`Lefteris' is best of Greek cinema
If this sounds like a boring premise for a film, it isn't. On the contrary, the fast-moving plot of Lefteris captures the audience; all these questions start to pop up in your mind. You will wish to watch this movie again and again.
The hero, Lefteris, is born in a small town in Greece. He is 18 when we first meet him, and he and his girlfriend have just entered a university in Athens. They are poor, and must struggle to make a living while studying. It is the end of the '60s, and the generation gap becomes obvious as Lefteris has problems with his family. His conflict with his uncle, who represents the old family values, comes at the a time when students are rising up against traditions. Universities are, after all, places where new ideas are born.
Lefteris' relationship with his girlfriend is the most important part of his life -- we watch the relationship develop from a teenage romance to a mature, caring affair. Lefteris studies hard and earns a scholarship for graduate studies in Germany, where he studies even harder. One has to share his joy when he finally succeeds.
His reunion with his girlfriend after three years abroad is one of the most touching scenes. At the same time, his relationship with his family becomes much better as a result of his inner transformation. This transformation from the restless and sensitive young man to the very successful but shallow professional is more obvious in the following years. He has become a totally different person.
What makes the movie so good is the discussion-provoking ending. The final scene presents a happy and free man -- his name, Lefteris, means "free" in Greek. Director Pericles Hoursoglou will be at Rice, and the session that will follow the movie will be very exciting.
Lefteris is sponsored by the Hellenic Professional Society of Texas with the support of the Aegean Club. See it Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rice Media Center.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the November 3, 1995 issue.
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