Black Stone

No pun intended - if you know you know sort of thing. Greek bureaus are really a mess - and while it may look like this is about that part of ... well Greece, it turns out this is way more personal than that. It is actually about family, disguised as a critic on bureaucracy and social commentary.

So many things I did recognize - not just the "cheap" jokes (we are in the digital age, aren't we? Sometimes you couldn't tell with all the paper ... work on display - again no pun intended). But also settings (locations), how people react, family dynamics. The love hate relationship between family members. Sons being spoiled by mothers - not really fully appreciating what is going on. Mothers being forgiving - no matter what their boys do ... they never are to blame for anything ... or at fault at all. Always an excuse and an explanation ... also others to blame.

There is also the ugly side - racism. Something that is not exclusive to Greece - but well shown/documented, when it comes to foreigners, who were born in Greece, speak it fluently, but look different. The movie does a good job showing, that everyone is human ... actually the not "natural" Greek person may be the best character wise from all depicted. A nice touch to say the least.

And also being able to change another characters perception on what he is - or people that look like him. At least to a degree. If you like Drama, this will float your boat for sure. You have to be able to overlook the flaws ... and the whole "documentary" style it is shot ... I think while clever in general has its issues of its own ...

Clever plot, excellent actors (especially Eleni Kokkidou, she conveyed the feelings of the protagonist in such a figurative way), the directing was unique and the whole idea of the non stop camera recording was captivating. The ending was touching and unpredictable. In my opinion, some details were a bit unnecessary making the middle part of the movie a little tiring. Unfortunately, the jokes didn't touch us that much even though they were clever but not that well given I guess. In general this is a must see Greek movie that shows the "Greek reality" in real time while it projects the stereotypes that Greek society still holds.

It's filled with great acting and unexpected humor that you can't help but laugh at. I have a smile now while I am writing, because I remember some scenes. The script is great and I'm glad it won some awards! Considering that it is the debut of the director Jacovides, I believe that he will make more good comedies with a serious undertone of everyday life. Funny are the reactions when a black man speaks fluent Greek. In the cast, the actress, Eleni Kokkidou, in the role of the mother stands out the most. She is flawless in all scenes. Basically she is the main factor!

Kudos to everyone from the team!

What an amazing movie !

A true "tour de force" by a new name in Greek cinema.

Keeps you wondering - until the end.

Also gives one a wonderful view of the seedier side of Athens. An unembellished and true depiction of personal relations between Greeks. They show interrelation between locals as well as their relations and views with immigrants.

The panoramas depicted are earthy, not showy and show life in the real sense, as well as the difficulties encountered.

At one point a taxi driver refuses to pick up a passenger because he's in a wheelchair. This scene reminded me of how cabdrivers in US cities sometimes also refuse passengers because of the way they look.

I loved this movie !