Zorba the Greek Rating: Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: Anthony Quinn Alan Bates Irene Papas George Foundas Complete Cast (7 total)

Zorba the Greek Reviews

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One of the all-time greats!
I just learned last night that Kazantzakis' novel was based on his own experience -- when he inherited some old mine and set off to operate it, and ran into Zorba along the way.

Zorba is such a powerful and fascinating character that he seems to embody the force of life itself. Certainly, we rarely see such vibrantly living characters on the big silver screen. This is a film that will live forever, so let's see it on DVD soon!! It would be a great item for the Criterion Collection (hint hint!)

This was certainly the part of a lifetime for Anthony Quinn. Superb story, fantasic characters, and music to make you want to get up and dance!

A surprising parallel story is the meeting of Jalaladdin Rumi with a 60-year-old dervish named Shams-e Tabrizi. Look into it if you find this movie interests you.

A celebration of the human spirit, even if you are not Greek
Since I am leaving today for a trip to Greece I figured I should watch "Zorba the Greek" since this 1964 film is considered the quintessential "Greek" film. I have to admit my first reaction was to be glad I was not going to Crete, because the way the locals treated the beautiful widow (Irene Papas) and Madame Hortense (Lila Kedrova), the old prostitute, were outright horrific. But this is why people like us and young Basil (Alan Bates) need to meet up with somebody with a zest for life like Alexis Zorba (Anthony Quinn).

Basil is an Englishman of Greek extraction who goes to Crete to check out a mine he has inherited. Zorba attaches himself to Basil, ostensibly as a cook but clearly as a guide to the joys and tragedies of life. In terms of Quinn's performance the only thing you can really say is that before there was Robert Begnigni there was Zorba the Greek when it comes to Mediterranean men who provided inspirational madness. As Zorba tells Basil: "Dammit, boss, I like you too much not to say it. You've got everything except one thing. Madness! A man needs a little madness, or else...he never dares cut the rope and be free." +

When they arrive on Crete it becomes clear the mine is not going to pan out for anybody. They move in with Madame Hortense, who is wooed by Zorba, who insists Basil go after the beautiful local widow. After these tragedies all that is left is Zorba's plan for bringing trees down from the top of the mountain, an endeavor obviously equally doomed to failure. This is why in the end there is only one thing a man can do, and it is in this cathartic conclusion that any and all sins of this film are absolved.

"Zorba the Greek" is written and directed by Michael Cacoyannis, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film won three Academy Awards: Lila Kedrova for Best Supporting Actress, Best Art/Set Direction, and Best Cinematography. Quinn did not win the Oscar for what is clearly his most memorable role in a long and distinguished film career, but that is usually the case with actors and their greatest roles. Marlon Brando did not win for Stanley Kowalski and Quinn did not win for Alexis Zorba. What is a man to do in the face of such a fate but dance?

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