To kanarini podilato

A young boy,Lefteris is neglected during primary school.He cannot read.A newly-appointed teacher undertakes to rectify the mistake done by previous teachers.The headmaster will react adversely.The boy's father will not support his son.Her mother will help at her best.The teacher will fight to accomplish an educational goal.The technique of communication will be utilised to achieve a major change for a boy that managed to build his bicycle by his own hands.Social problems in modern Athens are well depicted.A simple,strong and carefully-conceived movie with Alexandris as a conscious teacher and Halaris as the small boy with the granite will to learn.A good sign that greek cinematography goes better than ever to create a new tradition of philosophical and social movies.

There is nothing exciting in this film. However, the message contained in it is important in today's age, especially when the public schools have so many students with improper preparation and little or no motivational support from home. The director leaves some loose ends, and the ending could have been stronger, but overall it is a satisfying film.

Very poor story with useless sub-plots that only seemed to exist to fill in time. The concept is very interesting but it is not adequately expanded. I believe Alexandris was nervous at times, possibly due to wrong direction, but the young boy is really convincing. And, in the end, the boy's performance is what remains in memory after watching To kanarini podilato.

4

A Greek movie which does have a version with English subtitles.

Inspired by a true story, this is the journey of an year-8 school student considered to be slightly retarded when it comes to grasping whatever is being taught. One of the themes which it explores magnificently is how the belief of the people around him (ie.that he is an underdeveloped child/student), makes it a reality.

The story explores the various aspects of the life of the child which endears the viewer to his plight. The movie also focuses on a new teacher to the school and the value which a fresh perspective can have on any given situation. I had a hole in my throat for all the scenes involving this teacher. A man who himself has obviously come through a childhood which was centered on gaining self-confidence. He hasn't come out of the woods yet and a second core theme therefore is how helping another can build one's own self-belief.

A very solid movie with a very poignant ending - literally the final three seconds of footage and the message which comes up before the closing credits.

Highly recommended. Enjoy.