This previous week whereas touring in Greece, I discovered concerning the Cruise of the Kings, which occurred in the summertime of 1954. Queen Frederica and King Pavlos of Greece organized a tour of the Greek Islands for European royal households. Royalty from Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Bulgaria, France, Hanover, Hesse, Savoy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Luxembourg, and extra had been aboard. The Queen later admitted that one aim was to encourage romance among the many younger individuals of the households. Nonetheless, the press protection had an much more lasting impact by introducing the Greek islands as vacationer locations. (Why hasn’t a movie been made about this extraordinary cruise on a royal yacht?)
Seventy years later, right here we’re!
Movies and tv sequence, akin to White Lotus and Sport of Thrones, encourage a lot journey now. We wished to spotlight a few of the most well-known films set in Greece, filmed in Greece, or celebrating Greek tradition.
I ready this submit earlier than my journey and discovered loads whereas curating this roster. For instance, my Large Fats Greek Marriage ceremony is neither set in Greece nor filmed there. (Who knew, proper?!) One other talked about beneath used CGI, computer-generated imagery, to recreate historical Greece. Some filmed many years in the past seize areas of Greece as they had been then, which is fairly neat.
So, in case you’ve acquired a coronary heart stuffed with Greek wanderlust, get your self armed with a bowl of popcorn as a result of I’m excited to share a cinematic journey by Greece’s splendor. Be a part of me as we rediscover the magic of Greece from the consolation of your personal house. And let me know which is your favourite.
With out additional adieu, we current eleven movies to encourage your subsequent journey to Greece in chronological order.
1 || Boy on a Dolphin (1957)
Boy on a Dolphin is a 1957 journey movie directed by Jean Negulesco and starring Sophia Loren, Alan Ladd, and Clifton Webb. The story follows Phaedra, a younger girl dwelling on the Greek island of Hydra, who discovers an underwater statue of a boy using a dolphin whereas diving for sponges. Phaedra hopes to promote the determine to boost cash for herself and her boyfriend. Nonetheless, she quickly finds herself caught up in an online of intrigue involving an American archaeologist and a rich artwork collector. Lastly, the movie reaches a contented conclusion, with advantage rewarded, the statue celebrated by the individuals of Hydra and the best lovers collectively.
The movie is notable for its beautiful location capturing in Greece, which showcases the Aegean Sea’s pure magnificence and Hydra’s picturesque structure. It was additionally certainly one of Sophia Loren’s first English-language roles, which helped set up her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Boy on a Dolphin obtained combined opinions upon its launch. Some critics praised the movie’s unique setting and romantic storyline, whereas others criticized it for its simplistic plot and uneven pacing. Nonetheless, it stays a beloved traditional for followers of old style journey movies and showcases Sophia Loren’s plain display screen presence.
They filmed on location in Greece, totally on the islands of Hydra and Póros.
2 || By no means on Sunday (1960)
By no means on Sunday is a 1960 Greek romantic comedy-drama movie directed by Jules Dassin. He additionally co-wrote and starred within the film alongside his spouse, Greek actress Melina Mercouri. The story follows Homer, an American mental and classicist who travels to Greece seeking his buddy’s lacking sister, solely to develop into enamored with a free-spirited Greek prostitute named Ilya, performed by Mercouri.
The movie explores themes of cultural clashes and private liberation as Homer makes an attempt to reform Ilya’s habits and persuade her to surrender her occupation. On the identical time, Ilya challenges his conceptions of morality and happiness. The movie’s iconic rating, composed by Manos Hatzidakis, received an Academy Award for Finest Unique Track for By no means on Sunday.
By no means on Sunday was a significant industrial and important success upon its launch. It grew to become one of many highest-grossing foreign-language movies of its time and earned Melina Mercouri an Academy Award nomination for Finest Actress. As well as, the movie helped to popularize Greek cinema worldwide and established Melina Mercouri as a cultural icon and political activist, as she later served as Greece’s Minister of Tradition. The movie options a number of iconic Greek landmarks, such because the Parthenon and the Acropolis, and quite a few pictures of the town’s vibrant avenue life and bustling waterfront.
