Journey (1962)

This film is a social comment of the times, exploring issues that centre around relationships and what was allowed and what was not allowed at the time (early 60s) in Greece. There are sub-plots also, mainly relating to the life of the poor city dwellers, social injustice and seeming double standards. Aliki Vougiouklaki is a poor young girl dreaming of a better life and the "handsome prince on a white stallion" who will deliver her from her miserable existence. She meets and falls in love with a young man (Nikos Kourkoulos) who also falls in love with her, but things are not as simple as they first seem. His past comes to haunt them and the conclusion is tragic for them both. Vassilis Diamantopoulos is excellent as the half-crazed old captain whose life strangely echoes that of young Aliki. A classic film, well written, directed and acted with music by the great Manos Hadjidakis.