A film that was meant to make international career, far beyond the Greek borders and definitely deserved to. The performance of D. Horn, one of the most important actors of the century in Greece, is outstanding. The plot is excellent, with clever findings, the story is deep, very human, and sensitive. This kind of films that force you to look inside you and reconsider, and at the same time funny and tender. It is really a pity that did not make it abroad, and therefore i do not know if it is easy to be found with subtitles. Recently , in Greece there was released a DVD with English subtitles. If you find a copy , it is definitely worth to watch.
4 Reviews
Horn at his best
apararas12 April 2020
Timeless and universal
micmic14319684 July 2004
Who wouldn't like to be rich, have the girl of his dreams and live the "big life" ? How many people, given the chance, would sacrifice their honesty in order to materialize their desires and live their dreams - even if just for a while ? And what about the price one has to pay for his thriftlessness ? All these questions were as timely in 50s' Greece as they are today all over the world. And if you ever had those questions yourself, you will surely identify with Dimitris Horn in one of his more exquisite performances. Javellas's direction is nothing less than inspired and conveys magnificently the nuances of the script.
This is not a comedy per se; a more appropriate description would be "a bitter but upbeat satire". I don't know how exactly a non-Greek could ever run into this film, but if you do you'd better not miss it. My only gripe is the -almost- happy end which is somewhat unrealistic in my eyes, and in direct contrast with the bitter realism of the rest of the movie. In a way, it reminds me of the ending of "Breakfast at Tiffany's". But I guess others will love it the way it is. In any case, this movie is an amazingly poignant comment on money and the way it relates to our dreams and especially the most fugacious of them: love.
This is not a comedy per se; a more appropriate description would be "a bitter but upbeat satire". I don't know how exactly a non-Greek could ever run into this film, but if you do you'd better not miss it. My only gripe is the -almost- happy end which is somewhat unrealistic in my eyes, and in direct contrast with the bitter realism of the rest of the movie. In a way, it reminds me of the ending of "Breakfast at Tiffany's". But I guess others will love it the way it is. In any case, this movie is an amazingly poignant comment on money and the way it relates to our dreams and especially the most fugacious of them: love.
The Greek "citizen cane"
george_aten1330 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"Mia zoi tin ehoume" (we only have one life/ you only live once) is a masterpiece. Dimitris Horn, one of the biggest actors in greek cinema give us a drama and a lesson about life.
The ugly truth about how people can be and often does this people become rich.
It shows how a honest, hard working man becomes "criminal" and choose the wrong path because of all bad people around him, pushing him his limits.
This movie is so touching. It's pity it didn't have an international premiere.
It's a movie as classic as "citizen cane" and should be seen by everyone. I would love to se a remake of this movie. It really is a true masterpiece and the best greek cinema has to offer.
The ugly truth about how people can be and often does this people become rich.
It shows how a honest, hard working man becomes "criminal" and choose the wrong path because of all bad people around him, pushing him his limits.
This movie is so touching. It's pity it didn't have an international premiere.
It's a movie as classic as "citizen cane" and should be seen by everyone. I would love to se a remake of this movie. It really is a true masterpiece and the best greek cinema has to offer.
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