Alex & Eve

I normally do not care for forbidden romance type stories, but this one captured my interest on two accounts: (1) the two leads are from very similar cultures, and (2) it is set in Australia.

The film is quite reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, however, that movie focused on two very different cultures. Alex & Eve are both from Mediterranean cultures, and the movie makes it a point to highlight the similarities and the slight differences over which the characters fight. (And of course there is the issue of religion and historical conflict, which creates the strife between the two cultures).

Next, it is an Australian production. I have had very limited exposure to Australian film or films set in Australia, so this was quite a treat. This particular story could have taken in any English speaking country with immigrant populations, but it adds a delightful Australian flavor that I haven't gotten elsewhere. (To be fair, I cannot speak to the authenticity of it.)

I was expecting it to follow the usual clichés (and it does actually to a large part) and to skirt over the genuine conflicts this kind of cross cultural marriage can pose. To the latter point, I was glad to see the film address them head on. There were some things that follow movie-logic though and is hard to take seriously. The film was able to give us a sense of the different immigrant experiences of both families, which felt authentic when comparing to my own. I somewhat wish they had something unexpected in store for the ending, but at the same time, this story needed a feel good ending. It didn't need to be so over-the-top though.

The movie does a decent job of depicting non-practicing characters clashing with their families who are devout. I personally relate to this. However, I do note that the movie is very much told from the lens of the non-traditionalist. From that lens, it is respectful of all sides, but from the lens of the devout, I don't think it would come off as particularly respectful.

Overall, I enjoyed it more than I expected, and I enjoyed it despite the terribly cliched plot and shenanigans.

This is a film that is full of stereotypes, utterly predictable but with a happy ending. It's all fluff but ultimately gets the message across that love conquers all. The odd thing is that both cultures, Lebanese and Greek, are very similar, it's only the religion that would get in the way. Lebanese Christians are Greek Orthodox but I guess that would not have made a good story!

Its an entertaining movie for an afternoon at home, you get a fair bit of laughs, enjoy the multi cultural aspects, a good dose of romance, beautiful catchy songs and good chemistry between the 2 leads. Yes, you most probably have seen the plot before in many inter-racial/religion romance movies but this movie still delivers on an entertainment level.

Quite enjoyed it - nice characters, clichée, but very relatable.

The ones that gave bad reviews are fundamentlust, coz she should have married as her family whishes.

The premise had potential but falls flat in numerous areas: 1. Characters felt like stereotyped cardboard cut outs. At times I could almost hear an Aussie accent coming out of the Greek dad who was perhaps putting on a stereotypical Greek accent 2. The 'love' between Alex & Eve was not believable. How did they get from meeting at a bar to deciding they wanted to spend their lives together?

3. The stereotypes of the 2 cultures were surface level and did not reveal any deeper truths about the families/cultures/religion. It was a missed opportunity to break stereotypes and help viewers from other cultures and religious backgrounds to understand the values and struggles of these 2 particular groups.