Ftina tsigara

"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.

Haralambides, a beatnik-wannabe himself, has a first go at creating a film with beatnik connotations all around. Only it doesn't work out that well. The main character (you guessed it, Haralambides) takes a midnight stroll round the deserted streets of athens with a girl he meets by accident. In the process they hold a 'most mortifying cliche ever' contest by elaborating on matters of life, love, death, what have you, only to come to the conclusion that, well, she doesn't fancy him very much. All this is embellished with parallel storylines taken from the life of our hero (Haralambides, lest we forget) or nowhere in particular (as if anyone cares). The only (mildly) exciting bit in the entire film is Costas Tsakonas's performance (whose name by the way is not even mentioned in the credits). A terrible waste of time, money and talent (definitely not Haralambides's).

It is very odd not to consider this film unique and magnetic, if you have ever even once stop the time and think through the city's pulse. This movie is a poet about nameless dreams and stopping of time in order to cope with an anonymous city which nevertheless seems to have people with certain IDs. The staring character is an observer and yet a star in a bohemian "under"world. Charalambidis manage to express his out of time and out of place dream of life, a constant trip through a yet still city. It is not easy to make a movie without any touchable plot and not having eg Jean Pierre Leo in your team. The actors, the music, the sleeping city fit perfectly to the movie. If you have an intention of not reading a poem, prefering novels and secret meanings, don 't watch this movie. On the other hand if you want to know the people's thoughts and relations without any ID and special role watch the movie and you may find some dreams and thoughts of your inner self who wakes up when the city is asleep.

"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.

Yes! Renos Haralambidis' work is always constructively destructive and enjoyable...

"Cheap Smokes" is another version of "No Budget Story" or "The Heart of the Beast".

Critics could say that he is repeating the narration of his life story (or the life story of a friend) but in my opinion he is demonstrating again his ability to cope with a low budget to produce a cinematography that is not cheap. I have seen the film 24 hours ago and I am still laughing with the picture of the face of the self blow-jobber's mother as entering into his room!

Congrats! I give an 8 out of 10 for "Cheap Smokes"