Ftina tsigara

Haralambides, a beatnik-wannabe himself, has a first go at creating a film with beatnik connotations all around. Only it doesn't work out that well. The main character (you guessed it, Haralambides) takes a midnight stroll round the deserted streets of athens with a girl he meets by accident. In the process they hold a 'most mortifying cliche ever' contest by elaborating on matters of life, love, death, what have you, only to come to the conclusion that, well, she doesn't fancy him very much. All this is embellished with parallel storylines taken from the life of our hero (Haralambides, lest we forget) or nowhere in particular (as if anyone cares). The only (mildly) exciting bit in the entire film is Costas Tsakonas's performance (whose name by the way is not even mentioned in the credits). A terrible waste of time, money and talent (definitely not Haralambides's).

"Cheap Smokes" brought new standards in Greek film making! Excellent directing by Renos Haralambidis with a deep poetic view of Athens's modern life and outstanding performances by himself (as the main character) as well as by most of his co-stars! It made us take a wonderful journey through love, relationships, friendship and through a different site of Athens "by night"! A film that if it wasn't in Greek language it would certainly make a worldwide breakthrough! Haralambidis combines - in a strange way - Angellopoulos's cinema with American movies.

The film would be even better if there weren't some unfortunate cast choices, like Papacharalambous, who, even though camera loves her, her performance doesn't succeed in touching the depth of the other's. But she was one of the reasons, as a Greek TV star, that the film had a commercial success and at the same time critics loved it.

Haralambidis gave Greek cinema the prestige that was missing.

This movie, for me, perfectly captures the subconscious (or conscious for some) surrealism that derives from actual realism. (if you know what I mean)

The movie perfectly captures how it feels to be in Athens in August. A barren place where every single thought is exaggerated and there is a smell of death and romance in the air. The music selection is perfect.

Being a Greek who is highly biased against Greek cinematography, this film acted as nostalgic beacon of what Greek cinema should be about.

Humour, romance, and surrealism in just the right amount needed for a great flick.

A masterpiece that you must see.

Restless and romantic Renos with a pinch of surrealism...

the feeling of the this movie really got me. what a pleasant surprise it was when i saw this quality movie instead of a classic Greek movie. city of Athens is shown at the season when the beauty is incomparable!an august evening in the heart of the city , in the heart of a deserted city , two complete strangers enjoy the night while scenes from a café are fulfilling the intention of the director to give his dimension of human relationships. funny , poetic , meditative , philosophical , sincere , real , touching , romantic .... all these could be said to characterize the movie but in no means it can be characterized as cheap ... it is a true spiritual effort ... . if you happen to watch that movie let it flow and let you drift inside it inside you!! i hope that you reno still smoke cheap smoke