Siradakis

Strella was one of the two Greek films people would propose me to see this winter (the other being "Kynodontas"). Unfortunately I missed the second, but I had the opportunity to see this one and I have to say that, unlike my rather low expectations, it finally came out to be a very interesting film, actually more than other very highly discussed and budgeted Greek films. The good things about it?.. I guess it's because you never get bored through the film and there is always something in the plot to make it interesting. Then, it's the fact that it's very human. No one is characterized by what he / she does or who he / she is. A prison convict is just a person and so is a transsexual. I am happy with the fact that the film emphasizes on feelings and not on stereotypes. This makes it present a difficult subject in an easy way for the viewer,without being melodramatic or superficial either. My highlights are the squirrel scenes (fantastic idea!) plus the performance of Mina Orphanou - she is unbelievably good let alone for a non trained actor! So, I would highly suggest people to see this even if they have hesitations...

When "Billy Elliot" was first released in theaters, I consciously chose not to see it - I had a negative bias for no particular reason, really, even thought it was a very big hit. I guess I was tired of "british suburbs" films that make you depressed: I used to find them interesting but, then, after a certain point I felt they started becoming repetitive and "dead ended" like the lives they describe. So, when I practically bumped on the film in the TV, minute by minute I found myself being pleasantly surprised by what I was watching. Now, I believe it is one of my favorite films. What "Billy Elliot" manages to do is give a tender and tough, bitter and sweet, at the same time, taste of reality in the life of the boy. It makes a story with out the American- type "emotionalism", with the correct dosage of laughter, compassion and questioning for the viewer. The thin line between social criticizing is very well kept in the film, since it does not try to take a stand nor in politics (like Ken Loach would) or in other issues presented (such as homosexuality): it rather prefers to show the impact on the boys life, through his own eyes. In general very well directed and very well acted, music bonds very well with the action. Do not miss it.