Zorba the Greek (1964)

If you think Zorba the Greek is a simple-minded homage to a man with a zest for life, then you haven't seen the movie. Basil (Alan Bates), a reticent British writer, comes to the Mediterranean island of Crete to revive a mine his father owned. On the way, he meets a Greek roustabout named Zorba (Anthony Quinn) and hires him to help, little suspecting that Zorba's exuberance will lead him to some dark and troubling places--frankly, if the last 30 minutes of Zorba the Greek are what it means to embrace life, some viewers will want to shut the door in life's face. But there's no denying the movie's ambitious scope and implacable force, even as it paints an alien and disturbing portrait of life in a Greek village. On top of that, gorgeous cinematography and one of the greatest film scores ever give this movie almost demonic energy. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Not that great

I'd heard many great things about the film "Zorba the Greek". Now I've watched it. What do I think?


"Zorba the Greek" is based on a novel by the same name. It tells the story of an Englishman (Alan Bates), who comes to Greece to open up a mine left to him by his father. Along the way he meets the exciting and interesting Alexander Zorba (Anthony Quinn). Zorba talks the Englishman into giving him a job. As the movie goes on, our Englishman falls in love, learns about life, and how to do Greek dances. About what you'd expect for a movie like this.

As for my opinions of it? Well, first, Zorba is kind of useless, isn't he? I mean, sure he has his whole "lust for life" thing going on, but when it really matters, what does he do? Nothing. When someone is killed, he does nothing (also, no real explanation for WHY this particular person was killed). When a rather odd plan he formulates goes down the tubes, he does nothing to correct it. He's big, he's loud, he's romantic, he's useless.

But on the other hand, Anthony Quinn's performance as Zorba is amazing! He really carries the film and elevates the material above what it would otherwise be. Bates does reasonably well, as does Lila Kerdova, who plays a Frenchwoman "of a certain age", and got an Oscar for her performance.


The scenery is nice, though I'm somewhat surprised they didn't film this movie in color. Since it was filmed in Greece, you do get a good feel for the people and the place.

But overall? I was disappointed. The movie wasn't nearly as good as I'd hoped it would be. The DVD is pretty good, boasting a commentary and an episode of "Biography" on Anthony Quinn. The extras, plus Quinn's performance, may make the movie worth owning to some. To me, though, not so much. October 12, 2008

Exactly what I wanted

The movie is exactly what I expected and was shipped so fast that I could hardly believe it! Thanks! July 21, 2008

A innocent Widow gets her throat cut and........

and none of the pathetic townspeople think to call the Police. OK-------This is NOT an uplifting film. It's actually quite depressing, I was surprised how bad Zorba was. Quinn is quite good as the title character, but to me it is rather a bizarre, bad film. July 9, 2008

Zorba the Greek Revisited

Through Amazon, this wonderful old film was brought back to life for me by way of modern technology. This meant the quality of the film was excellent which added just that much more to the enjoyment of this very moving story - without doubt, one of our film classics.
It also meant that I was able to show it to friends who had not seen the film at the time of its release and so share the enjoyment that I first had many years ago.
We take modern technology so much for granted in this modern era, but when you consider I was able to purchase this film on CD for only a little over $20, it is truly remarkable.
Keep going Amazon. You are carrying out a great service through your business. April 1, 2008

Probably the greatest film of all time

This wonderful film has never become dated. It is a catalogue of superlatives -- an outstanding film score (and indeed soundtrack), an outstanding cast (Alan Bates and Irene Papas were probably the two most beautiful people in the world at that time and Anthony Quinn was certainly the most charismatic actor), a stunning screenplay by Michael Cacoyannis, extraordinary sets and settings, superb photography and above all, a vivid sense of the pathetic and the ridiculous make this a film that you should watch. You won't regret it.

The film has a few flaws. The cinema is a medium in which dozens of characters can gleam and live for a few minutes or seconds at a time, as Fellini showed us. Despite the profound human intimacy achieved among the principal characters, the lives of the islanders are not penetrated and their depiction as cruel, rapacious and ignorant can hardly have been atoned for by Cacoyannis's dedication of the movie "to the people of Crete." As in an ancient Greek drama, the cast is starkly divided into chorus and a handful of characters. More could have been achieved.

All in all, however, this was a dazzling moment in which Quinn, Cacoyannis, Bates, Papas, Kedrova, Theodorakis and others reached the apotheosis of their careers.

None of these great artists ever surpassed this glorious performance.

Highly recommended. December 27, 2007

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