Filmed totally on location in Greece, particularly in Piraeus and the close by island of Hydra.
3 || Zorba the Greek (1964)
Zorba the Greek is a 1964 drama movie directed by Michael Cacoyannis, based mostly on the novel of the identical identify by Nikos Kazantzakis. The movie stars Anthony Quinn as Alexis Zorba, a charismatic and free-spirited Greek peasant who befriends an uptight British author named Basil, performed by Alan Bates.
The story follows Basil as he travels to Crete to take over a lignite mine he has inherited from his father and hires Zorba as a foreman. By their friendship, Basil learns to embrace life and discover pleasure within the current second, as Zorba teaches him to bop, sing, respect life’s easy pleasures, and get rid of his author’s block. The movie additionally touches on love, loss, and the conflict between custom and modernity.
Zorba the Greek was a essential and industrial success, profitable three Academy Awards, together with Finest Supporting Actress for Lila Kedrova, who performed Madame Hortense, a French courtesan who turns into concerned with Zorba. The movie can also be remembered for its iconic rating by Mikis Theodorakis, which options the favored instrumental piece “Sirtaki” and its portrayal of Greek tradition and customs. The character of Zorba has develop into a cultural archetype, representing the archetypal free-spirited Greek man, and the movie has remained a traditional of world cinema.
Filmed in Crete, Greece.
4 || Shirley Valentine (1989)
Shirley Valentine is a 1989 British romantic comedy-drama movie directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Pauline Collins within the title position. Based mostly on the one-woman play of the identical identify by Willy Russell, it’s like one other favourite of mine set in Italy – Enchanted April.
The story follows Shirley Valentine, a bored and unfulfilled housewife in her 40s who feels trapped in a loveless marriage and yearns for journey. When her finest buddy wins a visit to Greece and invitations her alongside, Shirley seizes the chance to flee her mundane life and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
In Greece, Shirley rediscovers her sense of independence and finds romance with a neighborhood taverna proprietor named Costas, performed by Tom Conti. The movie explores feminine empowerment, self-fulfillment, and the seek for which means and function in life.
Shirley Valentine was a essential and industrial success, incomes Pauline Collins an Academy Award nomination for Finest Actress and establishing her as a number one actress in British cinema. Critics praised the movie for its witty and poignant script and its delicate portrayal of a middle-aged girl’s journey of self-discovery.
Filmed in a number of places, together with Mykonos.
5 || Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a 2001 romantic struggle drama movie directed by John Madden, based mostly on the novel of the identical identify by Louis de Bernières. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Captain Antonio Corelli, an Italian officer stationed on the Greek island of Cephallonia throughout World Battle II, and Penélope Cruz as Pelagia, a neighborhood girl who falls in love with him. Cage’s Italian accent is, admittedly, not nice.
The movie explores themes of affection and struggle because the brutal realities of the German occupation of the island take a look at the unlikely romance between Corelli and Pelagia. The movie additionally touches on problems with id, nationalism, and the legacy of struggle.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin obtained combined opinions upon its launch. Some critics praised the movie’s performances and luxurious cinematography, whereas others criticized it for its dramatic plot and historic inaccuracies. Regardless of the combined essential reception, the movie was a industrial success and has since develop into a cult traditional amongst followers of romantic dramas. It additionally helped to popularize the novel upon which it’s based mostly and introduced consideration to the historic occasions of the German occupation of Greece throughout World Battle II.
Filmed totally on location in Greece, particularly on the islands of Kefalonia and Corfu, in addition to within the Greek capital, Athens.
6 || My Large Fats Greek Marriage ceremony (2002)
My Large Fats Greek Marriage ceremony is a 2002 romantic comedy movie directed by Joel Zwick and written by and starring Nia Vardalos. The movie tells the story of Toula Portokalos, a Greek-American girl who falls in love with a non-Greek man named Ian Miller, performed by John Corbett, and should navigate the cultural clashes between her conventional Greek household and Ian’s WASP household.
The movie explores cultural id, household values, and the common expertise of falling in love. It options an ensemble forged of colourful characters, together with Michael Constantine’s overbearing father, Gus, and Toula’s massive, boisterous Greek household, who present a lot of the movie’s humor and coronary heart.
