J.A.C.E. (2011) User Reviews

Not an action movie you would watch twice

[gpappasmanips-581-961323 · 6/10 · 19 April 2014]

Finally a decent Greek action movie. Taking into consideration the standards of Greek cinematography this is one of the biggest productions ever. The huge effort committed to this film is more than apparent, especially to Greek viewers who are educated not to expect much. Sadly the end result is not as rewarding. Both the story line and the film duration are way too long for an action movie. You would digest this more easily in films with excellent photography, journeys and landscape variety or characters who deliver in their role. Acting however varies from simply OK to poor and that is the weakest point of this film. Exaggeration reigns throughout the whole film and there is a downpour of clichés and bullets. Not one actor does stand out from the crowd and the protagonist is clearly unable to overcome the special restrictions of the hero he was called upon to portray. Moreover the film is not seamless. There is a rather unnecessary and awkward division into chapters, an indirect declaration of difficulty with handling the bulk of the story. In conclusion, J.A.C.E. kept me entertained for 2&1/2 hours but clearly lacks of a quality that makes one want to watch it twice. Fortunately many Greek films do have this quality but are not of the genre "action movie".

Greek cinema rebirth?

[potis1980 · 9/10 · 29 August 2012]

I had the pleasure to watch a pre-screening of the film. It is one of the most ambitious projects in the latest history of Greek cinema. The direction by Menelos Karamaghiolis is keeping you excited and interested till the very end and the main protagonists are giving some of the best performances i have seen for many years.

Greek cinema is associated perhaps with more "indie" products and slower plot. J.A.C.E.'s plot evolves fast and is a very interesting action drama movie. The "modern Odyssey" of J.A.C.E. is a story that makes you laugh, angry, anxious, cry, among other things. Greek cinema rebirth? Hope so...

It deserves the high interest and affection shown by film reviewers and i am waiting for its formal release in Greece to go and watch it again with my friends.

A must see!

[jphoca · 10/10 · 11 November 2012]

Probably one of the best examples of work of Greece's talented generations. The film captures a serious social issue with a magnificently sewed story line, exceptional acting by both young and more mature (theatrical) actors, brilliant cinematography, beautifully carved characters that all play a significant role in the development of the story and a mind-blowing mute protagonist. J.A.C.E. is a high quality film from every respect that is completely out of the ordinary Greek filmography that we've seen over the past years. A must see by all, not only for the film itself but for experiencing what persistence, professionalism and devotion can bring to life, much needed attributes in life, especially during challenging times. Well done!

Jace by Menelaos Karamagiolis

[tellos-150-874908 · 10/10 · 3 October 2012]

JACE: Finally a European film that speaks to what the West can not afford the memory of reality The first western film that incorporates elaborate, the symbolism of the elephant and the 'what he represents in eastern beliefs, with the silence of the hero, the holy bread chatter analysts realistic drama using its weapons only to give us a first reading of events .. Offering protection from evergetithentes the past, as deus ex machina to form a modern universal tragedy with events silent out of shame or taboo, and we know that is happening around us. A record of life if left to drift in the plot, while the goal is much more insidious to open the closed gates of intuition and dive into the most subconsciously your secrets. An illustrated feat a civilization collapses, after repeated rapes and ellipsis as psychoanalytic session, working unwittingly you like an incomprehensible treatment unmentionable wounds. With the help of a great cast and dialogs, an eclectic anthology of European literature of the last 2 centuries, only for the insiders absolutely innocent. Glad I'm not incredibly film critic, but a viewer who felt a newfound awakening, experiencing exciting way with the futility of intentions, when the acts specify the existence, like a whisper of truth that grows in the most suffocating life construction. But this should not be the cinema?

I just love this movie

[narrnia-1 · 10/10 · 6 December 2011]

Well, i watched this film in the festival of thesaloniki and i was surprised because it is very good . It is not just a drama , it has action too and a bit of mystery because it is not clear what will happen in the movie . J.a.c.e means just an (other) confused elephant and it has to do with the last memories that the boy had of his father before his death. And the love he has for this beautiful animal. So after he escapes of the people that are exploiting him and other children in Greece making them begging for money he went to live in a circus. there are really beautiful scenes of elephants . I will not reveal more things. I love the fact, that the movie has to do with many problems of the life in Greece, The poor people of Albania,etc that are trying to get in Greece without passport, the moral and immoral policemen, the little children who are begging in the streets. There are not many films that do this..