The Taverna

Movies with ethnic characters are often full of stereotypes (eg, My Big Fat Greek Wedding). This movie has them, too. This movie also has plenty of gags, some kind of gross. But it is not an insipid movie at all. All the characters have some kind of back story and this takes it to another level. It is a great blend of humor and complexity. Most of the acting is very good and brings out the characters as realistic. Although all the ensemble is strong, the actor who plays the lead character of Kostas, the restaurant owner, stands out. He could be a caricature of himself but that is who his character is.

The Taverna has a beautiful heart and soul that leaves on feeling like one is watching real life. The rawness and honesty portrayed through each of the characters and their interactions creates a realistic humanness that leaps off the screen. I laughed. I cried. I loved it.

Well done to everybody involved on making this brilliant movie. Pure art! Script, acting, direction.. wonderful. Cinematography at its best! It grabs your attention form the very first moment till the end.

I am from Greece and I thought that I would like a movie which refers to a Greek taverna, but I was wrong. The plot is so complicated and doesnt make sense. The scene with possum was disgusting. I regret spending one hour to watch this. I feel very sorry about this production because it was made of Greek people. THIS ISN'T GREECE AT ALL. We don't behave such like that.

The acting was genuine and raw, the filming was direct and uncluttered, the script was full of heart and emotion. The whole movie was pure delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it!