Rent Zorba the Greek (1964)

Bravado Beats Authenticity - Zorba the Greek review by griggs

I really wanted to like this more. It’s handsomely shot, and Quinn hurls himself into Zorba like he’s auditioning to play chaos itself. But beneath the plate-smashing and raki-soaked “wisdom,” it all feels a bit smug.

Quinn as a Greek icon? Classic Hollywood logic: “ethnic is ethnic.” Greek, Arab, Mongol—the Mexican is your guy. It’s a passionate performance, sure, but also a relic of a time when bravado beat authenticity—just like the dancing, choreographed solely for the film.

Then the story takes a turn—into sexual violence and cruelty—and Zorba’s charm curdles fast. He claims to stand above the villagers’ backward ways, but he’s not so different. The film doesn’t seem bothered. That’s the most telling part.

It wants to be profound, but I found it life-affirming as a “Live, Laugh, Love” decoration with a hangover.

zorba the greek - Zorba the Greek review by CP Customer

the film was faulty so was only able to watch about a third would like a replacement please as Iwas enjoying it.this is the third film that I have received which I have needed to return .Do you check the older films?

Great Music Daft Plot - Zorba the Greek review by RP

The music is the only thing of note from this film. A lesson in how to overact by Anthony Quinn. And such a daft plot that it must make the Greeks squirm with embarrassment when they watch it!