leethomas-11621 Totally involving study of youth and dreams. Master director and writer, the genius Kazan nine years after On The Waterfront, tells the story with personal conviction. The result is film-making that cannot be bettered. The heart-breaking scene of Stavros surrounded by the upper-class passengers dancing by himself on the deck of the ship to help him escape his pain is unforgettable. I loved the picaresque nature of the story and seeing the palpable changes in Stavros. The movie could have been sentimental but Kazan doesn't allow it to be. The characters from the different ethnicities and classes are created with real understanding. There are no "minor" roles. Without becoming overbearing, every detail is perfect. Even though it deals with dark themes the film is a total delight.

Kirpianuscus a masterpiece. about a reality who remains contemporary. about the roots of success. about family. and, sure, about the image of America, this image more powerful than the reality. it is unfair to say why it is a great film. because, behind the image, the impeccable script, the portrait of the lead hero and his struggle to be a successful man , ignoring each detail against this desire, it is a form of poetry of the East , bitter, sad, sandy, cold. the need to escape from yourself. result, a great movie. like fresco of the self definition of an entire world.

Richie-67-485852 We forget our roots and the origins of others but this film will nicely remind you of the beginning of may Americans and how they came to this land of the free. First of all one must dream of something greater and for tens of millions of people America was that dream. This is nicely portrayed in this movie as we focus on one family and its one family member that caught the liberty and freedom gene and never let go no matter what came to take it. Today, 3 generations of Americans have forgotten what a privilege it is to be born here and to come here because they are here and have forgotten the contrast which keeps you humble and appreciative for what we tend to take for granted every day. There are a few poignant scenes that will excite emotions as well as a satisfying ending bringing closure to the point made in the movie. Get to America at all costs because whatever it cost is worth it if only everyone could see and have this. Many who came here were so overwhelmed with the experience (for the good) that all they could say or think of was I want all of family back home, wherever that was, to come here and see for yourself. The movie covers that too. We also learn that without passion, life is cheapened and with passion, life has meaning. Next time you go for a burger and fries, or to a movie or a park, give a moment to where you are and why and how beautiful it is to not only be here but to have that "here" in your heart. Good movie for sunflower or pumpkin seeds munching with a tasty drink. Sandwich works too. Take note of America's nick-name: Oh beautiful

ma-cortes The picture talks about a Greek young from Anatoly ( Turkey ) named Stavros ( Stathis Giallelis ). He is sent by his father to Constantinopla for helping their family . Howewer Stavros only thinks on America . Across the journey he will suffer several misfortunes , risks and odds in his relationships to friends (Frank Wolff, John Marley, Lou Antonio) and enemies . Later on , Stavros will work in laborious employments to obtain a passage in a splendid ship for the promised land.The movie is a magnificent adaptation based on the autobiographic novel of Greek-Turkish director Elia Kazan who being a child emigrated along with his family to United States . Since the initiating he describes memories , emotions and infancy images , besides narrates the persecution to Greeks and Armenians by Turkish that finished in genocide . Kazan reflects the particular characters , rural sets in realism way , folkloric customs , glimmer landscapes as well as interior homes . Kazan achieved a real emotion and sensibility by means of slow-moving scenes and close-ups of protagonists full of dialogs dealing with essential feeling as familiar love , friendship or happiness . These images contrast with the breathtaking outdoors of the mountains and countrysides where are developed the events . Magnificent cinematography in black and white by Haskel Wexler . Awesome and evocative musical score in oriental style by Manos Hadjidakis ( Topkapi ). The motion picture is very well directed by Elia Kazan ( On the waterfront ) . The release won Academy Award , an Oscar for production design and attained three nominations referred to Director and original screenplay , plus obtained a Golden Globe for Director and the biggest prize in Festival of San Sebastian . Rating : Above average and astounding movie. Well worth watching .