To fos pou svinei

This is a great film about a boy growing up with his mother on a Greek island; his divorced father is a musician in the city. The boy has poor eyesight but has great musical talent, particularly playing violin. His mother fears that the boy will turn out like his father and discourages him actively.

The lad's only friend is an elderly lighthouse keeper, also a violinist. A sympathetic teacher recognizes the boy's talent and this leads to conflict at home.

Splendid cinematography and sound track, and great acting by the boy (Vladimiros Golosinski), his mother (Elissavet Nazlidou) and the old man at the light house (Alekos Alexandrakis) made this film a pleasure to watch. I score this relatively little-known film an excellent 8/10.

A young boy with a visual problem learns to play the violin by ear from an elderly lighthouse keeper who recognises the boy's enormous talent. A schoolteacher supports the boy in spite of opposition from his divorced mother who would hate to see her son become a "muso" like his father who has deserted them. The acting is good and Alekos Alexandrakis gives an excellent performance as the old man of the lighthouse in perfect harmony with the young Vladimiros' able and sensitive acting. The musical score is also noteworthy and the lovely cinematography sets the scene for this tragic tale with mastery. If you have seen and liked 'The Color of Paradise' (1999) of Majid Majidi, you will also enjoy this film.

"To Fos Pou Svinei" or "Fading Light" is a film which does not boast amazing effects or a detailed storyline, yet it somehow succeeds in providing an excellent viewing for anyone lucky enough to understand it. The story revolves around a school boy who has problems with his eyes and is reluctant to go to school. His only form of escapism is his violin, which he has been taught to play by an old man residing in a lighthouse. There aren't a great deal of developments, I must admit, but the storyline is touching nevertheless. The film was shot on a Greek island, so the scenery is beautiful and the images of the blue sea and harbour make the film what it is. The Greek charm is also present in the form of the film's soundtrack, which really fits in superbly. Unfortunately, this film will never be seen by nearly as many people as it should do and in many ways it makes for a much better viewing than the typical Hollywood blockbusters. Bottom line: If you speak Greek, watch this film.