My Large Fats Greek Marriage ceremony was a shock hit on the field workplace, grossing over $368 million worldwide and turning into the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time on the time of its launch. It additionally obtained essential acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Finest Unique Screenplay. The movie has since develop into a cultural phenomenon, spawning a profitable sequel, a stage musical, and a tv sequence. Broadly considered a traditional of the romantic comedy style, this movie is a beloved illustration of Greek tradition in common tradition.
This movie was not filmed in Greece, however we needed to point out it! It was primarily filmed on location in Toronto, Canada, with some extra filming executed in Chicago, Illinois.
7 || Alexander (2004)
Alexander is a 2004 historic drama movie directed by Oliver Stone and starring Colin Farrell within the title position. The movie follows the lifetime of Alexander the Nice, the legendary Greek warrior and conqueror who created one of many largest empires in historical past. As with Stone’s movies, controversy ensued due to historic inaccuracies. As well as, Jolie was 29 and performed Olympia, Alexander’s mom, whereas Farrell was 28, which additionally prompted controversy. We embrace right here to be thorough, however it’s fairly terrible.
The movie explores Alexander’s relationships along with his mom, his father, King Philip II of Macedon, performed by Val Kilmer, and his buddy and companion, Hephaistion, performed by Jared Leto. It additionally depicts his navy campaigns throughout Asia, together with his conquests of Persia, India, and Egypt, and his struggles and conflicts along with his advisors and generals.
Alexander was a controversial and polarizing movie, receiving combined opinions from critics and audiences alike. Whereas some praised its epic scale, beautiful visuals, and bold storytelling, others criticized its historic inaccuracies, dramatic tone, and uneven pacing. Because of this, the movie was a field workplace disappointment, grossing solely $167 million worldwide in opposition to a price range of $155 million. Additionally, it’s notorious for having 4 totally different variations – the preliminary theatrical minimize plus three house video variations – “Director’s Reduce” in 2005, the “Ultimate Reduce” in 2007, and the “Final Reduce” in 2014.
Regardless of its combined reception, Alexander stays a notable entry within the historic epic style and a daring try to painting the lifetime of certainly one of historical past’s most iconic figures on the massive display screen.
Filmed on location in a number of nations, together with Morocco, Thailand, the UK, and Malta, whereas a few of the historic landmarks, such because the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Parthenon, had been recreated utilizing computer-generated imagery (CGI) and different particular results.
8 || Mamma Mia! (2008)
Mamma Mia! is a 2008 musical romantic comedy movie directed by Phyllida Lloyd and based mostly on the well-known stage musical of the identical identify, that includes the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA. The movie stars Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried, and Christine Baranski.
The movie tells the story of Sophie (Seyfried), a younger girl who’s about to get married and desires her father to stroll her down the aisle. The issue is she doesn’t know who her father is, as her mom, Donna (Streep), had affairs with three totally different males across the time of Sophie’s conception. So Sophie invitations all three potential fathers to her marriage ceremony, and chaos ensues as Donna tries to maintain them from discovering the reality.
The movie options quite a few ABBA songs, together with Dancing Queen, Take a Probability on Me, and the titular Mamma Mia. The music is woven seamlessly into the plot, making a joyful and nostalgic celebration of affection, household, and friendship.
Mamma Mia! was a industrial and important success, grossing over $615 million worldwide in opposition to a price range of $52 million and receiving optimistic opinions for its energetic performances, catchy music, and colourful visuals. In 2018, a sequel, “Mamma Mia! Right here We Go Once more,” continued the story of Sophie and her household whereas exploring Donna’s previous.
Filmed in a number of places, together with Skópelos, Greece.
9 || Earlier than Midnight (2013)
Earlier than Midnight is a 2013 romantic drama movie directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. It’s the third movie within the “Earlier than” trilogy, following Earlier than Dawn (1995) and Earlier than Sundown (2004), and continues the story of Jesse and Celine, two lovers who met on a prepare in Vienna almost 20 years earlier.
