Kalavryta 1943

Left me heartbroken. The movie is good especially when it comes to the facts that took place in 1943 but i feel like there s something missing. The ages of the main characters for example are extremely wrong.

"Echoes of the Past" is a Drama movie in which we watch the "Massacre of Kalavryta" that was committed by invading Germans in December 1943 at Kalavryta, Greece. A lawyer traveling from Germany to Kalavryta in order to find more information regarding the massacre to defend the German government.

Since I already knew the history of the "Massacre of Kalavryta" I knew what I was about to watch I thought that there won't be any surprise. Unfortunately, there was and I have to mention that "Echoes of the Past" is neither a documentary nor a historic film because there is something that was presented and did not happen in reality. This is the reason why so many people were very disappointed by this movie. The interpretation of Max von Sydow who played as Nikolas Andreou (aged) was simply amazing. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Danae Skiadi's who played as Maria Andreou, Nikolas Papagiannis' who played as Alexis Andreou and Maximos Livieratos' who played Nikolaos Andreou (young). Finally, I have to say that "Echoes of the Past" is a nice drama movie to watch and learn something about the "Massacre of Kalavryta".

I find the film to be a strong 7.5 stars for its subject matter and scale. The acting can be uneven at times and the present appears hacked to death in the editing room (the much-publicized scene with Richard Chamberlain and Max von Sydow is nowhere to be found) resulting in a film that feels wobbly at times as it moves between past and present. One almost suspects that there was something far more elaborate in the mind of the creators especially when it comes to the present time. The writer has hinted as much in an article. That being said, one can only be judged by the result on the screen and despite its flaws, this is a good, anti-war film (a theme so topical and urgent these days) that uncovers a part of WW2 history few people outside Greece know. It's certainly worth watching.

It is the first time in Greek filmography that we don't see the struggle of any social/political group of people ( like Greek Communists or Jews) during the war.

This movie is not about minorities, or even the Greeks themself. It is about War Crime and how much our lives matter as human beings.

It is a historic narative action about the Execution of almost the entire population of a village in Greece. So no spoilers ahead, just have in mind history facts.

Directing (9/10) I would prefer less Close up shots, but they where handled properly. The way the director represented the execution of all males of the village is just a piece of art. And the aftermath was so painfull to see that honestly I felt some tears dropping. I would consider a (7/10) but there were some really memorable shots that they stay with me even after a week!

Screenplay (6.5/10) Overall not bad, although it was slow at some periods and there were some silly issues as far as realism is concerned. Simple story, not bad, but I felt it could be told much sooner than it was.

Acting (8/10) Ok, you have a legend, Max von Sydow, some French and some Greek actors. If you exclude Max, all the other actors were pretty decent. Not extraordinary, but did the job much better than "Ok". Yet, at some moments they gave soul and spirit.

Cinematography (10/10) Seriouly, exceptional. Honestly, I haven't seen many movies, even in Hollywood these days with that quality in the photography! The Colours are in the right mood, the picture is crispy and raw, the lighting gives drama when needed, the aesthetics are memorable.

Sound (9/10) Clear conversations, great sound effects, pure emotion at some shots. Nothing to be complex or disturbing.

Overall (8.5/10) I thought about it a lot. If I was not Greek I would still like this movie for all the above reasons. Maybe I wouldn't care about the Script so much, but still I would enjoy it.

I have a feeling this movie will have average rating because there is a problem with the Greeks as population.

The Greeks hate whatever is Greek, most propably because they compare multi billionaire productions with local Athenian artists. I hope I'm wrong, but history always repeats itself so...

I will not comment on how some people expect from a fiction movie that is based on historic events to be the equivalent of a documentary...(well I just did), but I will stand on the way this beautiful film approaches some of the darkest times of greek history...laconic but intense characters, excellent photography, strong music, and evocative atmosphere throughout the whole film. A movie that pays respect to all people that fought against Nazism. I wish we will see more greek movies like this in the future.