Without (I) (2008) User Reviews

A bad example of Greek cinema

[AnnaBannana666 · 1/10 · 28 November 2008]

This film's biggest flaw is the cold appearance of the lead characters. They fail to engage the audience and instead inspire indifference in the viewer with regards to the outcome of the film. A disengaged user is deprived of his/her catharsis and this is almost "criminal" in any film. It is therefore a wonder (some might even go as far as dubious) that this film received the awards it did. The film's potential participation in a non domestic film festival would inevitably shine a more just light on the film's worth in the cinematic community. If this film is someone's first sampling of Greek cinema, they need not be discouraged, there are far better titles out there. Try again!

A disappointing venture, cinematically flawed and sadly never achieving social commentary

[MissPiggyGR · 1/10 · 17 November 2008]

With a noteworthy media promotion in the days preceding its premiere at the 49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, expectations were inevitably high for a film which promised a raw representation of interpersonal relationships as influenced by the arduous undertaking of living in these fiscally challenged times. Given the current worldwide financial crisis, the timing could not be better for the release of such a film. Sadly, a combination of technical errors and a weak plot renders the film almost unwatchable. The set-design falls victim to exaggeration and irony as the 70's decor though imputable to a lack of funds in reality exudes of extravagant vintage items. The editing and slicing of scenes is abrupt and deprives the film of any smooth continuity, thus making it harder to ingest the plot. The latter is weak at best, in part due to undeveloped almost 'wooden' characters whose inclusion in the plot is far from justified. The sequence of events come and go and though the film feels longer than its 80 minute runtime, the viewer is left wondering if there was any purpose to the plot after all. To add to the above, the director's choice of blue filters and overall use of low lighting accentuates the film's already sombre mood and becomes too much. The end product is disappointing, social commentary is not achieved and the lead actors are damnified (especially Efi Saoulidou who gave a heart-warming performance in the Brides).The title is indeed inspired if only in relation to what the film lacks.

Congratulations to Mr.Avranas

[EleannaFragkiadaki · 10/10 · 26 November 2008]

I'm not surprised that Mr. Avranas won 6 awards at this year's film festival in Thessaloniki because his film was excellent!!! (First Prize for fiction film, Best Debut-Film Director award, The Greek Union of Film Television and Audiovisual Technicians Award, Best Leading Actress award, Best Cinematography award, Best Editing award) A film that depicts in an excellent way how our interpersonal relationships are!!!! I can understand that this might be harsh for some of us; usually people don't want to be faced by reality because they –themselves- are involved into relationships like the one the couple of the film had; and also because most of them are happily comfortable behind todays' fakeness!!! Mr. Avranas was definitely BRAVE of not feeling afraid to present that to the viewers within his film. Thank you for a great movie! Best wishes and good luck for the movie's participation abroad!!! Looking forward watching your next film!!