The movie takes place in Greece, the place Jesse and Celine are actually a pair with twin daughters. It explores their relationship as they navigate the challenges of center age, together with parenting, profession selections, and the struggles of sustaining a long-term relationship. Over in the future, the couple confronts their fears, wishes, and regrets as they query whether or not their love can survive the pressures of actual life.
Earlier than Midnight was extensively acclaimed by critics and audiences, praised for its insightful script, genuine performances, and naturalistic course. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Finest Tailored Screenplay, and Hawke and Delpy had been praised for his or her nuanced and affecting performances. The “Earlier than” trilogy has been acknowledged as a landmark achievement in fashionable cinema, providing a singular and highly effective exploration of affection, life, and the passage of time.
Filmed on location in Greece, particularly within the Peloponnese area, situated within the southern a part of the nation, and contains the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and the Kastro fortress in Methoni. Moreover, lots of the movie’s scenes had been shot within the charming coastal cities of Kardamyli and Pylos.
10 || The Two Faces of January (2014)
For those who liked The Proficient Mr. Ripley, you’d love this movie based mostly on a novel by the identical author. The Two Faces of January is a 2014 psychological thriller movie directed by Hossein Amini and based mostly on Patricia Highsmith’s guide of the identical identify. The movie stars Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, and Oscar Isaac.
The story is about in Greece within the Nineteen Sixties and follows a rich American couple, Chester (Mortensen) and Colette (Dunst), on trip in Athens. They meet a charismatic tour information named Rydal (Isaac), who turns into entangled of their lives after they by accident kill a non-public detective following them. Rydal helps them cowl up the crime, however tensions rise because the trio turns into more and more distrustful of one another.
The movie was praised for its elegant course, hanging visuals, and robust performances from its lead actors. It was additionally famous for its devoted adaptation of Highsmith’s novel, which explored themes akin to guilt, id, and morality.
General, The Two Faces of January is a gripping thriller that pulls audiences in with its atmospheric setting, advanced characters, and morally ambiguous plot. It obtained optimistic opinions from critics, who recommended its trendy execution and clever screenplay. This movie was nominated for 3 awards.
Filmed in a number of places, together with Athens, Crete, and Istanbul, Turkey.
11 || The Journey to Greece (2020)
The Journey to Greece is a cinematic journey that transcends mere travelogue, mixing breathtaking landscapes, culinary delights, and witty banter into a pleasant odyssey. Directed by Michael Winterbottom and starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the movie follows their gastronomic expedition throughout Greece, tracing the steps of Odysseus whereas indulging in connoisseur delicacies and interesting of their trademark impersonation battles.
Set in opposition to the beautiful backdrop of the Greek Isles, the duo embarks on a culinary street journey, visiting iconic places akin to Athens, Hydra, Delphi, and extra. Every vacation spot presents not solely a feast for the senses but in addition a deep dive into Greece’s wealthy historical past and tradition.
Critics have praised The Journey to Greece for its charming mix of humor, beautiful cinematography, and poignant reflections on life and friendship. Coogan and Brydon’s dynamic chemistry and razor-sharp wit present countless leisure, whereas Winterbottom’s course seamlessly weaves collectively breathtaking vistas with intimate conversations.
I like this movie for its escapism. It presents a vicarious journey by Greece’s picturesque landscapes and delectable delicacies. Furthermore, its exploration of friendship and mortality provides a layer of depth that resonates with viewers on a private degree.
The Journey to Greece is a cinematic feast for the senses, serving up a tasty mix of comedy, tradition, and camaraderie. Whether or not you’re a fan of journey documentaries or culinary adventures or just in want of a pleasant escape, this movie guarantees to fulfill your wanderlust and depart you craving extra.
However why cease and simply watch these lovely settings in these enjoyable movies? Let’s make it a actuality! We specialise in crafting bespoke journeys to Greece tailor-made to your particular pursuits and preferences. Whether or not you need to discover the movie places out of your favourite Greek films or absorb the beautiful surroundings and tradition, we’ve acquired you coated. I’ve simply been to Greece and have nice ideas.
So what are you ready for? Contact us at present to begin planning your subsequent Greek journey. Because the Greeks say, “Kaló taxídi” – have journey!