Mikra Anglia

Little England is the beautiful Greek island of Andros, in the 1930's - an island breeding sailors who spend most of their lives at sea, while some of them are destined never to return. Their women – mothers, daughters, wives, lovers - adjust their own lives to the pattern of the men's absence, looking forward to the happy yet brief homecomings, always praying for their safety, always half-dreading the worst.

This is the premise of the film's story - a tragic love story of epic proportions - based on Ioanna Karystiani's best-selling book. Mrs. Karystiani herself finely adapts her novel for the screen, while her husband, renowned Greek director Pantelis Voulgaris ("Brides") takes it from there and, with the help of a great cast of actors, creates an almost flawless masterpiece.

(I am not supposed to give away any spoilers, so I can only say that the film's climactic scene will probably make it to my personal top ten movie moments of all time).

The cast and the performances are brilliant! A true masterpiece ! Love , pain, duty.

One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. Its what you call a quality film. Exquisite portrayal of the sisterhood. Lust, love, jealousy and passion are shown in the most tearful, humane way.

I watched this movie when it was first released and I didn't find myself in awe, unlike literally everyone else I knew. So, I gave it a second and a third chance, because I didn't want to be unjust. It's definitely an extremely meticulously made film, with exceptional aesthetics and use of sounds. I found the parallelism of people's feelings to the sea's temper astounding. BUT. I have a major issue with the very essence of the film; it's overly dramatic portrayal of a tragic story. I do realize the movie's totally different era, culture and values, but I can't digest easily one's submission -especially without a fight- to an unwanted fate that somebody else imposes on them. Plus, I found the acting to be quite unnatural and over the top, to the point it felt disturbing -especially by Moscha and sometimes by Orsa and their mother. I understand the director's poetic/theatrical point of view, it just felt too much and too dragged for me. However, it is a beautiful movie, absolutely worth watching and reflecting upon.

Mikra Aglia is a rare work of art . Pictures like paintings on a wall, music perfectly matched , excellency in acting and directing all in one film. Feelings of love and despair will reach your heart if you watch this film. The director slowly drags you to be part of the beautiful environment of the Greek island of Andros . In some dramatic scenes I felt like I was in the room witnessing the drama . A unique masterpiece. A film not to be missed from all those who seek quality cinema in a time when thousands of trash movies full of violence are produced ,mainly from the US, and consumed by societies increasing the real violence in them. I watched the film yesterday night and I will watch it again today . I watched more than one hundred films in the last six months and I felt the need to write a review only twice , for this film and for the "Best offer" of Giussepe Tornatore .

Thank you director ( Pantelis Voulgaris ) for the gift of watching this film .