I'd heard many great things about the film "Zorba the Greek". Now I've watched it. What do I think?


"Zorba the Greek" is based on a novel by the same name. It tells the story of an Englishman (Alan Bates), who comes to Greece to open up a mine left to him by his father. Along the way he meets the exciting and interesting Alexander Zorba (Anthony Quinn). Zorba talks the Englishman into giving him a job. As the movie goes on, our Englishman falls in love, learns about life, and how to do Greek dances. About what you'd expect for a movie like this.

As for my opinions of it? Well, first, Zorba is kind of useless, isn't he? I mean, sure he has his whole "lust for life" thing going on, but when it really matters, what does he do? Nothing. When someone is killed, he does nothing (also, no real explanation for WHY this particular person was killed). When a rather odd plan he formulates goes down the tubes, he does nothing to correct it. He's big, he's loud, he's romantic, he's useless.

But on the other hand, Anthony Quinn's performance as Zorba is amazing! He really carries the film and elevates the material above what it would otherwise be. Bates does reasonably well, as does Lila Kerdova, who plays a Frenchwoman "of a certain age", and got an Oscar for her performance.


The scenery is nice, though I'm somewhat surprised they didn't film this movie in color. Since it was filmed in Greece, you do get a good feel for the people and the place.

But overall? I was disappointed. The movie wasn't nearly as good as I'd hoped it would be. The DVD is pretty good, boasting a commentary and an episode of "Biography" on Anthony Quinn. The extras, plus Quinn's performance, may make the movie worth owning to some. To me, though, not so much.

The movie is exactly what I expected and was shipped so fast that I could hardly believe it! Thanks!

and none of the pathetic townspeople think to call the Police. OK-------This is NOT an uplifting film. It's actually quite depressing, I was surprised how bad Zorba was. Quinn is quite good as the title character, but to me it is rather a bizarre, bad film.