International cinema in the Greek islands
The unique Greek landscape is in itself the ideal setting for film productions with varied content. Greece, of course, is identified abroad with the sun, the sea, the Greek way of life, the excitement, the good food and the hospitality of the locals. All of the above refers to the Greek islands, which since the 1960s have begun to be used as a space in which important international cinema films have evolved, which owe their authenticity, success and recognition to the Mediterranean landscapes. These films contributed significantly to the knowledge of the Greek islands by foreign visitors and the creation of the mythical Greek summer that never ends.
The most important and famous of these films are the following:
“CHILD ON A DOLPHIN”, (1957)
“Boy on a dolphin” was the first internationally produced film shot in Greece specifically on Hydra, starring Sofia Lauren, Alan Ladd and Clifton Webb. The film was a milestone for the island that after the film made it a land of attraction for thousands of tourists and especially a vacation spot and residence for artists and intellectuals of the time. The movie scene where Sofia Lauren sings the song “What is Love” is one of the highlights of the film.
“BIG BLUE” AMORGOS BY LUC BESSON (1988)
The title conveys the whole feeling of the film and the sense of the island of Amorgos. Wonderful underwater shots that create a magical image that glorifies the Mediterranean and the importance of true friendship.
Luc Besson with these characteristics created a monumental and mysterious film for all time. The beach of “Agia Anna” in Amorgos will be for everyone after this film the blue summer that we will always recover.
“MEDITERRANEO”, (1991)
Italian film honored with an Oscar-winning film. The entire film is filmed in Kastelorizo, a landscape that actively participates in the subject and atmosphere of the film. The beauties of the island are masterfully presented and make up a unique setting for the film.
“THE MANDOLINA OF CAPTAIN CORELLI”, (2001)
In 2001, the island that has been awarded by American cinema is Cephalonia. The case takes place during the Great War and finds on the island the most authentic scene with which its director could dream. Main actors in the main roles (Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz), beautiful natural landscapes ensured the success and made the Ionian island known.
“ZORBA THE GREEK”, (1964)
Zorbas. The well-known novel by N. Kazantzakis, which was translated with great success into many foreign languages, became a well-known American film in 1964. The film is set in the town of Stavros, Chania. There, on a beach, we see Anthony Quinn as Zorba dancing the Syrtaki to music by M. Theodorakis, which will become the most famous Greek music ever since. Lady Kedrova Oscar also belongs to the podium scrolls. After the movie, the name Zorbas will represent anything Greek and will become the symbol of the completely unaltered spirit. Outstanding and the portrayal of Alan Bates, who is the hero of the opposite side of Zorba.
“SHIRLEY VALENTINE”, (1989)
Mykonos for Shirley Valentine (1989). The name of the housewife in the film who will become synonymous with joie de vivre and love thanks to a trip to Mykonos. Thus, the famous island of nightlife, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the exuberance and the absolute summer of Greece will find its most suitable exponent. Tom Conti will now be the best Greek figure and fantasy, traditional of all the housewives in the world. The tavern that stars in the film on Ag. John’s beach.
“CANNONS OF NAVARONE”, (1961)
One of the second classic films in the world starring Anthony Quinn. The Old Town of Rhodes is the perfect setting for the movie showing some of the most important landmarks on the island. The film is classic and its success was sealed with an Oscar nomination and an Oscar for Best Effects. Later, the international public will remember Rhodes through Roger Moore, TellySavalas, Claudia Cardinale, Jaqueline Bisset, Ben Kingsley starring in films filmed on the island.
“FOR YOUR EYES ONLY”, (1981)
Corfu, with its cultural monuments, its mysterious historical atmosphere and its golden beaches, was the ideal setting for an adventure of the most famous cosmopolitan film agent. Greek beauty is revealed by the beauty that the agent falls in love with and the views of the island. Roger Moore even denies his favorite martini cocktail for drinking Corfiot wine in a movie scene at the imposing and beautiful Theotoki winery.
“SUMMER LOVERS”, (1982)
Darryl Hanah and Peter Gallaher as new gods of love live in the most magical place of summer erotic adventures at the bottom of the Santorini caldera. The sunset and the view from various points of the island make the island a destination known to all lovers.
“LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER: THE CRADLE OF LIFE”, (2003)
In 2003, Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft is at the peak of her glory, and Santorini takes off with her in some scenes from the film that make a difference. The magical image of the caldera steals the show and Santorini rises to the top of the most impressive islands in the world.
“MAMMA MIA!”, (2008)
It’s really Skopelos! It’s about bringing the Broadway musical to the big screen. The story takes place in Skiathos and puts the Sporades in the spotlight; viewers discover a different beauty far from the images that are used to the Cyclades. Throughout the film, the exterior dominates presenting a unique setting of beautiful beaches, chapels and coves. The case is framed by the classic ABBA songs that have the great support of Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Amanda Seyfried as protagonists. Nothing is like the Greek Kalokeri from the movie.
“THE IMMADURO”, (2014)
The Italian film was shot entirely in Paros, which is for the protagonists the place of escape from the exhausting daily life. Together we observe a panorama of Paros with the beaches, the villages that capture the beauty of the island and carry the aromas of the Cyclades and the meaning of the holidays.