nightscape as a backdrop, highlighting the charm and mystery of Athens in a way that few films have achieved. The urban environment is not just a setting but a character in its own right, contributing to the film's atmospheric and nostalgic feel.

The narrative revolves around a chance meeting between the two main characters, played by Renos Haralambidis himself and the captivating Anna-Maria Papaharalambous. Their brief encounter blossoms into a night-long adventure, filled with deep conversations, fleeting moments, and a palpable sense of longing. The film delicately explores the theme of unfulfilled love, depicting it with sensitivity and depth. The protagonists' connection is intense yet ephemeral, a poignant reminder of the beauty and pain of love that is never fully realized.

One of the film's most striking aspects is its dialogue, which is both poetic and reflective. The conversations between the characters delve into philosophical musings about life, love, and the passage of time, resonating deeply with viewers. The film's soundtrack, composed by Panagiotis Kalantzopoulos, further enhances the mood, with melodies that linger in the mind long after the credits roll.

"Cheap Smokes" is a film that lingers in the hearts of its audience, much like a bittersweet memory of a summer night. It is a celebration of the small, often overlooked moments that make life beautiful, and a tribute to the city of Athens itself. For those who appreciate cinema that captures the essence of time and place while delving into the complexities of human emotion, "Cheap Smokes" is an absolute must-see.

In conclusion, "Cheap Smokes" is not just a film; it is an experience. It masterfully portrays the allure of Athens at night and the tender, painful beauty of unfulfilled love. Haralambidis' direction, combined with stellar performances and an evocative soundtrack, makes this film a timeless classic in Greek cinema.

Renos as always tries for the best and I think that he managed it in this movie.It's a movie that makes you laugh but think deeply about several subjects that take place in our modern Greek society.All the actors who join this movie are excellent on their roles and I recommend you to see this interesting movie

"Cheap Smokes" brought new standards in Greek film making! Excellent directing by Renos Haralambidis with a deep poetic view of Athens's modern life and outstanding performances by himself (as the main character) as well as by most of his co-stars! It made us take a wonderful journey through love, relationships, friendship and through a different site of Athens "by night"! A film that if it wasn't in Greek language it would certainly make a worldwide breakthrough! Haralambidis combines - in a strange way - Angellopoulos's cinema with American movies.

The film would be even better if there weren't some unfortunate cast choices, like Papacharalambous, who, even though camera loves her, her performance doesn't succeed in touching the depth of the other's. But she was one of the reasons, as a Greek TV star, that the film had a commercial success and at the same time critics loved it.

Haralambidis gave Greek cinema the prestige that was missing.

This movie, for me, perfectly captures the subconscious (or conscious for some) surrealism that derives from actual realism. (if you know what I mean)

The movie perfectly captures how it feels to be in Athens in August. A barren place where every single thought is exaggerated and there is a smell of death and romance in the air. The music selection is perfect.

Being a Greek who is highly biased against Greek cinematography, this film acted as nostalgic beacon of what Greek cinema should be about.

Humour, romance, and surrealism in just the right amount needed for a great flick.

A masterpiece that you must see.