Loukoumades me meli

Olga Malea's new comedy raised quite a ruckus when it opened in Athens, offending many people with its comedic framing of a hunt for a pedophile. The comedy actually opens up the characters of people surrounding the molester and creates a sense of humanity and depth without in any way excusing the crime. In fact, as it unfolds, some of the zaniness that builds the comedy is revealed as having more purpose and hidden depth than is apparent at first.

The romantic leads, Hristos Loulis and Faye Xila, are very engaging and sexy, he in a very sweet, vulnerable, natural way, she as a comedic over-sexed goth working as an undertaker's assistant. The funereal aspect is a bit of a cross between "Six Feet Under" and the old Keystone Kop farces, but part of the charm of the comically disastrous events surrounding the funerals is the insight into Greek customs, especially as they are being complicated by modernization.

"9" seems a high rating as so much of the movie is really quite good, but not really top notch, (more like a 7 or 8) yet the outstanding way in which it handles a very touchy subject earns it extra points, and the overall juggling of the different erotic and comedic themes, along with the more delicate material is extremely deft.

The film was made with the help of six adorable piglets and 23,500 doughnuts. The piglets survived; however, many of the doughnuts were eaten during the making of this movie. The cast is well chosen and Pavlos Haikalis, especially plays a very difficult role well. The leads are likable and handle the comedy well, while many of the supporting actors enjoy the excesses of the script with gusto. Olga Malea seems to be able to balance the slapstick with the pathos, and some scenes get a belly laugh, while in the same breath one finds one's heartstrings tugged.

The cinematography is gorgeous and many of the scenes display the beauty of springtime in rural Greece wonderfully. If also found some innovative camera work in the way that some scenes were handled. Small town life in provincial Greece is brought to life successfully and there is a wry commentary on modern-day mores and technology, and how these impinge on traditional attitudes and strait-laced cultural icons.

A very good movie, see it if you can, not only for the laughs, but also for an excellent consideration of some very "heavy" material that confronts us in an unexpected way and challenges our comfort zone. As far as the piglet and where it fits into the story, you'll have to watch the film and find out, its role is crucial!